To all outdoorsman and Albertans regarding the castle closure

[lead chucker]

Originally Posted by Walleyedude

If this section doesn't scare you as a hunter, I don't know what will, because it really should...

This is what I've been saying all along.people just can't figure it out that everything is going to be taken away in the castle that we've known...and as long as it "doesn't affect me" it's ok.....shame on you!

[Klondike]

Originally Posted by Yaha Tinda

No, were not in this together.

What is it that you think you're seeing in that picture?

[urban rednek]

Here is an example of the mentality supporting the OHV ban. Taken from an article in the Calgary Sun. I do not know this person, but I know the mentality.

START:
Besides protesters, the rally also attracted a few supporters of the government’s policy. Included was David Wasserman, former chair of Alberta Hiking Association.

“As a long time hiker I know it’s very disturbing to have to share trails with motorized vehicles,” he said. “Since there are probably 15 times as many hikers as off-highway vehicle users, then it seems only fair that the needs of the hikers should be preferred.” END

There are limited opportunities for motorized recreation on Crown land, meanwhile you can hike anywhere in the province on Crown land, but someone like this won't be satisfied until OHV's are banned completely...because "the needs of the hikers should be preferred."

[lead chucker]

Yup idiots like these are going to be the end of it.a me generation. Sad

[ram crazy]

Originally Posted by urban rednek

Here is an example of the mentality supporting the OHV ban. Taken from an article in the Calgary Sun. I do not know this person, but I know the mentality.

START:
Besides protesters, the rally also attracted a few supporters of the government’s policy. Included was David Wasserman, former chair of Alberta Hiking Association.

“As a long time hiker I know it’s very disturbing to have to share trails with motorized vehicles,” he said. “Since there are probably 15 times as many hikers as off-highway vehicle users, then it seems only fair that the needs of the hikers should be preferred.” END

There are limited opportunities for motorized recreation on Crown land, meanwhile you can hike anywhere in the province on Crown land, but someone like this won't be satisfied until OHV's are banned completely...because "the needs of the hikers should be preferred."

He should stick to K-country then he wouldn't have to put up with the OHV's

[JimPS]

Originally Posted by Walleyedude

It's the land around the edges of the park I'd be more concerned about, not the wildland park itself. And again, park designations can be changed with the unilateral stroke of a pen behind closed doors at any time. I take ZERO comfort in its current designation.

What's Kananaskis then? Beaver Flats is an existing town. There's a ski hill and lodge in place already in the Castle. The entire Crowsnest Pass area is minutes away. I fail to see the difference. Have you seen some of the development proposals and things floating around out there? Have you looked at what private land is available adjacent to the park and who's buying it? Do some digging, it's scary...

It most definitely can be both. It's not all about locking people out, it's about dictating which activities are acceptable and which aren't. The number of people is a HUGE factor, not only for the existing residents and users of the area, but for wildlife populations as well.

Beaver Flats - are you sure you don't mean Moccasin Flats or Beaver Mines??

Have you looked at what private land is available adjacent to the park and who's buying it? Do some digging, it's scary...

Pure unadulterated El Toro Poo Poo - BS.

Statements like this really hurt the credibility or responsible and reasonable OHV'ers that deserve access to designated trails in the Park.

Are you having a tinfoil hat day or are you seriously suggesting that entrepreneurs are buying up adjacent land out side the Park for OHV use?

[Walleyedude]

Originally Posted by JimPS

Beaver Flats - are you sure you don't mean Moccasin Flats or Beaver Mines??

Have you looked at what private land is available adjacent to the park and who's buying it? Do some digging, it's scary...

Pure unadulterated El Toro Poo Poo - BS.

Statements like this really hurt the credibility or responsible and reasonable OHV'ers that deserve access to designated trails in the Park.

Are you having a tinfoil hat day or are you seriously suggesting that entrepreneurs are buying up adjacent land out side the Park for OHV use?

Yep. Beaver Mines. Typo on my part.

As for the rest. Make fun and bury your head in the sand if you choose.

I've actually talked to several of the landowners down there and heard their stories about it and their concerns. Have you?

No ones buying land for OHV use lol. You can't charge the foreign "Eco tourists" fresh off the airplane from their latest protest or climate change conference big $$$$ for that.

[bessiedog]

Yea......
I'm not buyin that you talked to 'several landowners' down here.

Prove it

Pm me names and I'll back up your claim.

Your hard pressed to find landowners around sayin recreational quadders are welcome...... Unless your giving them a choice between that and tree huggy granola urban vegans.


Rich yuppies are buying up stuff...yes. Cause it's one of the last mountain areas a guy could buy acreage areas..... But that's been happening for 20+ years.... There no linkage to the park being announced/developed.

Then.... Well that's not really a choice now is it.

[Walleyedude]

Originally Posted by bessiedog

Yea......
I'm not buyin that you talked to 'several landowners' down here.

Prove it

Pm me names and I'll back up your claim.

Your hard pressed to find landowners around sayin recreational quadders are welcome...... Unless your giving them a choice between that and tree huggy granola urban vegans.


Rich yuppies are buying up stuff...yes. Cause it's one of the last mountain areas a guy could buy acreage areas..... But that's been happening for 20+ years.... There no linkage to the park being announced/developed.

Then.... Well that's not really a choice now is it.

I'm not sure who you think you are that you're so special as to be the guardian of truth, but I don't appreciate being called a liar.

PM sent.

[bessiedog]

And a more polite PM back to you.....

[Walleyedude]

Originally Posted by bessiedog

And a more polite PM back to you.....

Give me a break bessiedog. Seriously? C'mon...

[Walleyedude]

After the PM's, I will say that there's no doubt not ALL landowners support OHV use in the Castle. I never claimed that was the case. I said that many landowners oppose the creation of the park in particular, for numerous reasons including enjoying OHV use, and see the danger in the precedent the OHV ban creates.

If you'd been reading the entire post you'd have seen that was exactly the point, there is a lot more to opposing the creation of the park than OHV use. That's just the thin edge of the wedge that's really easy to drive in...

[Don_Parsons]

Edmonton Support the OHV & Camping Rally was good. Wished that more folks came out in support of this.

Had the chance too meet Brian Jean as he is in support of crown land access for Harvesting, fishing, boating, OHV, Snowmobiles, hiking camping, and other out door activities.


So lucky too have good folks that care and respect our lands, I hope too continue too have access too these lands by all means for years too come as my time on earth is limited by age.

I hope that a all user group idea comes of this as its about building bridges and not walls between us.

We all need to do better at communication with clarification that shares in our ideas looking forwards in the days, weeks months and years too come.

Don in visions of new ways too share our Alberta crown lands with each and all.

[bigskinner]

Sure the weasel supports users of crown land , he says the words you want to here ,he wants your votes , then when he gets in and the tree huggers and antis start to holler , then he,ll be on their side .

[Don_Parsons]

Originally Posted by bigskinner

Sure the weasel supports users of crown land , he says the words you want to here ,he wants your votes , then when he gets in and the tree huggers and antis start to holler , then he,ll be on their side .

Don't know if this would happen.

Brian is an avid Snowmobiler, power boat river runner, Hunter back in his day, camping and family man that promotes crown land access.

He's been a Stewart of responsible land use for years.

Don't get me right or wrong as I'm not book smarts too this stuff, nor a mind reader either.

No Government can appeal to all citizens at the same time, nor is Government perfect. But at least we have a system that is a bit better than other countries around the globe.

Brian's ideas, thoughts, and interest in or lands is very much in-line with a good portion of us since his roots come from being out there enjoying the same things we like.

It's a tuff road managing politics and the likes and wants of people. Finding this fine line is not easy as I can't do the job.

All good as we at least try to continue to have access at harvesting, fishing, boating, OHV, Snowmobiles, hiking, biking, and camping along with other out-door activities.

TV hasn't been working for me for many years as I'd rather play with Grizzly Bear traps too see how they work, Ha.

Don

[KBF]

So when is the official decision about its future going to be released? Or did I miss it

[13mileranch]

I received an email update from AEP. They are going to make some concessions on OHV use such as allowing game retrieval, disabled persons all on a limted basis and designated trails.

Looks like grazing is going to be monitored until a formal agreement can be reached.

A few other things. Maybe someone that has better skills than I can post the updated email.

[Don_Parsons]

"Some of the plan so far."

The GOA will allow ohvs and Snowmobiles for this year, but closed after that.
All illegal cut trails will be shut down immediately this spring.

Talks are on going regarding OHV & Snowmobile use, nothing yet on camping as it stands so far.

83 too 87 paid for camp spots with no free land camping in park boundary. Not sure what is allowed in the wilderness area adjacent do it, but we can only "guess" that crown land camping will not be allowed in it either.

Harvesters might have to drive in and out each day, no camping close to park either from what was discussed by folks.

It was talked about at the rally, "not in writing yet."

The GOA will be looking at all of the Eastern slopes of Alberta apon the recommendations of the Y2Y group in Canmore Alberta.

Doo Noo the true facts as I've yet to view the papers my self.

One would only think that with 2 user groups out of the way, "Camping & OHV / SNOWMOBILE that it would allow the GOA to slowly look at changes too game harvest and fishing at a latter date.

Don't know as we haven't got there yet.

2 years and a few days till we get a chance to have our say.

I've never voted for NDP, nor our riding as we remember what happened in BC way back then.
Nor will others or I in our riding.

Let's hope for the best after the damage is done.

Don

[1cuz1]

just a cool $20 million set towards castle infrastructure today....that should help protect the science

[1cuz1]

http://www.cjocfm.com/news-and-info/...r-castle-area/

[Klondike]

So now it starts......

[Newview01]

Originally Posted by 1cuz1

just a cool $20 million set towards castle infrastructure today....that should help protect the science

Proof it was never about the environment.

[KBF]

Should be fun digging a pipeline through the wetland ecological reserve just before the ski hill. Maybe be above ground. Should really add to beautifying the area.

[Klondike]

Dave Mabell
Lethbridge Herald
dmabell@lethbridgeherald.com
A paved highway and a fresh water supply will soon welcome visitors to the Castle Mountain Resort and the province’s new Castle River provincial parks.
Engineers’ planning for $20-million worth of projects will begin shortly, says Environment and Parks Minister Shannon Phillips. Paving Highway 774 to the ski hill will follow next year.
Speaking in Lethbridge, the minister said the work will also include a $4.7-million potable water pipeline between Beaver Mines and Cowley, backed by both the provincial and federal governments.
“These projects will create jobs and support the local economy in southwestern Alberta,” she said. “They will also bring more visitors to the Castle parks to experience the natural beauty of the Crown of the Continent.”
Phillips said the infrastructure projects come in addition to the government’s commitment to spend $20 million in first-phase improvements to the two Castle-area parks. Castle Provincial Park will offer upgraded facilities along both sides of Highway 774, while the Castle Wilderness Provincial Park — stretching along the Rocky Mountains from Waterton Lakes National Park to an area close to Crowsnest Pass communities — will provide backcountry experiences.
The highway’s 11-kilometre gravel section will be rebuilt as a paved road next year, Phillips said, at a cost of $6 million. Another $9 million is being provided to help the M.D. of Pincher Creek build a water line from Beaver Mines to the Castle resort.
Brad Bush, the resort’s general manager, described the highway upgrade as “an essential piece to ensuring that all Albertans can access recreational activities in the Castle Parks region in a safe, reliable and enjoyable manner.
“The decision is consistent with Alberta Parks’ mandate to improve the life of all Albertans through access to recreation,” he said.
The water line, Bush pointed out, will allow the ski resort to make greater use of its snow-making equipment, while providing a secure supply for residents and a growing number of visitors.
It will also accelerate the resort’s plans to become a year-round attraction, he predicted.
Speaking for the municipal district, Reeve Brian Hammond thanked Phillips for her department’s ongoing consultation with local officials on park development. The MD council has been urging the paving project for many years, he added, but previous governments never responded.
Responding to questions, Phillips said visitors shouldn’t expect to see park upgrades this summer. The public consultation process is still underway, she explained.
What visitors will see, the minister indicated, is the same level of increased stewardship and enforcement as last year in the Castle area. RCMP officers, fish and wildlife officers, park rangers, conservation officers and M.D. bylaw officers will be ensuring parks regulations are respected.
Across the province, she reported, about 80,000 “contacts” were made with provincial park visitors — leading to about 7,000 fines levied against transgressors.
Those enforcement efforts cost about $10 million, Phillips said — money she’d rather see go into park improvements. The previous governments did little to keep provincial parks properly maintained, she noted.
Southern Albertans need a protected area where they can go hiking, camping, fishing and hunting, Phillips said.
Asked about her department’s new energy efficiency initiatives, the minister said about 80,000 Albertans have already signed up for no-charge energy-saving audits of their homes.
“It’s surpassed all our expectations,” she said.
The company that won the initial contract is hiring about 70 Alberta tradespeople, she said, and it’s already got some vehicles out on the road.
“There’s a lot of pent-up demand.”

[Reddin]

Originally Posted by 1cuz1

just a cool $20 million set towards castle infrastructure today....that should help protect the science

Shannon Phillips bought a cabin at Castle Ski Resort recently.

[1cuz1]

Originally Posted by Reddin

Shannon Phillips bought a cabin at Castle Ski Resort recently.

speculated...I'd love someone to prove it to be true!!

[Reddin]

Originally Posted by 1cuz1

speculated...I'd love someone to prove it to be true!!

I know which cabin she bought.

[Newview01]

Originally Posted by Reddin

I know which cabin she bought.

Bazinga!

Anyone who thinks the NDP will not profit personally from this deal is delusional.

[Klondike]

Originally Posted by Reddin

I know which cabin she bought.

How would this be any different then insider trading on the stock market.

[ram crazy]

Originally Posted by Reddin

I know which cabin she bought.

Next time your out there maybe you should take a picture of the cabin she bought so the non believers can see why they are paving the road and running the water line out to the ski hill.