2012-01-12 AWA Wilderness & Wildlife Defenders: The Castle Needs Defenders!

At this very moment, logging machinery is beginning to move into the Castle, in preparation for the clearcutting of 120 hectares of forest. But there is still a chance for a last minute reprieve.

Despite continued and loud opposition from Albertans, the government is pressing ahead with plans for a clearcut logging program in the Castle. The "matchstick" trees which are scheduled for felling are of marginal timber value (the area is a 500 km roundtrip from the mill in Cochrane). But they are critically important for their watershed, wildlife and aesthetic values. Albertans have spoken out loud and clear in opposition to the logging plans.

Thousands of Albertans have instead called for the Castle to be protected as a Wildland Park, to recognize its unique wilderness values. Whether or not logging goes ahead this year, the Castle urgently needs protection...