AWA believes that energy exploration and development must be regulated in a manner that is consistent with the maintenance of wilderness values.

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We believe in a fundamental need for wilderness that is free of industrial incursion; a network of legislated protected areas is currently the only framework under which this can be ensured. Outside of such areas, exploration and development must be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. Full-field life-cycle planning must be required for all new developments including phase-out, remediation, and reclamation. Adequate reclamation liability must be assessed on a per-project basis that accounts for all remediation and reclamation costs, and does not leave Albertans vulnerable to major financial risks.
AWA believes Alberta’s wilderness and natural capital are non-renewable resources of immeasurable value, and must be considered as such and given priority in land-use planning.  An overarching land-use plan is desperately needed in Alberta to set targets for all sectors, determine thresholds and establish priorities for land use throughout the province. Conservation areas must be designated with legal protection.
When considering land disturbance impacts, the cumulative footprint of all past, present and planned developments upon the landscape must be considered. Energy development does not take place in isolation: it occurs on a landscape also impacted by forestry, residential and recreational developments. The combined footprint of all of these activities must be considered in planning decisions.
Collectively, we know that the economic value of the ecosystem services performed by natural ecosystems for humankind far exceeds that of industrial development.

AWA has been involved with Shell Canada as they work to restore landscapes once active with drilling and extraction; Waterton 12 is one such site (shown above). (N. Douglas)

Seen in the photo are AWA and Shell Canada employees discussing the process and early results of reclamation efforts at this site that has reached its full life-cycle. (C. Olson)
December 19, 2017
Alberta Government Draft Provincial Woodland Caribou Range Plan
The Alberta government’s draft provincial woodland caribou range plan was released December 19, 2017 for…
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• Bistcho
• Boreal Forest
• Caribou
• Caribou Mountains
• Chinchaga
• Kakwa
• Little Smoky
• Oil and Gas
• Oil Sands
• Primrose-Lakeland
• Rocky Mountain and Foothills Forests
December 1, 2017
Cleaning Up After Ourselves: Oil Sands Mine Liability Program Needs Major Reform
Wild Lands Advocate article by Carolyn Campbell, Conservation Specialist A pdf version of this article…
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• Energy
• Oil Sands
• Rivers
• WLA Archive
December 1, 2017
After Obed: The Path to Better Dam Safety Regulation
Wild Lands Advocate article by Nick Pink, Conservation Specialist A pdf version of this article…
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• Coal
• Rivers
• WLA Archive
November 29, 2017
Caribou Safety Net Question in House of Commons
Ms. Linda Duncan (Edmonton Strathcona, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Environment is facing court…
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• Boreal Forest
• Caribou
• Oil Sands
• Primrose-Lakeland
November 28, 2017
AWA News Release: Albertans Deliver ‘Quarters for Caribou’ to Premier
Supporters of Alberta’s endangered caribou delivered hundreds of postcards to the steps of the Alberta…
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• Bistcho
• Boreal Forest
• Cameron Hills
• Caribou
• Caribou Mountains
• Chinchaga
• Little Smoky
• News Release
• Oil and Gas
• Oil Sands
• Primrose-Lakeland
November 27, 2017
News Release: Environmental groups, Cold Lake First Nations, petition Minister of Environment and Climate Change for caribou protections
Safety net order would allow the federal government to extend Species at Risk Act protections…
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• Boreal Forest
• Caribou
• News Release
• Oil Sands
• Primrose-Lakeland
November 27, 2017
Letter from ENGOs and Cold Lake First Nations Seeking Caribou Safety Net Order
A letter to the federal environment minister requesting a safety net order to protect habitat…
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• Boreal Forest
• Caribou
• Oil Sands
• Primrose-Lakeland
November 27, 2017
Petition from ENGOs and Cold Lake First Nations on Unprotected Northeast Alberta Caribou Habitat
A petition to the federal environment minister showing that current laws do not protect Alberta…
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• Boreal Forest
• Caribou
• Oil Sands
• Primrose-Lakeland
November 24, 2017
Chris Turner Imagines the Future: Climate Change, Conservation, and Citites
March 2018 Wild Lands Advocate article by: Ian Urquhart Click here for a pdf version of the…
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• Martha Kostuch Annual Wilderness and Wildlife Lecture
• Wind Power
• WLA Archive
November 15, 2017
ENGO News Release: Wood Buffalo National Park Receives Worst Conservation Outlook for World Heritage Sites in Canada
This week the International Union on the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released its 2017 World…
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• Hydroelectric Power
• National Parks
• News Release
• Oil Sands
• Peace River
October 31, 2017
News Release: 4 Years After Obed Spill, Questions Remain
Four Years Later: Many Questions, Few Answers Following Alberta’s Largest Tailings Spill Disaster October 31,…
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• Coal
• Energy
• Headwaters
• Rivers
• Wildwater
October 5, 2017
ENGO News Release: North America Awaits Alberta’s Leadership on Legislatively Protected Areas for Boreal Caribou
On the morning of Canadian federal deadline, international community anticipates delivery on commitment for permanent…
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• Bistcho
• Boreal Forest
• Cameron Hills
• Caribou
• Caribou Mountains
• Chinchaga
• Little Smoky
• News Release
• Oil and Gas
• Rocky Mountain and Foothills Forests
• Species at Risk