Respect the Land in Alberta

Did you know that the Sibbald Snow Vehicle Public Land Use Zone was created in 1979 to provide snowmobiling opportunities in the northern part of Kananaskis Country? Find out about the Sibbald Snow Vehicle PLUZ here: https://www.alberta.ca/sibbald-snow-vehicle.aspx and learn about all of the motorized PLUZ areas in Kananaskis here: https://www.alberta.ca/sibbald-snow-vehicle.aspx

Don’t let this happen to you or your vehicle. Remember that no ice is ever 100% safe. Many factors affect ice thickness, such as water type and location, time of year, size and depth of the body of water, snow cover, changes in temperatures, shock waves from vehicles travelling on the ice, and others. Before venturing out on ice this winter, check these 10 ice safety tips from the Lifesaving Society: https://bit.ly/2PC6PHM

Did you know bears aren’t true hibernators? They sleep deeply all winter but can wake up in warm weather, or if their den is disturbed. If you’re heading into the backcountry, carry bear spray. It can help protect you against those cranky bears, and other kinds of wildlife, too.

This weekend, the Alberta Support and Emergency Response Team (ASERT) received four reports to the Environmental Hotline of vehicles falling through the ice. Fortunately, there were no injuries to report. Please remember that no ice is ever 100% safe. Check these ice safety tips from the Lifesaving Society before venturing out on ice this winter: https://bit.ly/2PC6PHM

There are some track set cross-country ski trails on public land. If you see these tracks, please walk, snowshoe, or backcountry ski beside them rather than on them. When these tracks are crushed by other activities, they can become unsafe for skiers.

Stay safe out there folks! https://www.facebook.com/KCPublicSafety/posts/4265878093429420

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some AEP Fish and Wildlife front counters are temporarily closed to walk-in visitors. To find out which offices are open, please call ahead using the area office phone numbers listed at http://www.alberta.ca/fish-and-wildlife-contacts.aspx. In addition, we encourage the public to call ahead to book appointments. Although walk-ins will still be helped, those who book appointments will take precedence. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Water is an important natural resource. As stewards, one of the ways we can keep our water clean and continue to enjoy the outdoors is to build bridges. Many partners came together to build and communicate the importance of the Waiparous Creek Bridge - https://open.alberta.ca//alberta-stewardship-stories-waipa. #ThrowbackThursday Share your stewardship story with us on the Outdoor Recreation Channel to have it featured - https://talkaep.alberta.ca//sur/submit-a-stewardship-story

Snow is falling in some parts of Alberta! Test out your wildlife identification skills what animal made these tracks?

Don’t forget to look up before you set-up camp! Snow on tree branches and strong winds can lead to falling branches. Choose your campsite wisely, especially around older tree stands, and be aware of your surroundings when travelling through forested areas.