AWA Statement: Alberta quietly proposes reduced protections for Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve

September 16, 2026

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• Bighorn

Alberta Parks has announced the proposal to reclassify Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve, along with the adjacent Kootenay Plains Provincial Recreation Area, as a Provincial Park. This designation provides fewer protections for the sensitive ecosystem and allows for the development of trails and facilities, as well as opening the area to potential motorized access and other recreational development.

Kootenay Plains is one of the largest remaining intact montane regions in Alberta, containing unique forest and grassland habits that thrive in an uncommonly dry and warm area of the Rockies. As part of the transition zone between the prairies and mountains, and sheltered from deeper snowpacks in the mountains, it provides important winter ranges for many ungulates and is an area of diverse plant and wildlife species. Cultural artifacts from Indigenous camps, including gravesites, have also been found in the area.

With the exception of a small section listed as a Provincial Recreation Area, most of Kootenay Plains is classified as an Ecological Reserve. Under this classification, Kootenay Plains is largely protected against motorized access, hunting, trapping, or fishing, as well as developments that would disturb the land or affect the soil.

Normally, an Ecological Reserve also limits entry to foot access. However, an exemption was granted for Kootenay Plains which permits biking and horseback riding on designated trails. Additionally, the Provincial Recreation Area allows camping, providing increased access to the Ecological Reserve. There is no reason to reduce the protections in a fragile and unique ecosystem to allow for more recreational activities.

Compared to Ecological Reserves, Provincial Parks provide fewer protections. As a Provincial Park, the Kootenay Plains regions would be more vulnerable to overuse and degradation, with a much higher risk of losing the rare and endangered species, including limber pine (Pinus flexilis) and whitish feather-moss (Brachythecium albicans), found in this ecosystem.

The Ecological Reserve is already under considerable stress from recreation. Illegal mountain biking outside of the designated trails has already damaged the fragile soil and increased linear disturbance in the reserve. However, rather than enforce these regulations and restore the degraded areas, Alberta Parks has proposed to reduce protections for Kootenay Plains, which will only lead to further degradation of these lands.

Kootenay Plains was designated an Ecological Reserve to protect the rare and endangered species and ecosystems of the area. Instead of reducing the protections afforded by its current designation, Alberta should take this opportunity to enforce the current protections and restore the degraded landscapes.

There has not been any public consultation on the proposed changes. AWA has written to Alberta Parks to express our concerns with the proposed changes. The full letter is available online.

 

Background

• Kootenay Plains was declared an Ecological Reserve in 1987.
  • It is recognized as “representing a rare montane subregion of the Rocky Mountains.”
  • The Ecological Reserve was established to protect the incredible diversity of the region, following a report of rare plant species.
• Ecological Reserves are managed under the Wilderness Areas, Ecological Reserves, Natural Areas and Heritage Rangelands Act (WAERNAHR).
  • They are established as areas for scientific research, representing natural ecosystems, containing rare and endangered species, or containing unique biological or physical features.
  • The Act prohibits most new dispositions, including for forestry, mining, drilling and other surface disturbances.
  • The Act also does not allow anyone to:
    • construct new structures or cause any surface disturbance;
    • hunt, trap, or fish;
    • use motorized vehicles;
    • use bikes or horses except with permission;
    • camp overnight; or
    • light a fire.
  • Provincial Parks are managed under the Provincial Parks Act.
    • Parks are established to conserve natural heritage, manage species, and protect unique landscapes. Parks are also created for outdoor recreation, and for their lasting protection.
    • Some dispositions are allowed.
    • The Act allows the Minister to establish regulations on:
      • developing infrastructure, including buildings, roads and reservoirs;
      • wildlife management and hunting;
      • commercial activities that are allowed;
      • motor vehicle use;
      • fires; and
      • designations and protections of natural preserves.