Re-Imagining Bragg Creek: Moving Beyond Sustainability Towards Regeneration
Feature Presentation by Dr. Brad Stelfox, a landscape ecologist whose research career has focussed on environmental sustainability issues globally including; Canada, USA, Australia, India, and Southeast Asia. His earliest experiences involved stream surveys in the Bragg Creek region in the late 1970’s. His family resided west of Bragg Creek from 1998 to 2012.
With its breathtaking surroundings, Bragg Creek forms a magnificent foothills landscape that attracts growing numbers of Albertans as both a tranquil residential community and one of Calgary’s most coveted recreational destinations. The diverse array of land uses that have shaped the Greater Bragg Creek Ecosystem (GBCE) are complex, encompassing activities such as livestock, agriculture, forestry, oil and gas operations, and mining and tourism.
Each new land use further fragments the area and disrupts the connectivity that the remaining wildlife has to its habitat. The role of climate impact and natural disturbances (fire, beetles) are also an important ecosystem dynamic that will reshape this region.
Conventional development, created to address increased human visitation and infrastructure needs, typically stops at minimizing harm. With consideration to the future, by review of the Greater Bragg Creek Area Structure Plan, there is an opportunity to go beyond minimum damage control. By actively pursuing the regeneration and restoration of our environment and to the benefit of wildlife and habitat, the community and the local economy.
At the heart of regenerative development, lies a dedication to conscientious land management practices. Rather than accepting indiscriminate land grading practices that risk disruption of ecosystems and soil quality, the preservation of native flora and fauna is prioritized. With consideration to wildlife movement, the placement and design of human infrastructure is guided to ensure wildlife accessibility to food, breeding grounds, and migratory routes. An illustrative example is the Bragg Creek berm, which currently obstructs wildlife access to the Elbow River, restricting their food sources and migration paths. Economically viable solutions exist to address this challenge, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and human benefits simultaneously.
Brad Stelfox will chronicle the history of land use in the Bragg Creek region, the intensity of land use footprints, and the loss of ecosystem integrity. He will demonstrate “best practices” that can help mitigate these environmental challenges.
If the natural capital of GBCE is to be conserved the Bragg Creek community must actively engage in discussions about limits to each land use (human population, residential, logging, recreation, tourism) that are reshaping the region. Achieving regenerative development hinges on collaboration and collective action. Local government, developers, residents, and environmental organizations must cooperatively develop a shared vision for Bragg Creek’s future. By going beyond the boundaries of sustainability and embracing a mindset of regeneration, we can leave a legacy that enriches both present and future generations. This free event is open to the public and held at the Bragg Creek Community Center, on May 22 at 7 p.m For more information please visit. www.braggcreekwild.ca
Bragg Creek Wild – www.braggcreekwild.ca
braggcreekwild@gmail.com – 403-200-9961
People and wildlife living in community
