On March 1, the province announced that there would be public information sessions or opportunities to ‘learn about the future of conservation and recreation uses for the Castle parks area’ (see release here).

On March 6, two information sessions were announced (see release here), with more sessions to be announced. This is short notice – the first two sessions will be held on this Friday and the second on Saturday:

March 10: Pincher Creek

4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Pincher Creek Community Centre – 287 Canyon Drive

March 11: MD of Ranchlands

2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Chain Lakes Provincial Park – MD Office (view map)

The release explicitly states that discussion will not be limited to the south and Castle Parks, but will “examine wider conservation and land-use issues in the southern Eastern Slopes, Castle parks and surrounding areas. Discussions will include linear disturbances, off-highway vehicle use and trail planning“.

These sessions will be a great opportunity to question government staff on the proposed changes in land use and access in these areas.

Attending public sessions like these are important for individuals to understand the rationale behind the plans, and provide input into them. We strongly recommend that those who are able to do attend one or both of the sessions. Although we do not know for certain what the format will be, it is suspected that these sessions will NOT have lectures or speeches, but will be a more open information session. The following are our suggestions for those that do plan on attending:

Try to attend. If you are unable to attend because of work commitments or difficulty travelling to the sessions, contact Alberta Parks and identify that there are barriers to your participation and ask for additional sessions in your area and at additional times: ABParks.PlanComments@gov.ab.ca. Ask lots of questions and be persistent for answers. This is the best opportunity to gain an understanding of the rationale behind the plans. Reflect on what uses you have undertaken on public lands in the eastern slopes and how you value these uses. Do these uses contribute to your mental health and well being? Do they contribute to your household economics (e.g. wood cutting?). Make a point of stating what you value at the information session, in writing if possible, and what you feel strongly about recreating in the Castle and other areas of the eastern slopes. Be sure to document your concerns and vision for an inclusive park plan and submit it to the representatives.

Don’t be shy! You have a right to participate and engage with the government – in fact, it is more than a right, they have an obligation to engage with you! Please partake in this opportunity to talk with the government.