Introduction

The Chinchaga is a large foothills area in northwestern Alberta, much of which has already been significantly impacted by industry. The Chinchaga was recommended by the Alberta Government as the single best place for a large protected area in Alberta's Foothills Natural Region but only protected 800 km² under Special places. AWA is seeking Wildland Park protection for 6,500 km² of the Chinchaga.

Status:

AWA is seeking Wildland Park protection for 6,500 km² of the Chinchaga.

Vision:

• The Alberta Government's own studies identified the Chinchaga as the "single best place for a large protected area in Alberta's Foothills Natural Region". However, in 1999 only 800 km² of the Chinchaga was protected, an area too small to conserve biological diversity.
  
• AWA is seeking protection of a larger area of 6,500 km² which still remains relatively free of industrial disturbance.
• The larger area can serve as an ecological benchmark that scientists can sue to compare human to natural disturbances. The smaller protected area could conceivably be destroyed in a single forest fire.
  
• Implement the CAPP-ENGO agreement to phase out oil and gas dispositions.
• Phase out existing timber dispositions.
• Non further fragmentation of habitat through roads, clearcut logging and pipeline development.