Retrospective
Bragg Creek Wild had a productive year, and we look forward to an exciting new chapter in 2025. This article highlights our accomplishments, the challenges ahead and our way forward.
Accomplishments Brad Stelfox: Re-Imagining Bragg Creek – Part I
Brad’s presentation explored the region’s land use from pre-European settlement to today’s pressures and tomorrow’s trends. Clear choices are ahead if we wish to preserve the natural areas and build their resilience as human use increases. A full presentation is available on YouTube and the Bragg Creek Wild website.
Guy Greenaway: Re-Imagining Bragg Creek – Part II
Guy discussed the challenges of balancing growth with habitat preservation and stressed community involvement in shaping the region’s future. He walked the audience through the public process of land use planning and empowered the audience with tools and concepts to engage with planners effectively. Breakout group discussions followed his presentation, and the feedback collected from the October 23rd event will be shared with all in the new year. A full presentation is available on YouTube and the Bragg Creek Wild website.
Garbage Bylaw for Bragg Creek and The Area Structure Plan
Rockyview Council mandated their staff develop options for a garbage bylaw to limit bear-human conflicts in our area. The work is progressing, but oh! So slowly. Similarly, BCW has representation on the ASP visioning committee, and the work is progressing but is behind schedule for a few months. We are right there, ready to help, and we hope we will have a bylaw in the coming year.
Challenges
Recently approved provincial policies support Grizzly Bear hunting, trapping of all and any species, even those at risk, and the newly minted legislation opening up crown land to all-season resorts. These policies have raised many questions, wondering why there is a sudden disregard for our environment and wildlife. Bragg Creek Wild supports science-based policies for coexistence and opposes policies putting endangered species and their habitats at risk.
West Fraser 2024 Logging Report
The recent West Fraser report on their public consultations indicated a willingness to accommodate trail users by buffering trails. This approach is nice, but it needs to do more to protect our watershed and ecosystem. Considering the changing nature of human use in the area, it is time we consider re- zoning it into a park.
What’s in for 2025?
Many issues discussed above will continue into the new year. Also, public education and awareness will continue to be high on our priority list, including how to reduce human- wildlife conflict on the road, at home or in the great outdoors. We also look forward to refining our internal operations, engaging in strategic planning exercises, and connecting with our sister organizations.
Brian Keating is coming – March 2025
One event that we are very excited about is a public presentation by renowned conservationist and naturalist Brian Keating. His passion and vast experiences, complemented with engaging storytelling, will keep the audience spellbound. You will want to attend that event.
BCW invites you to join the movement and embrace sustainable practices to support wildlife and protect the environment. Together, we can ensure a thriving future for our community and planet. Visit us at braggcreekwild.ca. Please become a member (it’s free) and follow us on our social media.
Happy New Year!
Bragg Creek Wild
