Alberta’s Ecological Reserves Are at Risk of Losing Protections

Proposed changes to Marshybank and Kootenay Plains could weaken protections for some of Alberta’s most sensitive landscapes.

The Government of Alberta has proposed changes to two ecological reserves in the David Thompson region:Marshybank and Kootenay Plains.

Ecological reserves receive some of Alberta’s strongest environmental protections. They’re established to preserve rare, fragile, and representative ecosystems, with strict limits on activities that could disturb them.

The proposed changes would alter those protections, raising serious concerns about the future of these landscapes.

What’s happening at Marshybank?

Located approximately 90 kilometres southwest of Edson, Marshybank Ecological Reserve protects mature forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. The province proposes changes to the reserve’s western and easter sections. The western section, which is currently designated as both an ecological reserve and a wildland provincial park, would lose its ecological reserve designation but remain part of Brazeau Canyon Wildland Provincial Park. The eastern section would be shifted toward the adjacent park. Although this would add newly protected land, it would also remove ecological reserve protections from Marshybank Lake and surrounding wetlands.

The province identifies improved access and existing land uses among the reasons for the proposed changes. This raises concerns about whether previously protected areas could become accessible for commercial forestry operations.

Although the province proposes adding land to the protected-area system, an increase in protected hectares does not necessarily represent a conservation gain if ecologically significant habitats lose their protections.

What’s happening at Kootenay Plains?

The province proposes combining Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve and the adjacent Provincial Recreation Area into a single provincial park, while adding approximately 100 hectares of riverbed and shoreline lands. Although the area would remain protected, provincial park status generally allows a broader range of recreational activities and infrastructure than ecological reserve status.

The government has indicated that some existing restrictions would remain, including prohibitions on overnight camping and open fires in lands formerly designated as an ecological reserve.

However, the change raises concerns about whether the new designation would provide sufficient protection for the area’s sensitive ecosystems.

Why we’re concerned

CPAWS Northern Alberta believes decisions affecting protected areas should be guided by ecological evidence, transparent processes, and meaningful public engagement.

These proposals raise several important concerns:

• Loss of existing protections: Areas currently protected for ecological preservation could become subject to different land uses.

• Commercial forestry pressures: Changes to Marshybank’s eastern boundary could increase access to previously protected areas.

• Sensitive habitats: Forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitat may face additional pressures from human activity and disturbance.

• Public transparency: Albertans deserve clear information about what is changing, why the changes are proposed, and what ecological consequences could follow.

• Long-term conservation: Protected-area decisions should consider the cumulative effects of land-use changes across the broader landscape.

What happens next?

CPAWS Northern Alberta has raised concerns with the Government of Alberta about these proposals.

We are calling for clear explanations of the proposed changes, meaningful consideration of their ecological impacts, and the retention of strong protections for sensitive landscapes.

Protected areas should not lose their protections without compelling ecological justification and meaningful public scrutiny.

Your voice can still make a difference

Although the official feedback deadline has passed, we encourage Albertans who are concerned about these proposals to continue making their voices heard.

You can email the Government of Alberta at [email protected] to share your concerns and ask that strong protections be maintained for Marshybank and Kootenay Plains.

Not sure what to say? Your message doesn’t need to be long or technical. Here are a few things you might include, along with examples to help you get started.

1. Identify which protected area concerns you

Let the government know whether you’re writing about Marshybank, Kootenay Plains, or both.

For example:

“I’m writing to express my concern about the proposed changes to Marshybank Ecological Reserve and Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve.”

2. Explain why these places matter to you

Share why protecting Alberta’s natural spaces is important to you. Your reasons might relate to wildlife, biodiversity, healthy forests and wetlands, or the importance of preserving nature for future generations.

For example:

“I believe Alberta’s remaining natural ecosystems deserve strong protections, especially areas that have been specifically designated to preserve sensitive habitats and biodiversity.”

3. Explain what you’d like the government to do

Ask decision-makers to maintain existing ecological protections and ensure any changes are supported by clear ecological evidence.

For example:

“I urge the Government of Alberta to maintain the existing ecological protections for these areas and reconsider any proposed changes that could expose sensitive habitats to additional disturbance.”

4. Ask for transparency and accountability

Encourage the government to explain why these changes are being proposed and what their ecological consequences could be.

For example:

“I would like the province to publicly explain the ecological justification for these changes, including how potential impacts on wildlife, wetlands, and other sensitive habitats have been assessed.”

While the formal consultation period has ended, decisions about these proposed changes may still be underway. Sharing your concerns now can help ensure that the importance of these protected areas remains part of the conversation.

Send your feedback to: [email protected]

Alberta’s ecological reserves exist to protect places that cannot easily be replaced. Let’s make sure their future reflects the ecological values they were established to preserve.

Read CPAWS Northern Alberta’s letter of concern