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Care of Alberta's resources in hands of province's youth
Five Alberta youth will manage the province's natural resources for a day, after being selected to participate in Alberta Sustainable Resource Development's second-annual 'Minister for a Day' program. "Today's youth are tomorrow's stewards of our resources," said Sustainable Resource Development Minister David Coutts. "These young people are all exceptional representatives of their generation, and I'm thrilled that they want to learn more about the challenge of sustaining Alberta 's land, forestry and fish and wildlife riches." The students will take part in a day of activities on October 17 designed to introduce them to all facets of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development's mandate and operations. The activities include one-on-one meetings with Minister Coutts, touring areas affected by mountain pine beetle infestations, holding discussions with stakeholders concerned about the beetle threat and recommending beetle management strategies to the ministry. Graham Fegan of Lousana will serve as Sustainable Resource Development Minister. "I am always trying to learn more about forestry, wildlife and the issues that surround them," Graham says. "To be a good minister, it's important to be well informed about these things." Serving as Deputy Minister is Carly McDonald of Red Deer. "If I had a chance to suggest a few things to the Minister," says Carly, a member the Red Deer Woodchucks Junior Forest Wardens club, "I would talk about hunting, protection of endangered animals, less motorized boats and more people . doing jobs like public awareness." Kate Giebelhaus of Edmonton will be Assistant Deputy Minister for Fish and Wildlife. "I care about how our natural resources are being treated and how they are being conserved," says Kate, who belongs to the Windwalkers Outdoor Education Club, a Junior Forest Wardens club in South Edmonton . Harrison Sheremeta of Athabasca is Assistant Deputy Minister for Forests for the day. "I want to protect the environment for the future and be known Alberta-wide for my effort and passion to protect the natural environment in Alberta ," Harrison says. "It is possible for Alberta to balance a strong economy with world-class environmental protection." Kellee Kryba of Edmonton will serve as Assistant Deputy Minister for Lands. "We only have one earth and I believe we should take care of it," says Kellee. Minister For A Day participants were selected from applications submitted by Junior High students at schools throughout the province, and from campers at the Long Lake Outdoor Education Centre. Selection was based on interest in land stewardship, demonstrated knowledge of forest management and mountain pine beetle, and on an essay expressing their desire to serve as Minister for a day. Participants include members of the Junior Forest Warden program, an outdoor-oriented experience designed to development awareness, appreciation and respect for the natural environment. Club activities are planned around the four pillars of the program: forestry, ecology, outdoor skills and leadership. Sustainable Resource Development and the Alberta Junior Forest Warden Association share responsibility for support and administration of the Junior Forest Warden program. |
