CPAWS Southern Alberta

Last weekend, we ran our Forest Steward Volunteer Training at the recently logged Daisy Creek, where we spent each day learning about fish, fish habitat, and the impacts of logging from fisheries biologist Matt Coombs 🐟

Many of us angle, camp, hike, and recreate in areas that have been logged, and when we know what to look for, we can actually play an important "eyes on the ground" role.

In fact, we can make sure logging companies are implementing the practices that help protect at-risk species — and record and report back when they aren't.

After all, most of Alberta’s logging happens on public lands, and we have a right to ensure they're being responsibly used by private companies🌲🪓🪵

The 25 volunteers who joined us were able to see firsthand examples of logging practices that are harming trout and now know how to report any destructive practices they see while out in the field.

And it wasn’t all work and no play! The highlight of the weekend, by far, was getting to watch a female westslope cutthroat trout build a redd, while four males competed *vigorously* for her attention.

A great reminder, too, of why these places are worth protecting ⛰️

“Thank you to Matt Coombs and to all those who joined us with such great enthusiasm and interest. Our headwaters and species at risk need more advocates and we hope that these events inform and inspire action."
—Josh Killeen, Conservation Science & Programs Manager

📷 Cameron Hunter

Yesterday, YourAlberta (Government of Alberta) approved the Fortress Mountain Resort All-Season Resort.

It's no exaggeration to say that we're gutted.

is a beautiful, beloved place that many of us have spent our lives recreating quietly, and sustainably, in. It's home to at-risk species, like and , and many other iconic Alberta critters.

While conditions were attached to the approval, they are minor and will in NO way be enough to mitigate the severe environmental impacts of a development of this magnitude.

Kananaskis is now seeing upwards of five million visitors per year, surpassing even National Park’s historically high visitation. Layering additional infrastructure, and further increasing visitation, puts potentially insupportable pressure on wildlife habitat, ecological connectivity, as well as the recreational experience that Albertans value.

Please continue to let the Minister of Tourism and Sport, and your Member of the Legislative Assembly, know that this project must not move forward.

To learn more and take action, visit our website https://cpaws-southernalberta.org/fortress-mountain-decision-raises-concerns-over-the-future-of-kananaskis-country.



Photo Credit: Mitchell Leong