[Joe Black]

I was wondering what AFGA's responce would be about no allowance's for designated OHV trails in Castle for game removal in the final plan.

another lie to another organisation to get buy in. unreal. thanks for showing your true colors yet again shannon.



June 11, 2018
Honourable Shannon Philips
Minister Alberta Environment and Parks
208 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Honourable Minister:

On behalf of the 25,000 plus members of the Alberta Fish and Game Association I must express our disappointment that the Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park Management Plan as released will lead to the elimination of all OHV use within the Parks.

While we recognize that previous lack of enforcement and irresponsible OHV use by some members of the public made restricting limited OHV use to designated, hardened trails (as originally promised) a necessary step, the complete disregard for those Albertan’s who have invested significant time and money into those trail systems and as well participated in the “consultation” process is extremely disappointing.

For the many Albertan’s whose ONLY means of getting into some of these areas to enjoy them is by means of an OHV, they are now being told they can no longer have that level of enjoyment and connection with nature that they had grown to love over their and their family’s entire lifetimes. In these times of a societal swing towards accessibility and inclusiveness, this is a definite step backwards that discriminates against a significant segment of our population.

As a conservation organization that supports the harvest of wild food this also restricts traditional hunting and fishing opportunities for many Albertans as it eliminates their means of getting into the backcountry to hunt, fish or gather, as well as their only practical means of removing a heavy harvest.

The AFGA asks that Alberta Environment and Parks reverse the policy of OHV elimination and allow limited OHV use on designated trails. We are not advocating for unrestricted, destructive use of OHV’s.
Yours truly,
Doug Butler, President
The Alberta Fish and Game Association
cc AFGA Executive