AWA News Release: Alberta’s Ongoing Energy Leasing Undermines Federal Caribou Recovery Strategy

Alberta has auctioned 5400 km² of new oil and gas leases/licenses allowing surface disturbance within its threatened woodland caribou ranges since October 2012, the date when the federal caribou recovery strategy mandated provinces to start developing plans to protect caribou habitat. Alberta has also announced that by April 30, 2014 it plans to sell a further 30km² of leases/licenses in five caribou ranges. Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) calls on the Alberta government to stop undermining caribou survival chances and halt new leasing in its caribou ranges.