New Forest Land Use Zone designated in Willow Creek Area
A new Forest Land Use Zone, that takes effect immediately, is being implemented in Willow Creek, in the Municipal District of Ranchlands. Recent destructive and irresponsible behaviour in this area, 120 km southwest of Calgary, has prompted the Alberta government to introduce new recreational rules.
Creating a Forest Land Use Zone (FLUZ) in the Willow Creek area is the first step toward a broader access management plan for the Livingstone-Porcupine Hills-Willow Creek region, which will be developed in consultation with local municipalities and user groups. This FLUZ is part of a comprehensive strategy that will:
- Enable a variety of recreational opportunities
- Reduce impacts to natural resources
- Reduce conflicts and increase cooperation between land users
- Improve public safety.
Visitors to Willow Creek are asked to note the new camping and motorized recreation rules:
- Camping is only permitted within designated areas indicated by signs
- Camping is permitted for up to 14 days
- Motor vehicles with a maximum dry weight of 363 kilograms (or 800 pounds) are permitted
- Registered on-highway vehicles exceeding a dry weight of 363 kg are permitted on designated routes to transport passengers and equipment to camping and staging areas
- Off-highway vehicles with a dry weight of more than 363 kg are not permitted in the Zone.
Future activities for Sustainable Resource Development include:
- Working with members of the recreational communities and other key stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities for sustainable recreational use of public land
- Developing strategies to further respond to Alberta's growing recreational pressures
- Continuing to contribute to the Alberta Recreation Corridors Coordinating Committees 's goal of establishing a provincial trail corridor designation program
- Enhancing coordination with the ministries of Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security and Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture.
Click here to read a printable pdf version of the question and answer sheet and to view a map of the Willow Creek Forest Land Use Zone.
Click here to read a printable pdf version of the ammendments to the regulation.
