Letter to Alberta Parks on Reclassification of Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve
September 16, 2026
- •
- •
- •
In response to Alberta Parks’ proposal to reclassify Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve as a Provincial Park, AWA has written to express our concerns with this change, which would reduce the protections of Kootenay Plains, and could open the area to more recreational activities.
Kootenay Plains is an unusually warm and dry region of the Rocky Mountains, providing vital ranges for elk, mule deer, and other animals. The area is already used for low-impact recreation, with a few trails also designated for mountain biking and horseback riding, and there have been warnings of illegal activity causing damage.
The full letter can be found here.