Why this is important
A century of clear cut logging, oil and gas development
and out-of-control off-road vehicle abuse has left the headwaters of the South
Saskatchewan River fragmented and scarred. Natural river flows are 12% lower
than in the mid twentieth century. Climate change will only make things worse.
Alberta is about to release a South Saskatchewan regional
land use plan that was prepared with wide citizen consultation. But special
interest groups with a stake in business-as-usual want to ensure it contains no
limits on off-road abuse, increases clear cut logging, and promotes more
development.
Those who care about healthy landscapes, clean rivers and
future water security need a chance to inform the government that they support
a plan that keeps the mountains and foothills green and healthy by establishing
new parks, restricting off-road vehicles to official trails, replacing clear
cutting with restoration logging, and repairing landscapes damaged by past
industrial and motorized abuse.
Healthy intact headwaters don't just produce more and
better water - they yield better fishing and hunting, more secure and
productive habitat for elk, grizzlies and native trout, and the aesthetic and
ecological qualities that yield the finest of recreational environments.
SIGN THIS PETITION
"Please make headwaters protection the over-riding
priority for the foothills and mountains that feed water to the South
Saskatchewan River. The South Saskatchewan Regional plan should create new
parks, limit clearcut logging, restore abandoned roads, protect creeks and
wetlands from industrial damage and restrict motorized use to a few
well-designed trails. Water is critical to our future; our beautiful headwaters
need better care."
Read more here
