BE GOOD TO THE WOODS
Southern Alberta's forests, particularly Moose Mountain and Upper Highwood, are facing imminent threats from logging plans. At POW Canada, we believe it's crucial to join forces with local environmental organizations, Indigenous communities, and the outdoor enthusiasts who cherish these lands. Our goal is to prevent clearcutting in West Bragg Creek and influence policy development to protect ecologically sensitive areas and regions with strong recreational value.
Image from our friends at Take A Stand Kananaskis
We have a unique opportunity to amplify the efforts of other organizations while expanding our membership. By leveraging our alliances and extensive reach, we can address both policy and community engagement aspects of the fight against planned logging. Our strong online presence and connections within the outdoor community are instrumental in supporting these efforts.
Our policy focus is to strengthen Alberta’s logging regulations. We aim to prevent logging permits from being issued for ecologically sensitive areas or places with significant recreational importance. We propose that “sensitive areas” be more precisely defined through third-party collaboration with experts in forestry, biodiversity, watershed management, climate change, and Indigenous studies. This thorough analysis should be conducted before issuing new permits and should also review existing permits to ensure compliance.
West Fraser, formerly known as Spray Lakes Sawmills, is one of Alberta's largest logging companies. They hold several pre-existing logging permits in ecologically sensitive areas or regions heavily used for recreation. One notable area is West Bragg Creek, a popular spot for mountain biking in the summer and cross-country skiing and backcountry skiing in the winter. West Fraser plans to clearcut this area in 2026, though they could accelerate this to 2025.
At POWC, we aim to unite outdoor enthusiasts to protect these cherished lands. By raising our collective voices, we can ensure the protection of West Bragg Creek and advocate for future policies that safeguard sensitive lands. To achieve this, we are forming a coalition of organizations dedicated to this cause. We will host regular round table meetings with these groups to develop actionable plans and leverage our broad network and appeal to spread the word.
Engaging the mountain biking community is a crucial part of our strategy. We plan to mobilize our mountain biking community and professional athletes through social media, on-the-ground videos, posters, and more. In the fall, we will organize an action day at trailheads with all involved organizations, featuring signs and informational booths. Additionally, we will distribute postcards at outdoor stores to raise awareness.
We are also planning a speaker’s night in collaboration with Arc’teryx, featuring speakers from CPAWS, Bragg Creek Trails, POWC, and other partners to discuss the issue. Our partners in this endeavor include Bragg Creek Trails, Land Lovers Bow Bioregion Regeneration Network, Take A Stand Kananaskis, CPAWS, Alberta Wilderness Association, Elbow River Watershed Group, Oldman Watershed Council, Bow Cyclist Club, Lewiston Ultra Events, BCKOR (Bragg Creek and Kananaskis Outdoor Recreation), The Alberta Native Trout Collaborative, Patagonia, Alberta Talks, and the Moose Mountain Ultra Race connection.
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s protect the lands we love and ensure they remain pristine for future generations. Join us in this vital cause by staying informed and getting involved. For more information, check out these resources:
- Pushback needed against impending logging of popular Bragg Creek recreation area, say opponents
- Take a Stand Kananaskis
- West Bragg Creek, Moose Mountain clearcutting facing opposition
- West Bragg Creek clear-cutting hiking trails activist
- West Fraser listens to West Bragg Creek clearcut opponents
Let's unite to protect the lands we play in and cherish. Your support is vital to preserving these natural treasures.