Only the government holds the power to protect this area from the logging agreement with SLS.
The single most important thing you can do to help, is to write the government.
The single most important thing you can do to help, is to write the government.
We have an action plan coming together and we will need your help for it to be successful.
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A. Please sign the petition:
click to sign the petition
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B. Please join our Action Plan:
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C. - The most impact you can have is by writing an EMAIL!!! (We'll help you with that below)
3. Add your MLA's email to cc: and copy/past the following ministers to your email's cc:
4. Include your NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER and the DATE, along with a SIGNATURE
to ensure that your letter is read and considered.
If you want it to be even more effective, state that you,
"Give permission to have the letter tabled in the Alberta Legislature."
to ensure that your letter is read and considered.
If you want it to be even more effective, state that you,
"Give permission to have the letter tabled in the Alberta Legislature."
5. If you need help with the message, Copy the sample letter below and paste it into your email.
If you choose to use the sample letter, please fill out the red highlighted areas
including the signature at the bottom.
If you choose to use the sample letter, please fill out the red highlighted areas
including the signature at the bottom.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Premier of Alberta
Office of the Premier
307 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Subject: [Title your letter]
Honourable Premier Smith,
I am writing to you about the proposed logging plan in Moose Mountain and Bragg Creek Recreation Areas. [Express your reasons why this place is special to you and the effect the logging will have on that]
Since 2011, two volunteer organizations have invested an astounding $7.5 million dollars and dedicated over 100,000 volunteer hours to create and maintain the trail network in this area. These tireless efforts have transformed Moose Mountain and Bragg Creek Trails into a beloved destination, attracting over 1,000 visitors per day on average (West Bragg Creek had 293,000 visitors in 2020). Not only has it become Alberta’s largest and most recognized mountain bike destination, but it also provides trails for snowshoe, Nordic ski, equestrian, fatbike, trail running, hiking, and hosts numerous races and events throughout the year. The popularity of this outdoor recreation area speaks volumes about its appeal and the value it holds for residents and tourists alike.
It is then crucial to highlight the significant disparity in land allocation between West Fraser and the outdoor recreation sector, serving 1.4 million residents in the Calgary region. West Fraser holds two Forest Management Agreements stretching from Waterton all the way to Sundre, covering a vast 475,000 hectares of land. The proposed clearcut covering West Bragg and Moose Mountain only covers 738 hectares, a mere 0.16% of West Fraser’s Management Area, but will affect nearly half of the trails. This is the most popular outdoor recreation area, outside of the Parks. Removing forestry from it would have a negligible effect on West Fraser, yet harvesting it will decimate the aesthetic value of Calgary’s closest and most visited wilderness area.
In a recent Alberta Government survey, visitors to this area were asked, "What's missing?" 55% responded “more trails in the area/region”. When asked, "What are the most desirable features in this area for your outdoor recreational activities?" Out of twenty-four possibilities, the second most common response was, "Beauty/Scenery/Views/Mountains/Trees". When asked, "Why do you participate in outdoor recreation?" 96.4% responded "connecting to nature." (Recreation Use and Experience Survey Results: Elbow Valley Summer 2020, Published by Alberta Environment and Parks) It is clear that one of the main reasons this area is so popular, is due to the natural wilderness setting.
The outdoor recreation industry plays a pivotal role in our economy, generating substantial revenue and providing various employment opportunities. The Tourism Industry Association of Alberta recently conducted a report on the Alberta’s Crown Land Outdoor Recreation Economy. The size of the industry revealed is astounding:
It is essential to consider the historical significance and intent of Kananaskis as envisioned by Premier Lougheed. Since 1977, the government has identified watershed integrity as the highest priority use for this region of the province, followed by public recreation and tourism. They also acknowledged that, “not all objectives will necessarily be achieved in all areas.” (Policy for Resource Management of the Eastern Slopes, introduced by Premier Lougheed). More recently, the Regional Advisory Council advised:
“Primary Issues: Currently the planning, supply and management of recreation opportunities do not meet existing or projected demand, especially when considering expected population growth in the Calgary area. The challenge is maintaining the integrity of the region’s most important recreation resources, degradation of regionally significant scenic areas and maintaining a supply of parks, open spaces and recreation infrastructure to meet current and projected demands.” (Section 6.4 Recreation and Tourism – Advice to the Government of Alberta for the SSRP)
The Alberta Government has called this area “Alberta’s Crown Jewel” and implemented a Conservation Pass to protect and preserve it. The Kananaskis Conservation Pass webpage states, "By purchasing a pass you're helping keep this special part of Alberta beautiful and protected for generations to come". The proposed clear-cut logging plan stands in stark contrast to this statement, undermines the legacy of Premier Lougheed and the essence of what Kananaskis represents.
While logging has been conducted in the area in 2012/2014 to build FireSmart containment lines, it is crucial to recognize that this proposed harvest will be substantially different and not contribute to fire hazard reduction for the community of Bragg Creek. The past FireSmart harvest removed all of the slash and stumps, only had one cutblock overly a single trail, had significantly smaller cutblocks, more stand retention within the cutblock and incorporated 50m tree buffers to hide the cut area from the trails. The impact was diminished significantly due to these changes, as the cut areas transitioned faster to grass/shrub, were not visible and the trails remained protected from wind and sun. The proposed standard harvest will not remove the slash and stumps, inhibiting grass and shrub regrowth, and very little of the past mitigations were adopted with cutblocks directly affecting roughly half the trails.
More concerning is that this cut will not be following the Alberta Forest Management Planning Standard:
5.9.5 Green-up constraints acceptable to Alberta have been applied.
The green-up period is the time during which harvesting of adjacent areas is not permitted.
1. The default green-up periods for Alberta harvested areas are 20 years for coniferous and 10 years for deciduous.
The green-up constraints may be altered as long as the result is acceptable. The minimum criteria for acceptability of alternate strategies are:
a. The opening size predicted for the first two 20-year periods falls within the natural range of variability (NRV). Analyses of the forest cover inventory in the area will provide guidance regarding acceptable opening sizes, and,
b. The distribution of proposed harvesting is generally acceptable to stakeholders, or,
c. A biodiversity analysis acceptable to Alberta has been completed.
This harvest will be located adjacent two other large harvests that were conducted in 2012/2014 and leaves the entire area west of Bragg Creek with very little biodiversity for the next 100+ years until it is mature enough to be sequenced to harvest again.
Considering the popularity of this area, the lack of biodiversity will have severe environmental implications. Grizzly bears are attracted to clear cuts and many of the trails, particularly in the Moose Mountain area, are designed for high-speed Mountain Biking. This is a serious safety concern as these trails are incompatible with a significant bear population and will result in tragic conflicts. The strain on the environment resulting from the extensive recreational activities will also be exponentially compounded by the proposed logging, further disrupting the delicate ecological balance and undermining efforts to maintain the natural integrity of the region.
In conclusion, we strongly urge the government to reconsider the clear-cut logging plan and explore alternative strategies that prioritize the preservation of the natural environment, honor the history and intent of Kananaskis, and recognize the immense value of the outdoor recreation industry. We implore you to consider the small area dedicated to outdoor recreation in comparison to the extensive area allocated to West Fraser. Furthermore, it is imperative to address the concerns raised regarding the environmental stress caused by the high number of visitors and how logging would exponentially compound these issues.
Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter. We urgently request your intervention and decisive action to protect this invaluable natural area, ensure the long-term sustainability of outdoor recreation and tourism in Alberta, by not approving this harvest.
Sincerely,
[your signature]
[your name]
I hereby give permission to have this letter tabled in the Alberta Legislature.
[Your Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Premier of Alberta
Office of the Premier
307 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Subject: [Title your letter]
Honourable Premier Smith,
I am writing to you about the proposed logging plan in Moose Mountain and Bragg Creek Recreation Areas. [Express your reasons why this place is special to you and the effect the logging will have on that]
Since 2011, two volunteer organizations have invested an astounding $7.5 million dollars and dedicated over 100,000 volunteer hours to create and maintain the trail network in this area. These tireless efforts have transformed Moose Mountain and Bragg Creek Trails into a beloved destination, attracting over 1,000 visitors per day on average (West Bragg Creek had 293,000 visitors in 2020). Not only has it become Alberta’s largest and most recognized mountain bike destination, but it also provides trails for snowshoe, Nordic ski, equestrian, fatbike, trail running, hiking, and hosts numerous races and events throughout the year. The popularity of this outdoor recreation area speaks volumes about its appeal and the value it holds for residents and tourists alike.
It is then crucial to highlight the significant disparity in land allocation between West Fraser and the outdoor recreation sector, serving 1.4 million residents in the Calgary region. West Fraser holds two Forest Management Agreements stretching from Waterton all the way to Sundre, covering a vast 475,000 hectares of land. The proposed clearcut covering West Bragg and Moose Mountain only covers 738 hectares, a mere 0.16% of West Fraser’s Management Area, but will affect nearly half of the trails. This is the most popular outdoor recreation area, outside of the Parks. Removing forestry from it would have a negligible effect on West Fraser, yet harvesting it will decimate the aesthetic value of Calgary’s closest and most visited wilderness area.
In a recent Alberta Government survey, visitors to this area were asked, "What's missing?" 55% responded “more trails in the area/region”. When asked, "What are the most desirable features in this area for your outdoor recreational activities?" Out of twenty-four possibilities, the second most common response was, "Beauty/Scenery/Views/Mountains/Trees". When asked, "Why do you participate in outdoor recreation?" 96.4% responded "connecting to nature." (Recreation Use and Experience Survey Results: Elbow Valley Summer 2020, Published by Alberta Environment and Parks) It is clear that one of the main reasons this area is so popular, is due to the natural wilderness setting.
The outdoor recreation industry plays a pivotal role in our economy, generating substantial revenue and providing various employment opportunities. The Tourism Industry Association of Alberta recently conducted a report on the Alberta’s Crown Land Outdoor Recreation Economy. The size of the industry revealed is astounding:
- 36,000 full time jobs,
- $551 Million in annual tax revenue and,
- contributing $2.8 Billion annually to Alberta’s GDP.
It is essential to consider the historical significance and intent of Kananaskis as envisioned by Premier Lougheed. Since 1977, the government has identified watershed integrity as the highest priority use for this region of the province, followed by public recreation and tourism. They also acknowledged that, “not all objectives will necessarily be achieved in all areas.” (Policy for Resource Management of the Eastern Slopes, introduced by Premier Lougheed). More recently, the Regional Advisory Council advised:
“Primary Issues: Currently the planning, supply and management of recreation opportunities do not meet existing or projected demand, especially when considering expected population growth in the Calgary area. The challenge is maintaining the integrity of the region’s most important recreation resources, degradation of regionally significant scenic areas and maintaining a supply of parks, open spaces and recreation infrastructure to meet current and projected demands.” (Section 6.4 Recreation and Tourism – Advice to the Government of Alberta for the SSRP)
The Alberta Government has called this area “Alberta’s Crown Jewel” and implemented a Conservation Pass to protect and preserve it. The Kananaskis Conservation Pass webpage states, "By purchasing a pass you're helping keep this special part of Alberta beautiful and protected for generations to come". The proposed clear-cut logging plan stands in stark contrast to this statement, undermines the legacy of Premier Lougheed and the essence of what Kananaskis represents.
While logging has been conducted in the area in 2012/2014 to build FireSmart containment lines, it is crucial to recognize that this proposed harvest will be substantially different and not contribute to fire hazard reduction for the community of Bragg Creek. The past FireSmart harvest removed all of the slash and stumps, only had one cutblock overly a single trail, had significantly smaller cutblocks, more stand retention within the cutblock and incorporated 50m tree buffers to hide the cut area from the trails. The impact was diminished significantly due to these changes, as the cut areas transitioned faster to grass/shrub, were not visible and the trails remained protected from wind and sun. The proposed standard harvest will not remove the slash and stumps, inhibiting grass and shrub regrowth, and very little of the past mitigations were adopted with cutblocks directly affecting roughly half the trails.
More concerning is that this cut will not be following the Alberta Forest Management Planning Standard:
5.9.5 Green-up constraints acceptable to Alberta have been applied.
The green-up period is the time during which harvesting of adjacent areas is not permitted.
1. The default green-up periods for Alberta harvested areas are 20 years for coniferous and 10 years for deciduous.
The green-up constraints may be altered as long as the result is acceptable. The minimum criteria for acceptability of alternate strategies are:
a. The opening size predicted for the first two 20-year periods falls within the natural range of variability (NRV). Analyses of the forest cover inventory in the area will provide guidance regarding acceptable opening sizes, and,
b. The distribution of proposed harvesting is generally acceptable to stakeholders, or,
c. A biodiversity analysis acceptable to Alberta has been completed.
This harvest will be located adjacent two other large harvests that were conducted in 2012/2014 and leaves the entire area west of Bragg Creek with very little biodiversity for the next 100+ years until it is mature enough to be sequenced to harvest again.
Considering the popularity of this area, the lack of biodiversity will have severe environmental implications. Grizzly bears are attracted to clear cuts and many of the trails, particularly in the Moose Mountain area, are designed for high-speed Mountain Biking. This is a serious safety concern as these trails are incompatible with a significant bear population and will result in tragic conflicts. The strain on the environment resulting from the extensive recreational activities will also be exponentially compounded by the proposed logging, further disrupting the delicate ecological balance and undermining efforts to maintain the natural integrity of the region.
In conclusion, we strongly urge the government to reconsider the clear-cut logging plan and explore alternative strategies that prioritize the preservation of the natural environment, honor the history and intent of Kananaskis, and recognize the immense value of the outdoor recreation industry. We implore you to consider the small area dedicated to outdoor recreation in comparison to the extensive area allocated to West Fraser. Furthermore, it is imperative to address the concerns raised regarding the environmental stress caused by the high number of visitors and how logging would exponentially compound these issues.
Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter. We urgently request your intervention and decisive action to protect this invaluable natural area, ensure the long-term sustainability of outdoor recreation and tourism in Alberta, by not approving this harvest.
Sincerely,
[your signature]
[your name]
I hereby give permission to have this letter tabled in the Alberta Legislature.
5. Hit send and pat yourself on the back from all of us who love this area!!!
Important Contacts to write/email/phone
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Loewen, Todd, Honourable
Minister of Forestry and Parks Executive Branch 323 Legislature Building 10800 - 97 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6 Phone: 780 644-7353 E-mail: [email protected] Schow, Joseph, Honourable Minister of Tourism and Sport Executive Branch 103 Legislature Building 10800 - 97 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6 Phone: 780-427-4698 E-mail: [email protected] |
Schulz, Rebecca, Honourable
Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Executive Branch 204 Legislature Building 10800 - 97 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6 Phone: 780 427-2391 E-mail: [email protected] Smith, Danielle, Honourable Premier Executive Branch 307 Legislature Building 10800 - 97 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6 Phone: 780 427-2251 E-mail: [email protected] |
Jones, Matt, Honourable
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Executive Branch 425 Legislature Building 10800 - 97 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6 Phone: 780 644-8554 E-mail: [email protected] Elemigi, Sara, Honourable MLA Banff - Kananaskis 5th Floor 9820 - 107 Street Edmonton, AB T5K 1E7 Phone: 403 609-4509 E-mail: [email protected] |