Government celebrates 100 years of conservation

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Two new natural areas established

Official establishment of two new natural areas in Alberta was recently announced by Hon. Don Sparrow, Minister of Forestry, lands and Wildlife.

The two conservation sites are the Wagner Natural Area, 6 km northwest of Edmonton south of Highway 16X, and the Pine Sands Natural Area, about 40 km northeast of the town of Athabasca on the south side of the Athabasca River.

Named after William Wagner, a local farmer who sold the land to the province in 1971, the 320-acre Wagner Natural Area has been used by naturalists, conservationalists and schools since the 1940's. It contains over 100 species of birds, as well as rare orchids, marl ponds and springs. Chief uses are for educational and recreational purposes.

"Establishment of this site is the result of the diligence and continuing efforts of public interest groups," said Sparrow. "The Wagner Natural Area Society, which holds a recreation lease on the property, has been instrumental in providing excellent management of it. I am convinced that their efforts in cooperation with my department will ensure long-term protection of the site for the benefit of the people of Alberta."

Pine Sands covers an area of just over five square miles and is used by local people for a variety of recreational activities.

"Hard work and the dedication of local groups, particularly the Poachers Landing Recreation Club and the County of Athabasca, have been significant factors in establishing this area," said Sparrow. "I hope their efforts will continue to benefit local communities and people in the district."

Natural areas are public lands whose natural features are protected for conservation reasons. Located throughout the province, typically near populated centres, they are administered by the Public Lands Division of Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife in collaboration with public interest groups. The areas are used primarily for public appreciation, education, research or recreation, when recreation is compatible with the main objective. Other uses are not automatically restricted.

"I am extremely pleased to see these two important natural areas established during the Wildlife '87, a provincial and national celebration of 100 years of wildlife conservation in Canada," said Sparrow.