A sign marks the entrance to the Castle, an area that has long been a battleground between development, recreation and protection.

A sign marks the entrance to the Castle, an area that has long been a battleground between development, recreation and protection.
Photo Credit: CBC

Alberta to protect “the castle” wilderness.

The new government in the western province of Alberta is set to provide new protection for an enviromentally sensitive region in the southwest corner of the province.

The Castle Special Management Area covers about 104,000 hectares (1,004 sa/km)  of ecologically-diverse expanse of mountains, foothills, forests, grasslands, rivers and lakes in southwestern Alberta

A view of the Lynx Creek Valley within the Castle area.
A view of the Lynx Creek Valley within the Castle area. © John Novotny- Alberta.ca

The recently elected New Democratic Party (NDP) provincial government had long argued for increased protection while in opposition and now that they are in power have said they will act.

Clear cutting of forest in the Castle had begun in 2012, after decades of logging in the region, but was suspended after years of protests over the increased harm to wildlife and water from logging and other commercial activity.

Now the government says commercial logging will cease, along with all new oil, gas exploration.  Existing leases will continue for oil and gas, but existing leases for metallic, mineral and coal commodities will be cancelled and no new ones issued.

Approximate area of the
Approximate location of the “Castle Special Management Area in Alberta shown in dark green. The red line highlights the Alberta- BC boundary. Alberta’s Waterland Lakes National Park lies immediately to the south of the area. © google-mm

The news of the protective measures pleases Gordon Peterson, an area resident and member of with the Castle Crown Wilderness Association.

Quoted by CBC news, he said, “It’s something so many of us have worked so hard on for so long.”

The government says The Wildland Provincial Park will be expanded, and another new provincial park will also be created.

Spray Lakes Sawmills had been set to resume clear-cutting this winter to cut 99,000 cubic metres of logs and now says it is reviewing its options during the 30-day consultation process before the legislation proceeds.  That public consultation will also determine the types and amount of services to be provided such as campgrounds and off-road vehicle use.

The Castle Wilderness Area is an important habitat for grizzly bears.
The Castle Wilderness Area is an important habitat for a diverse number of species including grizzly bears which require a ver large range. © Alberta Environment and Park

In a press release Shannon Phillips, Alberta Minister of Environment and Parks says, “Protecting the Castle is critically important for the biodiversity and water quality of this entire region. Under Parks’ legislation, and with the input of all Albertans, we will permanently protect this special place for future generations to enjoy as we transition the land to support good local jobs in tourism and recreation.”

The news release says designating the Castle under the Provincial Parks Act will allow government to focus on stewardship, protecting and enhancing biodiversity, and boosting the local economy by promoting the area as an outdoor destination for Albertans and out-of-province visitors.

The Alberta Wilderness Association which has been lobbying for added protection for decades applauds the decision. It notes the Castle Wilderness comprises numerous overlapping ecosystems in one relatively small area. It says the Castle Wilderness contains unusually high animal and plant species diversity. It is also an essential piece of an ecological puzzle; the Castle connects Canadian and US National Parks to the south and the Flathead Basin to the west with important wildlife habitats and populations in the mountains and foothills to the north.

“This decision will pave the way for urgently needed restoration of a number of Castle areas. It will help ensure the Castle’s truly vital features continue to contribute to Alberta’s biodiversity and ecosystem health” says Cliff Wallis, AWA Secretary Treasurer.

With the announcement of the two new parks, it will bring Alberta closer to international conservation obligations to commit up to 17 per cent of its land base — from its current 14.5 per cent.

CPAWS website- the Castle

Alberta Wilderness Association

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