Sherman calls on government to listen to Albertans and make the Castle Crown a provincial park
Edmonton - While PC Ministers spread out across the province to supposedly consult with the public on decisions that they have already made, Alberta Liberal Leader Raj Sherman asks why the government isn’t listening to Albertans when it comes to clear cut forestry in southwestern Alberta.
Clearcutting is going ahead in the Castle Crown area despite its designation as a “Special Place.” The area was once part of Waterton National Park. Protesters continue to try to stop the clearcutting in the Castle area in spite of being served an Enforcement Order yesterday.
On behalf of the Official Opposition, Sherman is calling for the area to be protected by immediately designating it as a provincial park. Furthermore, he is calling for proper protection from development in areas that are designated parks.
“We have been very clear that this area should be made into a park and preserved with strong legislation,” Sherman says. “That will protect not only the habitat, but also the watershed, plant and animal varieties and recreational trails in it.”
A 2011 Praxis Group survey found that 77% of residents living near the area in southwest Alberta opposed any new logging in the Castle Special Management Area, and 74% supported making the area a provincial park.
“We have received literally hundreds of calls and emails calling for the protection of the Castle area and the over 220 rare and at risk species that it contains,” Sherman says. “I grew up in a logging town; I worked in a sawmill like my father and grandfather before me. I understand the importance of responsible forestry. But I also know that Castle Crown is a unique and precious area, one that Albertans want protected. It’s not the place for us to be clearcutting. Let’s listen to the people and protect Castle Crown by making it Alberta’s newest provincial park and an even more attractive destination for tourism.”
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For further information, contact:
Earl J. Woods, Senior Communications Advisor
(780) 904-5430
Denis Lapointe, Director, Southern Alberta Liberal Caucus Office
(403) 860-4330