Sasquatch sightings increase on Yellowhead County rivers
Yellowhead County Protective Services has placed several Sasquatch signs at various launch spots on Yellowhead County rivers with an aim to alert river users to the potential consequences on the river and to act as a rescue tool if needed.
Just in time for the May long-weekend, and in anticipation of all the summer outdoor activities that people are planning for this year, several new Sasquatch “Welcome to our Backyard” river signs were installed at key locations along popular river launches in Yellowhead County. The signs list tips aimed to help keep anyone venturing onto the rivers safer and better informed.
Over the past several years Yellowhead County Fire Department has rescued tubers on both these and other rivers in Yellowhead County. While a route on a map may be misleading as to the actual distance and time needed to travel a planned course, having a reminder that geographic distances are often longer than expected is important before starting off. The time needed to get from a drop-off spot along the river to the intended final destination may take much longer than people anticipate.
The signs, located on the Pembina River and the McLeod River, alert explorers to the potential consequences when using these rivers for activities such as canoeing and tubing. It also reminds people to respect the area they’re travelling through regarding private property and the environment. While most of the signs are located in the County, the Town of Edson has allowed for the placement of a Sasquatch sign in Wilmore Park – a very popular put-in spot on the McLeod River.
The signs also act as a rescue assistance tool. Each sign is numbered, and anyone needing help on the river can reference the last numerical sign they saw if they need to call 9-1-1 for help. That number will give first responders a better idea of where they are stranded on the river and help to reduce the time for first responders to locate the source of the distress call.
The Sasquatch campaign is part of a partnership with several other Eastern Slopes counties in Alberta that are working together to remind people to reduce their environmental footprint when participating in recreational activities in our natural areas and is aimed at all outdoor recreational users. The Sasquatch river signage campaign is a Yellowhead County Protective Services specific initiative.