I’m Fighting Mad
Sometimes I think I’m getting too tired to take on another fight…then the government does something so incredibly asinine, that I can’t hold my punches any longer.
This is MY OPINION!
The Upper Smoky Sub-Regional Plan
received input from a caribou task force, and then chose to ignore the science and the concerns of the people of Alberta who want to see the two caribou herds (Redrock Prairie Creek and Narraway) in its range protected. They are a species at risk, and the Alberta government did sign an agreement with the Federal government to work to improve habitat and bring caribou numbers up to a level that is self-sustaining. This plan as it stands is breaking that promise!
It is clear from the science that, “anthropogenic landscape change (i.e., disturbance) is recognized as an important factor in the decline and extirpation of wildlife populations.”[1]
Canadians love caribou.🦌 It is emblazoned on our quarter, and also represents an intangible connection with Santa Claus. All Canadians should (in my opinion) be fighting to ensure the next generations also get to love and appreciate this animal - and not just from some old coin.
The leadership of the Government of Alberta (GoA) have fired a shot over the bow of Albertans. It is time we stood up and demanded what we know is right. They (GoA) clearly stated in an online public presentation last evening (about the Upper Smoky draft plan), that they have prioritized economy over other concerns, with expansive opportunities for forestry, coal and other industrial development in caribou habitat.
Check out the planned engagement by the government here: https://www.alberta.ca/upper-smoky-sub-regional-plan-engagement
Then check out what local Environmental Non-Profit Groups like CPAWS Northern Alberta and Alberta Wilderness Association, and other biologists are saying, then send an email expressing your outrage here: EPA.SRPRegDetailsRP@gov.ab.ca
Do it for your children and grandchildren, and do it for the caribou!
[1] Macnearney, D., Pigeon, K., Stenhouse, G., Nijland, W., Coops, N. & Finnegan, L. (2016) Heading for the hills? Evaluating spatial distribution of woodland caribou in response to a growing anthropogenic disturbance footprint. Ecology and Evolution. 6. 10.1002/ece3.2362. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Redrock-Prairie-Creek-RPC-and-Narraway-NAR-caribou-ranges-in-west-central-Alberta-and_fig2_306292262
