Hundreds journey up Moose Mountain to protest west Bragg Creek logging plan
Hundreds gathered at the site of a proposed logging project in west Bragg Creek, just outside Kananaskis Country, calling for the protection of the area.
The group hiked and biked up Moose Mountain to protest in one of the spaces that could be clear-cut, one night after more than 650 people gathered at a public feedback event in Cochrane held by the logging company.
"These actions can feel like you are shouting in a vacuum when it's primarily online-organized, and so this lets people know how many other people care about these trails, lets them feel a part of something," said Jeff Woodgate, Grow Kananaskis founder.
Hundreds gathered at the site of a proposed logging project in Kananaskis, calling for the protection of the area.
West Fraser bought rights to the timber licence last fall when it bought out Spray Lakes Sawmills in Cochrane and plans to log 450 hectares of forests, including a dozen hiking and mountain bike trails impacting up to 30 kilometres of track.
"We use that space all the time. It represents what Alberta represents to us," said Caroline Fisher, who created signs for the protest as well.
Caroline Fisher created signs for the protest.
The land is not protected.
That's why Albertans who love to hike, bike, snowshoe and ski here are speaking up.
"We're wondering if the name of conservation pass should perhaps be changed to resource extraction pass because it seems like all of our natural areas are open for resource extraction."
West Fraser said it welcomes feedback and it might protect some views and trails.
The cut would not go ahead until 2026, which gives opponents some hope.
Aside from the environmental impact, protesters say there was minimal consultation with or consideration for local businesses.
Trail and traffic counters in Kananaskis show about 300,000 people visit each year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Do this once a month and extend your life by up to 10 years. No gym required
Research shows that art experiences, whether as a maker or a beholder, transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.
'Rotten rock': Climate change altering the face of Canadian mountaineering
The Abbot Pass hut stood for decades in a rugged saddle between two iconic peaks, overlooking the limpid turquoise of Banff National Park's Lake Louise — a destination for alpinists from around the world until the ground melted beneath it and forced its closure.
Ryan Reynolds has declared 'War of the Popcorn Buckets.' He's honestly onto something
Ryan Reynolds this week unveiled arguably the most anticipated and sure-to-be coveted merchandise tied to his upcoming 'Deadpool' sequel: the movie’s novelty popcorn bucket.
North Korea says it will stop sending trash balloons as South Korea vows strong retaliation
South Korea said Sunday it’ll soon take retaliatory steps against North Korea over its launch of trash-carrying balloons across the border and other provocations.
'The legacy I want to leave:' Mother with Stage 4 cancer advocates for survivors
People around the world are observing National Cancer Survivor Day, an annual celebration held to honour patients who have been through the often difficult and traumatic experience of living with cancer.
Trump joins TikTok and calls it 'an honor.' As president he once tried to ban the video-sharing app
Donald Trump has joined the popular video-sharing app TikTok, a platform he once tried to ban while in the White House, and posted from a UFC fight two days after he became the first former president and presumptive major party nominee in U.S. history to be found guilty on felony charges.
Mackenzie Hughes 'gutted' after falling short at RBC Canadian Open
Mackenzie Hughes had the dream scenario of winning the RBC Canadian Open in his hometown within reach but then it all slipped away.
Scotland's Robert MacIntyre holds off Griffin, wins RBC Canadian Open
Scotland's Robert MacIntyre has won the RBC Canadian Open.