Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Parks has announced the creation of Alberta’s newest provincial park and the expansion of neighbouring Wildland Provincial Park within the boundaries of the Castle Special Management Area in southwest Alberta.
“The Castle is one of Alberta’s most ecologically diverse areas,” said Minister Shannon Phillips of the 104,000 hectare area. “The Castle is also culturally significant to First Nations and makes up a significant part of the Crown of the Continent.”
“It is an area worthy of protection.”
Phillips says the province will designate more than 107,000 hectares as an expanded Wildland Provincial Park and the adjacent land will form Alberta’s 77th provincial park.
“Effective today, there will be no commercial logging within the area covered by the two parks.”
The Minister of Environment and Parks says existing oil and gas tenures will be honoured but new contracts will not permit surface access.
The provincial government plans to grow the economy of the region through a focus on recreation and tourism. First Nations will be consulted to ensure their role in the Castle’s economic development is defined and the cultural significance of the land and treaty rights are respected.
All Albertans are encouraged to provide input on the future of the Castle Special Management Area over the next 30 days. To participate in the discussion, visit Enhancing the Protection of the Castle area
