Events Calendar

Debate of land usage and environmental preservation in the Castle area is long-standing, but has never been more heated than it is now. Outcry is strong from all sides of the Castle parks argument. The feeling that government has not been willing to hear the voices of the public has added fuel to the fire. Public meetings, along with an extension of the deadline to submit online input through a government survey to April 19, were announced Monday. The first meeting will be held Friday at Pincher Creek Community Hall, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. A second will be held at the Chain Lakes Provincial Park MD office the following day from 2 to 5 p.m. Discussions will include linear disturbances, off-highway vehicle use and trail planning. The press release says Alberta Environment and Parks staff will be available to answer questions and gather comments and that more sessions will be announced in coming days. My inquiry to Brent Wittmeier, press secretary for Environment and Parks, as to whether or not Minister Shannon Phillips will be in attendance, remains unanswered at press time. As important as these meetings are, it is frustrating to receive short notice and for our government to choose not to advertise them or to give adequate notice to interested parties. An earlier news release from March 1 stated that meetings would begin on the 10th, but gave no indication of the location. It says the revised management plan will include the following considerations: — Alberta hunters will be able to recover game through limited use of trail networks during hunting season. — Alberta ranchers will see grazing permits managed by rangelands staff. The province will continue to work with permit holders on a formalized agreement. — Alberta anglers will see Alberta’s fish populations protected through fish recovery strategies, including the threatened bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout. — Albertans with mobility issues, including the elderly, will be given special consideration to ensure park access is inclusive. — No changes to the current state-of-trail access will be made in the upcoming year for off-highway vehicles use. The focus will be on closing illegal trails and creating proper signage. — There will be increased enforcement to prevent irresponsible activities in the Castle parks. — The revised plan will include maintaining northern access and routes into the park from Crowsnest Pass. This is beginning to sound more like a news story than an editorial. Is it deliberate that this government information came at a time beyond the deadline of most weekly papers in the area? Tempers are hot, friends and neighbours are at odds — the impact of the coming decision is significant to all southern Alberta communities. Let’s not have a repeat of the day Pincher Creek booed the premier. Instead, let’s be willing to hear all sides of the argument without carrying the bias of our own opinions. The debate has become inflammatory because people are passionate about this beautiful place we call home. Whether you are a rancher, a hiker, a quadder, a fisherman or someone who simply loves to drive the gravel roads to enjoy the wonders of our backyard, your voice is valid. Keep calm and attend a meeting. The future of the Castle depends on all of us.