IT’S ALL ABOUT BALANCE

Outdoor recreation is part of our heritage, writes Gary Clark

Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad appreciates the concerns voiced by scientists who have written an open letter to the minister of environment.

This letter argues for a ban on an activity enjoyed by thousands of Albertans who use purposebuilt ATV trails in the Castle area.

Let’s remind Albertans this is not the first open letter.

In June 2015, over 100 scientists wrote calling for a moratorium on oilsands development because the “science is clear.” In March 2016, over 60 scientists penned another letter calling on the prime minister to reject the proposed Trans Mountain pipeline.

In May 2016, 90 scientists again wrote to the government of British Columbia to stop a proposed liquefied natural gas project.

There are fewer than 600 kilometres of usable trails in Castle. We have always agreed the government needs a designated trail system, not only in Castle, but throughout the province.

Other provinces, and U.S. areas, have shown how properly constructed trails can be environmentally integrated into the system. Trails that lead nowhere, or trails in highly biodiverse areas should be closed to allow for natural regeneration.

The trail system we have urged the government to adopt in Castle covers less than 200 kilometres. This is two-thirds less than we have today.

Millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours were spent building trails and bridges in Castle. Our aim is to protect water and fish habitat, restore riparian areas and move trails where required to accomplish this.

The letter states, “It is important for the public to understand that there are very real impacts to natural areas from motorized trails and use.”

The government plans to turn these same trails over to nonmotorized use. A trail is a trail, regardless of who uses it. There will still be the same compaction, and run-off issues, as evidenced in other parks with non-motorized trail use.

The letter also argues for the protection of large carnivores. It is interesting to note our own provincial scientists have noticed a large increase in bear, wolverine, and wolf populations in Castle, despite current OHV use. This also indicates an increase in their food sources.

Some of the science is based on displacement of wildlife affected by roads, not small trails.

This is significant because the government has just announced million-dollar expenditures on waterlines and paving roads to Castle Mountain Resort. It seems they are ready to disturb the environment to accommodate some groups of users at the expense of others.

The letter also notes the displacement of wildlife due to OHV noise. They fail to mention this displacement is quickly recovered once OHVs have passed.

As environmentalists, and their friends in academia, attack every activity which makes life possible in Alberta, we need to consider what would happen if government agreed to every letter. Alberta would come to a stop.

Our economy is still dependent on resource development, and our environment provides employment and recreation.

We live in wooden houses from the forest industry, use steelmaking coal to produce bridges, wind turbines and highrises. We extract oil and gas to fuel cars, planes and our considerable exports.

Like it or not, the world needs our resources and is it not better for us to produce them, with our strict environmental standards, than in countries with lower standards?

Yes, the environment is important, but we must find a balance.

The Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad has worked hard to develop this balance. We were the first to do something to protect our headwaters. We were the first to protect our fish habitat and, sadly, we are the first to get kicked out of the Castle.

Except for our partners, Cows and Fish and the Oldman Watershed Council, never have we witnessed any of these scientists come help restore riparian areas, or build bridges.

The government must listen to Albertans and bring balance to Castle by sustaining proper trails on a designated system, and allow OHV use on a smaller scale.

All Albertans have the right to enjoy our heritage.

It seems they are ready to disturb the environment to accommodate some groups of users at the expense of others.