Castle Logging Protest Draws 150 Protesters

A large group of 150 protesters braved the elements in Beaver Mines on Sunday January 22 to protest the proposed clearcut logging plans in the Castle wilderness. Protesters gathered to speak out against the intensely unpopular logging plans, with machinery from Spray Lake Sawmills already on site in preparation for the clearcutting to begin.

A large group of 150 protesters braved the elements in Beaver Mines on Sunday January 22 to protest the proposed clearcut logging plans in the Castle wilderness. Protesters gathered to speak out against the intensely unpopular logging plans, with machinery from Spray Lake Sawmills already on site in preparation for the clearcutting to begin.

Protesters line up to lend their voices to the campaign to halt the clearcut logging, and to have the Castle protected as a wilderness area. Speaker after speaker spoke eloquently about their love of the Castle, and the need to protect its forests, whose values go far beyond low-quality timber.

The proposed logging in the Castle has proved to be deeply unpopular. Thousands of letters and email of opposition have already been sent to Premier Redford. In 2011 opinion polls by Praxis Group, 77 percent of respondents opposed commercial logging in the Castle. Similar opposition to clearcut logging in other areas of southern Alberta, including Bragg Creek, the Livingstone and the Ghost, suggests that Albertans believe it is time for a new vision of forest management in Alberta, one that respects all of the values of forests – including watershed, wildlife and recreation – rather than just the commercial timber value.

AWA continues to call for the Premier to halt the logging in the Castle, and protect the Castle as a Wildland Park.