June 26, 2006
Letter from Landowner Groups and AWA
Open letter to the Energy and Utilities Board and the Government of Alberta, sent by…
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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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AWA’s mandate throughout its four decades has been the protection of intact, representative ecosystems across Alberta. In areas where economic development is integrated within a working landscape, AWA supports robust management, regulation, and enforcement strategies.
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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)
June 1, 2006
Native Prairie Could Lose More Ground to Wind Farm in Cypress Hills
Wild Lands Advocate update, June 2006, by Shirley Bray 200606_AR_CH.pdf
April 10, 2006
AWA News Release: Drilling Slated for Kakwa’s Pristine Woodland Caribou Range
An application to construct a wellsite and access road in middle of the Narraway woodland…
February 1, 2006
New Public Consultation Process for MOSS
January 24, 2006
AWA News Release: Government breaks policy to allow industrial use of Little Smoky caribou range
“The new sale of oil and gas land leases in the heart of habitat for…
January 17, 2006
AWA News Release: Wildlife Killed To Make Way For Energy Extraction — Wolves and Caribou Suffer in Alberta’s Little Smoky
The Government of Alberta and the energy industry’s stated commitment to wildlife conservation and rescuing…
December 1, 2005
Drawing a Line in the Foothills against CBM Development
Wild Lands Advocate article, December 2005, By Barbara Janusz 200512_AR_LP1.pdf
October 1, 2005
Harlequin Ducks Dismissed by Federal Court in Cheviot Case
Wild Lands Advocate article, October 2005, by David Samson. Harlequin ducks have effectively been served…
June 1, 2005
Coal Mining on Caw Ridge: An Unwanted Legacy
Wild Lands Advocate Article 13(3): 14-15, June 2005 by Lara Smandych. Large numbers of bighorn…
April 1, 2005
“Blow-Down” in the Cypress Hills: Wind Farm Proposal Sparks Clash of Values
Wild Lands Advocate update, April 2005, by Shirley Bray 200504_AR_CH.pdf
March 1, 2005
Cypress County Bylaw
Cypress County Byelaw 2005/03, concerning provisions for the regulation of Wind Energy Facilities. 200503_Bylaw.pdf
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