Castle Wilderness

Castle “Synopsis” Points to Ecosystem in Peril Without Major Changes

CPAWS is proud to present Selected Ecological Resources of Alberta's Castle Carbondale: A Synopsis of Current Knowledge.

After years of disagreement over the state of the health of the Castle Region of southwest Alberta, CPAWS and Shell Canada embarked on a project to synthesize the current science on key species in the Castle region. The two parties engaged Martin Jalkotzy of ARC Wildlife Services and a team of experts to investigate the health of region across several suites of focal species, including; ungulates, large and medium sized carnivores, vegetation, and fisheries. The aim was to centralize in a single resource the accurate ecological health of the Castle area. Jalkotzy, the document's principle author, has concluded that the Castle region is a wildland of national significance because of its exceptional biodiversity and importance to regional connectivity for wildlife.

Main conclusions of the synopsis:

• The Castle is rich in natural capital (oil, gas, lumber and living eco-systems.)
• Alberta should sustain and build its natural capital as it is in the best interest for a strong economy and healthy environment.
• The castle contains exceptional biodiversity and has a major role in connecting wildlife populations.
• Opportunities for sustainable use of the Castle are still available.
• Recognition of the threats facing the Castle by decision makers, industry, recreationists and the general public is vital to its survival.

Jalkotzy also found that many of the rich wildlife and vegetation population's stability could decline if action is not taken. Using the warnings in the provincial government's own tribunals, he reveals the Castle's poor management plan, saying it's incapable of addressing the cumulative human effects on the region. A large-scale recognition by all Albertans of the threats to the area will be necessary, along with legal action to preserve and enhance the natural values of the Castle.

CPAWS and several other ENGOs have called upon the Alberta Government to enact legislated Protection of the Castle for several decades. Protection of this area remains the most viable tool for addressing the declines outlined in the Synopsis and safeguarding this treasured landscape for all Albertans.

Click to download the introduction to Selected Ecological Resources of Alberta’s Castle Carbondale: A Synopsis of Current Knowledge (~1.4 Meg)

CPAWS is pleased to provide the following report downloads: Introduction to Selected Ecological Resources of Alberta’s Castle Carbondale: A Synopsis of Current Knowledge 12 pages This document is appropriate for those on slow or dial-up Internet connections, and for readers interested in a more detailed overview of the document.

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Click to download the full report: Selected Ecological Resources of Alberta’s Castle Carbondale: A Synopsis of Current Knowledge (~9.8 Meg)

Full Report Selected Ecological Resources of Alberta’s Castle Carbondale: A Synopsis of Current Knowledge 233 pages This document is appropriate for those on high speed Internet connections, and for readers interested in the complete report. The table of contents covers the following: Executive Summary Introduction Castle Carbondale Study Area Methods Vegetation Communities Aquatic Communities Terrestial Communities Human Use & Conservation Issues: Summary Literature Cited

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