Concerns

Threats to the Bighorn Wildland

The Bighorn is one of the only intact, roadless areas remaining in Alberta. Industrial development and road construction would devastate the natural values of the area. Access has become an issue of paramount concern. New roads and trails built for industry open up the backcountry and facilitate access by all users. Motorized off highway vehicles (OHVs) in particular, have negative impacts on the environment. OHVs cause damage to habitat and watersheds, disturb wildlife, and disrupt activities of low-impact backcountry recreationists. Management is critical, however the lack of enforcement in the Wildland due to government cutbacks compromises the integrity, wildlife, habitat, watersheds, and recreational opportunity that the Bighorn Wildland supports.

Industry

• The threat of development in the Bighorn Wildland is imminent.
• Mineral leases have been sold in the Blackstone-Wapiabi FLUZ.
• AWA is collaborating with industry to prevent development in the Wildland and improve practices in the transition zone.
• Industrial activity in the transition zone is rapidly increasing.
• Opportunity Paper for Industry in the Bighorn Wildland

OHVs and Snowmobiles

•  Until 2002 OHVs and snowmobiles were not permitted in the Bighorn Wildland as it was designated Prime Protection Zone under the Eastern Slopes Policy.
• However, the Eastern Slopes Policy was poorly applied, and there has been heavy use of motorized vehicles in some areas of the Bighorn Wildland.
• Although there are extensive areas zoned for motorized recreation adjacent to the wildland, new routes were designated within the Wildland in 2002 under FLUZ legislation.
• OHV and snowmobile proponents want more legalized access within the Wildland.
• Opportunity Paper for Motorized Recreation in the Bighorn
• Bighorn Wildland Recreational Trail Monitoring Project

Other Recreation

• 2003 AWA began a 4-year recreation monitoring study.
• Stewardship
• Results
• Large tourism development such as the proposed Abraham Glacier Wellness Resort, threatens to compromise the wilderness character of the area.
• Heli-tourism activity over sensitive wilderness is incompatible with wilderness values. Noise negatively impacts wildlife and backcountry recreational experience. Rimrock Holdings Inc, operated as Icefield Helicopter Tours Inc., wants to increase their activity over the National parks and nearby wilderness areas.

Insufficient Management

• Cutbacks to Albert Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) in terms of conservation officers and resources
• Forest Land Use zone- fail to provide a holistic approach to managing the complete set of wilderness values of the Bighorn
• Inadequate educational signage in the area in terms of clarity of message, number, size and positioning
• Inconsistent use of terminology