Sustainable Resource Development invites Albertans to join its “Respect the Land in Alberta” Facebook page

Feature story posted on April 28, 2008

Tips for outdoor enthusiasts include:

  • pack out all trash;
  • share trails;
  • use care with campfires;
  • take steps to avoid wildlife encounters; and
  • refrain from cutting live trees and vegetation.

OHV riders are reminded that bigger vehicles can leave a bigger impact on the land. Staying on the trail and keeping out of streams and wetlands help reduce this impact. Operating OHVs on provincial highways and ditches is illegal and all OHVs operated on public land require:

  • valid insurance and registration;
  • licence plate visible and affixed to the vehicle;
  • one white headlight on the front of the vehicle, capable of illuminating an object, person or vehicle from a distance of 60 m;
  • one red taillight mounted on the rear of the vehicle that is visible from a distance of 60 m;
  • approved muffler system that cools exhaust gases enough to not start fires, and to restrict sparks from leaving the pipe.

Being aware of the rules and acting responsibly helps reduce our impact on public lands so we can all enjoy them now and into the future.

With the May long weekend almost upon us and with the expectation that thousands of people will be heading out to enjoy the outdoors, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) is using Facebook to remind outdoor enthusiasts to take care of and show respect for public lands and our natural resources.

Facebook, a popular, free-access social networking website, allows users to join one or more networks to connect with others. Users can post messages for their friends to see, and update their personal profile to notify others about their activities, interests, groups and causes.

The Respect the Land in Alberta Facebook page includes posters, a video and a discussion board. The message being conveyed by SRD is that no matter how we enjoy Alberta's public lands (hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, OHV riding, etc.), our presence has an impact on our lands, water, plants and animals.

“Our message – encouraging responsible outdoor recreation – has not changed. We know there are many Albertans who are good stewards and work hard to minimize their impact on the land,” says Kevin Wirtanen, recreation stewardship and partnership coordinator for SRD. With Facebook, we hope to provide a forum to share views and showcase good practices associated with responsible recreation.”

“May long weekend traditionally represents the kick-off for summer and Albertans are itching to get out,” adds Wirtanen. “We expect to see thousands of hikers, cyclists, campers, equestrian and ATV enthusiasts out on public lands.”

Wirtanen notes that even though it may feel like summer, many areas are still wet from melting snow and frost. “This is significant because the combination of wet ground conditions, fragile early-season vegetation, and thousands of people can impact the environment and damage trails,” he says.

The Facebook page will also serve to remind people that during summer long weekends you will see SRD Forest Officers, Fish and Wildlife Officers and Seasonal Guardians partnering with RCMP, Conservation Officers, Sheriffs and municipal bylaw officers. Enforcement officers will be actively patrolling to ensure public safety and responsible recreation throughout the province.

For more information–visit our Respect the Land in Alberta Facebook page or call 310-0000.

Link to the Respect the Land in Alberta Facebook page
Link to information about heading outdoors