Alberta parks mandate letter orders 900 new campsites but advocates question conservation
CBC
Alberta's premier wants the forestry and parks minister to expand the number of campsites and campgrounds, but advocacy groups are concerned about how conservation plays into the government's plans.
Adding 900 new campsites over 10 years is one of a slew of proposals put forward last week in the mandate letter for Minister Todd Loewen.
The UCP MLA for Central Peace-Notley headed the Ministry of Forestry, Parks and Tourism under Premier Danielle Smith prior to the election — the newest ministry designation loses tourism, although the sector still plays into his plans.
"We needed to increase the number of campgrounds in Alberta," Loewen said in an interview earlier this week.
"We want to focus on creating these opportunities and these places for people to go when they want to get out. And also to help us with tourism with people that are visiting Alberta."
According to the ministry, there are more than 250 campgrounds with nearly 14,000 campsites in provincial parks across the province. Random camping outside designated campgrounds on public land requires a camping pass.
Loewen said there is heavy use of public lands and parks in certain areas, which can be harmful to the environment if it isn't managed properly.
"And that's why we want to make sure that there's places to go for people when they want to enjoy our public lands and our parks."
The letter also includes investing $5 million in trail upgrades for Kananaskis Country and building new trails and campgrounds across Alberta.
Advocacy groups question where conservation fits in.
"It's really marked by what it's lacking," Tara Russell, program director for Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society's northern Alberta chapter, said of the mandate letter.
"We've got really high demand for parks and protected areas, both for recreation opportunities and nature conservation.
"And this letter makes absolutely no mention of increasing the number of parks in Alberta, despite parks being in the title," Russell said.
Loewen said there are currently no plans to develop or expand any parks, although he referenced the spring announcement to establish Big Island Provincial Park in southwest Edmonton over the next three years.
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