Dirty Your Boots for the Clean Community Challenge

Would you like to participate in the clean community challenge this summer? This is a great way to get your first stamp of the summer, or add to the participation stamps you already have. We will have Clean Community Cards available at the first knapweed pull of the 2016 season, so gather your team and get ready for a fun evening of invasive plant removal! A little bit of volunteer time, a pair of gloves and some team work is all it takes. Call Curtis at Helen Schuler Nature Center – 403-320-3064 to register.

City of Lethbridge departments, including Helen Schuler Nature Centre, Parks, and Water, with the assistance of the Oldman Watershed Council (OWC), are inviting members of the community to join in the fight against invasive plants by participating in a weed pull this summer. Weed pulls are planned for the third Thursday of each month through the summer 5pm-9pm and will target Knapweed species in problem-areas:

May 19th – Helen Schuler Nature Centre
First weed pull of the season – meet at the Coal Mining Kiosk beside HSNC @ 5:00 pm

June 16th – Meet in Galt museum parking lot

July 21st – Elizabeth Hall Wetlands

August 18th – Botterill Bottom park

September 15th – – Helen Schuler Nature Centre
Last weed pull of the season – meet at the Coal Mining Kiosk beside HSNC @ 5:00 pm

Each weed pull will start at 5:00pm with an informative talk from local experts about issues affecting our watershed, and how each of us can make a positive difference! Of course there will be snacks, drinks, gloves, bags and tools to be provided to participants. Prizes will be awarded to volunteers throughout the summer! We will have a table set up at the start location with someone handing out the supplies you need through the evening.

Anyone wishing to participate can contact the Nature Centre for more details or to register – 403-320-3064 – or just show up!

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 Parks

Alberta Environment and Parks

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.