2016 Green Notes Newsletter

2016 SUMMER SOUTHERN ALBERTA CHAPTER SOUTHERN ALBERTA CHAPTER GREEN NOTES NEWSLETTER

CLARA'S on TOP of the WORLD See pages 8-9 for other celebs' favourite spots

Our wilderness land is our community | 3

You can help us fight for your parks | 5 CPAWS Environmental Education Programs | 6 CPAWS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS MESSAGE CPAWS IS CANADA’S VOICE FOR WILDERNESS. The Southern Alberta Chapter has been championing Southern Alberta’s wild places since 1967. SOUTHERN ALBERTA CHAPTER OUR WILDERNESS

CHAPTER TEAM By Anne-Marie Syslak IN THIS ISSUE Executive Director LAND IS OUR Anne-Marie Syslak, Executive Director Katie Morrison, Conservation Director Executive Director’s Message COMMUNITY Jaclyn Angotti, Education Director Our wilderness land is our community • 3 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Kirsten Olson, Office & Fund Program Administrator By Anne-Marie Syslak HERE IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS Ericka Rau, Communications & Outreach Coordinator (on leave) YOU WILL EVER ASK YOURSELF: IS YOUR LIFE MUD- Stacy McGuire, Communications Specialist CPAWS SOUTHERN ALBERTA LUSCIOUS AND PUDDLE WONDERFUL? Sara Keebler, Environmental Educator Conservation Update Close your eyes and think of smelling the fresh scent of pine Alex Mowat, Lead Hiking Guide after a rain, hearing the chirping of Boreal Chorus frogs in Julie Walker, Hiking Guide Next step for the Castle: Shaping a protection plan • 4 the spring or hiking to a mountain top vista. One of Alberta’s greatest assets is easy access to parks and wilderness areas Justin Howse, Hiking Guide By Katie Morrison Lauren Bally, Hiking Guide You can help us fight for your parks • 5 We are so very fortunate that we can go to any number Edita Sakarova, Bookkeeper By Anne-Marie Syslak of amazing places in the Rocky Mountains, park lands, grasslands, foothills and even in the urban centres of our Anastasia Goncharova, Summer Outreach Coordinator province to escape our stressful lives and connect with nature.

CHAPTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Education Update At CPAWS, we understand the value of this connection Ruchlewicz Paul Photo: CPAWS Environmental Education Programs • 6-7 between nature and the health and well-being of Albertans. Gord James, Chair Albertans who experience and gain an appreciation for the Riley Prescott natural world will be moved to become stewards of these meaningfully protect our protected areas. You will learn more FEATURES precious places. about our campaign to limit the development footprint in our David McIntyre Rocky Mountain national parks. Phil Nykyforuk Celebrity Albertans dish on their favourite natural We must also better understand our impact on the landscape. Albertans love and value our province’s parks and wilderness. James Early areas • 8-9 To ensure we preserve these special places, we need to focus on low impact sustainable recreation and the kinds In fact, they want more! We need Albertans to speak up Doug Firby, Chair, Conservation Committee Coordinator keeps team of volunteers on track • 10 of activities that leave no trace of human activity. It also and champion conservation. We need to encourage the By Stacy McGuire Dave Delawski means proper planning and management of activities on the government to reflect public priorities and meaningfully landscape. protect more wilderness. We need to create and implement Liv Vors When people move in for the beauty, it has an impact policy that puts nature first. on the land • 11 Jim Donohue, Treasurer, Chair of Finance Committee This edition of our newsletter focuses on recreation. You will By Joe Pavelka Albertans need to fully understand their role in protecting Duncan Taylor, Chair, Engagement Committee read about our recent first-of-its-kind survey showing how, where and when Albertans recreate and their wilderness the wilderness while enjoying the landscape responsibly. Andre de Leebeek A lifetime of recreating in nature values. You will find out what local celebrities love to do Albertans’ health and wealth rely on nature and we can have it By Don Carruthers Den Hoed • 12 all with proper planning and management. EDITORIAL AND DESIGN outside and where they go to enjoy Alberta’s nature. You will Albertans love their wilderness, survey reveals • 13 get some useful tips on the most efficient, lightest and coolest CPAWS works hard to ensure that you have places that make Doug Firby, Chair, Conservation Committee By Stacy McGuire high-performance outdoor gear. And, we will reveal the your life mud-luscious and puddle wonderful. Places that Stacy McGuire, Communications Specialist CPAWS’ picks for top hikes - for beginners, intermediates and connect us all, no matter your work or political stripe. We Orienteering gets you closer to the land • 14 advanced hikers. are all part of this ecosystem and by default or design, we Paul Ruchlewicz, GDC, PMR Design By Marsha Fehr This edition also focuses on the importance of nature are all doing something. This summer, as you enjoy Alberta’s CONTACT INFORMATION Our CPAWS guides pick their favourite hikes • 15 for everyone. We have an update on the Castle and amazing wilderness, think about your impact and your role in what conservation should mean when creating plans to preserving Alberta’s heritage. CPAWS Southern Alberta Chapter By Julie Walker and Alex Mowat [email protected] Modern rec gear better suits users’ needs • 16-17 Collectively, we can leave a legacy of nature in Alberta. As By Stacy McGuire Aldo Leopold said: “We abuse land because we regard it www.cpaws-southernalberta.org as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with “To ensure we preserve these special love and respect.” places, we need to focus on low THE PROBLEM IS BIG, BUT WE ARE NOT TOO SMALL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. impact sustainable recreation and Green Notes Newsletter is published by the Canadian Parks Cover Photo: Clara Hughes, Olympian (cyclist/speedskating), Yours in conservation, and Wilderness Society Southern Alberta Chapter (CPAWS humanitarian and adventurer. the kinds of activities that leave no Anne-Marie Syslak SAB) (charity # 10686 5272 RR000I) © 2016. Back Cover Photo: Paul Ruchlewicz Green Notes is printed on Post Consumer recycled content. trace of human activity.” SUMMER 2016 | 3 CPAWS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS MESSAGE CPAWS IS CANADA’S VOICE FOR WILDERNESS. The Southern Alberta Chapter has been championing Southern Alberta’s wild places since 1967. SOUTHERN ALBERTA CHAPTER OUR WILDERNESS

NEXT STEP “You can help So far, however, no steps FOR THE CASTLE: have been taken to stop development in our Rocky SHAPING A us Fight for Mountain national parks. By Katie Morrison, Conservation Director Meanwhile Parks Canada, PROTECTION PLAN Your Parks.” the agency responsible for managing national parks on Last fall’s announcement that the our behalf, drives forward Government of Alberta would be intensive land uses such as oil and gas, forestry, grazing and a tourism agenda focused on development and increased creating the Castle Wildland and off-highway vehicle use have damaged many areas. Studies visitation, and continues to make decisions about the future Provincial Park was a triumphant show disturbances exceed thresholds that are acceptable for of our parks behind closed doors. culmination of decades of hard work by CPAWS Southern species at risk in Alberta, such as grizzly bear, cutthroat trout ALBERTA IS HOME TO SOME OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR The March 2016 federal budget, for example, included a Alberta (CPAWS SAB) and local residents. and bull trout. Many roads, trails, staging areas, well sites, clear- NATIONAL PARKS IN THE WORLD. FROM JASPER TO cuts and other disturbed features need to be reclaimed. $66-million allocation for a new biking and hiking trail in This year’s management planning will define what BANFF TO WATERTON, OUR ROCKY MOUNTAIN PARKS Jasper, even though there had been no prior public discussion conservation actually means in this protected area. What does it mean to have a protected area? AND WILDERNESS ARE THE PRIDE OF CANADA. about the project. Parks Canada has refused to release any additional information about the project. We have heard The ecologically valuable Castle area plays a role in the Crown • A science-based plan is in place to take care of nature. In recent years, however, commercial development interests informally that this path would literally pave a corridor of the Continent ecosystem, has abundant biodiversity and • The focus is on low-impact, sustainable recreation. have put these beloved protected areas at risk. protects the headwaters for the Oldman Watershed. It needs through wilderness and endangered caribou habitat. • Restoration plans are at the forefront. protection. From the theme park-like Glacier Skywalk that privatized a It seems the agency has lost sight of its legal mandate to • The precautionary principle is used to decide what activities public viewpoint in Jasper, to the approval of a blueprint for Protected areas are great places to recreate and connect with protect nature first and is operating like a tourism agency, not are allowed and where (this principle implies a responsibility massively expanding the Lake Louise ski resort into what was nature, and they benefit local economies. Conserving them a conservation organization. means protecting the water, air quality, wildlife and plants, to protect the environment from exposure to harm when legally protected and untouched wilderness, an ongoing particularly species at risk. The management plan for the science has found a risk). barrage of proposals for development prompted CPAWS to We need your help. We need to let the minister know there is region needs to reflect these priorities. The principles have significant implications for the Castle. Any release a special report in the fall of 2015, highlighting the a big problem in Banff and Jasper, and that Canadians do not commercial development threats in Canada’s national parks. The provincial government has committed to reaching the land use, such as off-highway vehicle use, which scientific want any further expansion of the development footprint in research shows has the potential to cause damage to the these treasured national parks. International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Since then, we joined forces with other conservation target of 17 per cent protection of representative landscapes land and water, should not be allowed in the Castle. Tough decisions will be required. organizations to launch the Fight For Your Parks campaign, in the province. Right now, 12 per cent is protected (eight which calls on Canadians to stand up and protect these Please go to per cent of that is national park land and four per cent are Polling repeatedly shows that most visitors who come to treasured places. FightForYourParks.ca provincial protected areas). protected areas like Banff and Kananaskis do so for their today to learn more and The IUCN standard of protection is simple and direct: “a natural beauty and wilderness value and want these areas Since the fall launch of the campaign, we have made progress. clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated protected. While high impact activities such as off-highway The new federal government has committed to limiting to sign our petition. vehicles are allowed in some areas, a recent Alberta-wide poll development in our national parks, and backed that up by and managed, through legal or other effective means, to Canada’s national parks achieve the long term conservation of nature with associated shows these users represent a small minority of Albertans. stopping a private proposal to build a seven-storey tall Mother ecosystem services and cultural values.” In the South Saskatchewan Region of Southern Alberta (SSR) Canada statue in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. belong to all Canadians (roughly the southern one-third of the province), only two per Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Alberta’s Provincial Parks Act sets out multiple purposes for Change, has repeatedly committed to refocus on protecting and we need to stand up provincial parks (including the designations of both wildland cent of residents participate in off-road vehicle use in summer 1 our national parks’ ecological integrity. and defend them. and provincial parks). and fall, and only three per cent in winter and spring . • Preservation of Alberta’s natural heritage Science-based planning, management and enforcement of appropriate land use on public lands will help ensure the • Conservation and management of flora and fauna health of the larger landscape. As part of the bigger Eastern • Preservation of specified areas, landscapes and natural Slopes landscape, the protected areas of the Castle begin to features and objects in them that are of geological, cultural, shape the region’s future. historical, archeological, anthropological, paleontological, CPAWS - SAB will continue to champion meaningful protection ethnological, ecological or other scientific interest or for the Castle region. This year, we will be involved in planning importance processes and put forth recommendations that make • Facilitate their use and enjoyment for outdoor recreation, conservation outcomes a priority for the Castle. education and the appreciation and experiencing of Alberta’s natural heritage 1. Albertans' Values and Attitudes toward Recreation and Wilderness Report. • Ensure their lasting protection for the benefit of present and future generations We will need the voices of all Albertans to support To conserve and restore the natural values of the Castle, the creation of a management plan for the Castle CPAWS believes decision-making must be grounded in science. that puts conservation first and, as outlined in Much of the Castle is wilderness, but the cumulative effects of the Parks Act, ensures “lasting protection for the benefit of present and 4 | SUMMER 2016 future generations.” Ruchlewicz Paul Photos: SUMMER 2016 | 5 CPAWS | CONSERVATION UPDATE CPAWS | CONSERVATION UPDATE

CPAWS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS June 2015 to June 2016 TEACHER We set a new record for delivering education programs PROFESSIONAL this past year. The CPAWS Education team delivered programs to students, teachers, community members DEVELOPMENT and newcomers to Canada. We explored species at risk, • We explore environmental education water conservation, parks and protected areas, forest with teachers' across ecosystems and grizzly bear conservation. NEW southern Alberta • 5 workshops at two teacher’s IMMIGRANT conventions PROGRAMS • Professional development • We help new immigrant days with 2 schools audiences discover • Engaged a total of 100 parks and water issues teachers TOTAL in Canada COMMUNITY EDUCATION • 35 presentations PROGRAMS PROGRAMS • Engaged with more than • Delve into conservation 800 newcomers issues with members of the • 500 programs public & corporate groups • 8,600+ people SCHOOLS • 8 nature programs • We delivered more • More than 50 outreach than 450 programs to events reaching thousands 7,732 students of Albertans • 132 interpretive hikes • 10 interpretive snowshoe treks • 180 classroom programs • 315 classroom visits

To support our environmental education programs please visit: www.cpaws-southernalberta.org/ campaigns/education

6 | SUMMER 2016 SUMMER 2016 | 7 CPAWS | EDUCATION CPAWS | EDUCATION

To support our environmental education programs please visit: www.cpaws-southernalberta.org/ campaigns/education

6 | SUMMER 2016 SUMMER 2016 | 7 FEATURE | CELEBRITY FAVOURITES FEATURE | CELEBRITY FAVOURITES CELEBRITY ALBERTANS DISH Brian and Dee looking for snow leopards ON THEIR FAVOURITE in Ladakh. NATURAL AREAS Will Ferguson Author

WILL FERGUSON, Canadian award-winning Carol loves biking author of more than a dozen in her free time. books ranging from travel adventure to literary fiction. CAROL HUYNH, Canadian freestyle Perhaps it comes from growing wrestler, and first up adrift in the middle of the gold medalist boreal forests of northern for Canada in Alberta, but I have always been Women’s Wrestling attracted to the opposite – whether it is open water, small at Olympics islands or sparse desert emptiness. The Badlands in particular BRIAN KEATING, CLARA HUGHES, resonate with me. The arid beauty, the colours shifting with My favourite ways to spend time outdoors Naturalist, speaker and adventurer Olympian (cyclist/speedskating), the light, the topiary nature of the landscape: It feels both humanitarian and adventurer oddly alien and deeply atavistic. is jogging, hiking and biking. When I like to do quiet forest walking with my wife, binoculars I am in Calgary, I usually jog on the Bow River pathways on at the ready. I live in Canmore and have the most incredible backcountry backyard. The surrounding area is for everyone to enjoy. All DAVE KELLY, the east bank of the Bow across from Bowness, or along the The Kelly kids My favourite place to spend time in the wilderness is in it takes is motivation to get out the door. Canadian actor and Douglas Fir Trail by Edworthy Park. Using the bike path the alpine, tent set up with a view after backpacking and explore the Douglas system in Calgary is also a lot of fun in the summer. television host Fir Trail in Calgary bushwhacking, in a remote location perfectly situated for Every day I can get outside and immerse in nature is a great with Mom and Dad. extended high hikes, bird and wildlife watching. day on Planet Earth. The trails, the mountains, the forest and We like to spend time A few of my best outdoor memories: the creeks fill me with life and motivation. I like to hike and on the Douglas Fir 1) Six-day canoe trip on the Bowron Lakes in B.C. trail run. And I love to camp. Trail in southwest Enjoying Calgary two blocks 2) Hiking Black Tusk and camping at Garibaldi Lake in away from our home. Squamish, B.C. time outdoors between meetings. Our kids are five and 3) Hiking the Trails between the towns of Cinque Terre in Italy three and we love to go to the trail and MICHAEL BERNARD FITZGERALD, wander down to the Musician river, throw rocks, and wander back. The best I like to spend time in Kananaskis Country. I have been going Clara loves to get out times are always when there with my family since I was a kid. It’s so close to town, in the backcountry there is no schedule, there is no excuse not to go. whenever she can. no rush, and we just walk, talk, listen, look My favourite pastime is camping. I love sleeping around and see what in a tent, cooking on the fire and hiking with the dogs. we see. Waking up outdoors is an amazing way to start the day. It also helps if there is ice cream at Angel’s Cafe at the riverside - NAHEED NENSHI, but that is just a bonus. Mayor of Calgary Calgarians are blessed with so many options to experience nature both inside and outside our city limits. Calgary’s RiverWalk and the amazing downtown parks it connects Michael loves to (including Prince’s Island and St. Patrick’s Island) is a true spend his time in gem. I, like many Calgarians, love that I can step out of Kananaskis. my office and enjoy amazing natural spaces just down the street.

8 | SUMMER 2016 Seto Alison Photos: SUMMER 2016 | 9 FEATURE | CELEBRITY FAVOURITES FEATURE | CELEBRITY FAVOURITES CELEBRITY ALBERTANS DISH Brian and Dee looking for snow leopards ON THEIR FAVOURITE in Ladakh. NATURAL AREAS Will Ferguson Author

8 | SUMMER 2016 Seto Alison Photos: SUMMER 2016 | 9 FEATURE | VOLUNTEERING FEATURE | AMENITY MIGRANT

Coordinator KEEPS TEAM of VOLUNTEERS on TRACK WHEN PEOPLE MOVE IN By Joe Pavelka Design PMR Valley, Tonquin Photo: Guest Author FOR THE BEAUTY, IT HAS AN IMPACT ON THE LAND When people move to places for the extraordinary recreation, cultural and natural features, the shift is often use similar marketing to the tourist and the migrant. known as amenity migration or lifestyle migration. However, there are important differences between the two that In recent decades, such population shifts become a hold implications for the communities engaged in amenity Carrie loves to learn about current conservation issues. force of change in rural and mountainous areas migration. Carrie Dimini, Volunteer across North America. “I enjoy staying informed of what’s going on in conservation What does a tourism destination need? What does an amenity and education in Alberta. I feel like I am helping to protect the Alberta places, such as Canmore, Banff, Sylvan Lake and Jasper, migration destination need? A tourist needs a place to areas I like to use all the time and it is important to me to give and countless more in British Columbia are known for their stay short-term and an amenity migrant needs a house or OUR VOLUNTEERS COULDN’T BE NEARLY AS something back.” attractive recreation-filled lifestyle. condo. Banff is well known for its short stay tourism and can EFFECTIVE IN WHAT THEY DO IF THEY DIDN’T When people move for economic reasons, such as employment, accommodate millions of visitors. By doing HAVE SOMEONE TO POINT THE WAY. Carrie loves to snowshoe. During the summer, she enjoys hiking and camping in Kananaskis with her family and friends. She the migration is grudgingly accepted as a part of modern life. so, Banff can maintain a strong economy FOR CPAWS SOUTHERN ALBERTA, THAT SOMEONE especially loves to go to Spray Lakes. But migration for pursuing a leisure-driven lifestyle has been with a fixed geographic footprint within a IS VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR CARRIE DIMINI. less accepted, save for retirees. National Park. “We did a hike out at Spray Lakes, had lunch and just as we got As a mother of two and manager of a busy doctor’s office, in the car to leave we passed a bear having his lunch, too!” says Retiree, Full-time and Part-time Residents Canmore is better known for its amenity Carrie knows the value of good time management. Her skills Carrie. “We were a little unnerved that we were sharing our migration, and it grows by adding to serve her well as she manages the activities of more than 50 lunch space so close to a bear, but we still love going out there. Three groups of people migrate for an area’s amenities. The first the housing stock. For Canmore to grow volunteers, who conduct research, teach education workshops, is retirees, as they have done for years. The second is full-time economically, it needs to constantly expand serve on the board directors and attend community events. “It’s relaxing and quiet. It rejuvenates me.” residents, who are generally younger and still need to work. The its physical footprint. Once a physical third is the part-time resident, often a second homeowner. Carrie decided to volunteer for CPAWS a few years ago, after Carrie is still looking for new ways to volunteer, such as build out has been achieved, there is little trying her hand at teaching a CPAWS education workshop for economic development left for towns attending an event for young environmental professionals. Each of these groups are driven by different motives and needs Photo: Daniela Mitrache newcomers to Canada. and the impact they have vary, too. For instance, retirees can heavily reliant on amenity migration. “Speakers were presenting information about the various move to almost any destination as long as it is affordable and career paths available in the environmental industry,” she said. “I Advice for Amenity Migration Towns has medical facilities. They also tend to gravitate to warm happened to hear CPAWS Executive Director Anne Marie Syslak To volunteer with CPAWS, go to the places, such as Panama, Belize and Costa del Sol. Western To understand a tourist destination, consider it like having a talk about what CPAWS does to protect parks and wilderness volunteer section of the website Canada, with its rugged climate and landscape, ranks low for long lost friend call you up and ask to stay at your house for a areas in Alberta. under the How can I help? tab at these people. couple of nights as they’re passing through town. As host, you “I knew immediately this was the organization I wanted to go out of your way to make their stay as pleasant as possible, volunteer with.” www.cpaws-southernalberta.org Western Canada attracts more full-time and part-time migrants. maybe because you like them and maybe because you know Often, full-time migrants came west, fell in love with the magic they’re leaving soon. of the mountains and decided to stay. They often don’t move for the money, but rather for the beauty and the lifestyle. In amenity migration, it’s like your friend decides your place is Part-time residents, however, maintain a primary residence so nice they don’t want to leave. Now what is your relationship elsewhere (such as Calgary, Toronto, or even Europe), don’t going to be like? Are you going to show the same level of rely on the destination to earn a living, and often have less host enthusiasm? Towns engaged in amenity migration must connection to the place. understand the difference between it and tourism. Strategies that work for short stay visitors are not necessarily going to Tourism and Amenity Migration are not the same work for an amenity migration population and economy. Both tourism and amenity migration are based on attracting Amenity migration is a complicated phenomenon with many people to places with extraordinary assets. Destinations social, economic and environmental implications. It also presents a variety of moral and ethical questions about our right to be mobile versus our impact on the environment. To learn more about amenity migration in the Bow Valley you can view this short online film: http:// ethnographictraveller.com/video/canmore-amenity- migration-joe-pavelka-2011/ Photo: Spray Lakes Sunrise, Paul Ruchlewicz Paul Lakes Sunrise, Spray Photo:

10 | SUMMER 2016 SUMMER 2016 | 11 Photo: PMR Design FEATURE | VOLUNTEERING FEATURE | AMENITY MIGRANT

A LIFETIME OF RECREATING IN NATURE Connecting people with all abilities to the natural world Albertans LOVE their WILDERNESS, Photo: Tracy Tracy Elliott Photo: Don Carruthers Den Hoed Guest author SURVEY reveals

CPAWS has shared the survey results widely with municipalities, TEN YEARS AGO, I WONDERED IF THERE WAS A WAY the dying, and can provide respite for caregivers. A recent ALBERTA IS HOME TO AMAZING LANDSCAPES recreation groups, the real estate industry, government KIDS WITH DISABILITIES COULD PARTICIPATE IN MORE call to my office was a request for ideas about how to help AND ALBERTANS KNOW IT. officials and land managers. Doing so will ensure the results ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FIELD STUDIES, RATHER a terminally ill patient enjoy one last campfire—we simply A province-wide survey conducted for CPAWS by The Praxis can be considered in formal land use decisions and recreation THAN BE LEFT BEHIND. directed the Doctor to a nearby picnic site with a fire ring. Group found that three-quarters of all Albertans get outside planning. and enjoy Alberta’s wilderness on a regular basis. Thanks to the support of countless managers, graduate We shouldn’t only be able to enjoy nature when we are young “It has been interesting to see how the results have been used,” supervisors, an army of volunteers, partner groups and and fit. People change—in their health and in their abilities— Most survey respondents said they value quiet recreation and says Morrison. “We’ve actually had people quoting the survey colleagues, that initial question lead to a province-wide and we ought to foster a range of experiences in nature for 88 per cent want more wilderness protection. Most of those results back to us in meetings, pushing for land use practices inclusion plan and support for people of all abilities to people of all abilities and through all life stages. In other surveyed are engaging in low impact recreation, like hiking and that are representative of the majority Albertans. That is very connect with nature. words, our pursuit of wellness through a connection to nature camping, and 86 per cent prefer non-motorized recreation. rewarding.” should focus on both experiences of a lifetime and a lifetime Whether on an adaptive day trip to an urban park or an of experiences. It feels good to take in breathtaking gusts and In fact, 83 per cent of Albertans surveyed wanted wilderness CPAWS will continue to disseminate the results so that overnighter in Kananaskis, people newly included in parks and views from the peak of a mountain. But when getting to the protected even if they never visit those areas. decision-makers have the information they need to plan for the protection of the environment while addressing the various outdoor recreation say the experience makes them feel better. top of a mountain is out of reach, the natural places closest to “This says to me people recognize the value of nature and recreation activities in Alberta. Their feelings are more than anecdotal; they’re echoed and us will be our sources of comfort. they are willing to make tradeoffs to protect it for future confirmed by research—like a recent study, I co-led with Dr. generations,” says Katie Morrison, Conservation Director for “Now that we know how much people appreciate these areas, Sonya Jakubec of Mount Royal University, which found that Don Carruthers Den Hoed has worked in parks in Alberta CPAWS Southern Alberta. we hope they will be empowered to be stewards of our parks inclusive experiences in nature led to increased mood, health, for 25 years and is a PhD Candidate in the Interdisciplinary and wilderness areas and use their voices to advocate for better The Praxis Group conducted a random phone survey with 1,300 feelings of love, sense of community, and more, for both Graduate Program at the University of Calgary and an Adjunct land management and more protected areas in our province,” adult Albertans between April 27 and May 5, 2015. The margin persons with disabilities and their caregivers. Being outside Professor in the Mount Royal University School of Nursing and says Morrison. feels good. Midwifery. of error is +/- 2.71%, 19 times out of 20. “We can enjoy economic benefits, great recreational places The survey was designed with input from academics, partners, Inclusive events also tend to generate a stream of gratitude for and prioritize ecologically sensitive areas. We can have an even and stakeholders and an outside consultant, the Praxis Group. better Alberta; we just need to plan for it.” providing people with an experience of a lifetime. However, None of the previous surveys encompassed both outdoor the idea that getting outside should be an experience of a activities and wilderness values and none has been done To read the full report on Albertans’ Values and lifetime has long troubled me, because it implies that some province-wide. people may only expect to be included in nature once, and Attitudes Towards Recreation and Wilderness visit only as a special event. Getting outside shouldn’t be an “We needed a more comprehensive understanding of how http://www.cpaws-southernalberta.org/. exceptional event, but just part of our everyday lives. Albertans are using the land to help inform planning decisions for the future of Alberta” says Morrison. “As Alberta’s population Disability, likewise, isn’t exceptional. It affects everyone. On grows, more people are getting outside and into our parks and nearly every adaptive trip, I meet someone who acquired wilderness areas. RECREATION STATS: representation of all adult Albertans his or her disability through injury, illness, or age. A former “We wanted to learn about what is actually happening on the mountain guide who had a stroke and suddenly needed • 76% participate in some form of outdoor recreation a team to pull him in an adaptive wheelchair, or a military landscape. With more demand on the environment, low impact veteran learning to live with operational stress through sustainable recreation and proper planning is going to be more • 98% want protection of water to take precedence over support programs. They were having an experience of a important to safeguard environmentally sensitive areas.” industrial development lifetime, but in a life that had drastically changed—and Morrison says commercial development in places like Banff • 88% want governments to preserve more wilderness change comes to us all, eventually. National Park and high impact activity, like motorized • 86% prefer non-motorized recreation in wilderness areas over recreation, threaten to have a significant impact on sensitive motorized recreation Another of my projects—a study in collaboration with Dr. environments. Jakubec and other colleagues on the role of nature and parks • 83% want wilderness protected and left in its natural condition at end-of-life—indicates that, despite the barriers they may “We need to make sure that land-use decisions are in the even if these areas are never visited by, or benefit, humans. face, many people feel nature can improve quality of life for interests of the majority of Albertans and that we protect and grow our amazing parks and wilderness areas in Alberta.”

12 | SUMMER 2016 SUMMER 2016 | 13 FEATURE | ORIENTEERING FAVOURITE HIKES | CPAWS

ORIENTEERING OUR CPAWS GETS YOU CLOSER GUIDES PICK THEIR TO THE LAND FAVOURITE HIKES

Marsha Fehr, Guest author

ORIENTEERING ENGAGES YOUR MIND AND over the hill? Or do you take the path around the hill? Rapid STRENGTHENS YOUR BODY AS YOU NAVIGATE decision-making becomes instinctive, making orienteers self- THROUGH UNFAMILIAR TERRAIN USING ONLY YOUR reliant people. WITS AND A MAP WITH CHECKPOINTS ON IT. Orienteers are also environmental stewards. Private land or It is most often done on foot, but you can also orienteer on protected areas are clearly outlined on the map as off-limits. Julie Walker & Alex Mowat, skis, snowshoes or mountain bike. Although it is typically Orienteers believe in the motto “leave nothing but footprints.” CPAWS Guides Ruchlewicz Lake O’Hara, Paul Photo: done as a race, you can also orienteer as though it were a Once an event is over, you would be hard-pressed to find any leisurely hike through the forest or park. record of an orienteering event having taken place there. Orienteering is popular with all age groups around the world. Orienteering is a lifelong sport that challenges participants WE GAVE LONG-TIME INTERPRETIVE HIKING GUIDES Getting there: From downtown Canmore, follow signs leading There’s even a world cup circuit and world championships. both physically and mentally, no matter your skill or fitness ALEX MOWAT AND JULIE WALKER A DIFFICULT DILEMMA uphill to the Canmore Nordic Centre. Reset your trip odometer In 2015, Canadians from 8 to 85 years old competed at level. Come and be challenged. Give orienteering a try. WHEN WE ASKED THEM TO PICK THEIR TOP THREE to zero at the Nordic Centre turnoff. Continue ascending on the Canadian Champs in New Brunswick; the World Junior Orienteering clubs in Calgary and Edmonton hold weekly FAVOURITE HIKES. THEY BOTH SAID THEIR FAVOURITE Smith-Dorrien / Spray Trail (Highway 742). Pavement soon ends. Orienteering Champs in Norway; Oringen (a competition in events to welcome newcomers, including instruction for the HIKES COULD FILL A BOOK. After crossing Whiteman’s Gap, proceed generally southeast. At Sweden); and the World Orienteering Champs in Scotland. beginner and novice. 41.5 kilometre (25.7 mi), immediately past Mud Lake, turn right BUT WE WOULDN’T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER, AND GOT Alberta was represented by two elite Calgary juniors and one (west) into the Burstall day use area, at 1910 m (6265 ft.). This is THREE GREAT RECOMMENDATIONS: elite senior athlete, as well as several Alberta orienteering Wear clothes suitable for the weather to walk or run in. Check across from the Chester Lake trailhead parking lot. families. out the club nearest you and come to an event! BEGINNER ADVANCED Emerald Lake - 5.3 kilometre loop return, If you ask an orienteer why they do it, the answer is likely, THE CANADIAN ORIENTEERING CHAMPIONSHIP Alpine Circuit, Lake O’Hara Area - 12.4 kilometre return, 28 metre elevation gain why just run? It’s not only fun, but there are also loads of IS IN CANMORE THIS SUMMER! 1051 metre elevation gain benefits to orienteering, including getting you outdoors. You The walk around Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park is a “must This area connects sections of seven trails into an incredible may never really respect the terrain until you have to use your Visit www.coc2016.ca for more information. do” for any new hiker. Emerald Lake is one of the most bio- loop that has views of more than a dozen lakes and ponds and knowledge of it to get somewhere, and you do it successfully. CALGARY diverse short hikes in the Rockies. Even from one shore to the a series of amazing peaks along the Continental Divide. The Knowing how to navigate in any terrain also increases your Foothills Orienteering: orienteeringcalgary.ca other, the plants are amazingly different. From a Yew tree to 12.4 kilometre loop undulates up and down. self-confidence. Devils Club, the variety is outstanding. The colour of the lake is EDMONTON stunning; the air vibrates with wild freshness. It is almost as if The alpine circuit captures so much of the best of the Lake Decision-making is a key component to orienteering. What Overlanders Orienteering: www.orienteer.ab.ca you are walking inside a jewel, or in a rainforest garden, yet you O’Hara area in one day. It will leave you in awe. The lakes you is the best route for you? Do you go through the marsh and are in the main ranges of the Canadian Rockies. peer down on from the steep passes you ascend and descend from are magnificent in their hues. The geology, forests and Getting there: Follow the Trans-Canada Highway west to Field, various views are spellbinding. and look for the Emerald Lake sign one kilometre past the town turnoff. “Each time I am here,” says Alex, “I feel like I am in one of the most beautiful places on the planet - and that we are so INTERMEDIATE blessed to have it protected as part of Yoho National Park.” Burstall Pass - 14.6 kilometre return, 470 metre elevation gain Getting There: It is located 11 kilometres west of Lake Louise and is accessible by shuttle bus only. Pre-booking is required. Arriving at the alluvial flats (outflow streams and gravel beds) Call (250) 343-6433 for more information. of the Robertson Glacier is to enter a different world. Bring your sandals; the hop, skip and jump across the flowing streams is a blast, with the glacier and various peaks framing the experience. After a brief climb through the forest, you will “leave nothing come across high alpine meadows with an easy switchback ascent to Burstall Pass itself. There, you can look at the impressive limestone peaks of Banff National Park and Leman but footprints.” Lake. This is a great place to take in the mountains over a long, well-deserved lunch break. And keep your eye out for grizzly bears - they are big fans of the area too! 14 | SUMMER 2016 SUMMER 2016 | 15 Photo: Alex Mowat Alex Photo: FEATURE | ORIENTEERING FAVOURITE HIKES | CPAWS

ORIENTEERING OUR CPAWS GETS YOU CLOSER GUIDES PICK THEIR TO THE LAND FAVOURITE HIKES

Marsha Fehr, Guest author

This backpack is small and has These TIPS will MODERN REC space for a GEAR BETTER mobile device. HELP keep you BACKPACKS SAFE out THERE SUITS USERS’ No more heavy, external frame This jacket has many backpacks for NEEDS features including today’s modern GETTING TO THE BACKCOUNTRY breathable material hiker. Few backpacks under the arms only. weigh more than two kilograms, and they have a variety of IS EASIER AND THAT MEANS IT features. In fact, busy city-dwellers can buy a backpack with IS ALSO EASIER TO GET LOST OR space for a mobile device. ENCOUNTER A BEAR. “The lines are getting blurred between wilderness and city “People started to look for water-resistant materials,” he says. Michael Heuchert, Outreach Coordinator gear,” says Michael. “And, a lot more science goes into creating Historically, clothes “If water stays on your skin, or if it reaches your skin from the with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), backpacks. They are made to fit the individual now by paying were durable, heavy outside it can be dangerous, because it can make you cold. suggest you keep these safety tips in mind: and bulky. attention to the different needs people have.” “Now, we are seeing hybrid pieces with material blends like wool and polyester that keep your skin dry.” • Before you leave, tell someone where you are going and when you plan on Similar clothing has been developed for all outdoor lifestyles. checking in.

“Now people are wearing outdoor clothing from Monday to • Do not rely on technology alone. Friday and for urban activities. It is not just for a trip to the Carry a map, compass and flashlight, back country anymore.” too – along with extra food, water, a pocket knife and clothes. People are also becoming more conscious of where their clothing is coming from, and they’re opting for sustainable • GPS satellite tracking devices are very materials. handy in wilderness areas. “It makes long-term business sense to protect the places • Carry bear spray where you can access we want to recreate in, so businesses are carrying clothes to Michael demonstrates it – on a belt, not in your backpack. Glenbow Archives NA-3551-14 Archives Glenbow reflect this,” says Michael. paddling in a Play Boat. WATER GEAR • Travel in groups and talk, sing or clap FOOTWEAR Canoes haven’t changed shape much, but the pricier versions are to alert wildlife of your presence. By Stacy McGuire While many people are still made with light and strong materials, like carbon fibre. Kayaks, Communications Specialist • Carry a wildlife horn to scare away using a standard hiking however, have changed substantially, says Michael. wildlife. A bear banger kit is an boot, many are moving THE EVOLUTION OF to a lighter shoe/boot “Kayaks have changed more for maneuvering. We have play alternative, but make sure you know RECREATION GEAR combination. Lightweight boats – small boats with parts that sit mainly underwater so they how to use them. If you aim it footwear is important for can do flips and cartwheels – but we also have river runners, and At the turn of the 20th century, people improperly, and set it off behind those looking to shave flat water kayaks for oceans/lakes.” looked like they stepped off the movie set the bear it may drive it towards you. time off their hikes or runs, of The Revenant. Coats, hats and boots Bangers also have a flare in case especially with a move Whether you are a luxury traveler, an urbanite who takes were made of thick leather. Tents were towards more competitive recreation in small bites or you want to travel fast and light in the you get lost. made of canvas and backpacks weighed trail running. Now, shoes backcountry, you can find the gear to suit your needs. Recreation more than a small child. are flexible and have plates gear has been transformed to better meet users’ needs. Modern recreation gear is efficient, light and meant for high on the bottom to protect performance to shave time off outdoor challenges; and it from sharp objects, such as looks good too! branches, poking into the shoe. CLOTHING As with clothing, the fabrics are light and To be durable, outdoor wear used to be heavy and bulky. breathable. This light hiking shoe SOUTHERN ALBERTA CHAPTER Today’s outdoor clothes are equally durable but are also has grip, and plates ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING lightweight, comfortable and move with your body. Fabric on the bottom for blends ensure clothes are breathable, water resistant and protection from Panel Discussion: Bison Belong and Beyond sun resistant. The technology first became popular in cross- branches and rocks. Thursday, September 29 country skiing, says Michael Heuchert, Outreach Coordinator with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC). Details to follow. Visit www.cpawssouthernalberta.org 16 | SUMMER 2016 SUMMER 2016 | 17 Photo: Chad Larsen Photo: FEATURE | REC GEAR FEATURE | REC GEAR

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