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)
February 2, 2011
Alberta Wilderness & Wildlife Defenders – Altalink Proposal
A proposed Altalink project to build new 240KV transmission lines in the southern Livingstone region…
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• Action Alerts
• Livingstone-Porcupine
• Transmission Lines
February 2, 2011
Map: Altalink Fidler to Chapel Rock Transmission Project
Map of Altalink’s proposed Fidler to Chapel Rock Transmission Project line in the southern Livingstone…
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• Livingstone-Porcupine
• Transmission Lines
January 18, 2011
AWA Opposition to ERCB Proposals to Increase Oil and Gas well Spacing
AWA letter to Energy Resource Conservation Board (ERCB), January 18, 2011, expressing AWA’s considerable opposition…
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• Oil and Gas
January 10, 2011
AWA Letter: Proposed Fidler to Chapel Rock Transmission Project
AWA letter to Premier Stelmach, opposing plans from Altalink to build new transmission lines in…
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• Livingstone-Porcupine
• Transmission Lines
January 1, 2011
Re: Proposed Fidler to Chapel Rock Transmission Project
20110110_lt_awa_to_premier_lpp_altalink_proposal.pdf
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• Transmission Lines
September 8, 2010
ENGO News Release: Environmental Groups Name Feds in Filing for Caribou Protection
Groups Demand Minister of Environment Issue Emergency Protection Order, Halt Industrial and Oilsands Development in…
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• Caribou
• Oil Sands
• Species at Risk
August 1, 2010
Tar Sands Lobby: 1 – Wetland Policy: 0?
Wild Lands Advocate Article 18(4): August 2010 2010089_ar_wla_wetlands_policy_ccampbell.pdf
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• Oil Sands
• WLA Archive
May 25, 2010
News Release: Suffield Coalition Concerned About Delay in Government Response. National Wildlife Areas Needed to Help Fight Extinction
The Suffield Coalition today expressed concern about the failure by the Government of Canada to…
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• Grasslands
• Middle Sand Hills
• Oil and Gas
April 1, 2010
Understanding the Ecology of Mountain Goats: The Long-Term Study of Caw Ridge
Wild Lands Advocate article, April 2010, by Steeve D. Cote The mountain goat is one…
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• Biodiversity
• Coal
• Kakwa
• Wildlife
• WLA Archive
March 12, 2010
News Release: Suffield National Wildlife Area – Conservation Makes Economic Sense
As shale gas discoveries greatly expand already abundant reserves of natural gas, the economics of…
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• Grasslands
• Middle Sand Hills
• Oil and Gas
February 22, 2010
AWA Statement of Concern, Caw Ridge Mine Application
Statement of Concern from AWA to Alberta Environment, concerning mining applications by Grande Cache Coal…
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• Coal
February 22, 2010
AWA Statement of Concern, Caw Ridge Mine Application
Statement of Concern from AWA to Alberta Environment, concerning mining applications by Grande Cache Coal…
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• Coal
• Kakwa