You've loaded the trailer, driven to your favourite backcountry hideaway... only to find it's been "staked" out with willows and fence posts! What is going on? Find out how YOU can help keep our rivers healthy, just by letting these areas recover.
Staking Out the Backcountry
Swedish watershed wisdom
If you’re trying to change the world, it’s important to start local and talk to people! OWC has been working hard to reduce impacts in the headwaters; we’d like to share 3 of our lessons learned for where to begin. (Including some very helpful Swedish vocabulary!) This is a summary of the presentation given at the Speaker Series at Beauvais Lake Provincial Park....
Linear Features here, there, and everywhere!
You've asked: "What does it matter how many trails there are? What does it matter if the trail is made by motorized vehicles or, say, horses? What does it matter if an abandoned access road is used as a trail? How can anybody say the backcountry isn't healthy - after all, I just saw a moose back there!" OWC's Rob Taylor answers all ...
Hot Potato OHVs
OHVs, SSRP, + the Castle: Addressing Misunderstandings
Ever since the announcement of the Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park Draft Management Plan by the provincial government there have been many questions circulating around our social media and other pages about how the proposed plan will impact different user groups
Volunteers Building Bridges
May Long Weekend Outreach Activities
Know Before You Go- Tips for the Long Weekend
The Outreach Assistants Lend a Helping Hand!
Alberta’s Fire Emergency - Imagine How You Would Feel...Don’t Let it be You
ATTENTION: With the support of the Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association and due to extreme fire hazards, the Government of Alberta has issued a province-wide ban on the use of ALL recreational off-highway vehicles on public lands and provincial parks, effective immediately. This ban does not include agricultural, commercial, industrial or First Nations use. Additionally, the ban does not include camping or the use of RV’s.
Details here: Government of Alberta Link
Imagine knowing that it was your fault, that something you thought was insignificant cost someone their home, their life or the life of a loved one. When venturing out into the backcountry this spring, remember that more than half of all wildfires in Canada are human caused and do your part to insure that human isn’t you.
By now, we’ve all seen the horrible devastation caused by forest fires in the community of Fort McMurray and area. Extremely dry conditions have set the stage for similar blazes across the province, leading the Government of Alberta to implement a province-wide fire ban. This ban is not to be taken lightly, as even a small oversight can escalate into tragedy.
Right now valuable resources are needed to deal with the situation in the Fort McMurray area and new fire outbreaks would put a significant strain on everyone involved. In this difficult time, we must all do our part to reduce the risk of forest fires in every possible situation.
Info for Campers:
The Provincial Government issued a province-wide fire ban as of May 5th. Under this ban, the following are
PROHIBITED:
Use of ALL wood, briquette and propane or natural gas fires
Patio heaters, turkey fryers and Tiki torches
PERMITTED:
Liquid or gas fueled stoves and BBQs that meet the CSA or UL standards
Liquid or gas fueled lanterns (enclosed flame) that meet CSA or UL standards
While some camping appliances are still permitted, it is important to use caution during any activity that may increase the risk of wildfires.
The recent ban on OHV use is mandatory. When this ban ends, or if using OHV's on private land, here is some important information regarding fire prevention.
Info for Recreational Vehicle Users:
All Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) users are encouraged to practice extreme caution when heading out this season as the fire hazard in our watershed is already high. Remember that if you are found responsible for the start of a wildfire you may be charged under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and be held responsible for the cost of extinguishing the fire.
Here are some tips from the Alberta Government to prevent starting a wildfire while enjoying the backcountry.
Before you ride, ensure that there is no debris build up
Always carry a small fire extinguisher and collapsible shovel to put out small fires
Wash your OHV regularly at a commercial car-wash or your home
Remember that you are required to have a spark arrester on your OHV
For more information check out these helpful links:
Alberta Fire Bans by phone: 1-866-394-3473
Alberta Wildfire App for Android and IPhone
If you spot a wildfire or see an out-of-control fire call 310-FIRE (toll-free) anywhere in Alberta.
Thank you to the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad, Southern Alberta Off Road and many others who are encouraging their members to recreate responsibility or stay home during this fire season to reduce the risks.
Introducing Rob Taylor - completing OWC's Outreach Assistant Team!
What are we actually DOING to improve the health of our watershed? The OWC is working closely and carefully with all stakeholders over the last years to identify 8 Goals. As the birthplace of our water, protecting the headwaters is a priority. We created the Headwaters Action Team and the Headwaters Action Plan. Continuing on our successes of last year out in the backcountry, our 4 Outreach Assistants are going to help put that plan into action this summer. We'd like to introduce you to Rob Taylor ...
Introducing Nicola Spencer, OWC's newest Outreach Assistant!
The top 4 priority actions selected by the mulit-stakeholder Headwaters Action Team (HAT) are: 1) Complete A Linear Features Classification (completed) 2) Complete fine-scale cumulativeeffects assessment of fish populations and habitat streams (underway) 3) Assist Environment & Parks with the prevention of quatic invasive species (ongoing) and 4) Explore options for recreation user fees to fund enforcement, education and stewardship projects (underway). Four Outreach Assistants have been hired to build on the work done last summer by OWC's Outreach Assistants Adam Janzen and Rowan Garleff, together with our Collaborative Partners, in Dutch Creek and elsewhere in the headwaters. This is Nicola Spencer, one of three new Outreach Assistants for this season. Meet Nicola ...
Our Outreach Assistant Team Summer 2016
Things are hopping busy at the OWC as we ramp up for the summer season and the Engaging Recreationists Project. The aim is to get ALL USERS of the backcountry to understand the importance of watershed management and health, and to respect the role that waterbodies and the land that surrounds them play in providing drinking water to everyone downstream. This summer, OWC is training a team of 4 Outreach Assistants. Meet the 2nd member of our team, Ryan Bell!
Pole Haven – What happened? And what happens now?
Say Hi to the New Guy!
Our Engaging Recreationists project is ramping up! Last year, we had 2 Outreach Assistants in the backcountry, piloting our outreach project. This year, we are doubling that capacity and have hired the first of 4 Outreach Assistants (OAs) who will be helping with restoration work and education in the backcountry. Led by Education Manager Sofie Forsstrom, the project is set to take off soon and we will announce the other OAs as they come aboard ...
