2024 July Newsletter
Dear Reader,
Our hearts are heavy as we write this newsletter. The hottest and longest heatwave we have experienced in Alberta was paired with many out of control wildfires that are impacting communities and nature. Many of our staff, board and supporters – just like you – are experiencing shock and grief with the news of the Jasper complex wildfire, the largest in the Park’s history, and the impacts to the townsite and regions of the park.
The collective grief we are experiencing over a treasured national park weighs heavily as we also think of the many other communities that continue to experience frequent and longer evacuations from their homes and the impacts the fires have had on the nature and wildlife around all of the affected communities. Our collective grief over the fires’ impacts on Jasper emphasizes how nature and parks are foundational to our sense of identity, place, and many of our most treasured memories.
Parks and protected areas, and how to manage them, are increasingly important for communities’ adaptation to a changing climate. In this month’s edition of our newsletter, we look to highlight the opportunities for park expansion, creation, and restoration that are possible at the local, provincial, and national level.
We are hosting an event Thursday, August 15, that will centre coping with eco grief and anxiety, critical conversations and, community support. More on that below.
People love parks
Our team was in Jasper National Park for Parks Day, a few days before the evacuation. We asked visitors what they loved about parks, and we wanted to share some messages we got from people coming from far and wide.
“Maintains the natural beauty of the landscape and preserves animal habitat.”
– Elizabeth, Grande Prairie, AB“I love parks because natural spaces need to stay that way. Parks know that.”
– Alexandre, Jasper, AB“Everything.”
– Bow, Canada“Parks create a safe environment for people to view the natural lands, wildlife, and plants while learning new things on the way.”
– Catarina, California, USA“They protect our watersheds and drinking water.”
– Aidan, Red Deer, AB
Jasper National Park faces quick escalation of Wildfire
We are, like many others, keeping tabs on the full impacts of the Jasper Complex Fire as they are released.
We know that Jasper National Park and the crews on the ground are doing the absolute best that they can to manage the fire and will continue to provide information when they are able and ready. FireSmart practices and prescribed burns were being implemented within the park to reduce the impacts of wildfire, particularly on the townsite and other infrastructure.
Even with these measures, the park was at an extreme wildfire risk and the heat, lack of rain, and high winds were a recipe for disaster. Climate change is impacting us right now. The people, the places and the wildlife we love are all being affected. We are relieved that the townsite and the backcountry were safely evacuated, and much of the town seems to have been saved. Wildlife have since been spotted in the park, which has sparked some hope.
As events like this fire, and other stressors for Alberta’s wildlife become more common, we need to do everything in our power to make sure that communities, wildlife populations and their habitat are better protected, in order to ensure that they are resilient enough to survive horrible events such as the Jasper fire. Parks don’t prevent fire, but they do limit some of the other stressors, such as industrial disturbance, on habitat and wildlife.
A Plan for Parks
Earlier this summer, the Government of Alberta released its “Plan for Parks” engagement. Just like the management plans that come out for our National Parks, this is a rare opportunity to shape a future vision for our provincial parks.
Here are few things that we would like to flag for you from our detailed review of the survey:
- There is no plan to create more parks, highlighting a lack of alignment with international nature protection targets, and with the wishes of Albertans.
- There is emphasis on recreation and tourism opportunities, which should not come at the expense of the ecological integrity of parks.
- Many of the survey’s questions will need further engagement on how, when, and if, certain changes should go forward. This includes changes to trail networks, the creation of more campsites, and increasing accessibility. To be clear, we do see the need for increased camping capacity and accessibility in our parks but more capacity should come from more parks and increasing accessibility should not be carte blanche for indiscriminate OHV access in sensitive areas.
Please tell the Government of Alberta that you care about our Parks, the nature within them, and want to see MORE protected areas! For a more detailed take on the government survey, we have our CPAWS survey guide here.
Parks have huge potential as a
Nature-Based Climate Solution
Not only do parks showcase nature but they can offer the infrastructure needed for people to visit and recreate within parks in ways that are safe, but also sustainable. The truth is that not all parks have a priority of ecological integrity: parks within the Alberta Parks system can have conflicting land uses.
With ecological integrity at the forefront, parks have the potential to be a tool to fight climate change as a nature-based climate solution. For example, wetlands and forests act as carbon sinks and can mitigate the effects of drought and floods. The nature within parks offers invaluable ecosystem services from water and air purification to cultural benefits.
Extreme weather events are costly to communities and to governments. Nature-based climate solutions have the potential to mitigate the effects of climate change using what is already in place and expanding on it.
With this logic and the context of the twin crises we should be investing more in our parks. And yet, parks in Alberta are threatened. We are seeing increasing trends of visitation in our parks without plans to manage visitor impact or spread the impact by expanding the park network. Several types of development continue to be permitted within park’s boundaries, and privatization remains a reality for many parks in the Alberta Parks system.
Though parks can mitigate the effects of climate change they are not immune to increasing pressures from its effects: increased drought conditions, severe wildfire seasons, and dwindling biodiversity. There is a need not only to engage with the Plan for Parks but also plan for more parks for the health and safety of our communities. Complete the Government of Alberta survey here.
Municipal and local parks are a linchpin to a relationship with nature
On our most recent community walk in Millcreek Ravine, we all shared which park in the Edmonton region was our favourite (certainly, a tough question!). What struck us the most is that many of the answers included a park that was steps away from home. Municipal and local parks are important for accessing nature: many provincial parks in Alberta cannot be easily accessed without a car.
There are exciting opportunities to expand how people can access nature within our urban centers. As you may be already aware, the North Saskatchewan river valley in the Edmonton region has the potential to become part of a National Urban Park network. To learn more about National Urban Parks and voice your support for one in the Edmonton region send a letter.
Keep an eye out for our next newsletter and on our events page for the date of our next walk (sometime in September).
Delayed Action for Wood Buffalo National Park sets a dangerous precedent
Wood Buffalo National Park is an example of a park that is internationally renowned for its unique characteristics, holds status as National Park, is a World UNESCO Heritage Site and yet STILL faces rapidly deteriorating conditions.
The World Heritage Committee began its 46th session July 21st , focusing on discussions and action to preserve cultural, natural and mixed heritage around the globe.
Unfortunately, Wood Buffalo National Park is NOT on the agenda this session. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth talking about. The Federal Government’s Action Plan, released in 2019, is now sorely outdated to address concerns existing within the park and beyond its borders.
In 2023, approximately 947,000 hectares (ha) within the Park were impacted by wildfire. To put that into perspective, in 2023 over 2,211,900 ha (over 2 million!) in Alberta were impacted by wildfire and that number did NOT include the wildfires in the country’s largest national park. When including WBNP, the number in the province balloons to over 3 million hectares.
There’s been no news that the Action Plan will be updated and at this time, we have not heard to what extent its outcomes have been met. We are concerned that the lack of urgency will come at the expense of the park, the wildlife and the communities that rely on the overall health of the region.
As we look ahead, we hope to hear more from the Federal and Provincial Governments on what actions are being taken to protect the Park from ongoing threats and further harm.
Upcoming Event
Eco-grief, critical conversations and community support
WHEN: Thursday, August 15 6-8 PM
WHERE: Picnic Site #1, Kinsmen Park – 9100 Walterdale Hill NW, Edmonton, AB
Join us for an evening where we explore the complex emotions of eco-grief and foster a supportive community where you can share your experiences, engage in meaningful dialogue, and learn how to have critical climate conversations among your community. We are thrilled to be teaming up with Alberta Talks for this event!
RSVP HERE
In the News
- Certain ‘problem’ grizzly bears can now be hunted in Alberta
- The big life — and looming death — of a Rocky Mountain defender
- New plan for Alberta’s provincial parks aims to ease growing pains
- Canadian Natural fined for not stopping birds from nesting on tailings pond island
- Auditor general finds Alberta’s system for managing surface water is ineffective
- What happens to Jasper’s animals when wildfire rips through their home?
- What our grief for Jasper tells us about our love for the natural world
Take Action
Share your support for National Urban Parks
Email your MLA to let them know you support National Urban Parks and would like to see Alberta be a part of a national network of urban parks.
Take Action
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