June 2010 • Vol. 18, No. 3

AWA

Fireweed and Crowfoot PHOTO: © D. LOBAY

Lakeland: A Lifelong Odyssey in a Land of Wonder / 4

On the Top of / 7

Thoughts on “Being:” Get Out There! / 10

A Welcome to the Disabled / 11

Blind Ambitions in the Rockies / 14 Editor: C ONTENTS Ian Urquhart june 2010 • VOL. 18, NO. 3 Graphic Design: Ball Creative Printing: Features Wilderness Watch Colour printing and process is sponsored by Topline Printing 4 Lakeland: A Lifelong Odyssey 21 Updates in a Land of Wonder

7 Exploring Alberta’s Mountain Departments Wilderness Thinking About New Gear... 10 Thoughts on “Being:” 23 Get Out There 24 Photography Tips 11 Disabled Citizens: Welcome Them Into the Conservation 28 Recall of The Wild Community Alberta Wilderness Events 14 Blind Ambition: The Ross Association Watson Message “Defending Wild Alberta through 16 North America’s Original 30 Awa Hikes, Tours And Awareness and Action” Frequent Fliers Backpacks Program Alberta Wilderness Association is a charitable non-government organization dedicated to the completion of a Association News protected areas network and the conservation of wilderness throughout the province. To support our work Climb and Run for 17 with a tax-deductible donation, call Wilderness 2010 (403) 283-2025 or contribute online at AlbertaWilderness.ca. Wild Lands Advocate is published bi-monthly, 6 times a year, by Alberta Cover Photo Wilderness Association. The opinions expressed by the authors in this Derald Lobay describes his stunning cover photo in these words: “Surrounding publication are not necessarily those in are extensive tracts of willows. Mingled of AWA. The editor reserves the right with these willows are immense clusters of fireweed. Waiting for the rising sun to edit, reject or withdraw articles and to completely illuminate the east face of Crowfoot Mountain, all I had to do letters submitted. was to wait for a lull in the wind in order to capture the flowers without any Please direct questions wind blur. More of Derald’s photos may be found in his gallery on the Images and comments to: Alberta Camera Club website www.imagesalberta.ca (403) 283-2025 • [email protected] Subscriptions to the WLA are $30 per year. To subscribe, call (403) 283-2025 or see AlbertaWilderness.ca.

Box 6398, Station D, Calgary, Alberta T2P 2E1 (403) 283-2025 AWA respects the privacy of members. Lists are not sold or traded in any manner. AWA is a federally registered charity Toll-free 1-866-313-0713 and functions through member and donor support. Tax-deductible donations may be made to AWA at Box 6398 Station www.AlbertaWilderness.ca D, Calgary, AB T2P 2E1. Ph: (403) 283-2025 Fax: (403) 270-2743 E-mail: [email protected] www.AlbertaWilderness.ca [email protected] Get Out There!

Spring is over and I am eager to put the June issue of the Wild Lands Advocate – AWA’s recreation-focused issue – to bed. This , like most for environmentalists, was filled with applause and frowns. On a positive note, AWA succeeded, yet again, in delivering a very successful Climb and Run for Wilderness on April 17th. The event raised nearly $120,000 for wilderness conservation. But, just over one week later, in the Gulf of Mexico, the Deepwater Horizon tragedy began. Eleven workers died and tens of millions of litres of oil erupted into the Gulf after the Deepwater Horizon platform exploded and sank. Although Alberta is a continent away from this tragedy this ecological disaster should remind us just how important it is for government to regulate industry appropriately. Disasters aside – the tone of our stories here focuses more optimistically on the intrinsic value of wilderness recreation. Tom Maccagno, who I had the privilege to meet more years ago now than both of us may like to admit to, offers you a thoughtful exploration of Alberta’s Lakeland region. He has loved this region for his entire life and, if you read his words, you will share that affection. Steve Patten takes you to the land of eagles on Alberta’s peaks. What drives people to go to those altitudes? – Steve offers you one answer. I adapted the title for this editorial from Paul Sutherland’s piece “Thoughts About Being.” Getting out there into nature is absolutely vital. If some of us are not prepared to do that then our chances of realizing more protected spaces arguably shrink. Who belongs in nature? That is a provocative question underlying this issue’s focus on recreation. This spring saw AWA, supported by a grant from Mountain Equipment Co-op, propose to introduce new immigrants to Alberta to several of the province’s outstanding natural areas. New Canadians represent an important potential source of political support for AWA’s work and this initiative is AWA’s first pro-active step to bring more new Canadians into the pro-wilderness tent. Dr. Ross Wein, president of the Alberta Abilities Lodges Society, urges us in his article to see the disabled as another important constituency we should be courting. The story about Ross Watson, the blind mountain climber who reached the summit of , demonstrates that if society will give more opportunities to the disabled great accomplishments are possible. This issue introduces a new addition to the departments’ section – advice on “gear.” Jennifer Douglas offers a few suggestions about White-breasted nuthatch PHOTO: S. COULSON types of outdoor equipment you might want to consider tossing into your backpack before you venture out into Alberta’s wild spaces this summer. As well, three members of the Images Alberta Camera Club offer their thoughts about capturing some of nature’s beauty this year with your camera. May the next several months bless you with good , good companions, and some truly remarkable recreational experiences!

- Ian Urquhart, Editor onder Nature has endowed, Nature has endowed, Biche sprinkled the Lac La Country with incomparable your dreams Make lakes. the come true, come off La beaten path. See Lac and Lake Biche, Beaver in their Lake Touchwood solitude and primitive will You silent grandeur. say “incredible, marvelous, astounding.” bewildering, 14 Journal, September 1932 W of

Lakeland is unique. It is the only Lakeland of toads on a warm June day of Canada toads on a warm which announced the coming of summer, grebe, the maniacal cry of a red-necked of loons, pelicans the calls of a family the surface gracefully skimming over the sparkling diamonds of the lake, the the water, as a breeze rippled over and a of an osprey, spectacular dive stately blue heron standing near shore. or bear a beaver Sometimes we also saw or moose or deer from the boat. I learnt species of ducks. to identify the different 20 species of ducks can be seen on Over Lac La Biche. Memories and landscape intertwined. became inextricably Memories infused what the landscape was rise to the and the landscapes gave like precious lasting memories. is in Alberta. Lakeland in lake-district one of the the Boreal Natural Region, The in this province. six natural regions has the greatest Boreal Natural Region regions, of those seven of any diversity and L a

PHOTO: T. MACCAGNO T. PHOTO: in dyssey O very child is born with what child very Rachel Carson described as a A child is not “sense of wonder.” ifelong L mouth orchid adder’s white The rare E conscious of this and may lose this gift during adulthood if he or she does not this endowment. consciously exercise of the lakes My parents instilled a love are inseparable) at (they and the woods memories of vivid an early age. I have Lake outings to nearby Beaver family Lac La Biche with its inviting and on vast a was Lake Beaver Although beaches. this mere 5 kilometres (3 miles) away trip, on little more than a dirt trail, could and challenge if it be a real adventure not only was rained. My sense of wonder in frequently aroused by these trips but time it became an essential part of my I remember the boat trips to being. How it when my Spruce Island and exploring parents made camp and lit a campfire. I can hear and see in my mind the many by distinct sounds and sights provided outings – the trilling these marvelous A : akeland By Tom Maccagno By Tom L Resplendent Many hued Shades of green Marching Boldly the To Edge, Water’s with Speckled Silvery birch, Balsam Fragrantly Wafting In the air, Summer breeze, Dancing over Sparkling waters Soaring upward Towards Shadow bedecked Distant hills, Silent sentinels Of passing Seasons, Changing And Changeless, Offering A Clue, My love, Of infinity. - Tom Maccagno (Tom’s poem Maccagno (Tom’s Tom - first appeared in the June 2002 Lands Advocate. edition of Wild Touchwood

Features WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,

No. 3 4 WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,No. 3 Features 5 “One species, ‘Sarracenia purpurea’ purpurea’ species, ‘Sarracenia “One Subsequent trips led to more exciting (Pitcher Plant), uncommon to Alberta to uncommon Plant), (Pitcher Other field survey. found during the was also be or rare species may uncommon of finding the likelihood present, however, is low.” these species said then and wisecracked I could have of finding them is likelihood that the low made them rare. However, what must have had what my years in Lakeland given incredulous when I taught me, I was Incredulity soonfirst read this statement. I learnt that theboiled into anger when was conducted in September field study What plants blossom and October of 1990. Alberta at that time in Northern and thrive of the year? at the first to go to Lakeland I vowed order to disprove opportunity in available Alberta an Armed with this absurdity. Lake floral field guide I went to the Shaw over Day Use Campground, swung my leg and headed out along my mountain bike This is a very Trail. the Mosquito Lake old no one really knows. old trail - how been found on have Prehistoric artifacts This trail originally ran from Big Bay, it. east of Lac La Biche to Mosquito Lake, Indians as Spencer Lake. known now (as we called First Nations at that time), Métis, trappers and commercial fishermen, traveled among others, used it. Packhorses it used sleighs and wagons it; horse drawn high ground, The trail tends to follow too. spots corduroy in some low however, at the event, roads can still be seen. In any trip I had end of this initial exploratory six orchid species, including observed orchid the rare white adder’s-mouth date a total of To (Malaxis monophyllos). have 16 orchid species and some variants adjacent to been identified in the region Region). (the greater Lakeland Lakeland variant a yellow revealed another hike Yet coralroot orchid, and spotted of the lovely tresses orchids hundreds of hooded ladies’ with the heavy The air was in bloom. fragrance of vanilla. such as observing personal discoveries species: Sundew the rare three known and slender- oblong-leaved round-leaved, rotundifolia, (Droseria sundew leaved to exist d.anglica and d. linearis) known orchid round-leaved Alberta, the large in (Habernaria orbitculata), and others. that, according flowers I also observed maps in E. H. Moss’s to the distribution Flora of Alberta, had not been reported included These “discoveries” previously. When I went away for my studies as for my studies away When I went seem, I do As strange as it may now An outstanding attraction of Lakeland years many over These experiences by a lake were regarded as idiosyncratic. were regarded by a lake parcel of a small need did anyone Why much wondrous so there was land when doorstep?nature at your kept in my career I always well as early This region. the Lakeland my ties with life kindled an appreciationperiod in my that is difficult to articulate. I of Lakeland ways New it must be experienced. believe with Lakeland to better acquaint myself and skills, e.g. talents came with new cross-countrymountain biking, hiking, I snowmobiling. skiing, canoeing and on my mountain bike remember pedaling in early Lake near the shore of Jackson tinkling crystal-like May and hearing the Lake. of candle ice on Jackson particular attention not recall paying any in my early years to the birdlife and were They in Lakeland. wildflowers When my elder sons were old just there. me on an excursion enough to accompany it seemed in Lakeland to reach some lake A getting there. that half the fun was theparent who sees what his child sees for own sense of His first time is privileged. is reinforced. I can recall a starry wonder pointing out the Big by a lake evening Dipper to one of my children, and hearing I can see the bowl!” “Daddy, him exclaim, growing is its canoe circuit that enjoys popularity and may be underappreciated by the and certainly is under-advertised A canoe trip can Alberta government. to Kinnaird be made from Jackson Lake There are endless Lake. to Blackett Lake sights to see and there are camping areas Another of way. and fire pits along the along the is to travel my personal joys road and cross the Lake Touchwood As one descends from Continental Divide. basin into the Mackenzie Athabasca – the Churchill basin when approaching the on a misty morning an optical illusion lake one which must be seen in may appear, order to be really appreciated. On a bright of day the waters spring or fall sunny appear cobalt blue. Touchwood an appreciation ofenabled me to gain in Consequently, biodiversity. Lakeland’s ludicrous the early 1990s the following statement stunned me. It appeared in the document Biophysical And Overview Assessment Of The Proposed Resource And Provincial Park Provincial Lakeland and read: Area Recreation

2

PHOTO: T. MACCAGNO T. PHOTO: “From there [Fort Carlton] to Red “From there [Fort and Park Provincial Lakeland With the passage of time I came to With yet it is the least known but has the but yet it is the least known According activities. most exploitative John Stuart, in a letter to Chief Factor dated December 10, 1826, apparently Sir Simpson recognized this diversity: George [Lac La Biche] close to the Deer Lake in its Athabasca, is, in vegetation ‘Big part singular force and nature, the rankest Zone.’ Torrid America, North of the of applied by Sir These are the words, not: Simpson himself, if I mistake George bituminous waters, of sulpher, a region limestone beds, and full springs, warmest the veriest of life, animal and vegetable, West.” of our North garden Area were Recreation Provincial An area of 587.8 km established in 1992. (227 square miles) was set aside for these (227 square miles) was areas. Some suggested at that time that and area. It is not. Calgary a large this was footprints than larger Edmonton each have Lakeland Area. and Recreation the Park and mostly surrounded by is dwarfed Forest Management Alberta-Pacific the territory (FMA), a tiny Area Agreement just approximately the size of Brunswick. New and learn more and more about know and Provincial Park Provincial Lakeland referred to asArea (hereafter Recreation outing. I still do. I with every Lakeland) the same way seen Lakeland never have a time a lifetime ago was There twice. for granted and taken was when Lakeland the fish were countless and considered People who had a cabin inexhaustible. The rare Indian pipe Indian The rare I would like to leave you with the to leave like I would Tom Maccagno is a lawyer, former is a lawyer, Maccagno Tom and long-time mayor of Lac La Biche, treasures. defender of Lakeland’s stand on guard for Lakeland. As our stand on guard for Lakeland. and economic expansion population grows proceeds at a frenetic pace protected will become areas such as Lakeland Lakeland’s more and more valuable. population centres accessibility to large is The brutal fact is also important. becoming an that wilderness is fast Threats Alberta. endangered species in boundaries may be within Lakeland’s as threats just as potentially devastating a boundaries. Please, take its beyond said moment to reflect on what I have to better here, and prod the government present and promote Lakeland. preserve, self-interest must object to stupidity, We Lakeland and greed. See and experience I in its serene splendour and grandeur. it. Share forget promise – you will never This Lakeland. for it and become a voice is something we must do, for our children too will and grandchildren, so that they the the opportunity to experience have memories and landscapes my generation has seen. American philosopher, of the words were meant “. . .if eyes Emerson: Waldo excuse for seeing, then beauty is its own in had Lakeland He must have for being.” mind when he said that. PHOTO: T. MACCAGNO T. PHOTO: Lakeland also has some stands of Lakeland is that A striking feature of Lakeland osprey relentlessly in order to force it to relentlessly osprey some spectacular drop its catch. Following released the the osprey aerial maneuvering toward fish in its talons and, as the fish fell the eagle made a barrel roll the lake, Absolutely and caught lunch in mid-air. breathtaking! On another occasion, in a shaded patch of the boreal forest, a shaft a lynx resting and of sunlight revealed sunning itself on a deadfall. forest. One can see record or old-growth near record size white and black spruce, jackpine, aspen, birch, balsam poplar, and tamarack. On one occasion when I Alberta leading a group from Central was pointing Trail along the Mosquito Lake features from time to time as out various were no we ambled on I realized that they back When I looked me. longer following round an immense gathered the group was seen a tree had never They white spruce. a valuable It was Alberta. of that size in I see Lakeland, lesson, that is, not in how This has led others see it. rather how but It is amazing how discoveries. to new disclose features will invariably fresh eyes An amazing fen observed. not previously Touchwood on the south end of exists The lush green carpet of mosses is Lake. Another event indeed a sight to be seen. is the thermal difference to experience day when one enters a sunny on a warm, stand of spruce. old-growth cathedral-like The refreshing cooler temperature is a welcome relief. the names of airmen who lost their lives grace its now War World in the Second McGuffin, Dabbs, and McGrane lakes. honour their memory and valour. Lakes men now these brave to believe I like

Lakeland presents a treasure trove for presents a treasure trove Lakeland Of course, the likelihood of seeing Of course, the likelihood Park. Provincial in Lakeland the canoe circuit is synonymous with Lake many Jackson For saw it, I (when I first elephant head flower recall saying to myself, “what a delightful an elephant’s it looks just like flower, head!”), small mouth columbine, spotted touch-me-not, and others. I also have had encounters with mushrooms and fungi with weird names (e.g. witch’s and dead puke, shaggy mane, fairy butter, Observing fingers to name a few). man’s a number of the colourful bird species always and remains, was, in Lakeland (e.g. western tanagers, Baltimore exciting orioles, red breasted grosbeaks, and species). warbler various in nature photography. a person involved I can recall an incident on an overcast on my knees attempting day where I was a close-up photo of a spotted to take the sun broke coralroot orchid. Suddenly, out and transfigured this beautiful flower. a near It was breathless, in awe. I was I did event, In any mystical experience. not trip the shutter on my camera. Perhaps if my camera Who knows it is just as well. captured what I saw have would and experienced? moose, mule or white-tailed deer, or marten, beaver fisher, lynx, wolf, there. Some of my truly bear is always memorable wildlife sightings include and her black bear sow seeing a brown of otters and cinnamon cub, a family Lake porpoises in Shaw frolicking like a thousand and, on one occasion, over There is common loons in late summer. the prospect of witnessing a bald always catching its eagle soaring or an osprey meal. On one trip I heard a scream next an aerial duel between and saw overhead at the The eagle dove eagle and osprey.

Features WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,

No. 3 6 WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,No. 3 Features 7 A year later my family and I took A year later my family (or At the risk of oversimplifying off-trail involves challenge of mountaineering and the challenge of mountaineering the daily grind of distance I felt from completely invigorating. city life was hooked. I was to Edmonton. an opportunity to move and, were exciting The career prospects our opportunities as an added bonus, to spend time in the would Camping and hiking became multiply. for my entire core recreational activities remember Our kids will forever family. hunt on a hiking trail their Easter egg the first time in , we encountered a black bear on a stood hiking trail, and the first time they proudly on the top of a mountain. I took Alberta of those early years in advantage my mountaineering skills and to develop to remain safe while learn what it takes the mountain wilderness. In exploring courses taught by professional mountain to learn about the full guides I strove range of mountain “disciplines.” there are perhaps overcomplicating) disciplines. Each creates mountain five exploring unique opportunities to take the the mountain wilderness beyond and to hikers available experiences cross-country skiers on established trails and each requires a particular and set of skills. base of knowledge These disciplines are: (i) scrambling, ice (ii) rock climbing, (iii) waterfall alpine climbing or general climbing, (iv) mountaineering, and (v) ski touring and ski mountaineering. off-trail that, unlike mountain travel requires the use of hands ridge walking, the balance necessary to to provide While safely ascend a ridge or peak. mountain scrambles do not require the ropes or technical gear associated with rock climbing the boldest scramblers steep terrain: to extremely are exposed and iced rock that can loose rock, Scrambling present significant danger. ilderness W ountain M s ’ Mountaineering can seem distant In the late 1990s we made two lberta of our successful careers and city life. of our successful careers Alberta in living however, Fortunately, to combine our ample opportunity affords with access to extensive city lives busy recreation – opportunities for wilderness recreation focuses in my case, wilderness the peaks of on ascending and exploring Mountains. the Rocky That and mysterious to the uninitiated. once the case for me. Until a decade was and a half ago my primary wilderness recreation had been canoeing the flat and northern in central of lakes water Ontario. But, in the mid-1990s a couple up with some of friends and I hooked section of Toronto members of the and began the of the Niagara climbing the cliffs Escarpment in southern and central also visited and climbed the We Ontario. Mazinaw above beautiful granite cliffs Bon Echo Provincial in Ontario’s Lake our appetite for This whetted Park. something more dramatic. Rock climbing we challenging but at our local crags was to get into real mountains – and wanted into real wilderness. trips to eastern and in Trail the Rockwall hiked We Alberta. and scrambled National Park Kootenay a couple of easy peaks in the Banff- Canmore area. But, for me, the real turning point came when a friend and I participated in a week-long introduction Wapta to mountaineering course on the Icefield, located along the continental Yoho and on the border of Banff divide with (for those familiar National Parks Parkway, along the Icefields the drive Icefield can be found in the Wapta the and Lake mountains to the west of Bow This introduction lodge). Num-Ti-Jah and ice climbing skills and safe to snow me to get to the allowed glacier travel top of high peaks from which we viewed what appeared to be an endless landscape The physical of mountain wilderness. A xploring By Steve Patten By Steve E PHOTO: S. PATTEN PATTEN S. PHOTO: ll of us, regardless of where ll of us, regardless wilderness can value we live, protection as a means of Lyell 4’s North Ridge Route (as seen North Ridge 4’s Lyell 3) Lyell from A ensuring biodiversity, creating spaces ensuring biodiversity, and for threatened species to thrive, that protecting the health of watersheds are essential to life in distant towns and cities. But wild places also allow impact recreational for a range of low pursuits that do a lot to restore our bodies and souls to good individual combination of physicality The health. that and connection to our natural world while paddling, hiking is experienced and mountaineering is something I more than the material benefits value is significant. Ski touring and ski mountaineering are, in many ways, a part of general mountaineering. What is unique and particularly significant about these mountain pursuits is that they require added training in avalanche safety and rescue. As I took courses in all these disciplines the mountain wilderness opened up to me. I am not a high- end climber and I do not tackle the most challenging routes and peaks of Alberta’s Rockies. But, as an increasingly experienced novice mountaineer, I have had opportunities to participate in a wide range of mountain adventures. Not all of these adventures involve travel to the most remote of Rockies locations. Many enjoyable days have involved ascending recognizable peaks along the highway between Banff and Jasper. I have scrambled near and near the . Rock climbing has allowed me to summit and near Banff, as well as the recognizable between Banff and Lake Louise. Mountaineering excursions have included Mount

F Athabasca at the Columbia Icefield, ea Mount Victoria at the back of Lake t ures Louise, and a number of the peaks beyond in the (those are the peaks featured on the old $20 bill). More recently, ski touring has taken me back to the , deep into Jasper’s Tonquin Valley, as well as “earning some turns” on Bow Summit just off the Icefields Parkway in Banff. Lyell 5’s North Ridge Route (as seen from Lyell 4) PHOTO: S. PATTEN WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18, But my more significant mountain wilderness experiences have involved allows those with experience to escape screws replace technical rock gear, there traveling to areas that I did not the crowds of hiking trails and ascend are sufficient similarities between the even know existed until I took up seldom-visited mountain ridges and sports that combining rock climbing and mountaineering. Each year, a close friend peaks. What differentiates rock climbing ice climbing allows enthusiastic climbers and I participate in at least one multi- from scrambling is that the pitch is steep to experience the mountains year round. day trip with a professional mountain enough that hands are used to support Alpine climbing, or general guide. This is not inexpensive wilderness the climber’s weight and make progress, mountaineering, is more difficult to recreation but it allows a pair of novice

No. 3 rather than merely provide balance. Due define precisely. Alpine mountaineers mountaineers to travel to wilderness to the steepness of the ridges and cliffs frequently aim to ascend the larger and locations that would otherwise be ascended by rock climbers, specialized more remote mountains. Their excursions inaccessible. Some of these trips have ropes and technical gear are essential often require glacier travel, scrambling, taken us west into British Columbia, but to “catch” a climber’s fall and prevent and technical climbing on rock, ice, and never beyond driving distance. A few 8 serious injury or death. snow. While the typical alpine climbing years ago we spent a week alpine rock In winter, many rock climbers ascend experience will not require the high end climbing on the world famous granite frozen waterfalls and ice that builds climbing proficiency associated with the spires of B.C.’s Bugaboo Provincial up as a result of seepages on mountain toughest rock or waterfall ice climbs, Park. On a pair of visits to the region cliffs. While technical ice climbing axes the range of skills and safety knowledge that included B.C.’s Clemenceau Icefield replace the climbers’ hands, and ice required by the general mountaineer and Alberta’s Columbia Icefield I have WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,No. 3 Features 9 As we descended the reasonably the reasonably As we descended come to years I have the Over Steve Patten lives with his partner Patten Steve and their two kids in Edmonton political science he teaches where Alberta. of at the University easy, but the high consequence terrain terrain consequence the high but easy, and attention for considerable called to no time moreover, There was, focus. the hours summit ridge as pause on the that knew quickly and we were passing 5 Lyell north ridge of the challenging Peak) lay ahead. (Christian 4, the of Lyell south ridge mellow and 5 were breathtaking of Lyell views The more than a little intimidating. the shows photograph accompanying The 5. Lyell on route ridge north aesthetic would peak of the day ascent of this final series of steep snow climbing a involve with stretches and ice ramps, interspersed although our energy of rock. Fortunately, we summited in good time, fading, was and began the ritual handshakes, enjoyed south the snowy to plunge-step down 5 to the upper icefield of Lyell face at roughly arrived We camp. towards 7:30 p.m. (15 hours after our morning and quickly on dinner, departure), gorged of our into the warmth made our way an amazing day on sleeping bags. It was people remote mountain peaks that few an opportunity to see, let alone to have our middle-aged bodies were But climb. to drained and we had insufficient energy of this reflect on and discuss the privilege were asleep We wilderness experience. within moments. through the feeling of moving love The feel of my hands the mountains. on rock, the increase in my heart rate while ascending a steep slope, and the – it revives breathtaking mountain views The me healthy. my soul and keeps directly of drinking water experiences sharing a mountainside from a glacier, with bighorn sheep and mountain goats, a mother grizzly and her or watching cubs forage for food on a remote ridge, in a connect you with the natural world recreational pursuits can. that few way ascending and exploring My experiences been the mountain wilderness have personally fulfilling, while also inspiring a deep commitment to protecting wild places. Alberta’s PHOTO: S. PATTEN S. PATTEN PHOTO: But the more significant climbing as we steady, but slow, was Travel The traverse to Lyell 2 was uneventful uneventful 2 was to Lyell The traverse peak of the day. peak of the day. 3 we challenges lay ahead. From Lyell the north ridge route to could observe The Peak). 4 (Walter the top of Lyell a long photograph shows accompanying ridge rising up from the fin-shaped snow that Above 3 and 4. col between Lyell rock step, and then a is a short, snowy angle – series of lower much longer – but fins and corniced ridges knife-edge snow The east face. peak’s the overhanging final summit ridge is a 200-metre stretch and catwalks undulating, snow of narrow, I must admit to some rock towers. icy trepidation at the sight of this peak. the surprisingly firm out onto moved fins and climbed through the rock snow step on the front points of our crampons. relatively climbing was that, the Above at the steep snowfield below Lyell 1 below steep snowfield at the As is the Peak). Rudolph as known (also Peak) and 2 (Edward Lyell case with 1 is a very 3 (Ernest Peak), Lyell Lyell little With climb. snow straightforward steps to a and kicked walked we effort spectacular that afforded gentle summit to the Columbia Icefield of the views to the south. Forbes northwest and Mount steps up the and we were soon kicking Some 3. of Lyell steeper slopes somewhat as we crossed a snow care had to be taken (where the the bergschrund bridge over from the alpine ice) glacial ice pulls away crevasses. of large and skirted a couple were on the summit, But, by 9:00 a.m. we of the morning warmth the enjoying that we had sun and celebrating the fact already summited our third 3,350 metre Our primary mountaineering One particularly memorable One particularly Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks from Mount Temple Temple Mount from Peaks Ten of the Valley and the Lake Moraine of the B.C. – Alberta border and the of the B.C. – Once National Park. boundary of Banff the helicopter departed, we set up camp basin that protected us from in a shallow cover the winds and featured both snow for setting up our tents and a small rocky area for cooking. of the a traverse involved objective While each of the five Lyell peaks. five more than 3,350 metres summits towers the cols (or passes) that sea level, above enough that, in separate them are shallow can be climbed in all five good weather, The day we set out to climb one long day. with breakfast commenced the Lyells were roped We shortly before 3:00 a.m. up and on the glacier by 3:30 a.m. Our and a half hour with a two route began trek across the glacier lying to the west of peaks. By 6:00 a.m. we arrived the five ockies highest of the Rockies some climbed Edward. and King Tsar peaks---Tusk, a visit to the Lyell involved experience edge on the western Icefield, located directly west Park, National of Banff (where the Crossing of Saskatchewan intersects Thompson highway David the As is Parkway). with the Icefields attractive of the most case with many access is difficult. wilderness locations, approached our destination from We kilometres on 80 the west, driving at until we arrived forest service roads This Brook. of Icefall the headwaters features large magnificent location the 610-metre cascading off waterfalls we met There Canyon. of Icefall cliffs a helicopter that took us to a drop point on the edge of the Icefield just west My lungs start to burn with a with My lungs start to burn Around me the sub-alpine seems usually When I go outdoors I don’t before. We seek encounters, as I did We before. which are not on my Pine Creek hike, rather are familiar but strange and novel of us outdoor and comforting. Most the sense of comfort enthusiasts love things we associate with experiencing an important part of our been that have memories perhaps since the earliest lives, but of our childhood. Seeking novelty, in the security and comfort also reveling is a good impetus for of the familiar, the concrete and beyond venturing of us see asphalt surroundings many us to the What else attracts daily. great outdoors? noticeable searing sensation. My legs scream: “Stop this punishment; we The seat on my more!” any cannot take starts to feel mountain bike old faithful dull knife. It is the edge of a very like on the early June and the winter gate still 40, is Highway Trail, Kananaskis That This is a great opportunity. closed. and day it is just me, my mountain bike my trusty backpack – labouring up the the Highwood inclined “trail” towards is a weekday so there are no other It Pass. There humans in the immediate vicinity. the road is are no cars or motorcycles; closed to all motorized traffic until June 15th. The only sounds that to be slumbering. break the silence are the steady hum and the tires on pavement of bicycle The feeling of occasional calls of birds. There is time to waste, peace is sublime. the mind to muse on thoughts to allow that our daily grind often pushes to the There is only background, unexamined. one irritating interruption – the annoying, propel as they ache in my legs growing steadily upwards. the bike to be physically just stand around. I like hiking, climbing, snowshoeing, active: and occasionally paddling. Being cycling automatically out in the natural world encourages me to look around the next here T ut O et :” G PHOTO: J. MILLEN PHOTO: eing The April sun warms my shoulders April sun warms The people go outdoors expecting, Many and comfort – much of the Familiarity “B Stepping carefully across the across Stepping carefully table or roulette wheel for hours and Am I addicted to these rare thrills? hours. habit-forming? If so, Is the outdoor world it is a habit or addiction I am happy to have. and back and a soft spring breeze I am doing a simple, caresses my face. nine-kilometre a hike: straightforward in the Trail loop around the Pine Creek Area near Calgary. Cross Conservation grass crackles The brittle, winter-beaten under my boots; the sound contrasts crunch sharply with the all-too-familiar at minus 25 and squeak of snow – the sound I had been hearing degrees surprisingly A robin’s since December. welcome song drifts up from the creek Cheer-up.” Cheer-up, “Cheer-up, valley: I decide I will; I do. some sort to have at least occasionally, But what might we expect of adventure. about the other ninety-eight percent of the time? benefit of being out in the wilderness is sights, sounds, experience to once again experienced and other sensations we have on houghts By Paul Sutherland, AWA Hikes, Tours, and Talks Coordinator Talks and Tours, Hikes, AWA Sutherland, By Paul T

n the wall of my home office of n the wall strategically hideaway, is a level, positioned at eye

Okay, so I like to spend time outside I like so Okay, We a whooping crane!” “Look, it’s times do many Only a pelican! How In the outdoors, especially the wild O framed copy of a PowerPoint-generated of a PowerPoint-generated framed copy of a campsite. Under the drawing Out is a command: “Get drawing we all need an extra There!” Sometimes get out and do the to bit of motivation often put off too but things we enjoy, for a more opportune time, a nicer day, or “when I’m feeling more energetic.” being outside I love I am no different; up quite work sometimes I cannot but My framed the will to “get out there.” reminder helps a lot. the outdoors too must enjoy You – why? Answering lately? why you asked – have that question can be difficult; I don’t it an honest really given ever think I have try to correct that This article will try. longstanding oversight. in west-central Saskatchewan, are driving of the upper descending into the valley That big white bird Qu’Appelle River. flies as certainly has our attention; gravel wheels calipers grip discs and the car’s are squeezed to a reluctant stop. Hands fly to binoculars; optical lenses are one of “Oh,” eyeballs. jammed against a pelican.” only us said, “it’s most of us see a pelican in its natural Certainly most of us don’t environment? week, nor every day, see one every seeing a Yes, year. nor probably every been excitement have “whooper” would But seeing that of the highest order. in also a thrill and we reveled pelican was our sighting. They await. kind, thrilling discoveries just often routinely but happen don’t most of us motivated enough to keep looking and listening out there. to keep “Intermittent reinforcement” is the term I learned in introductory psychology – I of a the same expectation experience at the poker a gambler bonanza that keeps

Features WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,

No. 3 10 WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,No. 3 Features 11

Enjoyment of the outdoors is Enjoyment There are many other reasons AWA AWA other reasons There are many the

from some increased exposure to those exposure from some increased example, the outdoors. For who love of contains a number this province areas, and natural ecological reserves a number which face such as Rumsey, by are under-appreciated of threats, but why This summer, most of the citizenry. to seek out at least an effort not make one of these natural jewels? something we all share. It is probably the most important reason people join I think I can add Therefore, AWA. the I spend time in one more reason why of being the outdoor wilderness: the joy that, at least in and knowing involved I can influence others some small way, Thanks for reading to do likewise. this article; I hope you will be one of them. and environmental communities are and environmental enough to marginalized not sensitive Canadians and do not appreciate the of support the disabled could reservoir campaigns. bring to conservation “these people” should try to involve and movement in the conservation of these Many recreational activities. visitor impact on low citizens will have can our natural areas. Furthermore, they nto I hem T

elcome : W : ommunity So, if you have not been out in the So, if you have Let me begin, though, with a different though, with a different Let me begin, C me. Does it end when I put the bike back I put the bike me. Does it end when to other forms on the car or can it lead I Well, experience? and of involvement – communicating am writing this article my thoughts and feelings is one way other to inform, and hopefully involve, It people who may share my views. I am an active enriches the experience. and, as the Hikes, AWA member of the I try to Coordinator, Talks and Tours that will programs and activities organize encourage other people to inform and about all things wild. educate themselves not make why much lately, natural world to visit a local area set effort that extra place (if undeveloped aside as a relatively I will send you my PowerPoint you like of us though many poster…)? Even more and better protection for wild want Alberta, such areas are out places in the radar screen” in our there, “below These areas could benefit awareness. pressed to include our disabled citizens I heard the question: “What do these have from us?” Here are some people want ideas to consider. question: what should conservationists from the disabled community? want Simply put, their support – individuals to nature are much who are exposed to become defenders of more likely the conservation nature. Unfortunately, itizens C : M. McKEE PHOTO isabled onservation C By Ross W. Wein By Ross W. D ave you ever heard people you ever ave see disabled seldom say “We people on the trails, so we do What did I learn from my day trip to that being it is obvious I hope by now The Disabled and Conservation: An The Disabled and Conservation: Resource Underappreciated H Hiking In Waterton National Park Hiking In Waterton that ridge right corner or peek over to satisfy that in front of me. In order my to move curiosity I usually have After to another. body from one location my body responds enough of this activity with that feeling of well-being – the release of endorphins – we associate with that fitness. It is a great feeling to know do what you are doing will prepare you to month, week, next more of the same next be some There might even year. or next long-term health benefits from all this outdoor activity! really Although I don’t Pass? Highwood feel the need to identify another reason being out for being outdoors I know there feeds and sustains both body and cannot discount the physical You soul. on and mental well-being nature bestows her. out to engage those who venture in the outdoors means a great deal to not need to worry about accessibility.” about accessibility.” not need to worry Other comments are just as self-fulfilling; and cognitive citizens with physical few areas or challenges visit conservation because wilderness experiences enjoy When the impediments are too great. Seasons All Four Location and availability of Location and availability Features of interest in the region Access to the parking area and possible within the Activities Accessibility of the main site Accessible features of bedrooms, Communication systems available Safety standards Qualifications and sensitivity Costs The internet is excellent if sufficient if sufficient The internet is excellent • • • • • • • • • • is Of these, accessibility to facilities needs; without careful planning the trip the careful planning without needs; Even or worse. money of a waste can be indicate that the if the advertisements does not is accessible, this natural area information an all of the deliver always disabled visitor The needs. individual details than the able- more needs many facilities because older bodied person for able-bodied were designed largely persons. and audio, in text, information is given the potential image forms. Basically that the degree to know visitor wants been have accesssiblility standards points to are a few implemented. Here area website include on the conservation for each of the seasons: public transportation that are accessible trail heads area conservation and buildings dining areas, bath rooms of on-site staff probably the most important issue and Cost is probably the second most barrier. important issue. People with a disability come from all types of backgrounds for is saving frequently the family but high have future needs and their families especially when day-to-day expenses, potential visitors with Many travelling. a disability require medical attendants, members, or friends to accompany family persons may need additional These them. This list does not end accommodations. – animal companions are with caregivers accepted as necessary for quality now while travelling. experiences Think of There is no perfect time for disabled areas persons to visit conservation because each season brings different and challenges. Much of experiences area the literature and conservation are oriented to summer experiences This is generally the holiday activities. R. WEIN : PHOTO There are many social, cultural, There are many If people with challenges visit increasingly irrelevant to a significant increasingly irrelevant Alberta society. of segment persons and economic reasons why from the with challenges are excluded example, For community. conservation it is estimated that there are 53,000 Albertans (2.3 percent of the population) over with significant vision loss (most some 65 years of age); 90 percent have are these citizens welcomed? sight. How is that 75 percent of this Another fact Unemployed population is unemployed. from many citizens are excluded including visits to conservation activities areas because transportation and other costs put such outings beyond All citizens with their financial reach. similar impediments. challenges face areas, what information conservation need to plan their trip and to do they their visit safe, pleasant, and make if the need to know They informative? and other resources meet their facilities Tay Hanson of B. C. Parks helped Tay enjoy an outing at Mount Danny Wein Assiniboine with transport in a luggage for too rugged cart because trails were wheelchair. Danny’s Here are some useful ballpark • – 600,000 Caregivers • Disabled Citizens – 350,000 • Seniors – 350,000 (Some seniors be an inspiration to many Canadians. Canadians. to many inspiration be an of manager the blind Watson, Ross Lodge in Kananaskis, Watson William story (see the next climbs mountains of the Advocate); Diane in this issue member of a legally-blind Bergeron, the Status Council on the Premier’s with Disabilities, recently of Persons are often These activities sky-dived. as ones where seen by the able-bodied challenges but the disabled overcome important to there are other dimensions challenges, those with For conservation. sense a wild sports deliver these extreme connection of freedom and a meaningful on and drawing to nature. By relying are senses, they their “compensating” that are in ways able to interpret nature to the rest of us. refreshing and valuable educate us to “see” nature in can They ways. new Barriers to Participation Annual Do you remember if the last General Meeting of your favourite of universal held in a facility society was design? Do you remember seeing visible minorities and other marginalized many Canadians at the meeting? How and wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, other aids replaced chairs at that event? If those in sign language available? Was attendance mirrored the percentages of Albertans with disabilities you should to see between 10 and 15 expected have percent of attendees to be challenged. That is the range for the disabled of nearly 3.7 population in this province million people. figures for estimating the significance Alberta. of the disabled community in this list adds to more than Obviously the 10 to 15 percent so there is overlap between the groups. mean to suggest fit so I don’t are very here that the label “disabled” applies strictly to this group. But mobility/vision difficulties are more significant among this group than among other elements of the population.) If these seniors, disabled citizens and those who care for them (note here) are to politicians - read voters not represented in the conservation of the efforts then movement, societies will become conservation

Features WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,

No. 3 12 WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,No. 3 Features 13 R. WEIN : PHOTO Innovative leaders and staff who are leaders and staff Innovative providing equipment for persons who providing assistance in their home need physical and in the the urban environment. This equipment has limitations for and use The development outdoor use. of specialized outdoor equipment is and will bring back visitors exciting and parts Emergency year after year. tools are especially important because Back-up repair shops may not be nearby. areas at conservation equipment provided could include wheelchairs with wide soft terrain, accessible wheels to navigate canoes and boats, electric golf carts, and bicycles/tricycles. to the needs of disabled persons sensitive resources at a conservation are valuable practical decisions can make area; they or save unique experiences that provide Three the day if equipment breaks. from personal experience examples with equipment pop to mind. First, wheel chair seat was a quadraplegic necessary for a person to experience The leaders found a a sea kayak trip. of wedging the special seat into the way craft and a great afternoon experience resulted. In another case, a folding wheelchair could not be pulled and A mountain trails. rough pushed over cart and aluminum luggage two-wheeled the day camp furniture cushions saved British Columbia Assiniboine on Mount photograph). (see the accompanying to lash together was Another example canoes with a wheelchair platform two My wheelchair-bound with tie-downs. to across a lake travel son experienced R. WEIN Special equipment can meet many of Special equipment can meet many A TrailRider pulled and pushed by six friends gave a disabled person an opportunity to gave a disabled person an opportunity pulled and pushed by six friends TrailRider A Country. in Kananaskis of enjoy the rugged trails entranceways or special transporting entranceways access equipment is needed. Universal solution. and trails is the key to facilities from the This means ease of movement parking lot and sheltered entranceways. accessibility demands buildings, For adequate ramps, automatic door openers, trails, For and wide doors and hallways. access means more removal universal of impediments and more specialized equipment than for urban areas. In Alberta, particular concerns include and ice, sand and snow over movement mud, and puddles of water. a greater these challenges and provide range of opportunities for our disabled year- areas conservation access to citizens round. Commercial medical rehabilitation dedicated to enterprises are largely : PHOTO Winter is challenging because low low is challenging because Winter to natural areas travel Winter Lake Gloria at the foot of Lake Gloria at the foot of Mount period of primary and secondary and secondary of primary period and ivy, poison Mosquitoes, students. serious summer itch may be a swimmer’s who do not have for people annoyance away mobility to brush insects sufficient other annoyances. or to avoid for those time of year can be a special are no because there with challenges first frost. biting flies after the of activities temperatures may curtail mobility and with limited individuals in their with poor blood circulation mean temperatures Low extremities. to have clothing and the need extra is well Winter easy access to shelter. of isolation in recognized as the period it follows and the urban environment that this is the most important time of the the quality-of-life of the year to improve disabled by getting outdoors. In winter, greater isolation as the days there is even especially from October to get shorter, from when people may suffer December, the “blues” or the more serious Seasonal The Christmas Disorder. Affective holiday period in the early winter may be when isolation and depression can be at their greatest. It seems reasonable that community should make the conservation opportunities for those with challenges This nature in the winter. to experience conjures up pictures of roasting turkeys for Christmas dinners in a quinzee! not?” “Why say, Disabled persons would demands some other considerations and and When those with physical measures. challenges visit conservation cognitive and ice must be cleared areas, snow from parking lots, paths, ramps, and Denied the opportunities these more In May 2001, almost one year to This paper is dedicated to the memory is dedicated to the This paper who (1946-2010) of Gary McPherson we should to all of us that demonstrated than disability. focus on ability rather Emeritus, is Professor Ross Wein and President, Alberta University of Lodges Society Abilities Alberta that his blindness meant that, a personal that his blindness meant that, a personal ambition such as climbing, could not be he that time I accepted it,” realized. “At and said, “because you hit a brick wall seven For it.” That’s away. you walk his ambition to climb in a years he kept years, Then, during his university drawer. He phoned a climbing he tried again. told that, school in Colorado and was while the instructors had no problems with a blind person, the school working felt that perhaps its “normal” clients who had paid a hefty fee for the course would Ross had hit a brick wall. Again, object. him offered have formal routes would Ross only took his first hiking and to the climbing steps when he moved There he found like-minded, mountains. open-minded, souls who did not view fatal to his blindness, by definition, as him what clubs offered They ambitions. and schools had not to that point in time – opportunity. the day after Ross and his team stood American Eric the atop Mount Logan, the first blind became Weihenmayer person to reach the summit of Mount triumph spoke Weihenmayer’s Everest. emphatically to the importance of “When he (Weihenmayer) opportunity. oss told me, “he went to a R sixteen,” was a mandatory school where climbing was members that disabled persons can do can persons that disabled members from a little help – with anything almost their friends. essage M atson W oss R he T : But the most important omission why Ross corrected me when I asked I hope these ideas and observations observations I hope these ideas and What looks comfortable to the untrained What looks comfortable to the untrained depicts circumstances where actually eye from climbers could suffer heat exhaustion. concerns the second climber in the Watson, trio. He is blind. He is Ross Lodge Watson William manager of the in and a Cochrane Another Ross, the author councilor. town article in this issue of of the previous special the Advocate, calls him a “very with Ross over When I sat down person.” tarts in Cochrane it and lindsey coffee complimented Wein Ross clear why was him so. Walls to Rock Walls Brick From A pellet gun accident robbed Ross of when he was the sight in his right eye ten years old; complications from that years accident left him totally blind two The practice then, as told on Ross’s later. to was website (rosswatsonspeaker.com), send blind children to residential schools. At Vancouver. So Ross left Calmar for the age of sixteen one of the school’s supervisors encouraged Ross to enroll in He tried; the club turned a climbing club. him down. He, he refused to accept that verdict. a teenager and a young when he was adult, did accept it; he accepted the belief Opportunities Society established by Sam established Society Opportunities Vancouver, mayor of former Sullivan, These special Riders. Trail has produced disabled taken have “wheelbarrows” the mountains in British persons to America. and across North Columbia trips up Mount include Extreme events Everest and to the Mount Kilimanjaro say: citizens would Base Camp. Disabled go.” “Let’s AWA among will foster the belief mbition A

lind B By Ian Urquhart

his story begins with a picture. his story begins The photograph is of three mountaineers, roped together,

This picture falls far short of telling far This picture falls It also does not disclose that, during

What could Alberta Wilderness Wilderness Alberta What could T Every Picture Does Not Tell the Tell Does Not Picture Every Whole Story who are deliberately, methodically, methodically, who are deliberately, slope of hard- up a their way working Brilliant sunshine bathes snow. packed their ascent. From the photograph it are ascending must appears the slope they be in the neighbourhood of 45 degrees; and ski poles are used to steady ice axes the climbers and assist them up the steep incline. It does not reveal the whole story. goal – the west summit the climbers’ highest Canada’s of Mount Logan, feet (5,959 metres) At 19,551 mountain. of Kluane National is the crown Logan only Yukon; in the southwestern Park (or Denali, McKinley Mount Alaska’s Athabaskan in the “the Great One,” America. language) is higher in North the 19 days in May 2000 this climbing team took to reach the summit, the by 60 kilometre climbers were buffeted per hour winds and endured overnight temperatures of minus 35 degrees Celsius. Nor does the photograph tell you pleasant as I thought it that, as relatively be to climb in brilliant sunshine, would climbers actually cook in that sunshine. view a waterfowl nesting area for the first for the nesting area a waterfowl view accident. since his motorcycle time more members do to get Association Many out into nature? disabled citizens equipment. lie in adaptive of the solutions the rugged the terrain, the more Basically, needed. equipment is more specialized unit Let me suggest a transportation persons to see that will enable disabled many Alberta. For the remote areas of Mobility years the British Columbia

Features WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,

No. 3 14 WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,No. 3 Features 15 He also argued that, in my words – in my words that, He also argued all too well, as the Ross knows back to an This situation harkens oss’s words, “for the whole scope of scope “for the whole words, Ross’s lives.” their treat the outdoor recreation not his, we would many the disabled like interests of or in Edmonton beggar treat a homeless and even – with little sympathy Calgary “normal” Alberta subsidizes less coin. shouldn’t (why climbers and hikers to them, I more generous we be even financially we cater how given wonder, Alberta). His message to petroleum in than though is less confrontational equality between mine. He just wants majority of the “normal” – the vast and campers we see in climbers hikers, disabled. He just the outdoors – and the remarks such as “isn’t to silence wants it nice that we are doing this for the disabled” when a special commitment to the disabled is made or a subsidized Lodge Watson William such as facility Thirteen percent of our fellow is created. disabilities. Alberta have citizens in near thirteen percent of Is anywhere to meeting spending devoted provincial When the needs of that community? it comes to accessibility to outdoor do we do enough? environments in Canada Alberta – all governments more than enough for that matter – have those environments information to make and accessible; sadly those governments those who elect them just do not arguably the heart to respect those needs. have Lodge, Watson William manager of great the demand is for the just how to the disabled services the lodge offers are, to put it mildly, They and seniors. When it comes to oversubscribed. booking accommodation at the lodge is the entire facility August for July and within the first three completely booked accept telephone reservations. hours they months – June and September are slower completely until is not booked the facility may the end of the first day reservations be made. could – government earlier observation certainly do more. But, on this issue, No Alberta is a leader among laggards. William like has a facility other province lead the country when We Lodge. Watson this type of facility it comes to providing for the disabled and the success of the lodge fuels the interest in and demand for suggested that a second one. Some have be a strong candidate for would Lakeland He tells me that, when it comes When we talk more generally about recreation and parks to comes it When produce something we all should seek – a should seek we all something produce and self-worth of self-achievement sense us for long periods able to sustain of time. Teacher? teaches modest to claim he Ross is too me like climbers or people either other Underline through his alpine experiences. Especially on longer “too modest.” his fellow some of climbing adventures start to suggested they climbers have when they differently “see” the mountain he offers, start,” climb with Ross. “They His I do.” the same thing “to experience as a power great sight’s underline words our surroundings. means of interpreting or displaces As such it often overwhelms our other senses and the emotions, reactions and thoughts those senses inspire. “If you are around a person blind for a long length of time that’s that on the mountain it isn’t when you’re is happening to you it’s something new just that you actually close your eyes what I think. I and think about it…That’s think that vision, in essence, becomes this the other medium that overrides powerful not there, it’s emotions…not that they’re them.” just that it overrides to wilderness, we must “feel it, touch it” in order to get the maximum possible. He strengthens his experience some park point by talking about how people interpretation programs will take that should give hikes out on night hikes, understanding of different them a very in well very know may they landscape the more to Mother There is far the daylight. Nature than our customary sensory patterns of interacting with Her tell us. creating opportunities for disabled people to get into nature for recreation, a his intimately given subject Ross knows William managerial responsibilities at social justice themes Lodge, Watson (justice with respect to subjects such as loom large. opportunities and privileges) much to teach us have his words Again, on our behalf. and those who govern static, a very me we have he convinced on as opposed to dynamic, perspective we imagine the public and what we how need We the citizenry. consequently offer not just for everyone, facilities to build able-bodied thirty-something fellows them, in with rippling biceps, and build Obviously, Ross cannot share the Obviously, and knowledge of This amalgam Social attitudes and the policies and and the policies Social attitudes A Different View From the Top the From View A Different was I took with my father The last hike Selkirk Ranges of B.C.’s Valhalla in the from our camp The view Mountains. To exceptional. was at Gwillim Lakes Gimli, Asgard, the southeast loomed and the other peaks of the Midgard the north were Lucifer To Range. Devil’s the south a carpet of smaller To and Bor. mountains stretched uninterrupted to the end of the horizon. Undoubtedly some or to high elevations to hike are drawn climb mountains because of the “view allow. from the top” those excursions That, and the opportunity to be together Dad and I why in the outdoors, was Valhallas. chose to go to the then, climb at Why, we enjoyed. view all? Remoteness is part of his answer. on a mountain Through his hard work other he stands where few Ross knows experience that feels he have; ever people combination of knowledge That also. and feeling creates a personal, powerful “It is an innate sense of achievement. and visceral feeling of being out in the wilderness that you really only hard to be worked when you have gain there… It really becomes something very spiritual.” visceral, very feeling, most importantly perhaps, is not words carefully fleeting. Choosing his create a feeling “They Ross explained: just last a minute. It actually that doesn’t does something for you that you can call The high on in other times of your life… you across the points in your life… take long stretches of… disappointing times.” to Climbing is one route Ross takes part of the curriculum. When I was was When I the curriculum. part of the opportunity.... denied I was sixteen there is opportunity. message The key blind mountain the opportunity Given rare.” not be climbers would may transform inspire practices they in too often into rock walls; brick walls reinforced have they our past, however, point that them. Ross and I agree on the to go when it Canada has a long way disabled the same the comes to offering other groups recreational opportunities seen “I have But he is optimistic: receive. in society for the better shift a marked it there but not We’re and government. not mean that we’re doesn’t going there.” William Watson Lodge North. Is it too ten highest mountains in the Canadian metres Assiniboine is regarded widely much to hope for that our government Rockies. Logistical problems and bad as the “Matterhorn of the Rockies.” I might regard it as imperative to act on weather have frustrated three previous wish Ross and his fellow climbers the this interest and demand? attempts to scale . And, very best in this summer’s attempt on to avoid a dangerous nighttime descent, Assiniboine. As I imagine him on the Looking Ahead his party turned back from a push to the top of the summit near the end of July I Having been too often disappointed in summit of Mount Temple when it was hear him saying the words he said to me the past by our provincial government I within their reach. The last week of July over coffee and lindsey tarts at his dining prefer to look ahead and anticipate more will see Ross and three other climbers room table: “This makes everything likely outcomes. This summer will see leave the relative comfort of the Hind Hut worthwhile…and you are willing to take Ross headed back to climb the peaks before dawn to try to reach the summit on more.” he loves. His ambition is to climb the of Mount Assiniboine. At just over 3,600

North America’s Original Frequent Fliers By Cleve Wershler

o celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, April 22, 2010, T the American Consulate hosted a video conference for several centres across Canada, including Calgary, to view a power point presentation on migratory birds entitled Bird Migration Flyways F ea Across North America by Dr. Gary t ures A “grain” of sanderlings. The sanderling is a complete migrant that breeds in the High Langham, Director of Bird Conservation, Arctic. It travels between 3,000 and 10,000 kilometres from those breeding grounds to Audubon California. Participants its wintering grounds. PHOTO: C. WALLIS included representatives from a variety of interest groups. I attended on behalf this biannual journey, one fraught with the boreal forest for more southerly areas of AWA. A discussion followed the high-energy cost and risk of mortality, when a major food item becomes scarce. presentation with participants invited to are driven by the need for food Among the variety of methods ask questions and share observations. and reproduction. researchers employ to study bird The following is a summary of the Three basic migration strategies exist migration are banding programs, radar, presentation as well as related for North American birds. Complete and radio-telemetry. An additional source WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18, interesting information. migration involves all individuals of information that has grown immensely Bird migration is an ideal symbol leaving the breeding grounds after since 1900 is citizen science – bird counts for Earth Day since birds are familiar the young have grown. Most of these by amateur observers. to so many of us, they are indicators species breed in north temperate The routes of migrating birds in of environmental health, and their climes and many (for example, the North America can be divided into four predictable long distance flights provide stilt sandpiper) travel incredibly long generalized flyways—the Atlantic, an important link across numerous distances between breeding and non- Mississippi, Central and Pacific. While countries and jurisdictions in breeding habitats. Partial migration these flyways tend to be oriented north- the Americas. involves seasonal movement of some, south and follow major topographic No. 3 Migration is related primarily to the but not all, individuals of a species (for features such as coastlines, their scarcity and abundance of food and is example, the red-tailed hawk) away boundaries are often poorly defined. In typically triggered by day length and from a breeding area and there is some the Panama region, portions of all four weather. A classic example of this is the overlap between breeding and non- flyways merge into one. 16 extreme fluctuation in food associated breeding areas. Irruptive migration is not The diversity of bird species displays with seasonal productivity in the northern seasonally or geographically predictable astonishing variability in distance part of our continent – most bird species and the numbers of migrants and the covered during migration and in the time flee this region when food is scarce in distances they travel also vary. Included taken to complete it. Speeds vary from 15 winter, only to return to feast during in this category are food specialists (for to 23 km/hr for blackpoll warblers to 28 the extraordinary peak in insect life in example, white-winged crossbills that to 50 km/hr for common loons. Several summer. The numerous species that make depend on cone crops) that depart hummingbird species fly Association News WLAWLA JuneJune 20102010 •• Vol.Vol. 18,18,No. No. 33 17 An estimated five billion birds – 30 birds billion five An estimated bird One of the challenges in effective It was a highly successful day blessed It was and happy by great weather and very individual generous people. Energetic fundraisers plus generous corporate sponsors generated more than $119,000 The Climb for wilderness conservation. has raised nearly Wilderness and Run for $1.5 million for wilderness conservation years. the last 19 over Cleve Wershler is the owner of is the owner of Wershler Cleve Consultants and a long-time Sweetgrass . supporter of AWA boreal breeding habitat. breeding boreal our land birds, 40 percent percent of 30 percent of and of our waterfowl, boreal – migrate to the our shorebirds to Alaska and of Canada forest region with declines in This, combined nest. has been species and loss of habitats, formation of the instrumental in the a non-profit Boreal Songbird Initiative, education and outreach to dedicated effort the boreal forest on the importance of birds, other America’s to North region environment. wildlife, and the global programs of international Other examples of dedicated to the conservation in Partners migratory birds include Areas of Bird Flight and Important Americas. the to engage is how and habitat conservation the public and broaden the audience and support for these programs. Involving component in the youth will be a key success of future strategies. 2010 erness d il W or f

un We believe this is the best Earth Day believe We The major threats to migratory The major threats to R element plus a serious opportunity to test this an combine to make athleticism one’s Earth Day event. exceptional This year we in western Canada. event attracted more than 1,500 individual entertainers and participants, volunteers, away came from as far guests. Participants B. C. Vancouver, Florida to Tampa, as migration is how birds navigate. Diurnal Diurnal birds navigate. is how migration and of prey birds including migrants, including nocturnal migrants, cranes, and and variety utilize a wide most songbirds, of techniques, including combinations among spatial relationships sun position, on odours carried star constellations, fields and internal the wind, magnetic While the sun is an important compasses. nocturnal even cue for diurnal migrants at off of which take migrants, many the sun twilight, appear to use for navigation. loss birds are related to habitat migratory and (including breeding, change. wintering habitat) and must address programs Conservation habitat and this all aspects of a species’ requires international cooperation. It is migratory species that many noteworthy that breed in Canada spend a greater part of the year in other countries. For a number of the colourful wood example, spend we treasure as our own warblers more than twice as much time in their tropical wintering habitat than in their d an

b lim

C Executive Director AWA By Christyann Olson, ALBERTA WILDERNESS ASSOCIATION WILDERNESS ALBERTA AWA’s annual Climb and Run for AWA’s

Sufficient fuel, in the form of body Sufficient fuel, in the Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of WILDERNESS Wilderness held at the Calgary Tower is Tower held at the Calgary Wilderness to increasing devoted a signature event of wilderness, wildlife public awareness This Alberta. issues in and wild water combines learning opportunities, event 802 Tower’s athletic challenges (the AWA. stairs!), and fundraising for This year our participants ranged in focus, a A family to 93! age from two corporate challenge, a simply “fun time”

500 km non-stop over the Gulf of the Gulf over non-stop 500 km warblers blackpoll Some Mexico. km from their Canadian fly 8,000 in to winter habitat breeding grounds includes America; their journey South flight. km of constant 88 hours/3,500 11,000 km more than Red knots cover range and Arctic breeding between their several winter range with Argentinian of The most famous feeding stopovers. Bay where birds these stops is Delaware on their on horseshoe crab eggs gorge to Canada. return journey especially for long-distance is critical, fat, their species double migrants. Many to migration. In the red prior body fat fluctuates from a high knot, body fat of the of 66 percent at the beginning of 3 percent at the end. to a low journey red knots must increase Bay, At Delaware by 60 percent weeks in two their body fat prior to completing their northward This illustrates the importance for flight. habitats of maintaining key conservation along migration routes. : D.OLSON PHOTO four from two different stations competed different four from two with each other and climbed the stairs in full gear with masks and tanks. Everyone impressed to see them out and was demonstrate their fitness and ability to year fires. Next against defend Calgarians I’m sure the challenge these eight made more firefighters out to even will have can better the mark established see if they in full Tower climbed the this year – they gear in less than 11 minutes! QuIC on the run erness The amazing diversity of individuals of individuals The amazing diversity d climbing ’s 802 stairs this year climbing the tower’s from highly trained included everyone and fit athletes to participants with handicaps who took on the challenge Those who help and made it to the top. with handicaps were there too, and two in hearing dogs were part of the crowd thrilled to are always We the stairwells. on the firefighters take see our Calgary teams of challenge, and this year two of excellence as they ran the stairs, as they of excellence and joined in the mingled in the crowds five ceremonies. Shell Canada’s awards QuIC with corporate teams provided competition. Shell Canada some healthy Wilderness’s is the Climb and Run for bringing to this event Platinum Sponsor, we do together to recognition of the work ensure the highest possible standards are met when operating in our wild spaces. corporate a new was Suncor Energy sponsor this year and continued the in the past from received support we have Petro-Canada. the race, she represented Planet Foods, the race, she represented Planet Foods, samples of Ultima and Honey providing Our Oldest Stingers throughout the event. 78 year old this year was Runner again She is a real inspiration Nessie Hollicky. to all of us (not least because her time more this year of 16 min., 44 sec. was than her than a minute faster time last year!). il W or f

hallenge hallenge C un C b R lim eam an b T C r : D. OLSON PHOTO e t U ual h d t 8 : D.OLSON PHOTO ivi d After five hours of repeated climbs After five Gord’s Running Store sponsors and Gord’s orpora he n Calgary firefighters at the start of their Calgary firefighters climb I C up the 802 stairs, the field was dominated up the 802 stairs, the field Pikas: the QuIC Technologies, by QuIC Alex Ammon Piepgrass, Chuck Herr, Cullingham combined Mike Tikhonov, their athletic abilities for an amazing A single climb involves 91 climbs. more than just the 802 stairs up; there the athletes is a short course that takes and through the mall outside the tower ascent. QuIC their next begin before they sponsor of the a new was Technologies this year and their four teams and event sponsorship were especially appreciated. Their red shirts, stood out as beacons T this run such a great event helps make our 8th annual run; This was each year. for 1 km then racers run at street level sprint up the 802 stairs of the tower. male the fastest Cuauhti Olguin was runner (9 min., 32 sec.) and Syl Corbett (9 min., female runner the fastest was snowshoe 52 sec.). Syl is Canada’s After running champion and more… And they are off! And they are

Association News WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,

No. 3 18 Association News WLAWLA JuneJune 20102010 •• Vol.Vol. 18,18,No. No. 33 19 s d war A

d The Team Spirit Award went to Award Spirit Team The Family Outstanding This year’s uy raised the most money ($1,000). What we ($1,000). raised the most money can learn from our children…Other top and teams were recognized at individuals ceremony. our awards Green Community Natural Foods’ Ligia Hernandez-Portal, Team: Trent. and Jackie Cam Harper, John Daly, Ailsa and went to Gord, Cathy, Award Gareth Hobbins for their tremendous They support of or event. family for climbed together as a family have numerous years, raising funds to work. AWA’s support G d war A ichar ANLINGAM . AMIRTH T R d emorial : PHOTO an

M t ALINGAM . AMIRTH T ar eale H : PHOTO N d ar Phyllis Hart Award for Most Climbs Senior 75 and over – Female: and over for Most Climbs Senior 75 Award Hart Phyllis to consolation prize given Louise Guy (91 years: 2 climbs), with a who also climbed twice after completing the race Nessie Hollicky earlier in the day. for Most Climbs Award Richard Guy – Male: Senior 75 and over Bob McPherson (80 years: 3 climbs) hyllis Each year we recognize outstanding category fundraisers and we added a new as we had our first babe in a this year, The winners this backpack raising funds. year are truly outstanding supporters. who raised funds Thanks to everyone and especially to these winners. David for the top the award received Hockey $2,700. He fundraiser over individual $2,865. Once again raised an impressive Sam, (Bill, Patti, family the Overend made a tremendous financial Alex) and were our They to the Climb. contribution and raised $6,050. top fundraising family claimed the distinction Hadden Abigail of being the “Babe in a Backpack” who Three generations on the stairs; Abigail and Heather Hadden and Christyann Olson generations on the stairs; Three made the climb together. Last year, in recognition of two incredible seniors who continue to inspire incredible seniors who continue two in recognition of Last year, on the special prizes for those who take two we began us year after year, challenge in their golden years. W Phyllis Hart with Louise Guy and Nessie Hollicky, incredible seniors inspiring all of us incredible Guy and Nessie Hollicky, Phyllis Hart with Louise to do more. P ALINGAM . AMIRTH T Youngest Climber: Youngest Naia Lee (2 years) Oldest Climber Female: Louise Guy (91 years) Oldest Climber Male: Richard Guy (93 years) Most Climbs Youth 14 and under Youth Most Climbs Female: Mahni Bruce (11 climbs) Most Climbs Youth 14 and under Youth Most Climbs Male: Gillis (16 climbs) Andrew Most Climbs Youth 15-18 Youth Most Climbs Female: (10 climbs) Sarah Farley Most Climbs Youth 15-18 Youth Most Climbs Male: climbs) Gareth Hadfield (23 Most Climbs Adult Most Climbs Female: (22 climbs) Redway Veronica Most Climbs Adult Most Climbs Male: (23 climbs) Eldon Karabonik Nic Ranicar (23 climbs) This year’s individual winners, winners, individual year’s This were: by age category, : PHOTO Sylvie Tran, Foothills Development Sylvie Tran, greetings Shell Canada brought Manager, Shell Canada from to the crowd our Platinum Sponsor.

ing t ion ain t i P t ural In the month prior to the climb day Aspen with The partnership we have ompe C M Competition we hold a Mural Painting that has produced an amazing gallery of the stairwell. of murals on the walls 100 murals featuring almost With the wildlife, wilderness and wild water, their opportunity for artists to showcase talents and for climbers to feel refreshed and inspired, the mural competition yields one of the signatures of the Climb Tallest The Wilderness. and Run for or perhaps anywhere, West, Gallery in the to all for years to come, and is a legacy we sincerely appreciate the ongoing Aspen Properties from support we receive for the gallery Tower and the Calgary Wilderness. and the Climb and Run for The mural competition winners will be issue of the featured throughout the next Lands Advocate. Wild The possible. this event Properties makes from our 22 corporate help we receive sponsors and the more than 3,000 supporters of the climbers, the displays, of and the work the staff the volunteers, Association, means Wilderness Alberta defending we can continue our efforts Alberta and the critical habitat that Wild grizzly bears need to be safe species like Thank you wild lands. in our and healthy April 17, 2010 an to all those who made are already planning We amazing day! April 23, for for our 20th Earth Day event 2011 and we hope to see you there. performers to make our entertainment performers to make line-up a success. Our photographers this Mihalcheon, Dan Olson and Kevin year, captured Amirthalingam Thushyanthan the day for us and if you check out our and websites www.ClimbForWilderness.ca Ltd. www.the-bit.org The-Bit Photography of more a chance to see even you will have the great shots from that day. : D. OLSON PHOTO xpo E Volunteer a t er b l eers t A ALINGAM . AMIRTH ALINGAM . AMIRTH T T d il This year 19 conservation groups and vendors set up displays throughout groups and vendors This year 19 conservation depend on the generosity to individuals and the prizes we give ceremony Our awards All of the 170 volunteers who make who make All of the 170 volunteers The Will Farrington Memorial Farrington Will The olun : PHOTO : PHOTO W their and/or learn about their work mall to help participants Tower the Calgary the Barbara awarded focussed products. Peter Sherrington environmentally Weaselhead the best display to the Sherrington Memorial prize for Society. Preservation Running Store, Brooks, Mountain This year Gord’s and sponsors. of individuals Dan Muhlbach, Cheryl Diane Mihalcheon, Rodney, Equipment Coop, MLA Dave sure we had to make Aurum Lodge all contributed and Planet Foods IMPACT, Stewart, bottled provided Throughout the day Loblaws for winners. an amazing prize inventory had fresh N.E. location) (the 32nd avenue Hortons Tim bananas and apples and water, apples and oranges Co-op provided and donuts for early morning treats. Calgary coffee to support our volunteers. V this event happen deserve our thanks and happen deserve this event our sincere thanks recognition; we offer This year one of you! to each and every Ali and volunteers, we also honoured new with for their efforts Tailfeathers Jordan Wray and Andrew our mascot, as well as Colleen Cole for their ongoing support with volunteer and years of working Outstanding Prize for Main for her untiring went to Margaret competition and with our mural efforts months for the support she provides and organizing with the in advance required for this event. execution

Association News WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,

No. 3 20 Wilderness Watch WLAWLA JuneJune 20102010 •• Vol.Vol. 18,18,No. No. 33 21 - Carolyn Campbell - Carolyn RSHALL : D. MA PHOTO AWA recounted this process at the AWA (GCM)-based forecasts of Athabasca (GCM)-based forecasts of new It commissioned two flows. River trends flow 100-year analyzed that reports upstream and generated 50-year and 30- trend flow year lower The sub-group summarized a analyses. scenarios out to the year range of flow as percentage change 2039, expressed river of both summer and winter average Then the main committee agreed flows. to adjust the 50-year historic data of with percentage winter and summer flows The scenarios. changes found in five a range of GCM and trend result was All performance measures, analyses. including modeled impacts to fish habitat, storage costs, and water navigation river flow were re-run with the adjusted river final data. In the main committee’s rule sets withdrawal water report, key of their were analyzed for the robustness performance for mid-range GCM and 50-year trend scenario. conference, praising the inclusive Texas also AWA and transparent approach. recommended that consideration of flow river climate change-affected upfront into other scenarios be built management processes in watershed hope the We Alberta and elsewhere. a lead in takes Alberta government replicating this approach in regional and land use planning. watershed The environmental non-government non-government The environmental The solution the committee arrived will draft regulations and, informed by will draft regulations First Nations and public consultation in 2010, will implement regulations in withdrawals water river governing early 2011. (ENGOs) on the organizations Wildlife World committee, led by argued Fund Canada representatives, flow river that climate change-affected projections, not just 1957-2007 historic data, should be used in modeling flow The ENGOs impacts. withdrawal water were concerned that a 2007 study by Donahue and John W.F. Schindler, D.W. Thompson projected dramatic declines P. Athabasca in future summer and winter volumes by projecting forward flow River measurements the trend of actual flow The 1957-2007 data mask the since 1970. potential future importance of this recent that, in the ENGOs believed The trend. aquatic ecosystems, interests of healthy management rules had water river any of potential in the face to be robust at least flows climate change-affected out to the 2040 planning horizon of these recommendations. Other stakeholders were highly critical of simply a 30 or 50-year forward extrapolating trend analysis. to create a small sub-group of at was First Nations and industry, government, the to examine ENGO representatives issue; all sub-group members co-authored This sub-group the ensuing paper. recent global circulation model reviewed es t a d p U The topic of AWA’s presentation AWA’s The topic of Factoring climate change into Factoring withdrawals water managing river to present on an invited was AWA Alberta watershed aspect of innovative planning at an international conference Copenhagen: April 2010. “After in Responses to Climate Collaborative hosted by the Lyndon Change” was Affairs B. Johnson School of Public Austin. at Texas of at the University to connect goal was The conference’s scientific research with public policy options and educational approaches to emissions and reducing greenhouse gas the This was adapting to climate change. as first conference in what is envisaged a biennial global climate forum between Alberta. and Texas climate change-affected how was forecasts were incorporated flow river water River Athabasca into the lower As process. management framework Lands Advocate Wild noted in previous April issues (December 2008 and a member of a multi- was AWA 2010), committee that issued stakeholder both consensus and non-consensus recommendations in February 2010 on management withdrawal water a river Athabasca for the lower framework social, to examine Its mandate was River. and economic impacts of environmental water river sets of rules governing various by oil sands mining projects withdrawals recommendations for federal and develop Fisheries and regulators. and provincial Alberta Environment Oceans Canada and Carolyn Campbell addressing participants at the “After Copenhagen” climate change conference. at the “After Copenhagen” climate change conference. participants Campbell addressing Carolyn

- Carolyn Campbell - Carolyn A Reason to Celebrate? egional watershed planning ideally watershed Regional and other groups were quick AWA its State of the Watershed report several report several Watershed of the its State many commissioned ago, has years various reports analyzing other thorough issues. demand and quality supply, water watershed drafting its first is now NSWA in plan and is engaged management including outreach activities, many key and discussing fostering awareness for the health of the vulnerability issues Director, Executive AWA’s watershed. an NSWA Christyann Olson, attended communities meeting headwaters to ensure healthy Valley in Drayton were ecosystem perspectives headwaters March At NSWA’s well represented. Campbell 2010 conference, Carolyn from the ‘Our presented highlights and workshops Place in the Headwaters’ findings and of key overview an gave Bighorn AWA’s recommendations from recreational trail monitoring project. this presentation Carolyn will also give in June 2010 to the Red Deer regional chapter of the Canadian Institute of Planners. collaborative is a multi-stakeholder process that by its nature is lengthy public increasing With and uncertain. about the links between awareness abundance land use practices and water and with committed local and quality, planning watershed regional stewardship, for opportunity now an excellent offers corridor on river initiatives conservation and aquatic ecosystem habitat crucial to wildlife. Alberta’s so much of Official - Grizzlies are It’s “Threatened:” response to Alberta government The Ensuring the report Grizzly Challenge: Grizzlies was Alberta’s for a Future surprisingly quick. Less than a week groups published after environmental came in that grizzly the report news bears had finally been designated a Eight Alberta. species in ‘threatened’ scientists had years after government first recommended such a designation years after many how – and who knows to decline – the the population began finally enacted. recommendation was to congratulate Minister of Sustainable Mel Knight, on a Resource Development, that the government bold decision. Now that grizzly is finally acknowledging bears are in trouble and need help, the WA and its WA WA) released its State WA) The North Saskatchewan Watershed Watershed The North Saskatchewan AWA attended the unveiling of the the unveiling attended AWA recently became involved AWA community stakeholders on the most community stakeholders to close, and on targets gaps data urgent and thresholds for priority indicators. in collaboration with other AWA, on wildlife expertise advisors, will offer and ecosystem goods and services issues. completed having Alliance (NSWA), of the Watershed report last year and its Watershed of the watershed an integrated Board approved management planning process in March is a member of the newly AWA 2010. Advisory Committee Technical formed that will advise RDR the “Managing the Commons: Our Place Our the Commons: the “Managing in 2008 workshops Headwaters” in the on the active was also AWA and 2009. committee that planning BRBC strategic use with Phase 2 focus on land suggested wetlands and on headwaters, an emphasis as stay engaged will We riparian areas. 1 and reports for Phase we see progress 2 proceeds later as planning for Phase in 2010. State of Council’s Watershed Oldman One key April. report in Watershed the watershed is how issue we will monitor forestry planning planning will influence A significant concern with decisions. authors gaps the report is the data for “State of” identified; this holds too. In the reports in other watersheds is concerned AWA case of the Oldman, a more given may have that data gaps rating to the headwaters favourable than may be the historically region A draft plan for the C5 case in 2010. from the south forestry area (extending Waterton to Kananaskis Country down suspended in was National Park) Lakes 2006 pending the release of this State Whether a final report. Watershed of the forestry plan actually reflects updated concerns remains to be seen. watershed Alberta AWA, In a recent meeting with Sustainable Resource Development Minister Mel Knight confirmed that the be considered Oldman report would Regional by the South Saskatchewan Advisory Council. But he added that no further consideration of the C5 region forestry plan will occur before the South land use plan is regional Saskatchewan is at least view AWA’s finished – which in years off. two watershed regional in Watershed The Red Deer River planning. Alliance (RDR - Meatball

AWA has been deeply involved in has been deeply involved AWA An Alberta Context for the for Context Alberta An BP “Spill?” trouble I have bulldog As an English head around my rather large wrapping disaster of the ecological the magnitude in tells me is taking place the media CNN told me Mexico. the Gulf of tragic resulted from the this disaster Deepwater and sinking of the explosion A good platform. oil Horizon offshore him to check invited friend of my master http://www. website out the following want to You might ifitwasmyhome.com/ in a place name to get Type visit it too. all this “freed” an appreciation of what if we look like oil in the Gulf would place you care about. smeared it across a dropped My jaw I from Innisfail. name on my in the town’s when I pawed laptop to place the centre of this eruption contaminate This eruption would there. and the land from Edmonton to Calgary 36 in the east to well from Highway a few For National Park. inside Banff seconds that image led me to think less of kibble and more bowl about my next about the necessity of what some in the as a petroleum industry might regard Should – regulation. word four-letter be concerned about bulldogs Alberta’s oil and regulates our government how seconds have I dunno…those few gas? is the treat passed and all I can see now me to get off the Editor is offering this soapbox. Regional Watershed Planning Update Planning Watershed Regional watershed integrated Regional management planning is underway Alberta. basins in river across several Planning and Watershed Several have Advisory Councils (WPACs) Watershed recently issued State of the reports based on a compilation of best data and are proceeding to available There is an management plans. develop Land-Use impetus as provincial extra Alberta Environment Secretariat and to WPACs officials are encouraging detailed management plans to develop land-use planning. help inform regional management basin watershed River Bow on the Steering was AWA planning. Basin River Committee for the Bow a Phase Council (BRBC) that developed 1 management plan focused on water were AWA BRBC and quality objectives. partners that organized of the key two

Wilderness Watch WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,

No. 3 22 Departments WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,No. 3 23 - Nigel Douglas - Nigel While shopping for one, look out for

comfortable and very supportive over a over supportive comfortable and very with are available they Again, long day. breathable either mesh or waterproof and La Sportiva membranes. Montrail trail runners. I started excellent also make a am wearing these last season and now used the waterproof even I have convert: breathable ones for snowshoeing! that these light forget don’t However, shoes are not suitable for hiking with a pack. overnight heavy water Carrying your seen runners, will have readers Many with a tube and hikers cyclists, This their shoulder. snaking over comes from a specially designed likely that fits neatly in their reservoir water backpack. I thought these were a bit of The a gimmick until I actually tried one. of being able to drink while convenience to stop and without having you walk, your backpack, is immeasurable. off take up a steep hill on a It is easy to set off day and, despite being super hot sunny going your rhythm decide to keep thirsty, This and not stop for a drink until the top. means, of course, that for half your climb Being able you are probably dehydrated. really puts an to drink while you move your to remove end to this. Not having time you need a drink means pack every yourself to keep more likely you are far are They the day. throughout hydrated also much lighter than a traditional bottle. plastic or metal water a brand and style that is easy to clean. Ones with ziplock type openings are to use than ones much more convenient cap. Platypus and with a screw are good brands. The Source be a hollow victory if threatened status status if threatened victory be a hollow and gesture than a token more is nothing as usual in grizzly business it remains other ENGOs will and AWA habitat. government’s hard to hold the work grizzlies fire to ensure that feet to the recovery the long drawn-out benefit from on to the pressure keep help To process. habitat visit protect grizzly bear and the satirical www.savethegrizzly.ca website www.nomoregrizzlies.com eas d I ome S are

ere There are many light hiking shoes There are many footwear option for My favourite The message is crystal clear that crystal clear is The message ? H extend to a slightly shorter length. When a slightly shorter length. to extend features shopping you will see many – titanium, airlock, elliptical advertised of these features are very shape. Many not necessary are they but nice to have do they and hiker for the average cost more. Hiking Shoes been using heavy-duty us have of Many leather backpacking boots for a long by them but sworn have time. I always realized that, for day hikes, recently have when you are not staggering along under an enormous weight, a much lighter shoe is more comfortable and still provides all the support you need. Conventional wisdom tells us that a pound (in weight) to 6.4 pounds on your feet is equivalent on your back. sport shops. in outdoor and available good selection: you a very have Keen can choose them light and breathable or with a waterproof, for hot weather, breathable membrane for wet conditions. Be cautious though when choosing a as some of them do not offer light hiker test the To as much support as others. shoe, grip the heel and the toe and give this is stiff, it a good twist. If it is fairly good. Most ankle support comes from the necessarily sole of the shoe, so you don’t need a high ankle boot unless this always you feel more comfortable. style makes light hiking is my Salomon trail runners. runners These are designed for off-road you the give and, in my experience, required support and cushioning for long distances and rapidly over moving are lightweight, super They rough terrain. grizzlies need more secure habitat and habitat secure need more grizzlies habitat. access into core less motorized threatened designation new Whether the finally ready is government is a sign the this issue remains addressing to begin – legislation The relevant to be seen. Act – is extremely Wildlife Alberta’s in the article (see Shaun Fluker’s vague ) and whether the April 2010 Advocate more than will do anything government This will debate. it has done is open to ear G ew N t OUGLAS : N. D PHOTO ou b A hinking T Douglas By Jennifer There are many types available: good types available: There are many poles are referred to as Many Trekking Poles Trekking thought of using never If you have are well trekking poles before they a lot. considering if you hike worth poles are a godsend These expandable foothills and Alberta’s for hiking in young, old, fit or mountains. However your day will make unfit you are they more comfortable, especially on your may think you You knees going downhill. got bad knees yet; using hiking haven’t poles will postpone the day when you do. with them to hike want When you don’t tie neatly on to your backpack. they A good pairs tend to start around $60. a comfortable handle that pair will have easy to fits your hand neatly; it will have sturdy mechanisms for expanding use but and contracting as well as a small “scree at the bottom to stop your pole basket” tips from disappearing between cracks in rocks. These are designed for “compact.” a smaller handgrip and having women

Trekking poles make river crossings safer, safer, poles make river crossings Trekking down weighed particularly when you are 2009 AWA’s with a heavy pack. Hikers on White Goat backpack trip make their way the Brazeau River. across stage is set for a renewed commitment commitment a renewed is set for stage years The past eight actions. to recovery steps preparatory seen several have bears: a recovery recovering towards plan, a a recovery team produced population five-year state-of-the-art detailed maps conducted, was survey and now habitat were drawn, of grizzly official threatened the government further action, designation. But, without actually benefits none of these steps grizzly bears. - Ian Urquhart

on The section begins with a piece by The section begins emember the three Rs: Reduce, Remember t June 19th to 27th this year. The festival The festival June 19th to 27th this year. attracts visitors from across the world and talks. Each hikes, to its workshops, year an artist runs an in-depth painting or than four No fewer workshop. drawing photographers run field sessions different ranging from three hours to two days in length. Naturalists and at Douglas has worked - Jennifer Mountain Equipment Coop for the last gear! and loves two years There is no doubt those images are a asset in that campaign. Some valuable suggestions from Gerry and photography are found later in this section. Shirley the editor of the Images Fred Rushworth, Fred generously Alberta newsletter. to write a piece about the offered for this Festival Wildflower Waterton issue of the Advocate. Please what follows. enjoy an excellent environmental record and is and is record environmental an excellent the for of “One Percent member also a Planet.” need Do you really Recycle. Reuse, and item be Can your old new? something can it be donated example reused – for gear be Or can your old to a charity? when Be mindful way? in any recycled bear try to garbage: putting things in the to it when in mind what will happen let is collected and don’t your garbage forget Don’t out-of-sight be out-of-mind. and or reuse your packaging, to recycle items you to put your new a bag with take million disposable in (Canadians use 50 help lower let’s shopping bags a week: that number)! er t a W he T d an

ival t echnique es Mufty Mathewson was the inspiration was Mufty Mathewson When buying new gear please always gear please always new When buying The Waterton Wildflower Festival Festival Wildflower Waterton The T F behind a 2009 photography project behind a 2009 photography Coulson, Shirley Mufty, in Lakeland. hours in many spent Wirun and Gerry seasons photographing there. different inspiration is The result of Mufty’s photographic record of an impressive natural assets. marvelous Lakeland’s has been using Carolyn Campbell AWA’s those magnificent visual representations to champion of the area in her efforts the need for increased protection there. super lightweight to fleece-lined winter to fleece-lined lightweight super an make most conditions and for weight are windproof They outer shell. excellent are made of They and water-resistant. to you really have so fabric super tough much more are They rip them. try hard to jacket than a waterproof comfortable include Good brands quieter. and much Coop (MEC) Mountain Equipment . and Patagonia on the you are having think of the impact out the brand can check You environment. online and find by carrying out research environmental out what the companies’ MEC, of course, and social policies are. and social environmental has excellent in detail policies which are explained Also, on their website – www.mec.ca. members of “One Percent for are they one percent which means the Planet,” of their sales goes to environmental also has Patagonia causes worldwide. mix of microclimates as the mountains from the prairies and reach for explode visitors a chance to see offering the sky from marsh marigolds and everything to elevations bog orchids at lower alpine poppies. in its 7th year and runs from is now lower ography df t il ho deas P Rushworth By Fred W I ography t he Waterton Wildflower Festival Festival Wildflower Waterton he two covering is a nine-day event and the weekdays weekends ho

P It does not take long for anyone long for anyone It does not take This year I also will be buying a new a new be buying This year I also will

T involved with AWA to appreciate AWA with involved are to our important volunteers how This accomplishments. organization’s (not to mention section on photography photo by Derald Lobay cover this issue’s photo and June cover and last year’s article by Ray Rasmussen) could not been compiled without the generous have Alberta of Images members contributions (see the AWA Camera Club made to website www.imagesalberta.ca). club’s Clothing: Base Layers Layers Base Clothing: Layers and Outer that we the years over learned Having I have to wear cotton are not supposed T-shirts base layers and been wearing several fibres for made of man-made cool While these are comfortable, years. over develop, and quick-drying they can combat You time, an indelible odour. base layer wash; this by using Nikwax such odours. it is designed to eliminate to begin this year I will slowly However, fibre base layers replace my man-made is very wool This with merino wool. I feel it but expensive; breathable, soft an it. is worth a will carry I always outer shell jacket. breathable jacket lightweight waterproof it is really But, unless “just in case.” raining hard, I find these too “rustly” and in uncomfortable so I am going to invest range from These jackets a “soft shell.” between. Waterton National Park is National Park Waterton between. a natural and superb location for this lays claim to having as the Park event species Alberta wildflowers 50 rare over a offers Waterton within its boundaries.

Departments WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,

No. 3 24 Departments WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,No. 3 25 On our second day, we travelled we travelled On our second day, In the afternoon, we returned to the wildflowers as a foreground for scenic as a foreground wildflowers landscapes featuring the mountains in the background. road past the down oil short-lived Waterton’s the relics of days of the early 1900s and on to the The trail starts with Lineham Ridge trail. forest and a meander through a mixed its diagonal then, grade-by-grade, makes We the alpine meadows. climb towards discovered having stopped along the way in an opening of grape growing Oregon purple slopes. Paintbrush, the wooded clematis and columbine abounded amid and slide zones. watercourses windfalls, as we entered Further up the sun emerged the trees. Here we above the meadow and took turns diffuser pulled out Paul’s photographers contorted holding it above shooting stars. poses above in yoga-like added polarizing or neutral density A few filters to their cameras to reduce the light entering their cameras and let them shoot This technique shutter speeds. at slower to the small flow created a soft milky streams surrounded by vibrant flowers. Bertha and the Lower site town Waterton a much gentler trail This was trail. Falls Here we often had to deal with to walk. light in the shade of the deciduous lower dealt with that situation by We trees. shutter speeds and larger using slower more light into aperture settings to allow Those with a digital camera the camera. also could change to a higher ISO setting. as high as I found that ISO 400 was let me shoot without my camera would creating too much graininess in my light also required us low The images. Photographing wildflowers demands Photographing wildflowers road A trip up the Red Rock canyon my hikes around Edmonton. Further my hikes the road, we came across a red down fox crossing a field of glacier lilies. The fox quickly departed and we then spent the better part of an hour creating amongst the photographs of flowers of some old wind- weathered textures felled trees and close ups of petal and at also worked We stamen details. creating leading lines – visual elements to eye the viewer’s in a photo that draw were essential Tripods the main subject. is exaggerated movement camera as any on close up shots. when working of our that we be especially aware A personal footprints on the landscape. group of eight or ten photographers could on delicate a path of devastation leave from trail ecosystems so we worked established paths or side and followed damaging other stepping points to avoid plants as we searched for the desired viewpoint. took us to rolling subalpine meadows that were still early in their blooms of geraniums, wild strawberries sticky As most of us were and Mariposa lilies. preoccupied with trying to capture the fine hairs that protect the petals of the Mariposa lily we were suddenly brought as someone up from our viewfinders caught sight of a lone black bear about The bruin was 500 metres behind us. across the meadow making its way quite unconcerned about the river towards above our presence. In rolling meadows we switched our the Blakiston valley photographic style from detailed close ups and floral portraits to use instead the : F. RUSHWORTH : F. PHOTO My wife and I went to Waterton last Waterton My wife and I went to very teaching style was Paul’s the Old Chief highway traveled We conservationists lead interpretive strolls, lead interpretive conservationists and horseback rides exploring hikes, wildflowers. Waterton’s photography summer to attend a two-day led by professional workshop the Gilbert. Over Paul photographer, days we toured the park course of two and were introduced to the wildflowers as we learned about of the region photographic composition and technique. started each day with a half We relaxed. design hour discussion on topics like elements, lighting, and the challenges He of close-up or macro photography. often illustrated these topics with his photographs from his book WILD own Mountain Rocky COLOURS: Canada’s , which he co-authored with Wildflowers Those discussions Katherine Graham. continued in the field with some hands-on advice as we photographed: shoot from a angle and slightly uphill to make a low extend to appear to small patch of flowers the horizon, look at the strong lines and hellebore, of the false swirl on the leaves override will always or since red flowers eye other colours to attract the viewer’s them the focal point in a field make We learned how of assorted flowers. to soften harsh direct light by using a packable unique, collapsible and very to use a how and conversely diffuser a little light into small reflector to ‘throw’ deeply shaded areas. the U.S. border stalking the towards a striking lady slipper, egg sparrow’s lady slipper the yellow white orchid like that I often find in boggy areas on Spotted saxifrage

on t er t a W he T d an

ival t echnique es T F lower ography df t il ho P W

- Fred Rushworth is an Edmonton - Fred The Waterton Wildflower Festival Festival Wildflower Waterton The ography based photographer with a story to tell based photographer Edmonton’s of who edits the newsletter He Club. Camera Alberta Images his photos and their often shares the world of as he explores background his and writing through photography skinnyskierpress.blogspot.com. blog bloom. We hiked the trails and saw the saw trails and the hiked We bloom. in had been that flowers of progression appear in bud in the valleys full bloom at higher elevations. and then bloom series of talks, interpretive great offersa for both and workshops and hikes, walks photographer. and experienced the novice like a visit. If you would It is well worth and the Festival more information about please visit its program schedule their website: www.watertonwildflowers.com first step on the trail or even before. even first step on the trail or impossible to get that great shot It’s action as it or capture the fast-moving in happens if your camera is in the car, your backpack, or hidden under three layers of clothing with the lens cap on. camera out your sure you have Make and accessible, with plenty of memory and with initial settings and and power, the lens cap off adjustments made. Have on before you hit the trail. and the power a Plan Have is unique wilderness experience Every what interests know We to each of us. a us in nature and we want and excites photograph to remind us of the feelings on the trail. Plan to and thoughts we have document and capture images that reflect what personal interests. Know your own to bring back with you, whether you want of colours it be a record of the symphony or or shapes of plants and flowers, perhaps the broad vistas of the bright sky, or long horizon lines with an interesting Plan ahead with some foreground. forethought to photo techniques, subject photo Your and desired results. matter, will be much more focused experience and productive. Look Closely chosen your subject look Once you’ve at it closely to determine the best angles t ho P erness d il W a t er b l At the end of the two days we had At the end of the two a for Waterton had gone to We A Be Prepared Use a camera and photo equipment or with, not new familiar that you’re in the woods A hike equipment. borrowed is not the time to be struggling with camera and lens settings or trying to find the hidden release to change the memory to change and charge how card. Know and re-insert the the batteries, remove cables, and memory card, connect any type adjust the basic settings on whatever also a good idea of camera you use. It’s to carry spare equipment and supplies, and spare batteries, spare memory, like a backup camera. even Get Up Early Much of the action in wilderness early in the day very starts photography when the air is fresh and the breezes are birds and other animals are The soft. at the first hint of daybreak already active on the horizon, foraging for food or watering heading to their favourite are opening to embrace hole. Flowers As that light on the the morning light. and strengthens, colours horizon grows and intensify in preparation for the warm that half hour before and “magic hour,” after sunrise when the light is rich and are long and dramatic. shadows Camera Ready Your Have a picture from your Be prepared to take a bag or jacket. We found that either the either the found that We or jacket. a bag shutter release a remote feature or timer camera shake avoided on the camera longer our photos at those as we took an issue the breeze was When exposures. with a bag a wind block we often created wind any to prevent or a jacket induced motion. we have lessons valuable learned many photographers and continued to use as understanding of the an gained We hikers. them, and where to identify how flowers, to look for them. indefinite plans for the with weekend the end we stayed a weeks. In two next practicing the techniques weeks full two our we had learned and expanding wildflowers. Waterton’s of knowledge fields where flowers watched We had been just opening come into full our Y mprove I : F. RUSHWORTH : F. PHOTO o t

ips

T ature’s power is so awe is so awe power ature’s inspiring we all instinctively some to capture and keep want

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reminders of the wilderness experiences reminders of the wilderness experiences is one of the Photography we enjoy. to An excursion to do this. best ways wilderness and natural surroundings is an opportunity to document and tell a need don’t You story of your adventure. photographic skills to follow special any these ten suggestions and I think if you your them you will improve follow photographic interpretations. Homework Do Your Doing a little research about your is wilderness location before you leave great for getting background information terrain, trails, natural about things like Learn about landmarks and viewpoints. of the natural history and development the landscape surrounding you. Study information to get the big the watershed experience. picture of the area you’ll Check on climatic conditions for the study the course, avidly And, of season. expect fauna you can types of flora and to see and learn to identify some of the All of this background species. different information will inform your images to them more meaningful make and valuable. to use our tripods as much as possible to to use our tripods as Sometimes though shake. camera avoid not cooperate and we the terrain would could not set a tripod where we wanted it – then we simply rested the camera on Three-flowered avens Three-flowered

Departments WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,

No. 3 26 to accentuate the form or colour. Decide what you want to include in the image and move in close to frame your subject and reduce or eliminate a distracting, cluttered background. Move around, side to side and up and down. Carefully study the lighting and select the best of front, side or back lighting. Check the outside edges of the picture in the viewfinder to ensure that nothing unwanted is in the frame of view. Concentrate Be alert and focus on finding that great PHOTO: G. WIRUN image. Avoid and eliminate distractions special location that might be captured details and nuances of every image and such as telephones, radios, and iPods. when the time of day or lighting is better. subject and camera setting the mind Be still. Listen to the birds, wind, and Don’t get bogged down. Look for a needs some time to rejuvenate. Put water, and focus on your subject matter variety of locations and subject matter. down the camera gear, lay back, close and camera operation. Concentrate There’s always another photo opportunity your eyes, breathe deeply and take in on the changing action around you. around the next bend. the sounds and smells of the wilderness The light and shadow is constantly Respect your surroundings around you. Give your eyes and mind a changing. Animals may be moving about. The more you respect the natural rest from photography and re-energize Concentrate on your surroundings. Keep wilderness around you, the better your yourself for your next photographic conversations with companions to a images will be. Be aware of where expedition. minimum, to avoid scaring off birds and you fit in the natural scheme of things. Conclusion other wildlife. Clear your mind; Unnecessary noises will alert and frighten If you follow these tips and suggestions, think photography. the other animals and your photographic your images should go from “good Change Locations opportunities will suffer. Instead, be to great” and your Alberta wilderness Photo opportunities are always nearby quiet, still and patient and the birds images will stir your senses for a but sometimes we’re just not in the and animals will become less timid and lifetime. Enjoy!

right place at the right time. If you’ve protective. Your pictures will be better - Gerry Wirun got his first camera D documented the subject and run out of and more plentiful. when he was 13 years old and, like epar

ideas, or if the light isn’t right, or the Take a Break AWA members, is inspired by nature. He t men s animals are hiding, move on to a new Concentration and mental focus can be organizes workshops for Images Alberta location that inspires you. Perhaps you exhausting. After you’ve spent an hour Camera Club. may want to make a note to return to a or two, or more, thinking about all the

Shirley Coulson took this photo of a chipping sparrow singing in the boreal forest of Lakeland in the late spring of 2009. The chipping sparrow breeds WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18, throughout most of North America and in the southern United States and Mexico. Its nest is so flimsy and delicate that light may be seen through it. Shirley was one of three photographers from the Images Alberta Camera Club who made several trips to Lakeland to detail the region’s natural No. 3 beauty. Shirley took this photo with an Olympus E-510 camera with an Olympus Zuiko digital 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5. To obtain the blurred background in this photo Shirley selected the aperture 27 priority mode and set the aperture to an F-stop of 5.6. The shutter speed was 1/200th of a second. The lens’ image stabilization feature was turned on. When Shirley photographs birds in flight she normally selects panning mode. PHOTO: S. COULSON These tunnels were degree later, years Two orders and bureaucracy, soon orders and bureaucracy, might decided more education more to gaining be the ticket At twenty-six independence. by he finished high school followed correspondence and advice to a counselor’s Doug become a pharmacist. a bad career this was knew minutes choice in the first ten but he of his first class to earn his degree; persevered he returned to rock tunnels soon after graduation. through the Bennett Dam where on the Doug supervised a band of independent spirits from – part of the world all over force the 6,000 man work that to build employed The dam structure. massive completed in 1967 was to looked and Doug again education for advancement; the lure this time he followed of rocks to the University Geology Alberta’s of department. in hand, Doug embarked But Doug decided, after years of on a whirlwind of jobs that took him to on a whirlwind drilling outposts oil and gas the farthest Mackenzie Yukon’s Arctic, in the high Mountains, northern B. C., the southeast parts corner of B. C., Montana, many uranium prospecting Alberta and to of sites on the Saskatchewan-Northwest During this whirlwind border. Territories part of a team that mapped all of he was rocks in the huge Fernie the Basin – a dream job for Doug in a dream job found his Another dreamland. foothills lands between team surveying the U. S. border and Grande Prairie and mapping Upper Cretaceous . It was a time to see great wildlife and wander through great country not to mention the and hospitality small burgers great beer, Doug. Alberta served town Doug departed school early and Doug used without work Again he realized his destiny lay in his origins, he realized his destiny Best described as a maverick in geology. carried out with his geology career was He stayed rider. the tenacity of a bull or him off job until it bucked with every he had a lot of mean And, he rode it out. jobs. but the travel He loved joined the navy. not the authority so after three years he looking found himself back in “The Pass” He applied to one of the local for work. hired hours later he was mines and a few There he and sent 2.5 miles underground. stayed until the mine closed five years later. Alberta a Southern union benefits to take (SAIT) course Technology Institute of job as a radio that got him a government back to dealing with Doug, operator. d Loved AWA il Geologist Doug MacFarlane in the North Kootenay Pass, 1970. Geologist Doug MacFarlane in the North W he A Geologist t f o

ecall n the 1960s McIntyre n the 1960s McIntyre Porcupine Mines Ltd. had leases The intrigue of born into the rocks, mines, Doug was

R - By Vivian Pharis and Norma Ruecker and Norma Ruecker Pharis Vivian - By I - Doug MacFarlane in the vicinity of Grande in the vicinity of Grande it Cache and had made clear to the provincial that it wanted government bounty the area’s to develop The coal. of metallurgical on CEO, while company’s trip Australian business an a bath so hot in 1975, drew They he scalded both feet. and became gangrenous he died. His tragic death the may be one reason why superb goat and caribou Ridge was habitat on Caw thirty-five not destroyed As readers of years ago. Advocate Lands Wild Ridge is appreciate Caw has fought to AWA an area protect since the 1970s and formulation then Alberta’s of A Coal Development for Alberta. Policy personalities playing the each other over against (Copton) Ridge of Caw fate stories is only one of the fascinating in the lore told by Doug MacFarlane, geologists. He favourite AWA’s one of recently reminisced with us through us regaling an entertaining evening, with stories of close encounters and feats from his life as a extraordinary did his work geologist who, literally, never He is proud to have “on the edge.” carried a weapon or felt unsafe during shrinking Alberta’s in his adventures consider would wilderness. Many Doug retired; Doug is not among them. Geology does not change and, as an Alberta, his in coal deposits in expert is still sought for one reason expertise or another. but Pass and mountains of the Crowsnest twists and turns before his life took many

Departments WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,

No. 3 28 Departments WLAWLA JuneJune 20102010 •• Vol.Vol. 18,18,No. No. 33 29 Doug suggested that Meadowlark Meadowlark Doug suggested that as feuding not lost, however, All was Doug continued checking After Caw, members should AWA all of that For were fierce. But, to invoke the words of words of the to invoke fierce. But, were on in a carried team Doug’s Churchill, Seven with anguish. winter remembered grid that 150 test holes in a rigs drilled mineable coal to surface enough showed envisioned A rail line was last 20 years. and to a townsite River up the Sheep Creek on Beaverdam cleaning plant new Ridge. Caw below track had a good environmental Farms record in the U.S. and undertook an studies set of environmental extensive Alberta Coal Policy The Ridge. on Caw place and companies were in now was that all alpine areas would nervous Porcupine limits. McIntyre be put off hasty secured Farms and Meadowlark meetings with local MLA Bob Dowling Russell Minister David and Environment from the exemption to lobby for Caw’s Caw, 1 of the policy. Category protective 4 area – up as a Category ended sadly, open to mining. and McIntyre between Meadowlark sued each officials took place and they The suits dragged sums. other for large knew years; Doug never on for several The CEO of McIntyre the outcome. Australia and in Porcupine met his fate took a major player out of contention. Grande Cache Coal claims Today to date, there is still riches but, Caw’s no mine on the ridge. It is though, programs, getting through exploration dangerously close. in Farms prospects for Meadowlark upholding his always Alaska, B. C. and In fact, making a mine.” record of “never often, as a he is quite proud that he very consultant, recommended that marginal mines be closed and old mines not be re-opened. He may hold no record for as he explains, but, discoveries, proven he just “cannot stand to see bad geology.” in Doug is an activist this view With right and continues to petition his own natural land for destroying against ventures. unprofitable was pleased Doug MacFarlane be very Eastern Slopes the geologist on so many coal projects. Doug’s next project was in the project was next Doug’s on Caw third project was Doug’s to conduct a was Meadowlark reclamation requirements Doug recalled Doug recalled requirements reclamation of required bond reclamation that the $5,000 – a mere “was Meadowlark of track.” a mile to sow hardly enough landscape there, for the Fortunately available was Fund money Trust Heritage in work Slopes reclamation for Eastern reclaimed at area was the early 1970s; the taxpayer expense. South Ram and area delimited by the us Doug showed Whiterabbit Creeks. in a “totally photos of one drill site the top of an 8,000 unmineable” area on in the headwaters foot precipitous ridge Whiterabbit Creek. But testing of in Indianapolis, decisions were made reality of the landscape. from the far note, this South On a more positive carried out using complete Ram job was no ground- helicopter support; there was Not or disturbance whatsoever. work constructed. an inch of road or trail was been used as an example It could have to intrusive alternative of an innovative it was unfortunately, but, exploration (for companies, expensive prohibitively not the landscape). Drilling was and winter due to conducted in late fall This migrating elk. the need to avoid drilling took place in almost impossible weather conditions. One drill shack was forcing the the ridge face, off blown to spend a night sheltered in a snow crew found cornice. No mineable coal was here either. This Ridge near Grande Cache. through a joint venture assignment was McIntyre Porcupine with the leaseholder, that the coal company was This Mines. Coal Ltd.; preceded Smoky preceded Grande Cache Coal, the River present leaseholder. systematic drilling program to test for of Caw coal seams across the brow called Copton Ridge, as it was Ridge (or, not a winter project was This then). initiated in program by choice. It was holes were to be All open July 1974. and core drilling was logged by the fall spring. Doug to commence the following told us that McIntyre found a loophole agreement that in the joint venture to carry on through forced Meadowlark the winter or forfeit the agreement. dipped at times below Temperatures and the winds Fahrenheit -50 degrees Seeing a one-line advertisement in Seeing a one-line advertisement Panther was in the first job Doug’s Doug belonged to a sister Ironically, working as a geologist in extreme places in extreme as a geologist working and conditions weather extreme under float planes (via travel enduring extreme a too that this was and helicopters), a quieter path – he needed treacherous at home mention more time life not to Irene. with his wife looking Herald that was the Calgary up Doug showed for a coal geologist hotel. a Calgary at for the interview on sight: interviewers two his He liked three-piece suit while the a one wore undershirt, over suspenders other wore two These hat. big boots and a bowler representatives were from Indianapolis, a respected Farms, of Meadowlark had just The company coal operator. leases in various purchased exploration They Front Range. Alberta’s parts of needed a local geologist to handle their drill testing programs. Doug signed on. in 1972. Little did Doug know area River Farms that, at that time, Meadowlark was AWA sights. AWA’s already in was in the midst of writing its presentation to the all-important 1973 Eastern Slopes that nine hearings where it argued areas along those Slopes merited full The areas protection from development. Corners and the included the Panther also was AWA Ram-Whiterabbit Creeks. incensed that lands had recently been Wilderness Willmore from withdrawn the vicinity of Grande Cache and in Park the fight to restore protection had begun All of these areas were Ridge. for Caw by open to coal leasing and were acquired Farms. Meadowlark also opposed AWA group to conservation of the Eastern to industrial development The Slopes. But, what could Doug do? had issued the Alberta government to practise good leases and he wanted of But the beauty and elevation geology. Corners where Jap Mountain in Panther to occur made Doug the drilling was “the totally wrong spot” realize this was mine. But roads and drill pads to ever face of soon gouged and disfigured the the coal showed Tests the mountain. require lay in deep seams that would Also, it mining. underground expensive thermal coal not the more coveted was Corners The Panther coal. metallurgical With uneconomic to develop. project was to that might lead us now an observation ask questions and think critically about

: N. DOUGLAS PHOTO Hikers on the 2009 White Goat trip backpack Wilderness peaks of southwest Alberta’s Castle Alberta’s peaks of southwest region. Ernst Reg With August 15, August 13 – Sunday Friday 2010 (2 nights) and Hiking/Biking Camping Lakeland Weekend Biche area for a Join us in the Lac La of camping and guided day long weekend scenic parts of Lakeland to different hikes The Area. and Recreation Park Provincial fee for this trip includes three nights of campground fees. Davies Aaron With August 22, August 19 – Sunday Thursday 2010 (3 nights) White Goat Backpack White Goat Limited to foot access, the wilderness values preserves Wilderness those with an to – especially available spirit. adventurous Sutherland Douglas and Paul Nigel With Country. Country. Douglas Nigel With August 7, 2010 Saturday Hike Sage Creek Alberta near Located in southeastern grass mixed this impressive Manyberries, and feel of the wide prairie has the look open spaces. Lorne Fitch With 2010 September 14, Tuesday Hike Area Natural Beehive of the to the headwaters Contributing Alberta, in southwestern this protected area is a stunning mix of cool, dark sub-alpine forests and broad, green alpine meadows. Douglas Nigel With Saturday September 25, 2010 Hike Whaleback Fall Experience the wide-open vistas colours of this spectacular and fall montane environment. Bob Blaxley With Saturday October 2, 2010 Hike Rumsey Ecological Reserve of example undeveloped A relatively Alberta, aspen parkland located in central retains Reserve Ecological the Rumsey most of the original parkland flora and fauna. Sutherland Paul With TRIPS BACKPACK/CAMPING our travelers, the more adventurous For 3 or 4 backpack and camping trips offer These trips days of wilderness wonder. so availability, are for people of varying office for more details. AWA’s please call members AWA $100 - $125 – non-members July 21, Wednesday Monday July 19 – 2010 (2 nights) Castle Backpack Come and spend three days and nights in the truly spectacular two and surroundings of the front canyons OGRAM S T EVEN

Wednesday July 28, 2010 July Wednesday Plateau Mountain Hike Explore Plateau Mountain Ecological located in southern Kananaskis Reserve, Saturday July 10, 2010 Hike Tinda Ha Ya “Mountain Prairie” in the Stoney is an enigmatic Ya-Ha-Tinda language, of prairie and parkland situated region along the upper Red Deer River. Davies William With Tuesday July 6, 2010 Tuesday Hills Hike Porcupine Situated between the prairie and these hills mountain environments, to be found in the diversity exemplify ecosystems. foothills Alberta’s Pharis Vivian With Tuesday June 29, 2010 Tuesday Dry Island Hike from the top of this the view Enjoy ed topographical feature in the beautiful R valley. Deer River and Rob Barratt Tjarda With $20 – AWA members AWA $20 – $25 – non-members DAY HIKES DAY Online: www.albertawilderness.ca/events Online: www.albertawilderness.ca/events or By phone: (403) 283-2025 Free: 1-866-313-0713 Toll Is Required Pre-Registration All for Trips For more information about all our more information about For please visit our website: summer hikes, or call www.AlbertaWilderness.ca. 1-866-313-0713. AWA’s hikes program is a great way to program is a great way hikes AWA’s wilderness the lesser-known explore AWA’s Alberta and learn about gems of the plants and animals of to protect work these magnificent landscapes. S AND AND URS TO SUMMER HIKES, AWA PR BACKPACKS

Events WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,

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WLA June 2010 • Vol. 18,No. 3 31 PHOTO: S. NICHOLS S. PHOTO: . s

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H I T W t ssocia A erness d il S T W a t er b EVEN l A AWA supporters enjoying the atmosphere at June’s Wild About Wilderness event at Edmonton’s Royal Glenora Club. Guest speaker event at Edmonton’s About Wilderness Wild at June’s supporters enjoying the atmosphere AWA law in Canada on environmental presentation a thought-provoking delivered Secord Richard

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Alberta Wilderness Association Box 6398, Station D Calgary, Alberta T2P 2E1 [email protected]

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