On July 23, the Government of Alberta announced a new land-use plan to help manage growth pressures and protect the environment in southern Alberta.
The South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSPR) covers almost an 84,000-square-kilometre area that stretches from the Canada-US boarder to Crossfield and creates eight new or expanded conservation areas, two new and six expanded provincial parks and recreation areas, and 12 new primitive recreation areas for camping and trail access.
“The South Saskatchewan region is without question one of the most beautiful areas of our province with its breathtaking mountain, rolling grasslands and many lakes and rivers,” said Premier Dave Hancock in a press release.
“Albertans are proud of the beauty of our province and the new land-use plan will manage the growth pressures in this region so our children and grandchildren will benefit from a pristine environment and growing economy.”
In addition to the parks, a regional trail system linking communities, parks and outdoor spaces will be created to give Albertans year-round access to camping, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
More than 7,500 Albertans provided feedback for the plan through online workbooks and written submissions and the plan was developed with a 50-year outlook in mind.
“This plan was created by Albertans and strikes the right balance of recreation and economic opportunity while protecting the environment and achieving conservation goals,” said Minister of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Robin Campbell in a press release.
The SSRP will extend grazing leases for ranchers demonstrating strong stewardship practices from 10 to 20 years and also includes guidelines to manage sales of public lands and minimize conversion of intact native grasslands.
The environmental management framework outlined in the plan, intended to complement and not replace existing policies, will ensure high air and water quality, according to the release.
However, the Official Opposition is questioning whether the plan is too intrusive
“The final copy of the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan, released today, remains too complex, too intrusive in the property rights of landowners and will be rigorously reviewed by the Wildrose to ensure Alberta is meeting the increasing conservation and economic growth for the region,” said Wildrose Environment Critic Shayne Saskiw in a July 23 press release.
He said the centralized approach of the plan fails to address the unique and diverse interests throughout the region.
The SSRP will take effect on Sept. 1 and the estimated operational and capital costs for the first year is $5.7 million.
