I am writing in response to a Nov. 22 article that appeared in the Red Deer Advocate titled Put new parks act on hold.
Within the article, Rick Zemanek stated, “The government wants to lump public lands, which comprise about 60 per cent of Alberta, into two categories — provincial parks and heritage rangelands.”
This statement is inaccurate. Alberta’s provincial parks land base covers more than 27,600 square km or four per cent of Alberta, not 60 per cent.
The proposed new legislation would apply to all park lands currently designated as provincial parks, wildland provincial parks, provincial recreation areas, wilderness areas, ecological reserves, natural areas and heritage rangelands. The proposed legislation does not apply to Willmore Wilderness Park, national parks, municipal parks, municipal conservation areas or public lands.
Thank you for the opportunity to clarify these important details.
Camille Weleschuk
Public affairs officer
Tourism, Parks and Recreation