Alberta Community Development is seeking public input into a management plan for Caribou Mountains Wildland. The public consultation is intended to gather information from stakeholders and the general public about suggestions, issues and concerns in the wildland.

A local advisory committee, with representation from the municipality, Aboriginal communities, stakeholders and interest groups, will assist Alberta Community Development in the development of the management plan. Staff from Alberta Sustainable Resource Development will provide input into the plan and will also serve as resource people to the advisory committee. The committee reviewed a draft terms of reference at their first meeting on October 30, 2002.

The public is invited to attend the next committee meeting on December 5, 2002, 7:00 p.m. at the Fort Vermilion Community and Cultural Center. The meeting will provide an opportunity for interested people to find out more about the park management plan process and ask questions of the resource people, local advisory committee members, and staff from Alberta Community Development.

Established under the Special Places Program, Caribou Mountains Wildland Provincial Park is a significant part of Alberta's parks and protected areas network that preserves our natural heritage for future generations. The Caribou Mountains, a steep-sided, saucer-shaped plateau that rises over 600 metres above the surrounding lowlands, is the most diverse and extensive Boreal Subarctic landscape in Alberta and contains unique environments of provincial significance.

Alberta Community Development made a commitment following the conclusion of the Special Places program last year to develop management plans for all protected areas in Alberta to determine how they are managed in the future. Park management plans include the following core elements:
* Description of the protected areas and the surrounding environment and community.
* Clear statements about how government will achieve its stated goals for the parks and protected areas system in the affected area, including preserving Alberta's natural heritage, providing outdoor recreation and heritage appreciation programs, and supporting appropriate tourism opportunities.
* Description of how the protected areas will meet the needs and desires of the community.
* Provisions for ongoing review and public consultation on park management.

For more information, phone (780) 538-8010 (for toll-free access, dial 310-0000 followed by (780) 538-8010.

Contacts:

Ken Zurfluh
Grande Prairie Area Manager
Parks and Protected Areas
Alberta Community Development
(780) 538-8010