Castle Provincial Park OHV Closures

oldrzr

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Maybe we all need to meet on the steps of the legislature in force. I would take a day off for sure.
 

KatMan

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shannon speaks. is she starting to crack(see phasing in comment) she does not say where though.

funny how the "phasing in" was not part of the draft. why? because she is now lieing to get the heat off of her.





J.W. Schnarr
Lethbridge Herald
jwschnarr@lethbridgeherald.com
Misinformation surrounding Off Highway Vehicle use in the Castle parks area is undermining the process of “authentic dialogue” between user groups, says the provincial environment minister.
Shannon Phillips said the development of the Castle parks areas has been overshadowed by “disrespectful” language, and that there have been a number of false statements and misinformation spread regarding the issue.
“The fact of the matter is that the previous government recommended in the Porcupine Hills and in the Livingstone recreation area, that there be recreation management planning,” she said.
“The fact is also that the previous government didn’t get around to it.”
Phillips said her government continues to engage OHV users to ensure proper supports are put in place to make sure “high quality” OHV experiences are available to user groups. But, she says, the process is still ongoing.
“I want to be clear right now. The decisions haven’t been made. The plan that is before us is a draft.”
Phillips said the draft was created through consultation with technical working groups who examined the science around recovering the fishery, the wildlife habitat, and ensuring the water supply is in working order.
“That science informed our recommendation that there be a staged, phase-out of OHV use that is causing a great deal of erosion and a great deal of habitat loss in particular for our trout fishery,” she said.
“And a phasing in, in an appropriate way, with the right staging points, the right bridges, and trail networks in places where it is more compatible, and it has less of an impact. I don’t know how the previous governments made decisions, but in our world, a draft means exactly that.”
A number of groups have already engaged the government on the issue, according to Phillips, who said respectful dialogue and participation in the process is more effective than other means of letting the government know their wishes.
“All of them have made really interesting contributions,” she said. “They’ve really taken this on as a draft, and they are very likely to see their input reflected in the final management plan.”
Phillips said the original working groups that contributed to the draft were intended to reflect the variety of interests involved. Municipalities were sought out for representation as well as ranchers and landowners.
“They are the ones who often have to end up footing the bill for much of the activity that goes on in the landscape,” she said.
She said ranchers in particular have suffered from irresponsible OHV use because the activity interferes with their ability to make a living.
“All of those voices were recognized and included around the table,” she said. “As was small business.”
At a recent OHV rally in Lethbridge, Wildrose leader Brian Jean described the decision to phase out OHV use as something that would negatively impact people’s jobs, their traditions, and their way of life.
Phillips described that kind of talk as inflammatory and unhelpful.
“I would also reject his assessment,” she said. “If he had been out talking to the ranchers I have talked to, and the municipalities I have talked to, he would have a different view of this. It is very clear he has not done that.”
Follow @JWSchnarrHerald on Twitter
 
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Lem Lamb

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Shannon Phillips must of talked to the wrong ranchers, cattle grazing lease operators, out-fitters, trappers, and Hunting folk down there since the "majority" of them do not want too see OHV'S or Snowmobiles ban from the Castle Area since it is part of their lively hood too access those areas, and for live-stock and fencing operations.

I would ask this question too Shannon Phillips,,, How are OHV'S hurting fish habitat in the Castle Mountain Area since there are bridges made for units too access areas with out having them go threw the creeks. "Very strange comment on her part."

The previous government plan was too have "fair consultation" with all user groups from day one of the SSRB draft, so with out this it makes Shannon Phillips comments disrespectful and arrogant too all 197.000 OHV and Sled folks as well as 250.000 game Harvesters in our province.

Now Shannon is back talking that its still in its drafting plan still even though Shannon Phillips and Rachel Notley both announced 3 weeks ago that there will be no motorized units allowed in this new Castle Mountain park.

She must think we're stupid and dum people that have short term memories,,, "no disrespect too stupid dum forgetful people either as Shannon Phillips proves this with her latest comments.

Next question too Shannon is what does she think people think of her back tracking statements and disrespect too her and her parties written and verbal conversations too us user groups after her disrespectful comments now.

Short minded on" fair consultation" that was deliberately over shadowed by announcing the banning of all units from the Castle with out notifying the user groups that were still in consultation.

Center Alberta folks have had enough of this NDP government, Wood Buffalo folks, 68% of Calgary and now most of Southern Alberta.

Like the one gentle man said at the Castle Mountain press release, We won't have to worry about the NDP in 3 more yesrs.

Proven fact is the NDP is a 1 time party too never return too power.

Sorry about bringing my political views into this thread, but let it be known that I would never vote NDP, nor would I ever in my life time.

If they paided me $2000 at election time, I'd be too first too send these funds too the party that I grew up with for 43 years. Ha.

Bet 10 too 1 that most of us know who this party is since I "know" that us folks have wise memories, are smart and need a party that incorporates all Albertans.

Lem
 

Grinder

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Here are the permits you will need to fill out and display to camp in the castle area and from Quad Squad




We have been advised that all trails in the Castle area will be open this year, and they will start the designated trail system probably starting next year closing down the bio diverse areas with the eventual closing of all trails which we suspect will be the result of the management plan.  We should know shortly what the final outcome will be.  Members of your board have spent in excess of 800 hours fighting on your behalf, and we will continue our fight.  Rustic camping sites have been established which at this time there is no fee, but limited to a 16 day stay period.  There is not yet a digital copy available however I have scanned the permit and attached it for your information. 


I have been in touch with Denis Hache who is the contact person for the conservation officers and also if need be to obtain any special permits (such as the old TFA (temporary field access) which is required for public lands.  This process is much simpler apparently for a Parks Special Permit.  He advised that they will of course be targeting insurance, registration, new helmet laws, and riding on the road or beside the road, not on a designated trail.  They will have signs up soon indicating which trails are designated and you may only ride the trails, so you will have to stage at each trail until we can get the Minister's approval to use the roads to continue the loops which he states is in the process of being looked at, but until then, stay off all roads.  We must show we are responsible and not rebels.  You may cross a road at a 90 degree angle to get to a trail head on the other side.
 

Grinder

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Think its already started. Went to try to get to York staging and some dillweed put 10-15 large bolders going across road were the asphault turns to dirt and painted on the rocks is private property no tresspassing. Talked to girl at the esso and you can still access the trails from star staging or through the rv camp.
 
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