Alberta government bans logging, mining, and oil and gas expansion in Castle area

Haig Pass, coming out of the Flathead and looking into the upper West Castle — the heart of the area protected by the province Friday. For the Calgary Herald

Alberta government bans logging, mining, and oil and gas expansion in Castle area

 by Colette Derworiz, Calgary Herald, Sept 04, 2015

CROWSNEST PASS — The province is protecting the entire Castle area in southern Alberta as two parks, banning forestry and mining and and turning its focus to recreation and tourism in the area.

Read more here:  http://calgaryherald.com/…/alberta-moves-to-protect-vast-ca…

Image, courtesy Calgary Herald

Trout Unlimited Canada writes: 

"Today, Alberta Environment and Parks’ Minister Shannon Phillips announced the protection of the Castle Special Management Area in southwestern Alberta. This unique and special part of the province will be protected by expanding an existing Wildland Provincial Park and creating a new Provincial Park. The Castle is a special place for many Albertans. It provides important fish and wildlife habitat and forms a big part of the headwaters of the Oldman River Basin. The additional 1,040 square kilometers of Provincial Park is a great step towards the protection of our water resources. The park designation means there will be no more commercial logging within the area. There will also be a prohibition on surface rights access for new oil and gas leases. The park designation also allows the provincial government to create new campgrounds within the area. The province is looking to reduce the industrial impacts on this landscape and develop recreational and tourism opportunities.

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CPAWS Southern Alberta | Crowsnest Café & Fly Shop | Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative | Alberta Wilderness Association| Castle-Crown Wilderness Coalition |