Photo: Jerry Pashen
Alberta on the Edge
By Lorraine Swift
Alberta is on the Edge of joining the Canadian Heritage Rivers System and declaring the historically significant Clearwater River this province's first Heritage River. This unique wilderness area is under immediate threat by Al-Pac logging operations. Last spring, cabinet received a joint recommendation from then environment Minister Ralph Klein and Minister of Tourism Don Sparrow that Alberta formally join the system. This is a significant turnaround for Don Sparrow, a former opponent to the proposal, and the end of a long procrastination for Ralph Klein. Now Premier, Klein has a chance to demonstrate his integrity and make good on his promise of April 9,1992 when he declared...
"...it will be my recommendation that we enter the [Heritage River] program and that the Clear
River be considered for designation."
- Premier Ralph Klein
The Canadian Heritage Rivers system, a cooperative federal-provincial program, is designed "for the purpose of recognizing outstanding rivers of Canada and ensuring future management which will protect these rivers and enhance their significant heritage values for the long term benefit and enjoyment of Canadians." It was first presented as a concept at the Federal-Provincial Parks Conference in 1978. Since that time, 21 rivers have been nominated and 13 designated. All nominated rivers are assessed on the basis of Natural Heritage Values, Human Heritage values and Recreational Values. Although Heritage River status does not provide for the river's ecological protection, it is a step in the right direction for achieving additional considerations beyond those which centre around large industry economics. Currently, rivers are considered water resources and thus are under the jurisdiction of the provinces. Alberta and British Columbia are the only provinces that remain outside the Canadian Heritage River System and they have done so largely to protect logging interests.
"The magnificent scene before us was so superior to what the nature of the country had promised, that it banished even our sense of suffering from the mosquitoes, which hovered in clouds above our heads. In the long and brilliant valley before us, the smooth and colorless Clearwater River wound its spiral course"
-Written July 3, 1820 by Robert Hood who was under the command of Captain John Franklin
The Clearwater River, with its wildland values, is of national significance in terms of Canada's historical development both before European exploration and after. Initial archeological excavation indicates the habitation of the area by aboriginal peoples as long as 5000 years ago. Three rock pictographs are located on the upper portion of the Clearwater River between Lloyd and Careen lakes in Saskatchewan. Flowing west to meet the Athabasca, the river provided a link to the north for the native peoples who travelled every year to their traditional gatherings on the south shore of Lake Athabasca.
The only westerly flowing river in the province, the Clearwater was also used extensively by the early explorers and fur traders as a major transportation link from the Hudson Bay to the Athabasca District. In 1778, Peter Pond became the first white man to enter the region of the Clearwater River. For the next 100 years, the Clearwater River was the crucial link to northward flowing waters for fur traders as well as surveyors and explores such as Mackenzie, Thompson, Frobisher and Sir John Franklin.
Today, almost 200 years later, Indigenous people in the area are disgusted that they have had their wilderness land base stolen from them without consultation or consideration. The archeological significance of their ancient ancestors has been disregarded, and their current traplines and thus their livelihood will be destroyed by logging in the area.
"I see the animals looking lost when they come out of the forest, tossing their heads this way and that; "What is happening to my home?" I imagine them feeling the same way I think and feel yet I can empathize with the powerlessness that the animals feel as they watch their homes being destroyed. It angers me and yet I have a voice with which to communicate with the destroyers; but who is listening to me and others such as me? For we can speak, the animal cannot."
- Mary Siyagiganis, Nihiyo/Dene
Let's Expand the Vision
To politicians, Heritage Rivers status applies only to the river itself -not the surrounding wilderness. Our knowledge of ecosystems tells us that protecting only the river is not enough. We cannot support and preserve the wilderness in the area by halting conservation efforts at the riverbank. With Heritage river status in Saskatchewan, the Clearwater river also enjoys the protection of a large provincial park - Clearwater River Provincial Wilderness Park - which is well maintained and widely visited year round. Visitors use the park for camping, fishing, white water rafting, canoeing, hiking, nature appreciation, photography, cave exploration and guided raft trips.
Eco tourism is alive and well just over the border. Right now it thrives on the Alberta side as well. There is an ecological reserve and several campgrounds that are frequented by wilderness enthusiasts. Alberta is on the edge - but with Al-Pac closing in fast, we may lose the beauty of this natural and historical wilderness area forever. We cannot protect the fragile ecosystem of this area by allowing Al-Pac to cut here. We need a provincial park to mirror the one in Saskatchewan. We need economic development in eco tourism. We need to respect and preserve the land and the livelihood of the Native people of the area. We need to preserve wilderness in Alberta and we need your help. Please write letters expressing your concern to Premier Ralph Klein or Brian Evans, Minister of Environmental Protection and Forests, and join the Western Canada Wilderness Committee.
Lorraine Swift, Western Canada Wilderness Committee, Boreal Forest Campaigner - Alberta
