By Jessica Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A lot has changed in Alberta’s parks over the last 10-plus years. The province’s population has grown over 30 per cent from 2009 to 2024, and with that visitation has increased, creating growing pressures on the landscape. It was 2009 when the first iteration of Alberta’s Plan for Parks was released as a 10-year … Read more…
By Mia Parker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta Hiking Association has received a $98,000 provincial grant to improve trails in the Crowsnest Pass area. This includes facilitating the recruitment and training of volunteers to help with the project. Jenice Smith, an Alberta Hiking Association contractor, has been brought on as the volunteer co-ordinator using these funds, and looks forward to the … Read more…
By Justin Sibbet, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Pronghorns are a staple of southern Alberta, yet the animal faces significant migration challenges every year in the region. T.J. Schwanky, wildlife projects facilitator with the Alberta Wildlife Federation, says fencing designed to keep cattle and other animals in, also doubles as a barrier to pronghorns. “The pronghorn much prefer to crawl under fences … Read more…
By Justin Sibbet, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A crack, a bang and a burst. Thousands of litres of water flowed freely from a pipe in the U.S. to the Alberta side of the international border. Following the major break at the St. Mary River Siphon near Babb, Montana, on Monday, water that would normally have been diverted to the American portion … Read more…
By: Scott Hayes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Springtime means taking the dog for long walks in grass that keeps getting taller and taller. That means ticks should now be on your watch list for wildlife. Dr. Janet Jones of the Jasper Veterinary Clinic said that the ticks found in Jasper are predominantly if not exclusively Dermacentor ticks, at least for … Read more…
By: Jessica Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The NDP is again calling upon Alberta’s government to revoke the Kananaskis Conservation Pass. Banff-Kananaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi is criticizing the UCP for what she describes as a lack of transparency around the allocation of pass revenue and the high costs associated with accessing Alberta’s parks and natural areas. She argues that removing … Read more…
By Rob VogtClaresholm town council has updated the Town of Claresholm/Municipal District of Willow Creek water shortage response plan restriction guide, and directed administration to further investigate options for perpetually set watering schedules for odd and even properties.At its May 13 meeting, council was updated on the changes by Abe Tinney, the town’s chief administrative officer.Referring to a written report, … Read more…