Notice Board

The Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) presents a special session discussing the restrictions placed on off-road vehicles in the Castle Wilderness Area.

Are the Proposed Restrictions and Bans Appropriate for Off Highway Vehicle Riders Using Alberta’s Public Lands?

Date:              Monday, October 29, 2018
Time:              7 - 9 p.m.
Venue:           Lethbridge Public Library Community Room (upstairs), Main Branch, 810 – 5th Ave. South

In May 2018, the provincial government released long-term plans for the Livingstone-Porcupine Hills area, a vast region of mountains, foothills, valleys, rivers and creeks covering almost 2000 square kilometres in southwest Alberta. The area has been heavily used by ranchers, industry, off-road vehicle riders, campers and hikers. It’s also home to endangered species such as grizzly bears and native cutthroat trout.

Since the 1970’s, there have been concerns about the impact of those users on the area. The government’s long-term plan, which follows several years of public consultation and planning, is an attempt to balance how that area is used. Most of the present trails, all of which are informal, user-developed routes, will be closed. Off-highway riders will be restricted to use designated trails, all designed for minimal impact.

The panel speakers will have 10 -15 minutes to explain their views on the Alberta government plan, followed by audience interactive Q & A.

Speakers:      Sofie Forsstrom, Joanna Skrajny, Gary Clark and Lorne Fitch

Sofie earned a Master of Science in Applied Ecology from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from U of A, Augustana Campus. Prior to joining Oldman Watershed Council, Sofie worked as a bilingual science educator at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller.

Joanna graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in environmental sciences (concentration on biological sciences). She works for the Alberta Wilderness Association on Eastern Slopes management with focus on water security and protection of the Castle and Bighorn wilderness.

Gary is president of the not-for-profit organization, Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad.

Lorne has been a biologist for over 45 years, working on many issues related to use of land and water. He is a professional biologist, a retired provincial fish and wildlife biologist, the co-founder of the riparian stewardship program called “Cows and Fish” and an adjunct professor with the University of Calgary. He is a writer, a communicator, a commentator and an advocate for ecologically sustainable land use.

Moderator:   Knud Petersen

Free admission thanks to Lethbridge Public Library and everyone is welcome to this panel discussion.