Conserving Caribou
Nature Alberta is concerned about the Government of Alberta’s recently released Upper Smoky Sub-regional plan, which will severely compromise two of Alberta’s three remaining southern mountain caribou herds, an “At Risk” species in Alberta. Deforestation and habitat fragmentation are the key contributors to caribou population decline.
Approval of this plan would allow American-owned logging company, Weyerhaeuser, to clearcut within critical winter habitat of the Red Rock Prairie Creek and Narraway caribou herds leading to their likely extirpation.
How You Can Help
Get Informed
There is lots of information available for review to learn more including:
- Government of Alberta's Upper Smoky Sub-regional Plan: www.alberta.ca/system/files/epa-draft-sub-regional-plan-upper-smoky-plan
- Government of Alberta Upper Smoky Sub-regional Plan Engagement: www.alberta.ca/upper-smoky-sub-regional-plan-engagement
- Joint news release by AWA and conservation organizations: Proposed Alberta government plan would wipe out two southern mountain caribou populations: albertawilderness.ca/joint-news-release-proposed-alberta-government-plan-would-wipe-out-two-southern-mountain-caribou-populations
- Watch "The Long and Winding Road to Caribou Recover in Alberta", a presentation in our Nature Network Speaker Series by Dr. Richard Schneider: naturealberta.ca/caribou-conservation-rs
- Read "Action for an Icon: What Do Alberta's Caribou Keep Declining, and What Can We Do About It?" article from Winter 2023 Nature Alberta Magazine: naturealberta.ca/action-for-an-icon
Online Survey
Share your concerns about the Government of Alberta's draft Upper Smoky Sub-regional Plan by completing the online survey by June 25, 2025: Click here to open survey
Online Information Sessions
Attend a public, virtual information session to learn about the draft plan and ask questions after the presentation. Click on the online sessions below to register (registration is not required)
- April 16 from 6 PM to 8 PM, Public Webinar 1: Click here to access
- May 6 from 6 PM to 8 PM, Public Webinar 2: Click here to access
In-Person Open House Engagements
Attend a public, in-person open house to learn more and ask questions. Registration is not required.
- April 23 from 3 PM to 7 PM in Grande Prairie
- Teresa Sargent Hall, Montrose Cultural Centre
- April 30 from 3 PM to 7 PM in Grande Cache
- Multiple Purpose Room #4, Grande Cache Recreation Centre
Ask Questions
CPAWS Northern Alberta shared that they would ask the following questions about the plan:
- How will this plan help caribou recover?
- The plan appears to allow Weyerhaeuser to log all of the winter habitat in both Redrock and Prairie Creek ranges, how will the plan meet the habitat requirements for caribou recovery in the subregion?
- What is the impact of the draft plan on caribou habitat over time? When will the ranges see a minimum of 65% undisturbed habitat?
- Why are no limits set on disturbance or access roads when these are a known cause of caribou decline?
- Will restoration efforts meet minimum habitat requirements before caribou stop using their winter range all together?
- The plan indicates that there are two coal zones, with only one zone restricted to underground. Does this mean surface coal mining be allowed in the Eastern Slopes?
Send an Email
You don't need to be an expert to care about caribou conservation. Reach out to the Government of Alberta to voice your concerns and desires to protect the southern mountain caribou.
- EPA.SRPRegDetailsRP@gov.ab.ca
And CC
- epa.minister@gov.ab.ca
- fp.Minister@gov.ab.ca
- Minister.Energy@gov.ab.ca