New park recommended for central Alberta

established in central Alberta as well.

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is urging a wildland park be created in the Bighorn area west of Rocky Mountain House. The area is the source of Edmonton’s water supply, advocates say, as well as the habitat of endangered species like grizzly bears.

“This is about creating more parks and protected areas and places that we love, and that are part of our outdoor heritage,” says Anne-Marie Syslak, executive director for the organization’s southern Alberta chapter.

The cost of making that park designation would be about $3 million, she notes.

The parks and wilderness group, alongside the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, is also calling for a $2-million investment to mitigate wildlife and vehicle conflicts on Highway 3 through the Crowsnest Pass, and $7 million for a wildlife overpass on Highway 1 east of Canmore.

“Investing in nature conservation can have significant long-term benefits for Alberta’s economy, for Albertans and for the environment,” Syslak says.

“This is a small ask for a significant investment return for Albertans.”

Citing a Canadian Parks Council study released in 2011, she says $6 is returned to the economy for every $1 invested in protecting natural areas.

Syslak says protected areas “support 64,000 jobs across the country,” according to the parks council’s reports.

“The net economic impact of tourism to the Rocky Mountain region alone was $1.48 billion in a single year,” 2012.

As with the Castle area, Syslak says she expects off-road vehicle owners who ride in the Bighorn area will oppose creating a park.

While they’re among Alberta’s outdoor recreation participants, she says the majority of Albertans favour protecting more natural places for future generations.

Follow @DMabellHerald on Twitter