The province of Alberta is expressing concerns about the federal government’s agenda to impose solutions on provinces seeking their own path to establish and manage protected areas.
In a news release reported in The National Post, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Grant Hunter, advocates for a made in Alberta solution, and points out that:
“Nearly 60 per cent of the province’s land base is publicly managed Crown land. This represents about 40 million hectares that have been responsibly managed, stewarded and conserved for decades. Land use is regulated to protect watersheds, conserve wildlife habitat, support forestry and agriculture, enable outdoor recreation and allow for responsible, carefully managed resource development.”
This position aligns with public opinion in Manitoba. A recent Leger poll showed an overwhelming majority of Manitobans support provincial solutions to the management of protected areas, rather than handing over public lands to the federal government.
The government of Manitoba is expected to release its draft plan for the Seal River Watershed, an area of provincial Crown land that is being considered as a candidate for national park status. MWF has expressed concerns that this could preclude access for licensed hunters, anglers, outfitters and others who currently enjoy these provincial public lands.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE: Alberta rebukes federal nature strategy | National Post
