October

2 006 • Vol. 14, No. 5

AWA

The White Goat Wilderness — H. Unger

THE QUIET URBANIZATION OF THE BACKCOUNTRY / 4 GOVERNMENT HOG-TIES COMMITTEE FOR CARIBOU RECOVERY / 12

EASTERN SLOPES CUMULATIVE EFFECTS STUDY FILLS GAP / 13

ALL ROADS MUST LEAD TO ALBERTAʼS MECCA / 15

Editorial Board: UPDATES Shirley Bray, Ph.D. COCTOBERONTENTS 2006 • VOL. 14, NO. 5 Andy Marshall 24 GLENBOW RANCH A WELCOME ADDITION TO PARKS SYSTEM Joyce Hildebrand OUT FRONT 24 OIL SANDS MULTI-STAKEHOLDER Printing by: PANEL HEARS FROM THE PUBLIC 4 THE QUIET URBANIZATION OF THE Colour printing and process is BACKCOUNTRY: PART 4 25 GHOST-WAIPAROUS: IS THERE LIFE sponsored by Topline Printing AFTER GAMP? 10 PETER SHERRINGTON: LINKING PEOPLE TO RAPTORS AND 25 CHEVIOT MINE BACK UNDER NATURAL WORLD UNITED NATIONS’ SPOTLIGHT

ALBERTA WILDERNESS WATCH PROFILE

12 GOVERNMENT HOG-TIES 26 GRACE BUZIK: ARTIST’S COMMITTEE FOR CARIBOU ATTENTION TO DETAIL BRINGS RECOVERY WILDLIFE IMAGES TO LIFE

13 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS STUDY Graphic Design: LETTTERS TO THE EDITOR FILLS GAP IN SOUTH EASTERN Ball Creative SLOPES PLANNING 29 BACKPACKERS SHARE MANY GIFTS 15 ALL ROADS MUST LEAD TO OF WHITE GOAT WILDERNESS Wild Lands Advocate is ALBERTA’S MECCA: LAKELAND published bimonthly, 6 times 29 CROWSNEST PASS: THE GOOD, THE PARK HIGHWAY PROPOSAL BAD AND THE UGLY a year, by Alberta Wilderness RESURRECTED Association. The opinions 17 STUDY SHOWS CHRONIC WASTING ASSOCIATION NEWS expressed by the authors DISEASE SPREADS THROUGH in this publication are not SALIVA, BLOOD 27 STEWARDSHIP ETHIC MARKS necessarily those of AWA. ASSOCIATION’S WORK 18 PUBLIC INTEREST GROUPS PREPARE The editors reserve the right FOR HEARINGS ON ENCANA’S 31 AWA WILD WEST GALA 2006 to edit, reject or withdraw SUFFIELD DRILLING PROJECT articles and letters submitted. 20 RONA AMBROSE SERVED WITH EVENTS LEGAL NOTICE OVER SPECIES Please direct questions AT RISK 30 OPEN HOUSE PROGRAM and comments to: Shirley Bray 21 OPPOSITION TO CLEAR-CUT 30 ANNUAL LECTURE AND AWARDS LOGGING PLANS IN KANANASKIS Phone: (403) 270-2736 HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR NEW Fax: (403) 270-2743 VISION [email protected] Alberta Wilderness Association Annual General Meeting Saturday, November 18, 2006

Time: 10:00am Location: AWA Office, 455 12 St. NW, Calgary Registration: 1-866-313-0713

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Send payments to: P.O. Box 6398, Station D Calgary, AB T2P 2E1 or donate online @ www.albertawilderness.ca 1-866-313-0713 S. Bray In our fourth article in this series, Over the past four decades Over the past four

watersheds? we examine the ups and downs of and Recreation Tourism Alberta the process through Leasing (ATRL) the lens of some current proposals eye. that have caught the publicʼs The process deals with commercial recreation proposals on public land enough to require a considered large Battling them comprehensive review. one by one is a slow and uncertain way to change the system, but public approved and will have consequences approved and will for decades. plans come and weʼve seen land use have consumed countless They go. of citizens, yet we hours and energy a plan. It begs the are still crying for horses will still question: how many be left in the barn if and when the promised overarching land use plan is developed, and will such a plan really to the horses left? make any difference we ever be prepared to shut the Will barn door to protect our wilderness and OF 4

ART : P Vivian Pharis Vivian RBANIZATION U the creek at this site is popular for random camping. the creek UIET ACKCOUNTRY Q B Shirley Bray and Shirley Bray Everyone acknowledges the This is particularly true of This is particularly HE THE By T Looking north along Willow Creek which runs under Highway 532. The eastern bank of Creek Looking north along Willow is now considered passé. Several broader planning processes in the but in the Eastern Slopes are underway, oil meantime many developments, from and gas projects to forest management plans to commercial recreation ventures, are in the process of being freedom of information and privacy freedom of information (FOIP) process. Because of differing interpretations of our request, many records we asked for were not SRDʼs person from staff A provided. number of long office spent a FOIP phone calls trying to discourage us at all. from obtaining any files Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) that followed on the heels of the 1977 (and revised 1984) Eastern Slopes Policy are The multiple-use strategy out of date. about public land activities. about public land activities. proposals, commercial recreation are designed even though many was AWA for a public clientele. through the forced to obtain records prevents the public from knowing much knowing from public the prevents Our wilderness areas are no longer Commercial recreation “Carving out a mountain lodge in The current parade of commercial The current parade the backcountry wilderness is the dream the is wilderness backcountry the of secrecy that pervades government These days we glibly repeat that our economy depends on the environment – what does this mean for specific culture The on-the-ground decisions? vast frontiers, but fragile landscapes endangered by the relentless expansion of human activities. and intensification will swallow up ever more public land, like an urbanization cancer within the backcountry. bubbles of permanent recreational development in our wild lands for that they and “economic viability,” protection. People are concerned that owners and potential developers will demand growth of these little the landscape, are being approved with outdated planning tools and an antiquated value system that emphasizes development over vistas still exist. ventures, just one more pressure on moving westwards and mushrooming moving westwards and mushrooming in the foothills where scenic unspoiled of development in the Eastern Slopes. of development in the Eastern Slopes. show development ALCES models His of many a desk-bound businessman,” of many a desk-bound businessman,” begins a 1988 Calgary Herald article on Mt. Engadine Lodge in Kananaskis. But Brad Stelfox of Forem is shocking audiences Technologies with forecasts of the cumulative effects market is so hot. too can scoop up a piece of paradise cheap when the recreational property people want to stop this march of people want to stop urbanization into our publicly owned wonder how they others backcountry, increasing oil and gas development and increasing oil and gas is causing concern recreation pressures, diminishing over the fate of our While some backcountry wilderness. recreational lease applications in the recreational lease applications on the heels of Eastern Slopes, coming

OUT FRONT WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 4 OUT FRONT WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 5 According to its application, Riny de Jonge said when SRD “First-come first-served – it “First-come first-served Needless to say, this did not to say, Needless that the first- argued WSCA The BBWC is a 17-year-old non-profit, BBWC is a 17-year-old run by a charitable organization Limiting Public Involvement volunteer board of directors under the suggested SRD might want to revisit said are processed, but ATRLs how it would be unfair to change the rules in mid-stream for an application in had to WCSA process. Because the protect their rangeland interests and make certain their needs were met, they worked with BBWC and SRD over boundaries to resolve conflicts and fencing, and eventually signed a memorandum of understanding. with they remain dissatisfied However, process. ATRL the changed their minds about the site, they should have let the public know and given everyone a fair chance. Looking of back through a two-inch thick file that the correspondence, she reflected process was all wrong to begin with; and ultimately a unfair, it was unclear, waste of time for everyone. might work in a supermarket but not in a more complicated setting like this, because you should really look at best for the whole area and the whatʼs well, ʻOkay, bigger picture, and not say, It so too bad.ʼ he happened to be first work.” doesnʼt with the Calgary Sustainable Resource Resource Sustainable the Calgary with that, said (SRD) office, Development others, BBWC pursued unlike the site and “were eventually leasing the could submit an application.” told they or either the de Jonges sit well with concern was WCSA. Of particular was given their feeling that preference one of its founding to BBWC because of Blue members, Glenn Brown Outfitting, was Bronna Guiding and with then SRD on very friendly terms as intimated Minister Mike Cardinal, Alberta Outfitters in newsletters of the admitted that MLAs Association. Cove process, ATRL can influence the work against a but that it can also proponent. come, first-served system does not ensure the best use of the land and legal review A Albertans. resources by of the process proved unfruitful. Cove

Prior to the fall of 2003, other The de Jonges and the WCSA WCSA The de Jonges and the It wasnʼt long before the long before It wasnʼt children. They also saw that a great that a great also saw They children. parties, including the WCSA and the WCSA parties, including the Wilderness non-profit Blue Bronna were out of luck. ATRL rules say ATRL were out of luck. applications are accepted on a first- come, first-served basis and once the process starts for an applicant, ATRL can amend their application until it is acceptable, ensuring that other An applications are never considered. Cove, a forester Tracey email from They were all told that the site and facilities would be reclaimed and were not available for use. But that fall, BBWC applied for a recreational lease Their on the site and adjacent lands. proposal was accepted and entered into process. ATRL the it cannot be stopped. Proponents the desire to keep these facilities public. facilities these keep to desire the Camp (BBWC), had also inquired, about using formally and informally, the abandoned site and old buildings. enterprising de Jonges thought of de Jonges thought enterprising making their operation and expanding Creek Ranger Willow old use of the on the west Station across the highway They thought Creek. Willow side of for storage, the site would be suitable facilities and a concession, shower campsites, the location of additional users, that would especially for OHV than random be more attractive all their plans was camping. Underlying deal could be done to improve the area the done to improve could be deal amenable for all users. to make it the Livingstone-Porcupine area to the south. to the south. area the Livingstone-Porcupine boundary between Kananaskis Country to the north and boundary between Kananaskis Country Although OHVs are not allowed When Henk and Riny de Jonge and Riny de Jonge When Henk However, the beauty of the area, the beauty However, The 532 runs west from Highway 22 to the Forestry Trunk Road (940) and is the Trunk Highway 22 to the Forestry The 532 runs west from

home made the venture desirable for the couple, who have two small forage. the numerous recreational activities, and the proximity to their Okotoks grazing allotments in the area, which entitles them to a certain amount of Kananaskis. Parts of the forest reserve are now closed to motorized traffic Willow The to protect the rangeland. Association (WCSA) has Creek Stock has created a huge amount of damage to the landscape and illegal use in an unregulated playground for random campers and motorized recreation. and little law no marked trails With enforcement, the motorized free-for-all motorized users. on the north side, the forest reserve on the south side of the highway provides activities including hiking, fishing, activities including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, equestrian users, and 532, the public campground provides 532, the public campground recreational a base for numerous ago, they recognized the value of the ago, they recognized public. Nestled area for the recreating Creek and Johnson Willow between side of Highway Creek on the north took over the operation of Indian the operation of Indian took over at the south end Graves Campground four years of Kananaskis Country First Come, First Serve First Come, involvement has shone a less-than- shone has involvement may that the process light on savoury prompt change. S. Bray S.

OF 4

ART : P Vivian Pharis Vivian RBANIZATION U UIET ACKCOUNTRY Q B Shirley Bray and Shirley Bray HE T THE By S. Bray

Every current proposal for The de Jonges had a lot of trouble Once the comments are tallied, conditions are met. BBWC received August 2004; by their letter of intent in June 2005 the conditions were met and SRD was prepared to issue a lease. Hodgepodge Planning commercial recreation in the Eastern Slopes is proceeding without an updated area management plan. being recognized as stakeholders and being recognized as stakeholders and getting accurate information about the Cardinal assured Although proposal. them in a letter that a “number of face-to-face meetings ... held with local residents and stakeholders to discuss the proposal and listen to concerns” to had occurred, the de Jonges only got WECSA attend one and only because They felt the process invited them. rather tended to set people in conflict than encourage them to work together. For example, BBWC included offering services to Indian Graves campers in their application without first consulting the de Jonges. a proposal is either rejected, or the proponent is asked for further information before decision, or a letter of intent is issued that includes a list of additional requirements before a lease is given. Cove says the latter equates to approval in principle if certain process unless the proposal changes process unless the substantially or enough pressure is exerted to require public meetings at which further comments are solicited. When de Jonge asked why SRD held no public meetings regarding BBWCʼs proposal, she was told that not many people show up so why bother. Once comments are received, Cove says the system has to be AWA suggested to Cove that SRD suggested to Cove AWA fair and open to everyone. AWA does AWA fair and open to everyone. Cove places them in an issues matrix, which has a column for comments and The one for government responses. public is excluded from the rest of the geographic diversity of clients, lacks a computer or a website. Cove said she is amenable to placing information on the web but intimated she has been discouraged from doing so by her informed The public is not superiors. as to whether proposals are accepted or rejected, nor do they receive responses When you donʼt to their comments. make reasons clear to people, de Jonge remarked, you will only meet with resistance. required to submit an electronic copy of required to submit an electronic copy is their application. If only a paper copy available, people generally must obtain De it from a local MD or SRD office. application Jonge said that BBWCʼs had to be accessed at the MD of which meant a day Ranchland office, trip for her. not disagree with that, but one wonders what serious business venture these days, especially one looking for a is required to place a small ad in a local is required to place newspaper for two weeks to solicit public comments. Such a system is designed to limit public involvement, and it is here that word of mouth really only AWA counts to get the word out. found out about these applications from concerned members. place all applications on a webpage in a table that shows what stage they are at, along with pertinent documentation. Proponents are encouraged but not Blue Bronna Wilderness Camp’s recreation lease on the west side of Willow Creek was pared down to was pared Creek Willow lease on the west side of recreation Camp’s Wilderness Blue Bronna 22 acres from the original proposal of 140 acres. This resulted in avoidance of the riparian area next to area in avoidance of the riparian This resulted 140 acres. of the original proposal from 22 acres Willow Creek and allowed for cattle movement around the lease by the Willow Creek Stock Association. Stock Creek by the Willow the lease around and allowed for cattle movement Creek Willow After a pre-application meeting After 14 years in the Dutch Creek Curiously, two of the three Curiously,

with various government staff to with various government staff proposal, the ATRL comment on an proponent submits a formal application, government various to referred is which The proponent agencies for comment. Apparently abandoned ranger stations, unless specifically proscribed from development, are usually up for grabs. as who learns about the availability of a site first and applies for a lease, because such sites are never advertised. is a matter of word of mouth as far become designated for commercial Blairmore According to recreation use? forestry officer Norman Hawkes, it designated for this type of use.” letters were from private companies whose activities on the same public land base have garnered significant When did the facility public concern. of support from the MD of Ranchlands, of support from the MD of Ranchlands, Spray Lake Sawmills, and Devon Oil and Gas “for using a facility already they looked for a permanent site from they looked for a permanent site from which to expand their operation to a program, including winter year-round Willow activities, and settled on the They got letters Creek Ranger Station. safely amidst ongoing logging, which would also impact most of They relocated their trail their trails. Then riding operation further north. variety of clients in a Christian context. variety of clients in a Christian context. and Old Man River area, BBWC felt their program they were unable to offer education and experiences, including education and experiences, including a hiking and commercial trail riding, to Canadian Sunday School Mission, Canadian Sunday School Alberta. It which has seven camps in guided and supervised outdoor offers S. Bray S.

OUT FRONT WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 6 OUT FRONT WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 7 Against the backdrop of the They expected leaders to They expected should De Jonge said SRD With increasing land use impacts With redirect the large amounts of time redirect the large ATRL they spend on and energy that travels north from Highway 3 past Allison-Chinook cross country the As with other developments, ski area. this one also lies on the banks of a As with other commercial watercourse. trail riding (CTR) operators with base their camps, they too want to enlarge development to be more economically viable. on its own merits, which is leading to somewhat ad hoc development throughout the Eastern Slopes. Environmental and cumulative impact assessments are not required for these does not AWA smaller developments. feel that ecosystem integrity is being adequately considered. in the Eastern Slopes, greater control needs to be placed on exactly where permanent commercial recreation continues AWA ventures can be placed. to advocate placing permanent commercial recreation facilities in nearby communities on private land alone. lands wild public our leaving and without Planning Adventures majestic Crowsnest Mountain, Adventures has been staging Western commercial trail rides into the backcountry for the past 13 years. Allison Their 10-acre base camp lies up Creek valley on a rough logging road area, “yet your department is spending is spending department “yet your area, rid of on getting and energy time a 25-year and facilities on valuable land private development large lease to a initiative.” action problems and take anticipate big and costly before they grew too They felt the ranger to resolve. key asset in the station could be “a environment and preservation of this all tourists of benefit can be used to the SRD However, visiting this area.” can apply for a replied that anyone land and there was lease to use public approving leases for a long tradition of private organizations. applications to developing a proper management plan where everyone knows what the rules are. Currently, each development is considered V. Pharis

A view up Allison Creek. Allison Creek. view up A The de Jonges noted that one of “At present there are no carrying

SRDʼs major responsibilities, according SRDʼs where businesses attract and share clients.” to its website, is to optimize “the benefits (environmental, social and Albertans receive from economic) that efficient public lands through effective, planning and disposition management.” In a letter to Cardinal, they said SRD told them there were no plans for the the issues. capacities set for businesses in an area on public land,” said Cove. “The market is allowed to determine how many businesses an area can sustain. It has been demonstrated in other areas that like businesses attract more business if they pool their services This,” and complement one another. she claimed, “is working well in and Panther Corners Valley Kananaskis extra use” (originally called “negative extra use” (originally statements impacts”). Unsubstantiated applications. De ATRL are common in of SRD Jonge said it was irresponsible to start more to give people permits solved havenʼt businesses when they C. Olson C. Crowsnest Mountain and overlooks Allison Creek. Allison Creek. Mountain and overlooks Crowsnest Western Adventures base camp lies in the shadow of the majestic Adventures Western BBWC suggested that although In June 2004 SRD was planning The WCSA felt the ATRL program ATRL the felt WCSA The to start an Access Management Plan Access Management to start an they would introduce many more people to the area, “the positive impact would more than compensate for any was developed. are particularly concerned that the program remains potential for an OHV a program application, in BBWCʼs AMP BBWC agreed to defer until an “long-term leases without long-term plans just do not make sense.” Mistakes They to correct. are costly and difficult but this has now been pushed back to but this has now been pushed back to argued WCSA The eight to ten years. that “a long-term management plan for and essential” and the area is urgent (AMP) for the area within two years, (AMP) for the area within two years, and access issues, “to deny the lease.” development criteria, it would be very development criteria, it would be very difficult,” especially after BBWC met demands regarding fencing WCSA the the extra pressure from additional users the extra pressure from Cove noted that and uses proposed. application conformed Blue Bronnaʼs and that without “an area to the IRP specific structure plan dictating did not consider current resource did not consider current in determining best management issues handle not would area the felt They use. the private sector on public land,” sector on public the private using established with an emphasis on transportation corridors. “the development and expansion of and expansion “the development and and private tourism commercial by facilities, particularly recreation The 1987 IRP for the Livingstone- IRP The 1987 Willow the includes which Porcupine, station, encourages Creek ranger Like other applicants for this “This was an exception,” he said, Like other trail ride operators, not However, because the site is on However, be more elaborate than the CTR policy indicates, but they soon had plans to operation with a have a year-round 50-bedroom lodge, 10 fully serviced cabins, 30 additional tent sites, 100 sites, a recreation centre, and other RV amenities on a quarter section (160 for a They have another MLL acres). base camp in the mountains. public land in the MD of Bighorn, an MD development permit, in addition to provincial approval, was required before any buildings could be erected. Development applications are supposed to be advertised in a local a planning and Greg Birch, newspaper. for the MD, said development officer Lazy H did not follow this process. as the owners had established one or two cabins on the site without any issued The province approvals in 2000. two stop orders before development eventually halted and the owners began to apply for approvals. In 2003 they advertised their equestrian camp and spent the next two summers hosting clientele. only was their base camp allowed to was slated to be cleared of trees to of trees cleared to be was slated 10 tent a hay shelter, accommodate tie stalls, lot and office, sites, a parking and access. a corral, outhouses, the horses in the riding arena just above Allison Creek. above just the horses in the riding arena In 1998 he obtained a CTR permit After 11 years of setting up After 11 the road and through a culvert to the east side. The water pools in the meadow below a culvert to the east side. The and through the road

Just north of the base camp for Western Adventures, run-off flows down the west side of run-off flows Adventures, Just north of the base camp for Western

best long-term public good. The worst The worst public good. long-term best a predominantly pine overstorey with limited grazing for wildlife or livestock, requiring that Blair import About one acre feed for the horses. public business by opening an Trappers equestrian campground, called Hill Lodges, in the Ghost River area. He chose a site eight km along the Ghost River Diversion Road, TransAlta on a ridge overlooking the Ghost River to the south. and in 2000 he acquired a 10-year Miscellaneous Lease (MLL) for a 15- acre base camp, originally described as an “adventure tourism backcountry of The site was composed camp.” of such developments will continue to of such developments will continue to desire expansion for economic reasons and that similar developments in the as happened in the area will follow, Panther River valley. Will Build It, Permission You If Come adventure training services in the backcountry for the British military, Company owner Richard Trail Lazy H Blair decided to expand the companyʼs this recently ʻwildʼ public land base.” this recently ʻwildʼ Opponents are concerned that owners scenario would be to grant the proposed the proposed be to grant would scenario quantum thus allowing a application, of de facto industrialization leap in the S. Bray S. He feels that “society would be David McIntyre, a Crowsnest The area falls under the Crowsnest The area falls under Typically, their plans also include also include their plans Typically, Western Adventuresʼ application Adventuresʼ Western The IRP recommends focusing The IRP Watershed Resource Management area Resource Management Watershed One IRP. of the Livingstone-Porcupine year-round activities and permanent permanent and activities year-round best served by curtailing the existing lease and managing the land for the character of the overly small cross- country ski area, already compromised by surrounding motorized use. wildlife movement, would negatively and would impact surface water quality, disturb the tranquility and wildland that interferes with wildlife movement. He believes the proposed development would be detrimental for unimpeded New Mexico and Jasper National Park. It is also notable for its lack of human linear disturbance (roads, railways) birding brochure for the area, notes that Deadman Pass is the third lowest in the Rocky Mountain corridor between is no reason for urbanizing our backcountry. resident and a contributor to a recent successful. Hawkes said that there is growing public demand for such backcountry opportunities, but that appears to fall into this latter category appears to fall into this latter category and is also in a multiple-use zone. It is likely their application will be not appropriate, in the municipality will not appropriate, in the municipality will be considered. infrastructure, services and facilities.” infrastructure, services and facilities.” it also says that unique However, opportunities for facility development that cannot be accommodated, or are tourism opportunities in the Municipality of Crowsnest, well south of the base camp, “due to existing watershed values and protecting aquatic watershed values and protecting aquatic and riparian habitat. of a number of high-quality sport- of a number of high-quality area, and the IRP fishing streams in the emphasizes maintaining high-quality objective is “to reduce negative impacts objective is “to reduce on wildlife and of land use activities Allison Creek is one wildlife habitat.” addition to trail riding. services would include horseback include horseback services would activities, riding lessons, winter retreats, in weddings, and business and snowmobile shelters, a cookhouse shelters, a and snowmobile with Also in common and log cabins. their such developments, many other facilities such as a campground, horse such as a campground, facilities

OUT FRONT WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 8 OUT FRONT WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 9 In early 2004 Safron brought Safron brought In early 2004 After much discussion, SRD has Rick Blackwood, the SRD Area Rick Blackwood, the SRD it is easier to put infrastructure on a for approval ATRL base camp or get a development by going through an easily obtainable CTR permit and case, for a base camp. In PRAʼs MLL residence and additional a managerʼs lands and uses had been approved on the lease without going through an process. ATRL Manager at the time, commented that CTRs should remain tied to MLLs and that any change in business direction and intent should trigger an process. He was concerned that ATRL MLLs must be tied to some realistic commercial activity; otherwise “we with the original lessee in 1989, the in 1989, lessee the original with were never changes and amendments assigned until the lease was processed 2002. in to PRA Private Paradises his CTR up the issue of separating to make the permit from the MLL attractive to prospective more MLL With to sell out. buyers if he decided a buyer would have the CTR attached, in the business to be eligible to work MLL. Cove noted in order to buy the issued was originally that the MLL camp for a CTR for a permanent base has evolved operation. “The MLL wrote operation,” into a four-season Cove, and although trail riding was some guests still an important activity, preferred to do other activities or simply stayed on site. decided that CTRs will not be separated They are well aware that from MLLs.

A campsite at Western Adventures overlooks Allison Creek. Allison Creek. overlooks Adventures at Western campsite A base camp over winter. base camp over winter. In October 1988, a couple of years Cove wrote that “a file review Cove wrote that “a file The FOIPed documents, however, The FOIPed documents, however, large amount of manure left at their amount of manure large day, this January 2006 photo shows a this January 2006 photo shows day, that they clean up horse manure every manure that they clean up horse

Although Western Adventures maintains Adventures Although Western

uncovered the departmentʼs intention uncovered the departmentʼs developments within the 100-metre designated for the site. In 2002 buffer when the lease was transferred to PRA, these issues had to be cleared up. to amend the lease to include facilities outside of the lease boundaries and, among other changes to the conditions, between agreed to reduce the buffer the camp and the river to 20 m Although discussed from 100 m.” consulting with their respective MLAs. consulting with their answer some important questions that came up over the course of our how the investigation: specifically, on the site was reduced from the buffer 150 metres recommended in the CTR Policy to 20 metres. after the original lessees acquired the lease, Forestry noted in an inspection report that there were facilities outside the lease boundary and that there were Safron and his local opponents were Safron and his local V. Pharis V. M. MacQuarrie M. Cove was reluctant to say that the The first three parts of our series While the MD is keen to have While the main site is perched on While the main site Lazy H submitted an ATRL ATRL Lazy H submitted an a ridge above the river, the suggested a ridge above the river, sites is on the location for the RV The to the river. lowest bench adjacent before and after an open house. application had essentially been denied and that Safron was appealing. She that the application AWA finally told heard that both We was still in process. to expand his lease on the banks of the The application received Panther River. significant negative public comment controversial trail maintenance and process ATRL then applied through the followed the trials and activities of Adventures (PRA) owner Panther River Safron, who had done some Terry change with a new administration. Appeals Adventures River Panther riding operations are permitted. Birch riding operations are permitted. Birch said the MD is unlikely to allow other like the random developments larger although this resolve could Lazy Hʼs, such as hotels and group camps, while such as hotels and group camps, while outside of the nodes, scattered trail not fall within one of the development not fall within one of the development nodes they have recently established with their new Municipal Development The nodes allow developments Plan. round operation is pushing the limits zone, as it does comfort of the MDʼs lower impact developments like the equestrian camp, Birch says the year- missed the one notice placed in a local missed the one notice placed in a local August 2006 for Cochrane paper in public comments, but Cove allowed past the to make comments AWA decision. deadline but prior to a final application in 2005 after two years of application in 2005 after two years of AWA preparation. Not surprisingly, application notes the steepness between application notes the with smaller upper and lower benches, that are heavily benches in between but says “these treed with poplar, ideal locations for septic benches offer fields and access roads top to bottom.” interpretive programs. British and programs. British interpretive continue to Canadian Forces personnel be key clients. conferences, as well as a wide range as well as a wide conferences, case and summer (in this of winter and leisure activities non-motorized) type of development, the intent the of development, type camp” a “backcountry from changed and for corporate functions to a centre

ORLD W As more birds became visible, it On March 22, 1993, at about Cove said she has noticed a shift she has noticed a Cove said try to One possibility is to Before Sherringtonʼs interest in Before Sherringtonʼs ATURAL 11:30 a.m., Sherrington spotted a 11:30 current. It was joined by a second eagle, and the researchers assumed the when But birds were a resident pair. a third eagle joined the circling pair begin, didnʼt and the expected fighting curiosity was piqued. Sherringtonʼs was apparent much more was going on in the area than researchers had began Allen dreamed. Sherrington and good. he worked in the oil and gas industry time of the Gulf At the for 30 years. “for that field he decided to leave War, various reasons.” Heʼd taken a year Allen, and was helping friend Des off a steward of the Mount Lorette area in Kananaskis, with research at Hay “Des was focusing mostly on Meadow. plants and I was helping him out” by recording observations about the avian population of the area. lone golden eagle rising on a thermal be producing a wanted service, but will service, but wanted a be producing is whose value estate piece of real be a every year. increasing in senior SRD administrators in attitude feels use. She no longer toward land to accept all commercial compelled the a lot of Taking recreation proposals. process by proper discretion out of the help achieve the land planning would of which Riny de clarity and fairness Jonge spoke. Framework the infuse the Land Use with a government is developing and wilderness strong public land government needs to de- The ethic. development in the emphasize tourism Eastern Slopes, which can detract from character and wilderness the areaʼs compromise watershed values. Public support and involvement is essential if citizens are to save these precious wild lands for our future and the public golden eagles hatched a second career, golden eagles hatched a second career, N P. Knowlton Cockett AND

APTORS R TO

Peter Sherrington EOPLE overlooking the Ghost River. River. overlooking the Ghost P If the operator cannot afford to afford If the operator cannot Trapper’s Hill Lodges, lies on a ridge Hill Lodges, Trapper’s

The Lazy H Trail Co.’s equestrian camp, Co.’s The Lazy H Trail

business remains profitable enough to business remains profitable food chain and “as the eagles go, so The sight of the majestic, will we.” “totemic” raptors also reawakens our says. he world, natural the to ties primal of Seeing them “reminds us our veneer domestication has not completely taken over.” continue, he or she can assign the lease to someone else who can buy the business. Safron paid over $200,000 With for the Panther River operation. recreation properties at an all-time high, there is concern that the highest economic value of these leases will not continue. S. Bray S. INKING : L HERRINGTON S ETER “They are important portals to the On a fateful day in 1993, a passion Imagine standing on a Blackwood hit the nail on the Blackwood hit the P By Leslie Beaton Hedley mountainside buffeted by 100-km- mountainside buffeted Now imagine doing winds. per-hour hours straight in rain, that for 11 natural world,” he says, noting that the birds are predators at the top of their to the ecosystem, but to humankind. followed by time at the computer to update a daily log (see www. eaglewatch.net), enthusiasm warms voice as he discusses the Sherringtonʼs – not only eagles and their significance shows no sign of relinquishing its hold. Even after a full day of observation, for the majestic raptors sunk its talons decade and A into the Cochrane man. obsession the magnificent a half later, sleet, snow or hail, with weather ranging 30 degrees on either side of zero. Daunting? Not if youʼre Peter just a typical day at Sherrington. Itʼs the “office” for Sherrington, who will Defender Wilderness Alberta receive an this year. Award be inadequate to make the operation viable. Cove says it is up to the individual leaseholder to decide if the reviews the business section of an application and provides advice to help those whose financial summary may SRD does not check the books of these SRD does not check operations. Economic Development government policy that developments government policy the purpose of are not permitted for in public gaining a private residence Area. However, lands in the Green head. How is the department to head. How is the department commercial determine if a legitimate and the lease is not operation is present getaway? It is being used for a private with their own favorite camp sites.” with their own favorite purpose (hidden behind something else behind something purpose (hidden cause This could on the application). these kinds of applications [a] flood of and those community from the OHV are opening the door for any and all any and door for the are opening own for their to apply parties interested a true of paradise without little piece

OUT FRONT WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 10 OUT FRONT WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 11 Sherrington, a past president past president a Sherrington, Although his tireless efforts Although his tireless efforts If he had his way, the public the public If he had his way, of AWA, has been a member for 30 member for been a has AWA, of steps are needed, he says, because “the steps are needed, he says, because “the go into the majority of people donʼt a question of values,” wild at all.” “Itʼs understand it, he adds. “If you donʼt protect it.” He is adamant you donʼt regarding the solution: public have to re-teach them.” education. “We on behalf of the eagles has allowed Sherrington less time with his grandchildren than he would have liked, he has worked to ensure a legacy of stewardship that he hopes will benefit generations to come. “As long as these birds have a future,” he says, “so do we.” years and served on the board for 10 served on the board years and 250 has given an estimated years. He at on golden eagles, presentations he These, and elsewhere. the festival next the public take the says, “help who would step. It brings in people involved in the not otherwise become ... In the environmental movement. far too much time past, we have spent much more important in meetings. Itʼs with people, to get out and interface to see the landscape so they know how rather than just – to read the landscape, use it as a playground.” in would be better educated environmental issues from childhood. He believes that environmental literacy know should be the fourth R. “I donʼt how you get an R out of that, but it should be reading, writing, arithmetic Such and environmental literacy.” © Grace Buzik Since that pivotal moment at Hay pivotal moment at Since that The publicʼs curiosity about The publicʼs “The value of the [programʼs] “The value of the [programʼs] Meadow, Sherrington, now Research now Research Sherrington, Meadow, Sherrington to bring the environment Sherrington to bring the environment to the notice of “hundreds of thousands of people through dozens of newspaper articles and radio interviews.” the Canmore Festival during Similarly, of Eagles, 1,500 to 2,000 people annually learn more about the great This festival takes place the birds. Thanksgiving and is weekend after entering its twelfth year. volunteer work for the last year is $103,000,” notes Sherrington, estimating about 1,500 people per Although such input is always year. important, this year saw a particularly generous donation of time and labour as volunteers stepped in to act as observers while Sherrington attended his wife, Barbara, through a difficult illness. golden eagle migration has enabled Director of Rocky Mountain Eagle Director of Rocky has dedicated Research Foundation, the eagles as himself to observing along the they ride thermal winds like a spine down mountains that run America. He estimates western North eagles have been that 19,700 golden Allen, and a Des spotted by himself, at Mount Lorette and host of volunteers Pass. Bellevue in the Crowsnest how big the trade in these birds is,” he birds is,” in these big the trade how also are eagle feathers noting that says, First Nations for spiritual prized by to come and are “very hard ceremonies by legitimately.” Defender Award in 2004. Award Defender “Changing agricultural practices Sherringtonʼs discovery opened discovery Sherringtonʼs Peter, the host of the AWA Annual AWA the host of the Peter,

Cliff Wallis on receiving the Wilderness the Wilderness on receiving Cliff Wallis Lecture for several years, congratulates Lecture

may also be a factor,” says Sherrington, may also be a factor,” collectors, who may pay US$65,000 not sure for a single specimen. “Weʼre population decrease of about one-third is probably a complex of many factors, including human encroachment on wild value to European areas and the birdsʼ noting that the reason for the may be leading to drought conditions winter areas, which would in the birdsʼ limit their food supply. further weight to concerns about North climate change as it affects American wildlife. Global warming his careful chronicling of the golden dwindling numbers has lent eaglesʼ a door to a new understanding of the breeding and migration habits, birdsʼ and utterly changed our understanding As well, birds. of the magnificent migrate. habitat in the U.S. and northern Mexico the U.S. and northern habitat in Alaska in to their breeding grounds it was believed Until then, Yukon. and eagles didnʼt the majority of golden Sherrington had made an incredible had made an incredible Sherrington golden route of find: the migration winter from their eagles, traveling keeping count. By the end of the day, day, of the By the end count. keeping eagles. 103 golden spotted theyʼd 250. afternoon, they noted The next S. Bray S. by fait accompli ECOVERY © Grace Buzik R Woodland Caribou Woodland In our roaring economy, it is In our roaring economy, In the meantime, with the ACC on In the meantime, with the ARIBOU knows what is happening and why. and why. knows what is happening feigning interest in caribou recovery. caribou recovery. feigning interest in habitat at the expense of sustained and jobs. economic benefits a glacial-paced course, and government intransigent in considering a deferral or moratorium on industrial activity, industry continues with a “smash and grab” for oil and gas in the Little Smoky woodland caribou herdʼs habitat. Industry is now expanding that activity into the relatively pristine caribou and grizzly bear habitat in the Kakwa region − virtually assuring the imminent extirpation of the Little is becoming Time Smoky herd. increasingly short for woodland to ACC, and according caribou, the for the ENGO support Wallis, Cliff committee. The government appears to be acting The government appears a as if extirpation is political will, not clearly a matter of appears to Public sentiment money. recent A caribou. be siding with the Association Alberta Forest Products survey found that over 80 percent of respondents believed that access and use of forests should be based primarily on preserving and protecting the environment and sustaining wildlife C FOR

. Federally, . Federally, OMMITTEE Species At Risk At Species and as “endangered” and as “endangered” C Wildlife Act Wildlife TIES - The inaction of the provincial Alberta Sustainable Resource The government has recognized Alberta classified woodland Alberta classified OG listed the species as “threatened” H Developmentʼs own website states Developmentʼs since the 1970s that an effective since the 1970s that an effective address and implement a woodland the caribou recovery plan reflects low priority it has given to woodland even though it caribou recovery, least able to adapt to the magnitude of environmental changes associated with agricultural, urban, and industrial development over the past 100 years. become These caribou are likely to ... Alberta if the factors extirpated in causing their reduction in numbers little data There is are not reversed. ... on past and current population size of Alberta.” caribou in government in ensuring adequate resources are in place to properly least three separate government- commissioned strategies have come and gone (1986, 1993, and 1996) with few recommendations being adopted. The fear is that this committee could such a fate. become the fourth to suffer clearly what it believes is currently happening to the caribou and why: American ungulates, “Among North the woodland caribou appears to be COSEWIC and the COSEWIC and the Act In in 2000 and 2002 respectively. established by ACC was 2005, the the provincial government from an amalgamation of two previous committees and a woodland caribou Alberta has a recovery team to ensure caribou recovery plan in place by 2007. provincial management plan is necessary to stem the long-term decline At Alberta. of woodland caribou in make progress in woodland caribou make progress in woodland to be a He deems this recovery.” “critical failure.” under the caribou as “threatened” Act 1987 Wildlife under the 2000 OVERNMENT By David Samson, AWA Conservation Specialist Conservation AWA Samson, By David G “It is an issue of resources; “In a nutshell, I think weʼre “In a nutshell, I think The Alberta Caribou Committee The The ACC is a committee made The Cliff Wallis, an AWA director and director and AWA an Wallis, Cliff (ACC) – charged with enacting a (ACC) – charged committee and its sub-committees to to the government “dancing around the budget, not providing adequate human resources to accomplish the goals, and not providing sufficient funds for the has been commissioned. Only one of an intended seven caribou range (or landscape) teams has been established. attributes the lack of progress Wallis tools to complete the job for which it up of well-intentioned and highly qualified people, but is apparently not provided with sufficient resources or on hold, it is business as usual in places wildlife and like the Little Smoky, continues to suffer.” committee was established and the first concrete recommendations from a sub-committee are not expected until ACC is In the meantime, the October. ACC member, echoes those sentiments. ACC member, are seeing glacial movement on “We been one year since the ACC. Itʼs the challenging process to start with, but not having the proper resources exacerbates the problem. that is, people. Everybody [on the committee] has other jobs.” Morgantini and acknowledges it is a difficult years researching and mitigating the impact of human activity on wildlife and biodiversity. that many of us would like,” says a member Luigi Morgantini, Dr. biologist ACC, a wildlife of the and an adjunct Weyerhauser, with Alberta. professor with University of more than 25 has spent Morgantini that task. making progress, but not at the pace provincial government to accomplish provincial government recovery plan for woodland caribou, a recovery plan for woodland Alberta – appears in threatened species by the to be woefully under-resourced

WILDERNESS WATCH WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 12 WILDERNESS WATCH WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 13 N. Douglas

how to develop whether John Lawson of the Livingstone Local residents and landowners In an April 2006 pre-hearing In an

have major long-term effects on the have major long-term effects companies point out that they are only Alberta trying to develop what the government has told them can be And so the circle continues: developed. and everybody denies responsibility, Alberta public has no chance to the have a say. for one more well application by Compton Petroleum, one of up to landscape and on communities living landscape and on communities living there, but local people are being given no opportunity to have a say. Landowners Group refers to the “Circle Alberta leases. of Denial” of energy decides to sell leases on the Energy mineral resources, often underground companies at the prompting of energy but with no opportunity for public Utilities Board Alberta Energy input. decides (EUB), as the regulator, the mineral resource will be developed, but the decision on it has already been made by then. can only get a say if they can jump through the considerable hoops needed The energy to trigger a public hearing. IN

AP and G ILLS F Unforgiven diverse range of animal and plant species. . LANNING P TUDY S LOPES S SFS was born out of a growing And it has oil, gas and timber. And it has oil, gas and timber. Alberta’s largest Engelmann spruce and whitebark pine trees, and is home to a and Engelmann spruce and whitebark pine trees, largest Alberta’s The Oldman River, part of the South Saskatchewan River Basin, supports some of part of the South Saskatchewan River The Oldman River, FFECTS the quality of life in Alberta. It is the the quality of life in Brokeback Mountain Brokeback Unfortunately, particularly in recent Unfortunately, landscapes? frustration with the status quo: decisions were being made that will years, development of the (non- renewable) oil and gas resource has been allowed to trump everything Albertaʼs else, including southern Alberta we tend to water source. In value only those things that we can put a dollar value to. Developing the oil and gas reserves in the region or cutting the forests brings a direct input to the measurable financial But how do we put Alberta treasury. a dollar value on clean water? On sustainable communities or on beautiful foothills and forests that clean and filter clean water for communities home to Alberta; across southern a wide array of wildlife, including squirrels and bull grizzly bears, flying trout. It is a ranching community that has shown itself to be sustainable for over a hundred years; the breathtaking backdrop to the movies E ASTERN E UMULATIVE “They were right about not having a plan...There wasnʼt a plan.” When he uttered these immortal these When he uttered a plan.” wasnʼt right about not having a plan...There “They were OUTH By Nigel Douglas, AWA Conservation Specialist Conservation AWA Douglas, By Nigel C S Many people are familiar with SFS is a broad alliance of As we all learned in high school In the absence of proper land- In the absence of proper words recently in his farewell to the Alberta legislature, Premier Klein was referring to the provinceʼs unprecedented unprecedented provinceʼs to the Klein was referring Premier Alberta legislature, to the in his farewell recently words any sort of long-term land-use to the absence of referred could just as well have But these words economic explosion. Slopes Eastern Albertaʼs development of planning in the incremental than this: this is a landscape that contributes a tremendous amount to the gently rolling grasslands alongside the highway as one drives south out of Calgary down Highway 22, the But it is much more Trail.” “Cowboy Pass. fescue grassland, foothills, forest and mountains, stretching from the B.C. border east to Highway 2, and from south to the Crowsnest Valley Turner base upon which local landowners and The government can plan for the future. study area is 1.22 million hectares of environmental groups that formed in 2005 to study current and future trends of land use in this area and to provide a planning.” municipalities, landowner groups, industrial representatives and and landowners which will end up with and landowners which will end up with This is not an frustration and anger. efficient way of carrying out land-use Study (SFS) steps in. “The Southern Foothills Study was initiated to bring Alan Gardner of says people together,” Society Trust Alberta Land Southern “At the moment there is a (SALTS). between developers continuing fight we are going to get there. physics, Nature abhors a vacuum. This is where the Southern Foothills population growth looms ominously There is no long-term on the horizon. vision for where we are heading or how forestry and other industries operate on forestry and other industries operate on the same landscape but with minimal cooperation, and the bow-wave of many others has become a chaotic many others has become well applications process where gas are decided on a well-by-well basis, use planning, the default for the use planning, the default region and Livingstone Porcupine model of instant reclamation of abandoned model of instant reclamation sites, so the real figure will be much higher. figure sites, so the real *These figures use an extremely conservative use an extremely *These figures Using the 2006 ALCES (Alberta ALCES Using the 2006 So the science of the Phase 1 So the science of the As part of Phase 2 of the SFS walking backwards,” says Gardner. Gardner. says backwards,” walking us, behind a cliff there is think “We where it is.” Or know but we donʼt Landscape Cumulative Effects Landscape Cumulative Effects study, a series of open houses will study, throughout the region. For more information on the Southern Foothills see www.salts-landtrust.org/sfs/. Study, the Southern Key Findings from Foothills Study Simulator) projections, the table below shows predicted levels of disturbance in the 2055 southern foothills landscape if we continue with business-as-usual. as Lorne Fitch, recently retired from Fitch, recently retired as Lorne it, “Weʼre describes Wildlife, Fish and our eyes the future with backing into on the past.” fixed firmly we are heading study tells us where The next phase will be in the region. people are happy to look at whether What are heading. with where we are value about this the things that people doing enough to region and are we then what do we protect them? If not, it possible to use need to change? Is ALCES as the long-term studies such we want exactly where model to define to be in 50 years, and then to establish what land-use decisions we need to make to get us there? be held this fall in communities

and mountains. The Southern Foothills Study, The Southern Foothills of grasslands, foothills, forests of grasslands, foothills, The results from Phase 1 of the SFS aimed to Stelfoxʼs study acknowledged study acknowledged Stelfoxʼs use trends, covers 1.22 million hectares hectares covers 1.22 million use trends, which examines current and future land and future which examines current Phase 1 of the study (see table) paint a startling picture. “From an ecological point of view we are not standing still; we are discuss, as we must do, the future of this specific landscape,” says Gardner. must do so on the “We basis of science, not just The goal is to opinions. find a way to share the landscape so essential elements of value, in terms of ecological goods and services, are maintained.” planning projections, to predict where planning projections, to predict where The end result includes we are heading. a series of predictions about where business-as-usual will lead us in 50 years time. demonstrate, in very clear terms, exactly where we will end up 50 years from now if we carry on with business-as-usual. “It is important to have a basis of sound science when we were the threats to these values. were the threats to that the landscape we see today if Trail” we drive down the “Cowboy is considerably changed from the landscape that our grandfathers would model aimed ALCES have seen. So his to look back over the last 100 years and measure the changes that have occurred to get us where we are today. From here, the model then uses a huge amount of data, including population trends, mineral reserves and recognized V. Pharis But even before this study was Phase 1 of the SFS study has This led to a protest letter This led to a protest fragmented by industrial activity. fragmented by industrial activity. Hills from becoming increasingly becoming increasingly Hills from A long-term vision and effective land A use planning, now seriously lacking, are use planning, now seriously lacking, are crucial to keep places like the Porcupine crucial to keep places like the Porcupine undertaken, the diverse groups involved groups diverse the undertaken, identify what they thought were the essential values of the area, and what went through a lengthy process to by single or multiple human land use practices and by various natural disturbance regimes” (SALTS). simulator that enables resource and the society, managers, industry, community to explore and scientific quantify dynamic landscapes affected was commissioned to produce a using the study, cumulative effects ALCES (Alberta Landscape renowned Simulator) model. Cumulative Effects landscape ALCES is a “user-friendly focused on the production of a detailed, science-based cumulative effects this effect, To study of the region. Technologies Brad Stelfox of Forem ball rolling on these changes. McCrank acknowledged that “there are McCrank acknowledged that “there are a lot of things that have to be changed.” The SFS study is an attempt to get the landowner groups, EUB Chairman Neil landowner groups, EUB Chairman Neil and no longer supports the interests and no longer supports Albertans or the rights of ordinary At a subsequent of surface owners.” and staff meeting between EUB three and the AWA representatives from delivered by the groups to the EUB delivered by the groups system in stating that “the regulatory irreparable this province has become neighbouring landowners were deemed neighbouring landowners affected.” to be not “directly groups (the Pekisko and Livingstone Pekisko and Livingstone groups (the South Groups and the Landowners in Association) Stewardship Porcupine and These groups hearing. any future 880 wells Compton plans to drill to drill plans Compton 880 wells EUB denied the sections, 110 across and three landowner AWA standing to

WILDERNESS WATCH WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 14 WILDERNESS WATCH WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 15 ESURRECTED R

ARK : Maccagno (far right). P Is the finalization of the Is the finalization of In the Lakeland Subregional Enjoying the serenity of Lakeland Enjoying the serenity corridors will be permitted within – H except those necessary A RMAs to service developments within the zone.” corridors will be permitted to transect the heart of the Lakeland planning area.” environmental protection, not just environmental protection, recreation.” June, led by Ian Urquhart and Tom and Tom June, led by Ian Urquhart Provincial Park on an AWA outing in AWA Park on an Provincial ECCA

for value in mind Lakelandʼs “Keep • the risk of compromising the ecological the risk of compromising the ecological integrity of the park. Opposes IRP Highway Proposal Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), approved by a Cabinet Committee in 1985, access into the park is addressed as follows: “No transportation and utility • “No major transportation or utility • management plan for Lakeland being management plan for between conflict delayed to avoid a policy and the approved government In a recent extension of Hwy 881? for MLA meeting with Ray Danyluk, Lac La Biche-St. Paul and a self- described “parks fanatic,” he assured Management that approval of the AWA When we noted the Plan is imminent. familiarity of this tune, he declared that at he would not “rush” the plan through J. Hildebrand J. M S ’ AKELAND L LBERTA A : “ʻAbsolutely TO THROUGH

EAD L IGHWAY How this proposal relates to the The Draft Management Plan While support for the highway While support for the Among the Access Management Among the UST H Lac La Biche Post access routes whenever possible.” err on the side of caution and conservation.” M St. Paul-Cold Lake area to Albertaʼs Albertaʼs area to St. Paul-Cold Lake the oilsands tentacles Mecca. Clearly, still-to-be-finalized Management Plan still-to-be-finalized not,ʼ said Coun. Brydon Ward when Ward said Coun. Brydon not,ʼ and within the Park, more routes are available for people to move within An immediate concern Lakeland. by management is the accumulated and damage to the Lakeland effects environment. ... Control of access into Lakeland is the cornerstone upon which successful future management is founded.” Guidelines in the Draft Plan are the following: “Minimize the creation of new • for Lakeland is an intriguing question. for Lakeland is an intriguing question. Although the government announced in 1996 that it was “entering the final phase of public consultation before the Management Plan is implemented,” official 14 years after the parkʼs designation, we are still waiting. (1996) states, “Access into the Park is With a fundamental management tool. increased industrial activity around the asked whether the council was one of the communities in support of the proposed project.” St. Paul mayor John on the other hand, enthuses Trefanenko, about the increased public access to the park that a highway would provide riders, camping ATV for “fishermen, enthusiasts and nature-lovers.” Opposes Highway Proposal Management Plan extend far beyond the 23 percent of the extend far beyond by reserves. province underlain Lakeland extension slowly grows, opposed” County is “emphatically is the Lac La to the proposal, as according to Biche town council, “When making access decisions, • FOR

OADS

R LL ROPOSAL By Joyce Hildebrand, AWA Conservation Specialist Conservation AWA Hildebrand, By Joyce A P boreal jewel. boreal As oilsands fever continues to That peaceful moment ebbs Picking our way carefully across Picking our way carefully wildlife, rivers and lakes of this would have a huge impact on the While the “Wetlands Management” While the “Wetlands consultation website emphasizes the importance of wetlands such as this, slashing a highway through Lakeland slashing a highway through fact sheet on the government’s oilsands fact sheet on the government’s

away as reality floods back in a few away as reality floods Despite being a so-called months later. providing a more direct route from the extension of Hwy 881 north from where it meets Hwy 55, about 60 km The highway east of Lac La Biche. would go through the east side of the to join Hwy 881 near Conklin, PRA St. Paul, support a proposal for the burn up the boreal, all roads must lead to Fort McMurray – and as directly few northeastern A as possible. of Town communities, led by the is now facing a new challenge: a resuscitated proposal for a major new highway slicing through the Provincial Area (PRA). Recreation protected area, the fate of Lakeland Area Provincial Park and Recreation The area still hangs in the balance. hours the many pressures on this lake- hours the many pressures forest, and studded piece of boreal simply to absorb its beauty. are surrounded by the music of migrant are surrounded by shades of songbirds and a thousand for a few a relief to forget green: itʼs the beaver dam, we pause to admire the the beaver dam, we lilies against the exquisite white calla We of the sky. placid blue reflection J. Hildebrand J. On an encouraging note, this By the end of August, Palmer By the end of boreal treasure is finally being boreal treasure is finally visitors to the area ranked camping as their preferred accommodation and fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching as their primary interests. estimated a seasonal 2006 revenue of about $1.24 million, indicating that economic growth and the preservation not are area wilderness a as Lakeland of canoe circuit, The Parkʼs incompatible. the assistant manager of economic development and tourism at Lac Regional Community La Bicheʼs Development Corporation, reported in the increase this summer a large number of inquiries about the park questionnaire showed that A and area. fragmenting the park and leading to leading park and the fragmenting of wildlife, mortality and disturbance long way to go before we have a is restored as a healthy, Lakeland low- suitable for intact ecosystem The activities. impact recreational Albertans touted by some Park is being of the as a potential “Kananaskis a waste this would be What North.” of central of one of the best examples Alberta, forest in mixedwood boreal lakes, long sandy filled with pristine forest, many beaches, old-growth and and other flora, species of orchids of fauna – and an astounding diversity access of most all this within easy Albertans. Sale Lakeland Not for discovered and appreciated, despite the lack of fairways and fancy resorts – or maybe because of it. Jane Palmer, Lakeland map

Draft Water for Life Water released this year, released this year, Even without a highway further Not only is this highway proposal In another document, the In another document, Will this simply be another case Will very little time would be saved by a two-lane highway through the PRA. opposed to government policy and recommendations, but it also makes little sense. Lakeland is called Lakeland laced with a wet place, for a reason: itʼs rivers, creeks, lakes, and wetlands. Highway construction would be prohibitively expensive and would shorten the trip to Fort McMurray by a mere 70 to 80 km. Given the plan to twin Highway 63 to Fort McMurray, helping to ensure a safe and secure healthy aquatic drinking water supply, ecosystems, and reliable quality water supplies for a sustainable economy.” of the government ignoring its own giving in to business interests, policy, and rendering meaningless the phrase “protected area”? aquatic ecosystems are vital to a high are vital aquatic ecosystems and must Albertans life for quality of this and then makes be preserved,” will be assured promise: “Albertans aquatic ecosystems that the provinceʼs protected.” are maintained and stresses the Alberta Environment Albertans: for importance of wetlands the Government “It is the policy of Alberta to protect and conserve of social and wetlands for the ecological, thereby provide, they benefits economic recently approved approved recently declares that “healthy The strategy serious violation of the governmentʼs governmentʼs of the violation serious Wetlands Policy Wetlands strategy, accepted as policy in 2004. as policy in 2004. accepted strategy,

Lac La : “One of the real proposes that although An editorial in the Although MLAs in the area Kleinʼs legacy is appropriately Kleinʼs Before he is even out of office, of office, Before he is even out Whatʼs more, slicing a highway slicing a highway more, Whatʼs As defined in the IRP, both both the IRP, in As defined would be a billboard next to one of the gaping holes in the ground north of Fort McMurray where boreal to forest used to thrive: “Welcome Ralph Klein Oilsands Country.” legacy than changing the sign outside Lac La Biche welcoming visitors to the “Gateway to Lakeland Park” weʼve been able to manage ourselves without government intervention.” Indeed. Perhaps a much more fitting Resources, quoted recently in the Calgary Herald strengths of the oil business is that summed up by Dick Auchinleck, summed up by Dick former CEO of Gulf Canada responsible for reduced budgets in our Environmental departments and personnel down-sizing.” government are responsible for the public-to-privatization of our theyʼve been parks, [and] provinceʼs Biche Post the name change would probably be accompanied by a large financial infusion, “Klein and his slash, tax and cash grab every which way he can.” “[Klein] has done nothing for the lakes and environment, wildlife, fish, forests in this province and especially in this area. Instead, it has been cut, the renaming have poured into the local papers. “This must be a joke,” writes one St. Paul resident. insist that the name change has the majority of the support of a large opposing residents, letters regionʼs Ralph Klein Provincial Park and Ralph Klein Provincial Area. Recreation Ralph Klein is leaving logic in the Ralph Klein is leaving seems particularly dust. One proposal Lakeland as irrational: renaming Land of Lakes May Become Land of Lakes May “Ralph Klein Park” glorify Premier the headlong rush to corridor through the PRA would be a PRA corridor through the Highway Proposal Opposes Water Water Opposes Proposal Highway Policy of these areas include what is now is now include what areas of these PRA. Provincial Park and Lakeland

WILDERNESS WATCH WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 16 WILDERNESS WATCH WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 17

. Science © Grace Buzik The Alliance for Public Wildlife Wildlife Alliance for Public The North Americaʼs remarkable remarkable Americaʼs North farming. fair compensation for game farmers, to determine how such disastrous policy was enacted, and how to ensure that it never happens again. disease problems. Over the explicit protests of scientists, governments reversed that policy to allow and As predicted, encourage game farming. in less TB epidemic emerged a massive than five years, the CWD epidemic in less than ten years. are asking leadership AWA and Alberta candidates — for both the Conservative, and federal Liberal parties — to commit to: • game The complete dismantling of can be found in the The study results Oct. 6, 2006 issue of integrity of Lakeland.” Some things, Some things, of Lakeland.” integrity be cannot simply notes, Maccagno commodities: “Surely considered should be certain areas which there are we care as treasures, which regarded for are NOT They after. for and look of our birthright.” They are part sale. conservation system of wildlife had, until the mid 1980s, prohibited commercial domestication of That policy not vulnerable wildlife. only rescued our wildlife from the brink of extinction, it precluded the and spread of significant emergence • full public inquiry to determine A

ISEASE LOOD D , B CWD now has been detected in ASTING and rivers,” says Tom Maccagno, the Maccagno, Tom says and rivers,” game farms,” and “there are no known barriers to stop it.” is contagious to a higher degree elk and moose than among deer, other transmissible spongiform date, there have To encephalopathies. been 13 confirmed cases of CWD in The government Alberta. wild deer in is continuing its program to kill deer border Alberta-Saskatchewan along the in an attempt to reduce the numbers The Expert Scientific of infected deer. Panel on CWD concluded that CWD in wild deer is “spillover from infected in the heart muscle of some infected animals, not just the brain and spinal column. Colorado state wildlife agencies have also recommended that hunters wear gloves when dressing the animals as a precaution. However, Alberta government does not feel the health risk to hunters is significant enough to warrant such precautions. deer in 14 states and two Canadian Alberta. CWD provinces, including a “hare-brained scheme” in a letter to scheme” in a “hare-brained that “a Danyluk. He adds Ray MLA among corridor would, transportation compromise the other things, severely consumed. Recent CWD before being Wyoming of research at the University found CWD Jean Jewell led by Dr. former Lac La Biche mayor who has who Biche mayor Lac La former Lakeland for decades championed the highway proposal and who calls ALIVA W S HRONIC HROUGH C T HOWS PREAD S S AY TUDY The researchers recommend “Interactions among deer and elk, The research tested the blood, “Although no instance of A new study out of Colorado State A “Albertans are becoming “Albertans M S University shows for the first time University shows for that all elk and deer be tested for for CWD transmission,” Hoover said. “Such things as grooming, licking and nuzzling are important in the social interactions of deer.” exchange, which provides potential especially in high density situations, intensifies cross-contact among salivary This contact includes animals. CWD prions, showing that CWD infection could be detected as early as three months after exposure to saliva or blood from an infected deer. animal to animal, which has remained a mystery to scientists. Researchers biopsied tonsils to detect infectious saliva, feces and urine of deer infected with CWD to determine ways the disease may be transmitted from University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology. such as CWD,” said lead researcher a Colorado State A. Hoover, Edward CWD transmission to humans has been detected, these results prompt caution regarding exposure to body fluids in prion infections also reinforces that no tissue from an also reinforces that no tissue from an infected animal can be considered free of prions, the disease-causing agent. sucking insects, social contact, such as grooming among deer in nature, The study and environmental contact. may spread through saliva and blood may spread through saliva and blood study suggests The of infected deer. that CWD may spread by blood- that chronic wasting disease (CWD) more aware of the sad and steadily of the sad and steadily more aware of many of our lakes deteriorating state region. already in use, could be improved and improved could be in use, already world-famous rival the to maintained bringing circuit in B.C., Bowron Lakes to the economic benefit sustainable C. Wallis S. Bray

S ’ ANA C N enched in. E ON

The three applicants – Alberta The three applicants – for a joint federal-provincial panel for for a joint federal-provincial panel for conducted and will be how the EA The sent it out for public comment. joint review panel is expected to be announced this fall and will include members appointed by the Minister of Alberta the Environment and by the Also in and Utilities Board. Energy a Participant established July CEAA Funding Program of up to $150,000 to help the public take part in the joint review. Nature Association (AWA), Wilderness Canada, and Grasslands Naturalists – received a total of $140,430, which will assist the groups to review guidelines for the Environmental Environmental Assessment Agency Assessment Environmental Agreement (CEAA) developed a draft EARINGS H FOR

installation of 1,275 new gas wells. REPARE P ROJECT , April Canada Gazette, ROUPS June 2006). P G In July the Canadian When the SNWA was created in was created When the SNWA WLA of this endangered – and protected – prairie landscape, now facing the possible – prairie – and protected of this endangered The setting sun over the Suffield National Wildlife Area highlights the serene beauty highlights the serene Area National Wildlife The setting sun over the Suffield 2003, a Regulatory Impact Analysis 2003, a Regulatory Impact 12/03) said: “NWA designation offers designation offers 12/03) said: “NWA independent review panel, based on a independent review panel, based on a track report and recommendation by the Department of National Defence (see Statement ( long-term security as a federally- protected wildlife refuge. ... Not designating the area would signal that the federal government does not value of CFB the ecological significance the and would leave Suffield NWA area at future risk to development and potentially increased military use.” is not that What this means, however, development is prohibited, but that an EA. projects are required to undergo RILLING D NTEREST I UBLIC UFFIELD P Bray By Shirley S SNWA is an area of SNWA 2 5-inch plastic pipeline that can be ploughed in and 40 km of 16- to 20-inch steel pipe that must be tr 5-inch plastic pipeline that can be ploughed in and 40 km of 16- to 20-inch steel The environmental assessment The environmental In April, federal Environment In Located in southeast Alberta Located in southeast and trenching in (right) a pipeline. Although both can recover naturally, this trenched-in pipeline must be reseeded because of the pipeline must be reseeded this trenched-in naturally, Although both can recover in (right) a pipeline. and trenching proximity of crested wheatgrass, an invasive species. EnCana’s infill project in the Suffield National Wildlife Area plans 180 km of Area National Wildlife in the Suffield infill project wheatgrass, an invasive species. EnCana’s of crested proximity These photos, both taken in September 2006 on a field trip with EnCana, show the difference in disturbance from ploughing in (left) in disturbance from show the difference trip with EnCana, These photos, both taken in September 2006 on a field (EA) of EnCana Corporationʼs (EA) of EnCana Corporationʼs infill drilling proposed shallow gas Wildlife National project in the Suffield is moving ahead Area (SNWA) Minister Rona Ambrose announced that Minister Rona by an an EA the project would undergo three-year period, essentially doubling three-year period, essentially doubling the number of wells already in the area, as well as 220 km of pipelines. proposing to install up to 1,275 shallow proposing to install up to 1,275 shallow over a gas wells within the SNWA native grasslands left in the glaciated native grasslands left in the glaciated northern plains and is of national and EnCana is international significance. Hat, the 458-km unploughed native grassland along It is the South Saskatchewan River. one of the last six remaining large lawyers to make a case for protection of lawyers to make a case for protection in the public interest. the SNWA about 50 km northwest of Medicine three conservation groups are prepared three conservation groups are prepared needed to to put in the time and effort bring forward expert witnesses and hire for protection whenever industrial projects threaten what should be a non- At least industrialized protected area. against industrial development in against industrial development Areas, the Wildlife our National public must step forward to speak with a public hearing expected next with a public hearing In the absence of prohibitions year.

WILDERNESS WATCH WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 18 WILDERNESS WATCH WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 19 S. Bray because of live firing. because of live firing. ake your views known, write to M Why does EnCana want to EnCana said their shareholders At the August meeting, EnCana August meeting, At the On a September field trip to the field On a September not to proceed further on some days not to proceed At this point the South Saskatchewan River flows (right to left) past a historic (right to left) past River flows sentry cabin where people can be warned people can be sentry cabin where drill more gas wells in the SNWA, drill more gas wells in the SNWA, in between wells essentially filling At an open house, already in place? The Honourable Stephen Harper, Office The Honourable Stephen Harper, 80 Wellington of the Prime Minister, 0A2; Fax: (613) Ottawa K1A Street, protected area that is being held in trust Whose values should for all Canadians. take precedence? 941-6900; E-mail: [email protected]. conservationists were told by an EnCana representative that all of the gas can come out of existing wells, and project was to the purpose of the infill accelerate production. first said that 80 percent of the gas will not come out of current wells because the formation is so tight. Later they said it would take up to 200 years for all the They gas to come out of existing wells. accelerate drill wells to said they donʼt production, but admitted that drilling more wells would increase production and have more environmental impact. would prefer that all the gas be taken we out as soon as possible; however, have been contacted by shareholders infill who disagree with EnCanaʼs is public land and a The SNWA project. allows them to obtain the gas without gas without obtain the them to allows surface. the disturbing a company representative SNWA, 1980s a wellsite from the showed us the reclaimed with that had been He noted crested wheatgrass. notorious practice” that that had been “best us wondering what back then, leaving in the future might be “best practice” area from further that could save this industrial impact. The company is a leader in sound What is EnCana doing about For example, the lack of remote For example, the lack Clearly this sort of attitude is Clearly this sort of Outside the SNWA, wellheads are Outside the SNWA, not going to get problems identified identified not going to get problems ideas,” this clearly does not include the ideas of not operating in a nationally protected and endangered native prairie area or waiting until new technology and how many individuals are killed before they do anything, and they noted that salamanders love these cool dark spots. environmental practices, according to itself. But if, as EnCana says, they are doing more than is required, why did they fight the comprehensive EA? While they say they are “open to new placed below ground in large upended upended placed below ground in large covered culverts so they are safe from have they military tanks. However, been known to trap small animals, which then die there, being unable to The solution may escape from the pits. be as easy as providing a way out with a long plank acting as a ladder. it? Studying the situation by asking operators who visit the sites for anecdotal information about what (not much dead wildlife they find mortality apparently). “Thereʼs They want everywhere,” says EnCana. to find out which species are affected metering means weekly visits to amount wellsites, resulting in a large rutting on highly of unregulated traffic, traveled routes and introduction of can and do Vehicles invasive species. designated routes easily venture off Although EnCana says without penalty. they have a fairly aggressive approach to problem solving and are trying to in the block, this problem reduce traffic has been around for a long time. solving, they looked innocently at each looked innocently solving, they of any. know said they didnʼt other and continue to improve they said they Yet which are subject their best practices, if Why improve to ongoing review. there are no problems? would do better and solved. EnCana the nature and to be honest about so we can extent of the problems with the issues in deal meaningfully Suffield. EnCana provided an overview of of an overview provided EnCana to asked When “best practices.” their list equally well-prepared provide an that needed problems of environmental

S. Bray AWA has informed EnCana has informed EnCana AWA Once public comments have At an August meeting between At an Suffield block. The wellhead is covered Suffield block. The wellhead is covered An example of a sunken well head in the An example of a sunken well head in the with sturdy metal bars and plywood that with sturdy the company and conservation groups, the Middle Sand Hills. is interested in getting down to business and solving problems that are known to is concerned not only with AWA exist. but with the whole Suffield the SNWA, portion of block, which includes a large ground issues and developing detailed AWA that end, To plans on restoration. EnCana to work on developing life- cycle plans for the wells already in the timelines for their including SNWA, on-the- termination, identifying specific protected area and which will further erode the ecological integrity of one of our last remaining native prairie attempted to engage has AWA habitats. several times that we completely project, which oppose their infill we believe is not appropriate for a Going Beyond PR to Real Solutions will be submitted to the joint panel, is a statement of the anticipated of the project. environmental effects to address in the environmental assessment of the proposed project, as well as direction on how to describe The EIS, which and assess them. prepare the EIS, which is a statement prepare the EIS, which is a statement of the anticipated environmental effects The guidelines identify of the project. the issues EnCana will be required been received on the EIS guidelines EnCana must and they are finalized, issues, and economic and legal issues. economic and legal issues, and including biodiversity and ecological biodiversity and ecological including Impact Statement (EIS), to review the to review (EIS), Statement Impact the public in and to participate EIS, groups will be While the hearings. will focus they working conjointly, of the project, aspects on different can withstand the weight of passing tanks. can withstand the weight of passing tanks. C. Wallis will Wildlife Act Wildlife cannot be said to cannot be ISK R AT isit our website under Issues/Wildlife. isit our website under Issues/Wildlife. Small-flowered sand verbena Small-flowered

V The petition concludes, “Even if The petition concludes, petition, In her reply to the Wallis says listing of the Wallis The conservation organizations The conservation organizations Wildlife Act Wildlife not count as sufficient effective legal not count as sufficient effective They are fully prepared to protection. Woodland Caribou hasnʼt helped that Caribou hasnʼt Woodland Alberta, where clearcut species in with federal intervention to achieve real results on the ground.” stress that simply listing the species as stress that simply listing the species as endangered under the challenge in the courts any such failure to act responsibly. forestry and massive new oil and gas developments are destroying critical habitat. “All these species need the species legal protection of effective and their critical habitats if populations This is not some are going to recover. are We bureaucratic paper exercise. Ambrose demanding that Minister fulfill her duty and protect these species On these bases, says the petition, bases, says the petition, On these “the together various one were to cobble do not as a whole Alberta laws, they elements of SARA address any of the recovery protection and identification, protection of to ensure effective endangered species.” respond Ambrose said she would by December 1. “This will allow for sufficient time to review biological Alberta records and consult with the government on conservation and legal protection matters,” she wrote. Write to The Hon. Rona Ambrose, Minister of Ambrose, to The Hon. Rona Write Canada, House of Commons, Ottawa, Environment 0A6; Fax: (613) 996-0785; E-Mail: ON K1A [email protected] effectively protect the tiny cryptanthe effectively sand verbena.” or the small-flowered

PECIES C. Wallis S OVER Wildlife Wildlife

contains Edmonton t requires that OTICE N Wildlife Act Wildlife Tiny cryptanthe Tiny EGAL Wildlife Ac The Wildlife The petition describes various Gerry Boudrais, a spokesperson L is strong legislation, and that SRD for Alberta Sustainable Resource Alberta Sustainable for and implementation of strategies to recover populations. It also does not require the automatic listing of SARA Alberta.” listed species that live in what recommendation to make to the minister regarding the legal designation and management and recovery of minister has the species; however, discretion regarding whether to adopt the recommendations. plants be prescribed as endangered, The petition but none have been so far. Act “enables also points out that the but does not require identifying critical habitat, nor does it require preparation Aug. 9/06). Journal Alberta laws that may protect endangered species or their habitat. It notes that the a process for evaluating the status of Alberta through the species at risk in Endangered Species Conservation Committee (ESCC). Its Scientific Subcommittee assesses the risk of Alberta extinction or extirpation for as species that have been identified potentially at risk based on status The ESCC then decides reports. Development, told the media that Alberta has a long history of protecting endangered species, that the Act is developing recovery plans for both plants, although he could not say when they would be completed ( WITH

) ERVED S ) are listed (SARA) and MBROSE A Cryptantha minima ONA “Given its wealth, lack of The Sierra Legal Defence Fund The Sierra Legal Defence Will the federal government do government do the federal Will Although a national law, SARA SARA Although a national law, The petition argues that tiny The petition argues By Shirley Bray By Shirley R filed the petition on behalf of the filed the petition on Association, the Wilderness Alberta Alberta Naturalists, Federation of Wilderness the Canadian Parks and Nature Canada and Sierra Society, animals would be protected. legislation and does not protect when Yet national endangered species. was enacted in 2003, the federal SARA government assured Canadians that and endangered plants all of Canadaʼs failed to make such a recommendation Alberta despite the fact that the for province has no endangered species of the federal Environment Minister if she considers provincial laws has Ambrose inadequate. But Minister does not apply in the provinces unless the federal cabinet orders it to, which it will do only on the recommendation richest province does the least for endangered species.” key province for this legal test,” said Wilderness Alberta of Wallis Cliff Association and Nature Canada. “We think it tells you something when the endangered species protection and Alberta is a the loss of prairie land, of which has been lost to agriculture, of which has been lost to agriculture, industry and urbanization. species is in part due to degradation of species is in part due to degradation of region, most native prairie Albertaʼs Trypterocalyx micranthus (Trypterocalyx as endangered on Schedule 1 of the Act Species at Risk cryptanthe ( Club of Canada to test the federal to protect intention governmentʼs wildlife. endangered Canadaʼs lawsuit. served Federal Environment Minister served Federal Environment Ambrose with a petition giving Rona in and protect two her 60 days to step Alberta or face a in endangered plants what it takes to protect species at risk? to protect species what it takes what a coalition of conservation Thatʼs August they out. In groups aims to find Albertaʼs laws do not effectively effectively laws do not Albertaʼs The decline of these protect them. and small-flowered sand verbena and small-flowered

WILDERNESS WATCH WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 20 WILDERNESS WATCH WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 21 IGHLIGHTS H Many objected to placing land use Alberta prides itself on being Alberta prides itself SLS was required to prepare a Lawyer Shaun Fluker, then a Lawyer Shaun Fluker, aspects of land use planning for public lands including transparency and accountability to the public and There public participation. effective have been endless complaints about the was strong for a number of reasons, chief among them was a lack of updated land use planning for the area. transferred land effectively The FMA use planning responsibilities for the area from the government to SLS. in planning for critical watershed areas It is the the hands of a private company. to manage responsibility governmentʼs public public land, with effective input and with the public interest, not But industry profits, as the priority. the government failed to live up to its 1999 commitment, endorsed by Premier Klein, for a publicly developed Regional Sustainable Development Strategy for Kananaskis Country that would address “continuing development pressures.” Instead of being managed for a variety of public values, such as watershed protection, recreation, and wildlife habitat, would the FMA opponents argued make timber production the priority. noted that director with CPAWS, threatened to violate key the FMA innovative, but maybe learning innovative, but maybe our own past from others and from better and would help us make Doug Sephton, quicker decisions. and one of a Bragg Creek resident out that New the presenters, pointed have both Vancouver City and York of upstream recognized the value moved to protect watersheds and have But in water. those that supply their values, other than Alberta the publicʼs are taking a back seat, he said. forestry, Planning Déjà vu Forest Detailed Forest Management Plan (DFMP) within five years of obtaining Agreement their Forest Management (FMA) in 2001. Opposition to the FMA ANANASKIS

K IN

LANS P At the town hall meeting Swann The public consultation aspect The public consultation OGGING L consultations. asked a number of pertinent questions: What is the best use of the watershed? Is Should we be clear-cutting? Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) being handled properly? Should there be an Park? Wildland Elbow of the LUF is supposed to be based for Water on the same format as the was considered which Life Strategy, no one highly successful. However, was allowed to discuss the water allocation system, even though it is critical to any real discussion on water conservation and even though a number Alberta are over- of rivers in southern allocated. It is unlikely that the forest allocation system (the FMAs) will be up for discussion during the LUF to take on that challenge. People are to take on that challenge. plan will likely be concerned that SLSʼs major planning approved prior to other including the processes in the region, proposed Land Use governmentʼs slated for public Framework (LUF) The government input early next year. as “a shared, over- describes the LUF vision for land arching, values-based Alberta.” use in CUT - ISION LEAR V C EW TO Upper Oldman area south of Kananaskis. Upper Oldman area

N FOR

Cresting the hill, these hikers are greeted with a view of clearcuts in the with a view of clearcuts greeted the hill, these hikers are Cresting PPOSITION EED It is clear that a new vision is The socio-economic scene Concerns over Spray Lake Concerns over Spray N Bray By Shirley O

needed for this part of Alberta, and that needed for this part of Sawmillsʼ (SLS) forest management Sawmillsʼ a new conservative leader will have is lagging behind in policy and action is lagging behind in policy and action between resulting in growing conflicts users of the land base. different and the values of the forest beyond The government timber production. Slopes. Not only is it a major recreation Slopes. Not only is it a major recreation population, but area for a burgeoning people are much more attuned to the need to protect their sources of water, of climate change, the potential effects continues to change in southern ideas Alberta. People have different and expectations for the south Eastern use, and the lack of adequate public consultation. activities on this land base, the lack of activities on this land land use plan a broader comprehensive that would guide decisions on resource common theme was the failure of the common theme was that guides multiple-use philosophy plans for Kananaskis and Ghost- plans for Kananaskis areas were highlighted Waiparous town hall meeting again at a September Dr. Alberta Liberal MLA hosted by A Calgary riding. David Swann in his N. Douglas N. Three of the four presenters Former Cochrane mayor, Judy Former Cochrane mayor, The report, he said, is silent on fire is silent on fire The report, he said, Water John Jagorinec, Senior Dr. Ralph Cartar of the Bragg of the Bragg Cartar Ralph Dr. management philosophy and objectives are for landscape management with sustained timber yield. She said SLS did its job, according to legal requirements, and if the public doesnʼt like what they did, they should “fire” the government, not SLS. plan, he said, failed to consider climate plan, he said, failed to consider climate change and did not focus on watershed boundaries. He also expressed concern around about the inadequate buffers waterbodies. objected to the inadequate time period for public input – a mere six weeks for a huge complex plan that took professional foresters and professional consultants five years to write. Some have pointed out that the public should not be expected to have the expertise to interpret a long and highly complex document and want funds for an also noted AWA independent review. that many suggestions from a 2003 workshop were ignored, including adopting Forest Stewardship Council standards and using a true watershed approach. said PAG, Stewart, a member of SLSʼs that if the public feels they were not properly consulted, they are “entitled to that perception.” She agreed that SLSʼs Creek Environmental Coalition Coalition Environmental Creek being the government for criticized on economic “mono-focused” the He pointed out that priorities. work use policy doesnʼt multiple land is because the priority in the FMA and that the DFMP removing timber, of clear- effects did not address the and quantity cutting on water quality and recreation. He criticized SRDʼs and forest insects. to MPB which is “maniacal” approach Cartar said the “Remove the forest!” extinguish clear- government should called for an cut logging rights and on the plan. immediate moratorium Analyst for Quality and Regulatory criticized the 1000 the City of Calgary, page report for having only three- quarters of a page on water quality, which was summed up with “efforts The taken to ensure water quality.” Elk © Grace Buzik SLS used computer generated Sephton criticized SLS for failing The town hall meeting echoed The town hall meeting models to predict the effects of logging of logging models to predict the effects similar sentiments about the DFMP about the DFMP similar sentiments to habitat conversion. growth or climate change into account growth or climate change into account and not assessing cumulative effects. on wildlife over 200 years. But models are only as good as the information plugged into them. SLS was criticized for not doing any field studies, or incorporating other major and relevant SLSʼs wildlife studies into the DFMP. own models show that the great grey western owl, pileated woodpecker, tanager and elk will be eliminated due the recreation areas, which were only the recreation areas, “small parking lots” would eventually be merely access points to trails going though clear-cuts. to adopt the new guidelines in the Management Alberta Forest 2006 The Standard has Planning Standard. a discretionary clause that allows the government to refer FMPs to independent experts for review. among Sephton criticized the DFMP, other things, for not taking population a back seat to resource extraction. a back seat to Old Adding New Problems and outdated and the lack of planning Plans. Sephton Integrated Resource else in North noted that no where company America is a forestry the drinking responsible for managing Calgary depends water of a major city. the Elbow and on drinking water from He predicted that Ghost watersheds. documents at least as early as 1927 as 1927 least as early at documents the in protection that watershed state the highest should have Eastern Slopes taken years it has but in recent priority,

© Grace Buzik Pileated Woodpecker It is unreasonable to expect He warned that under the FMA He warned that under the FMA Fluker suggested the FMA would Fluker suggested the FMA management that includes all of the other non-forestry values. Government While it is the job of SLS to make money from cutting down trees, the Alberta government is responsible for designing a framework for forest values like watershed protection over is to Their main objective profits. obtain a consistent yield of timber. management. logging companies to choose public of a broad, open planning process that is supposed to be the basis for government-led integrated resource “integrated forest and water planning is likely to resemble a private sector negotiation of ʻgive and take,ʼ” instead multiple use strategies contained in outdated land use planning policies governing these areas.” and the regional Integrated Resource Plans, and would “entrench suspect endanger watershed protection, a planning priority for the region as specified in the Eastern Slopes Policy was taking place. no seat at a table where discussions on no seat at a table where on public lands major land use planning south Eastern Slopes. So those with a Slopes. So those south Eastern ideas had different vision and different lack of effective public consultation consultation public of effective lack FMA. life of this the throughout from its Public AWA SLS excluded it because Group (PAG) Advisory the in logging industrial support doesnʼt

WILDERNESS WATCH WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 22 WILDERNESS WATCH WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 23 It remains for the public to information on this For more Foss says a “no logging option” Foss says a “no logging Who will decide what is relevant American Marten © Grace Buzik organize and articulate what it wants organize issue, visit our website (Issues/Forests) or www.braggcreek.ca. Plan is not going to resolve current or future conflicts. Nor is it the place of a logging plan to do so. Some are lobbying the government to do over- arching land use planning prior to launching this critical 200-year plan. to Some think planning is too important be left to government. and stake its claims vigorously and persistently to these public lands. Whenever citizens get involved in public lands issues, whenever they speak up, write letters, attend meetings, research the facts, they are moving to reclaim their forests, lands and water. Plan for spreading misinformation. misinformation. for spreading Plan the logging in has been SLS She said seeks years and always area for 52 for In her enthusiasm to improve. there she said the reason the DFMP water wildlife and pristine is diverse is of the forest reserve coming out been taking place. because logging has Creek was discarded for McLean modeling showed because computer habitat and it would decrease wildlife and of forest fire increase the likelihood that fires disease. She acknowledged and disease, but argued insects kill off infrastructure other and homes with that forest, letting fires encroaching on the an option. She also burn was no longer felt there had been ample opportunity for public input over many months and “all relevant comments will be incorporated into the Plan.” on these public lands? Clearly this Alberta Timber Alberta Timber need to be updated using Sandra Foss, President of Nature SLS and SRD both admit there The public will have no The public will have SLS is delaying submitting its submitting SLS is delaying SLSʼs draft DFMP is based on draft DFMP SLSʼs AWA argued the argued AWA Alberta and a member of SLSʼs PAG, PAG, Alberta and a member of SLSʼs publicly chastised opponents of SLSʼs finalized DFMP until it receives more it receives more until DFMP finalized Access Management Plan. Broader land planning initiatives that are in the works, which should come before detailed forest management planning, are the Sustainable Resource and Environmental Management Alberta Initiative (SEM), the Southern Sustainability Strategy (SASS), the draft Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan, and, noted that the AWA of course, the LUF. would severely limit the ability DFMP of the grizzly plan to facilitate grizzly recovery. updating. the current outdated ground rules and whether renewed ones will be used during its implementation is uncertain. they will says SLS has suggested AWA not likely go beyond the minimum standards of the basic ground rules. has been no coordination with other in the important planning efforts region such as the Ghost-Waiparous required to present an implementation required to present report. Rules new science. Discussions about their “renewal” have been going on since at least 2000 when a potential renewal strategy was circulated to The strategy and quota holders. FMA proposed minimizing the impact of human activity in the forest on water incorporating quantity and quality, research results, and providing clarity, constant review and specificity, information about where MPB is about where MPB information located. Public Excluded from Plan Implementation of during opportunity for involvement even of the DFMP the implementation the all important though this is when and logging operating ground rules The next public plans will be detailed. 2016 when SLS is review is slated for homes themselves. It should not be not It should themselves. homes km a 10 to clearcut as an excuse used communities. radius around Harvesting and Operating Ground Harvesting and Operating Ground Great Horned Owl Great © Grace Buzik In the next two years SLS plans AWA pointed out in its submission pointed out in its submission AWA AWA, and others, are criticizing AWA, to clear-cut five massive parts of the to clear-cut that that fire suppression for the last that that fire said FireSmart applies only to the immediate area around homes and the work of U.S. researcher Jack Cohen, which showed the principal cause of is building losses during forest fires AWA how ignitable the buildings are. communities by “FireSmarting” them. is based on the FireSmart However, planning area including two built-up Bragg Creek and the West areas in Benchlands, north of the Waiparous to protect the in order Bow River, already fragmented landscape. also do little to regulate access with many more roads expected through an them with new pine forests. SLS says them with new pine forests. SLS says more uneven aged tree stands could provide some safeguards against new beetle invasions, but admits it will do risk. It will little to reduce future fire plan with a higher than normal annual plan with a higher than normal annual to allowable cut over 20 years designed eliminate older pine forests and replace are ripe for health problems like MPB are ripe for health problems like MPB Their resinous fuel and dwarf mistletoe. would burn hot and fast when on fire. SLS and SRD for proposing surge cutting as the solution, a clear-cutting of predominantly lodgepole pine to dominate the southern foothills forests. monoculture forests, These largely relatively even aged at around 80 years, 50-100 years has allowed thick forests 50-100 years has allowed thick forests Past Practices Led to Unhealthy Forest

damage such as this. There is a feeling amongst AWA is pleased that the bad old AWA which has sustained serious ATV which has sustained serious few years to come up with ways to implement the Access Management implement the Plan for the Ghost-Waiparous area, area, Plan for the Ghost-Waiparous Committee plans to meet over the next The new multi-stakeholder Stewardship The new multi-stakeholder Stewardship

road that, after years of abuse, “it was actually a pleasure to be out there!” Pharis observed that “in the wet areas, you could see the old damage, but it was already repairing.” She cautioned, though, that “the steep slopes will take a considerable time to repair.” lawless days of “anything goes” in the seem to be coming Ghost-Waiparous some conservationists that the Ghost- is a lost cause; it has been Waiparous so damaged by unregulated motorized access for so many years that it will never again be a healthy watershed or a peaceful recreation venue. But others Director AWA are more optimistic. Pharis was pleasantly surprised Vivian Transalta on a recent visit along the that enforcement of regulations may of regulations that enforcement good if we promote be less necessary is naïve, however. stewardship ethics in any area can Access management who blatantly only work if people know that there ignore the regulations that they will be is a good likelihood caught and fined. H. Unger H. There are some good signs, Following the release of the Central to this implementation It is encouraging that the AWA welcomes the generosity and generosity the welcomes AWA park are Future plans for the Ghost-Waiparous Access Management Ghost-Waiparous Stewardship will be the GAMP vision of the Harvie family. As Calgary the Harvie family. vision of and wildlife (the City of Calgary is viewing the correctly one stakeholder, region as an important water source for the city). Suggestions from SRD in September 2006, attended by 25 AWA, stakeholders, including different outfitters, ranchers, industry and a number of motorized vehicle groups. “Stewardship” and “cooperation” were While the popular themes of the day. involvement in previous processes necessitates a degree of caution in to such a committing time and energy plans to be involved in AWA process, the committee as it develops. including emphasis on water quality By Nigel Douglas Plan (GAMP) for motorized access in May 2006 after a 15-year on-off stakeholder consultation process, the Alberta government is now looking at how to implement the long-awaited plan. Committee, and the inaugural meeting of this committee was held public. government is willing to spend money to on protected areas and on efforts which protect the Bow River corridor, is so vital for maintaining a clean and healthy water supply for the City of Calgary and other communities along this is a sign Hopefully the Bow River. of things to come. Ghost-Waiparous: GAMP? life after Is there continues to sprawl at an alarming rate, continues to sprawl there is one parcel it is encouraging that the spread of of land that will withstand acreages and subdivisions. are likely to include uncertain, but there that will eventually a footpath network It is link Calgary and Cochrane. be at least a year expected that it will its doors to the before the park opens

C. Olson PDATES announced August 23, 2006. announced U The park comes from a generous A new provincial park has been A Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, Glenbow Ranch Provincial The Alberta flag flies over the new flag Alberta The donation by the Harvie family, which donation by the Harvie family, Foundation to build and operate the park. Harvie sold the piece of land to the province for $40 million – around half its market value – and also donated $6 million to the Harvie Conservancy including the Glenbow Museum and Arts. Centre for Performing the Banff The four children of the late Neil has a 70-year history of charitable Alberta, donations to the people of will protect native grasslands, wetlands will protect native and wooded areas. created along the Bow River between created along the Bow The 1,314 Calgary and Cochrane. Provincial hectare Glenbow Ranch km of river bank and Park will cover 14 to Parks System to Parks By Nigel Douglas Glenbow Ranch a Welcome Addition Welcome Ranch a Glenbow

UPDATES WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 24 PDATES U WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 25 The adverse environmental The adverse Canada The Committee requested The persistent international Owned by Elk Valley Coal Valley Owned by Elk location east of Jasper National Park, location east of Jasper National Park, part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Site. Heritage World Mountain Parks Albertaʼs The mine is also adjacent to Provincial Park. Wildland Whitehorse Corporation, the Cheviot mine has been the subject of intense public and media interest from local to international has been involved in the AWA levels. public and regulatory review of the environmental impacts of this project Along with other over the past decade. ENGOs, we filed legal objections and appeals, which failed to halt the project. Our legal actions ended in 2006 and the mine is now operating. Cheviot Mine Back under United United Back under Mine Cheviot Spotlight Nationsʼ Samson By David Cheviot the controversial impacts of and to raise concerns mine continue within the international apprehension meeting this summer, At a community. Heritage World the UNESCO concerns about Committee expressed Rocky Mountain Parks Canadaʼs Cheviot mine and zeroed in on the specifically. impacts of the “to ensure that adverse mine on the operation of the Cheviot are minimized integrity of the property that Canada “keep and mitigated” and Heritage Centre and IUCN World the informed of any important changes in the state of conservation of the property.” environmental concerns expressed by UNESCO are due to the mineʼs . Cougar © Grace Buzik The gap between government I spoke in Calgary on behalf of I spoke in Calgary AWA, stressing the importance of stressing the importance AWA, fact sheets made available to the public at these hearings is entitled Management” and stresses “Wetlands the importance of “managing human activities so both wetlands and people benefit.” Despite the grim outlook for the McClelland Lake watershed, which contains one of the most spectacular AWA patterned fens in the world, continues to work for its protection. is on our presentation Joyce Hildebrandʼs website under McClelland Lake/Archives irreplaceable watersheds in our boreal irreplaceable watersheds illustrate how oil sands To forests. development has trumped protection, I told the story of McClelland Lake Complex, now destined for Wetland strip mining despite having been slated for legislated protection in the late 1990s. rhetoric about the importance of watersheds and wetlands and their contradictory action is growing with each new government document on government One of the many water. government as Environmentally as Environmentally government Athabasca Areas – the Significant and the River, River Reach, the Firebag Complex; Wetland McClelland Lake central government and the need for a objectives agency to set landscape-level work officials and insure that provincial toward realizing them. sands only after developing the oil protecting identifying and legally He focused on three areas: the need the need three areas: on He focused the structure; the royalty to reform of establishing protected importance Athabasca of the areas in portions by this area identified Oil Sands

lakes of oilsands residue. lakes of oilsands residue. discovery of oil under the fen. Between September 13 and Between September AWA member Dr. Ian Urquhart member Dr. AWA which includes this world-class patterned fen, was approved for patterned fen, was approved Tailings ponds such as these north ponds such as Tailings carcinogenic benzene, toluene and carcinogenic of its protective notation due to the of its protective oilsands mining after being stripped of Fort McMurray generally contain xylene. The constant boom of airguns xylene. The constant boom of airguns well as huge concentrations of highly toxic amounts of many heavy metals as

The McClelland Lake Wetland Complex, The McClelland Lake Wetland

keeps birds from landing on these deadly from keeps birds

October 4, Albertans expressed their October 4, spoke to the Panel in Edmonton. directions by the end of November 2006 and on implementation in the spring of 2007. stakeholder Committee, which is to stakeholder Committee, to develop use the collected input recommendations on future policy members who heard the presentations members who heard of the comprise a subcommittee Sands Multi- recently formed Oil ideas at seven public consultation ideas at seven public oil the provinceʼs meetings about how The Panel sands should be developed. By Joyce Hildebrand here. Panel Multi-stakeholder Oil Sands the Public Hears from to an end. This area is likely to be the to be area is likely This end. to an management access for future template get it right it is critical that we plans, so D. Horton D. S. Bray S. project © Grace Buzik ], came home , and shortly after that, Buzik does not have any projects Buzik got into the professional Buzik got into the That was in 1992. Her artwork in “Iʼve never forgotten that “Iʼve never forgotten Canadian Rockies Guide the opportunity to publish her work in a That involved quite full-colour format. a bit of work, as she had to produce a lot of images in a very short time frame. – I actually missed the turning of the millennium working on the art for that I book,” she chuckles. “I was so busy, minutes after looked up and it was five midnight, but the lights were still on, I was in end, and there the world didnʼt the middle of painting a moose!” looming on the immediate horizon, and was in the middle she this past summer, of taking a hiatus from drawing. But the artist in her will probably impel her to once again pick up her pastel pencils and create, some time in the future. for the Calgary Zoo. Making that leap for the Calgary Zoo. courage. “It was the showed a streak of she says. first time I ever sculpted,” accident. One end of art almost by Chevron was of her co-workers at “One night, his Bob Leatherbarrow. Lesley Reynolds, wife, Liesbeth [with co-author of The Calgary Gardener: Beyond the Basics could never get complaining that they an artist. My walls at work were always plastered with art, so Bob told her he knew someone who could do it.” that book led to more work from the Fifth House, and it publisher, bookʼs from there. She worked on took off a Dry Cold Itʼs came up, providing her with the first came up, providing her with the first

RINGS B ETAIL D TO Grace Buzik

Her artistic endeavours are not Buzik is a self-taught artist with She can also work in ink quite She hasnʼt focused completely on focused completely She hasnʼt She says sheʼs not quite sure what She says sheʼs limited to two dimensions, either. Last limited to two dimensions, either. sculpture she made a life-sized winter, comfortably. “For the gardening “For comfortably. I can get with it. Itʼs also soft enough I can get with it. Itʼs nice for blending.” that itʼs of a polar bear out of white styrofoam age she was drawn toward natural probably not a history subjects. Itʼs long shot to bet it had something to do with growing up so close to the Rocky Mountains. “When I was growing up, we went there countless times,” she says. the natural world. She has produced quite a collection of impressionistic images, but publishers always seem to want her realism, because of the rare expertise she brings to it. books I kept getting asked for ink etches, which produces more of an to impressionistic, black and white look the art.” no formal training, but plenty of desire. picking up a been keen about Sheʼs piece of paper to create an image on it with a pencil or paintbrush since she was six years old. the attraction is, but even from an early TTENTION A IFE S ’ , L TO The

RTIST , published : A : MAGES I Mountain Journal UZIK Canadian Rockies B . , written by Ruth Staal and ILDLIFE RACE While she works in many While appearing in a book with Some of her illustrations Others on the list include Probably one of the best-known Probably one of the Chances are pretty good that Chances are pretty W By John Geary By John G different forms of art media, pastel is forms of art media, different showed up most recently in Wayne Wayne showed up most recently in Visual A Alberta: book, Wild Lynchʼs name on it is certainly Lynchʼs Wayne gratifying for an artist, one of Buzikʼs one favourites is the bug book. “Itʼs by Fifth House Books in 2000. Buzikʼs by Fifth House Books in 2000. Buzikʼs because of the amount of hair detail her medium of choice. “Mainly pastel, pastel pencil, with some oil paint,” she says. “I dry brush it [the oil] on top. But I work mostly in pastel pencil. especially good for doing animals, Itʼs iCanGarden.com to read some of them. of the ones Iʼm most proud of,” she says. Her illustrations in that book got or Amazon.ca rave reviews; log on to Celebration many other birds and mammals found many other birds and mammals found in the Rockies. or any other region in Canada. It illustrations contains 16 of Buzikʼs of marmots, elk, weasels, ducks and which is just what it sounds like: a special journal to help one write down memories of a visit to the mountains, Insects Nora Bryan, and your eyes were playing tricks on you. moose on the front cover appears to actually a be a photograph – but itʼs that detailed so and realistic so drawing if you thought you would be forgiven talent is obvious before you even crack open that book; the image of a publications among that group is publications among Michael Kerrʼs years, youʼve probably seen some of years, youʼve probably because Thatʼs artwork. Grace Buzikʼs has contributed the Calgary-born artist books during artwork to 12 different the course of her career. if youʼve picked up a book about if youʼve picked up natural history in recent Albertaʼs Guide to Wildlife Watching Guide to Wildlife Prairie Gardenerʼs Book of Bugs: A A Book of Bugs: Prairie Gardenerʼs Guide to Living with Common Garden

PROFILE WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 26 PDATES A USSOCIATION NEWS WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 27 27 After being shut out of the After being shut out The rains did not cause as The Bighorn Historic Trail is an Trail The Bighorn Historic Heinz Unger, an AWA director, helps director, AWA an Heinz Unger, measure OHV damage in the Bighorn. damage OHV measure

Bighorn Historic Trail in 2005 due Trail Bighorn Historic AWA events, to record rain and flood continue to be a problem along with the accumulation of human trash and “temporary” infrastructure at many around many campsites, Trails sites. Creek Headwaters like the George Camp, are showing continued erosion from normal trail use, and many trees near the camp are being cut. equestrian trail that runs through the Bighorn Range of the Eastern Slopes Wapiabi from the Bighorn River to Creek to the Blackstone River to has invested 22 AWA Chungo Creek. years of maintenance and stewardship in the trail starting in 1984 and formally became a trail steward in 1994 AWA program. Adopt-a-Trail under the provides annual reports of the trail to the provincial government. AWA Gives Bighorn Historic Trail Trail Historic Gives Bighorn AWA Attention Some Needed By David Samson this continued trail maintenance significant summer despite further along Pharis – Vivian rain this spring. equipment with three other volunteers, seven days in and nine horses – spent trees from July cutting and removing and doing the trail-bed the trail, fixing They also clean-up where needed. observed trail and camp conditions along the way. much trail erosion as anticipated. invasive weeds at campsites However, D. Samson D.

ORK W S ʼ SSOCIATION AWA has observed some AWA A headwaters of the Oldman River, headwaters of the Oldman River, industrialized landscape, is in the recognized as essential to maintain recognized old-growth forest in an increasingly in an increasingly forest old-growth which eventually flows into the South into which eventually flows catchment areas is increasingly being is increasingly catchment areas The Beehive Natural Area, an oasis of Area, The Beehive Natural water quality across southern Alberta. southern water quality across Saskatchewan. Protection of these water of these Saskatchewan. Protection Hummingbird Recreation Area Hummingbird Recreation say in the past two years by delivering extraordinary rain events in June each the erosion of contributing to year, trails in this dynamic area. significant changes in the study area over the past four years. Some changes have been positive from a human management perspective, with SRD closing a heavily damaged section of trail and relocating another sensitive and damaged section of trail. Some not other things have, unfortunately, illegal There is still some changed. activity occurring in the area ATV despite increased signage and posted information. Nature has also had its wrapped up in September with the final report due to be completed by the order to aid SRDʼs In end of this year. provided AWA management of the area, the department with some preliminary observations of the most seriously damaged and susceptible areas, and data on some continued occurrences of activity. ATV illegal ARKS M THIC E TEWARDSHIP S Stewardship duties include Each year, in addition to AWAʼs AWAʼs addition to in Each year, The final field work phase of This year AWA was one of the AWA This year AWA encourages all citizens to encourages all citizens AWA AWAʼs four-year study of recreation four-year AWAʼs Wildlandʼs impacts in Bighorn By David Samson Final Field Season Wraps Up for Up for Wraps Final Field Season Monitoring Bighorn Recreation Project brochure about the Upper Oldman Headwaters, including the Beehive Area. Natural activities, changes in status and wildlife the help of a generous With records. Alberta Stewardship grant from recently produced a AWA Network, carrying out regular site inspections and sending in inspection reports, detailing has added Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve (2001) to its volunteer steward portfolio. in protected areas began with the Area, shortly after its Beehive Natural AWA designation in 1987. Since then recipients of a Volunteer Stewardship Volunteer recipients of a given to those who have Award participated in the government program stewardship work AWAʼs for 15 years. AWA Receives Stewardship Award Receives Stewardship AWA By Nigel Douglas Specialist at (403) 283-2025 or 1-866- 313-0713, or visit our website, www. albertawilderness.ca. to help with our stewardship work. For more information, please contact Conservation AWA Nigel Douglas, be stewards of our wilderness and we are always looking for volunteers stewardship activities, both government stewardship activities, AWA. initiated by sponsored and those Alberta Community These include Stewards Volunteer Developmentʼs Alberta Sustainable Resource Program, Adopt-A-Trail, (SRD) Developmentʼs rare plant surveys in the AWAʼs and recreation monitoring Wildland, Castle and trail Wildland, in the Bighorn Trail. maintenance for the Great Divide general advocacy and educational and educational general advocacy members staff work for wilderness, in specific and volunteers participate

The long-term survival of been work on whitebark pine has AWAʼs Whitebark pine is an important pine is an important Whitebark to be Whitebark pine is known Blister rust infection leads to very supported in part by a grant from the Alberta the supported in part by a grant from Association. Conservation whitebark and limber pines in Alberta whitebark and limber pines in from competition, or in pure stands proportion of dead consisting of a large or diseased trees. Initial results suggest that only 16 percent of trees found in the Castle were healthy. is a concern, and studies such as this will be crucial in tracking the status of these signature species as we look at ways to halt the decline. spent the summer of 2006 carrying out carrying of 2006 the summer spent Castle region. the throughout surveys the upper subalpine species of cover and providing food, ecosystem, of wildlife habitat for a range breeding source can be a major food species. It is intricately for grizzly bears and cycle of the Clarkʼs linked with the life nutcracker. half of its declining across around America, due range in western North mountain pine to a combination of rust and suppression beetle, pine blister cycles. Ernst and of natural fire found whitebark studies McTaggartʼs but with very high pine in several areas, rates of blister rust infection. low cone production and ultimately renders the tree non-reproductive. In the Castle whitebark pine tended to occur either in mixed stands of fir and spruce, where it was suffering N. Douglas

) and limber pine ). As part of a broader- ). in the Castle area. in the Castle area. Trail work in Brail Creek along the Great Divide Trail in August. in Divide Trail along the Great Creek work in Brail Trail In recent years there have been Peter McTaggart and Reg Ernst Peter McTaggart conduct a survey of whitebark pine

Pinus albicaulis

Whitebark Pine By Nigel Douglas growing concerns for the future of two species of “five-needle” pine tree in whitebark pine Alberta: the southern ( (Pinus flexilis scale survey of the ecology and health Reg Ernst AWAʼs of whitebark pine, and research student Peter McTaggart the original trail work was begun in the the original trail work was begun in the 1970s. But this year it was encouraging to have a substantial amount of new young blood helping out as well. It truly Trail seems that the Great Divide does have a future. Decline in Concern over Growing N. Douglas N. Many of the volunteers working Every summer for the past three Every summer for Another 12 kilometres of Another 12 This yearʼs work focused on work focused on This yearʼs Interest in the GDT waned Interest in the GDT AWAʼs involvement in the GDT involvement in the GDT AWAʼs The GDT is an informal 1,200- The GDT years, AWA and the GDTA have been and the GDTA AWA years, the Great Divide Trail (GDT) in Trail Divide the Great on the trail in 2006 were involved when of years. Some sections of trail were regraded where they had eroded away, and trail blazes were repainted to make the route of the trail more obvious. replacing a derelict footbridge across Baril Creek, and trail clearance to clear deadfall accumulated over a number needed trail repair work. and 1990s, but in 2003 a few keen volunteers breathed new life into the Association, which Trail Great Divide to begin urgently AWA then joined with somewhat throughout the 1980s Plans for the trail broadened to include Plans for the trail broadened to include land outside the parks, and in the 1970s a huge amount of work, including considerable volunteer input, was carried out to establish the GDT. proposal for a long-distance trail in the National Parks to Minister Robert Portfolio. Without Minister Stanbury, Provincial Parks. dates back to 1971, when it sent a other protected areas, including Mount other protected areas, including Mount Assiniboine Robson and Mount B.C., covering some of the most stunning landscapes in the whole of the Canadian Rockies. It passes through six National Parks (Glacier, Kootenay, Lakes, Banff, Waterton and Jasper) as well as the Yoho White Park, Wilderness Willmore Area and numerous Wilderness Goat on the Canada/U.S. border to Kakwa on the Canada/U.S. border to Kakwa Lake, north of Mount Robson in km trail running along the Continental km trail running along the Continental National Park Waterton Divide from running trail work trips on the Great running trail work work focused This yearʼs Trail. Divide Highwood area of on Baril Creek in the Kananaskis Country. span, clear of deadfall and overhanging of deadfall and overhanging span, clear of the efforts branches, thanks to the Great Divide AWA, volunteers from and Pathway (GDTA) Association Trail Connectivity. Kananaskis Country are now spick and Country are now Kananaskis Volunteers Spruce Up New Section of Section Up New Spruce Volunteers Trail Divide Great Douglas By Nigel

A USSOCIATIONPDATES NEWS WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5

2828 ETTERS L WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 29 Several weeks ago my wife called The trail comprising the Calliope One conifer growing along this My wife and I always stopped During past decades, Iʼve used the During past decades, power and strength. It was a tree to look up to in times of exuberance, a tree to embrace in times of sorrow. me from work. Choking back tears, she told me that the tree was gone. FortisAlberta had bulldozed it out of smashing it into oblivion. I their way, learned that her tree and hundreds of Circuit wound through a staircase of some affording conglomerate cliffs, spectacular views out over the century- old expanse of fractured boulders known around the world as the Frank Slide. Standing on one of these rock promontories, near a beckoning sea this across look could you waterfall, of rock to the haunting eastern ramparts Mountain. Turtle of idyllic pathway grew in sharp contrast the oldest, nor the to the rest. It wasnʼt The It was the most beautiful. largest. tree, a sublime and stately subalpine edge, far at trailʼs grew in the valley fir, from its high-mountain relatives. at “her” tree to savour its exquisite, out-of-place, out-of-this-world charm. admire its perfect form and Weʼd The tree was, quintessential fragrance. It favourite. my wifeʼs quite simply, much more than its immaculate, offered deep-green foliage and stunning, It represented symmetrical beauty. of displaying male calliope of displaying Americaʼs North hummingbirds, Eight tiny smallest hummingbird. perches there, each calliope males had throw from a competing, just a stoneʼs fiercely territorial neighbour. publicly showcase Calliope Circuit to that are the rare birds and butterflies rare- Passʼs attracted to the Crowsnest of flowering in-Alberta assemblage people who plants. Many of the activities drove participated in these hundreds of miles to experience this two of At least surprising diversity. to these individuals subsequently began lead their own tours into the area, one coming from Edmonton, the other from coastal British Columbia. H. Unger — Cathy Lloyd Springtime revealed the Calliope It was a beautiful place. I can What an experience! A trip shared A What an experience! We broke camp in record time broke We Hikers ford the cold waters in the the cold waters Hikers ford spectacular White Goat Wilderness. spectacular White Goat Circuitʼs greatest splendour. The trail greatest splendour. Circuitʼs diversity, flaunted phenomenal floral and with it, a remarkable concentration Circuit, as I came to call it, was a divine, through-the-woods pathway that hugged the ragged, farthest reaches of the 1903 Frank Slide. My wife and I experienced its beauty and charm for traversed We more than twenty years. its serpentine byways many thousands path, That sinuous, tree-lined of times. winding through a mosaic of forest, shrub and grassland, provided us with hope and inspiration. It also served as a refuge, a place where we could escape the frenetic pace of the peopled world. descended Nigel Creek to the cars, our descended Nigel Creek to the cars, our wonderful trip at an end. with great companions, perfect weather and best of all, time spent in our mountain wilderness. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Editor: Dear still picture it, cast in the misty glow The Calliope sunrise. of yesterdayʼs Our camp that night was on the shore Our camp that night was on the shore of the creek in a lovely wooded area. on our fourth and last morning, and descended through the trees out and Wilderness White Goat of the The into the Brazeau River valley. river crossing was cold, but happily uneventful, and we then followed the beautiful Brazeau River upstream to We complete our loop at Nigel Pass. DITOR E THE

TO

ETTERS L Starry night skies resulted in Amazingly enough, the next day I was lucky enough to be one I was lucky enough We headed to the Nigel Creek headed to the Nigel We frosty tent flies as we packed up on our headed up through We third morning. open meadows and then through trees. here enjoying the view of the valley we were about to explore and the view around us of mountains and glaciers. picked up an old trail from time We through to time as we descended, first pass and we spent a leisurely time the meadows to Cline Pass, taking pictures on the way of the red-leaved fireweed – a sign of the coming fall. beautiful lakes greeted us at the Two ice above our heads. way down from the ridge, we explored an ice tunnel under a rock-covered the age of the trying to imagine glacier, the second day to a 9,000-ft ridge with of Lakes and Valley views into the wild behind us to the Snowdome. On our at the Rumbling Rock campsite, so named because of the rock showers and moraine falling from the cliff on hiked with light packs We above us. and the remainder of the days dawned and the remainder of the days dawned spent two nights We clear and bright. testing the tents with its downpour of testing the tents with its downpour of rain and wind. for the last time and set up camp in The the shelter of the krummholtz. late evening and night brought an exhilarating thunderstorm to our valley, Our destination for the day was the lovely meadow in the valley below our packs where we happily took off sunny skies for our hike up and over Nigel Pass. Our route then took us up to the rocky Cataract Pass, where we Wilderness. White Goat entered the trailhead early on Monday morning. trailhead early on Monday very lucky to have clear were We was our incredible leader – full of was our incredible and fun. knowledge, enthusiasm of four participants, along with my of four participants, Fitzjohn and husband, Eric, Steve backpack AWA on the Heinz Unger, Wilderness. White Goat trip into the with his elkhound, Saya, Wales, Don Dear Editor: Dear Backpackers Share Many Gifts of Many Share Backpackers Wilderness White Goat

© Grace Buzik Crowsnest Pass — David McIntyre

The good news: if you call the if you news: The good Donahue Government of Alberta and ask about and ask about Alberta of Government that question, youʼll find the land in and It belongs to each your land. itʼs all, itʼs And best of of you. every one The Government By whom? protected. Alberta. of Dr. William William Dr. With Friday, November 17, 2006 Friday, Annual Lecture and Awards and Annual Lecture The lack of long-term environmental planning for The lack of long-term environmental industrial development, decreased funding of monitoring industrial development, decreased funding programs, and political interference in environmental research, is endangering our freshwaters and forests and our ability to adapt in a changing world. (403) 283-2025 Alberta Wilderness and Wildlife Trust Wildlife and Wilderness Alberta Water in the Western Prairies: The Basis for Conflict The Basis for Prairies: Western in the Water Reception 6:00 p.m. $25 Dr. Bill Donahue, an independent environmental researcher in Edmonton, Bill Donahue, an independent environmental researcher Dr. He also will provide a glimpse Within this scene of wholesale scene of wholesale this Within 1-866-313-0713 or on-line http://shop.albertawilderness.ca/ will discuss his recent work on changing climate and water supply in western will discuss his recent work on changing climate and water supply in western of development Canada, and how they combine to magnify the negative effects decisions. at new governmental strategies in Alberta, and what they may mean to the future health of our natural environment. Calgary Location: 455 12th St NW, Time: Cost: Reservations: Lecture and Awards 7:00 p.m. Awards Lecture and outcomes. destruction Iʼve found a surprising, Iʼve found a surprising, destruction of life: a female tenuous, thread bird, (a ground-nesting nighthawk Crowsnest Pass) extremely rare in the on an exposed deposited two eggs rock where two patch of conglomerate More surprising new roads converge. have hatched is this: two nighthawks the very edge from these eggs at the two Will of this intersection. to fly from their fledglings survive existence? Nature perilous footprint of improbable can occasionally deliver a criss-crossing litany of erosional erosional litany of a criss-crossing opportunity of field a veritable scars, of noxious weeds. for the spread

VENTS E Nigel Douglas Marco Musiani Iʼve visited the Calliope Circuit Iʼve visited the Calliope Cost: $20 per person (AWA Cost: $20 per person (AWA Saturday, February 24, 2007 Saturday, Hike Winter Valley Sheep River With $25 per person (non-members) (403) 283-2025 Contact: http://shop.albertawilderness.ca/ members) Tuesday, November 7, 2006 November Tuesday, That Go “Boing!” Things in the Night Rat Kangaroo The Ordʼs Teucher Andy With Ecological and Economic Considerations With Contact: (403) 283-2025 Pre-registration is advised. October 3, 2006 Tuesday, and People Sheep, Cattle Wolves, Open House Program Calgary 455 12th St. NW AWA, Location: 7:00 p.m. Time: person $5.00 per Cost: $1.00 for children

gouged out additional roads and created gouged out additional with dead trees (perfect tinder), littered with dead trees (perfect metal bailing with Fortis-discarded and quaders have bands. Dirt bikers Theyʼve landscape. entered this ravaged several times since learning of its tragic several times since I havenʼt and unexpected demolition. Instead, seen a single hummingbird. pathway lined Iʼve found a denuded Fortis kill? fractured stumps and discarded trees stumps and discarded fractured path of needless destruction. lined this to the nesting What happened other wildlife did What hummingbirds? other trees lining the Calliope Circuit Circuit the Calliope trees lining other thousand into a crushed had been pieces. I learned that splintered

EVENTS WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 30 PDATES A USSOCIATION NEWS WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 31 31 volunteer hours. caught bidders’ eyes. caught bidders’ mention for his many AWA AWA mention for his many Many unique auction items Will Davies was given special Will Shell bought the canoe donated by Ghostpine Environmental Services Ltd. Ghostpine Environmental The Prairie Mountain Fiddlers kept toes tapping. The Prairie Mountain guests all evening. of Graham Auctions. of Graham of Graham Auctions. of Graham Auctioneer Larry Graham KC the Bear, shown here with shown here KC the Bear, Auctioneer Jesse Starling Calgary alderman Barry Erskine and his wife, patiently posed with

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WILL ILD Whether you make a one time gift, give annually to the fund, or have planned a bequest, you fund, or have planned a bequest, you a one time gift, give annually to the Whether you make E The Wilderness and Wildlife endowment fund, managed with the Calgary Foundation is one fund, managed with the Calgary Foundation endowment Wildlife and Wilderness The W [email protected] will be recognized as part of our will be recognized endowment fund supports wilderness programs and research that contribute to the protection, that contribute to the protection, wilderness programs and research endowment fund supports is growing with the help of The fund appreciation of wilderness and wildlife. understanding and gifts. everyoneʼs Hillhurst Room of our Calgary office. our Calgary office. Hillhurst Room of ability to the future and ensuring strength in our is planning for AWA way Box 6398, Station D WOULD NFORMATION I : Calgary, Alberta T2P 2E1 T2P Alberta Calgary, Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 485535 • ISSN# 40065626 Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales ! I I ! : # : Alberta Wilderness Association Wilderness Alberta ES DDRESS AME ARD ITY AYMENT Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Return Undeliverable Canadian Y A C P C N

EVENTS WLA October 2006 • Vol. 14, No. 5 32