From 800 to 556 to 989 Hectares: Is Clear-Cutting the Only Answer?

Our Forests. Our Water. Our Future.

Either on Google Maps or on the trail, the scars of past and current clear-cut areas are visible along the eastern slopes of Alberta, including our area. Clearcutting remains the standard approach to resource extraction, pest mitigation (e.g., pine beetle), and now wildfire fuel reduction. West Fraser’s initial 2025 proposal covered 880 hectares in West Bragg Creek and Moose Mountain, later reduced to 556 hectares to accommodate recreation. However, Alberta’s new “Community Hazardous Fuels Reduction Program” could increase that total to 989 hectares.

RESOURCE EXTRACTION VS FOREST HEALTH
The eastern slope forests of the Alberta Rockies are a critical ecological and economic asset, serving as a primary water source for nearby residents and major urban centres. They support biodiversity, act as a major carbon sink, and provide essential ecosystem services like water filtration, flood mitigation, and wildlife habitat.

However, large-scale clear-cutting can fragment habitats, reduce water quality, and increase vulnerability to natural disturbances.

THE VALUE OF EASTERN SLOPE FORESTS

Watershed Protection – Forests filter water and regulate flow, reducing flood and drought risks.
Biodiversity – They support diverse wildlife and serve as migration corridors.
Carbon Storage – Forests help mitigate climate change.
Recreation & Tourism – They provide opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing.
Cultural Significance – Natural lands support Indigenous traditional practices and resources.

IMPACT OF CLEAR-CUTTING Clear-cutting disrupts forest systems in several ways:

Water Impacts – Loss of tree cover increases runoff and sediment in streams, harming fish habitat and worsening floods and droughts.

Habitat Loss – Logging and roads fragment ecosystems, threatening species dependent on mature forests such as owls, martens, and lynx.

Carbon Release – Stored carbon in trees and soil is released, turning forests from carbon sinks into sources.
Fire and Pest Risk – Dense young regrowth can be more vulnerable to wildfire and pests like spruce budworm.
Soil Degradation – Heavy machinery can reduce soil fertility, limiting natural regeneration.

WHAT WE HEARD: APRIL 1 OPEN HOUSE
Alberta’s “Community Hazardous Fuels Reduction Program” justifies expanded clear-cutting as a response to decades of wildfire suppression and fuel buildup. Plans include encouraging less flammable deciduous regrowth (like aspen) within
2 km of communities, with a gradual return to conifers farther out.

However, when asked about alternative wildfire mitigation approaches, officials stated:

Controlled burns are not being considered due to proximity to Bragg Creek.
Selective cutting or thinning is also not under consideration.

One positive note: glyphosate will not be used, and deciduous regrowth will be encouraged near communities.

QUESTIONS REMAIN:

Why does clear-cutting remain the primary approach to resource extraction and forest management on Crown land?
What wildfire mitigation strategies, beyond clear-cutting, have been used historically in the West Bragg Creek and Moose Mountain areas?
Why are proven alternatives such as controlled burns, selective cutting, and thinning not being considered? These methods are used in Canada and globally, often with better ecological outcomes.
Watersheds are critical to both ecosystems and communities. With expanded clear- cutting likely to accelerate degradation, what measures, beyond minimum provincial standards, are being taken to protect our headwaters?
Finally, what actions are being taken to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires?

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
The deadline to share your feedback and concerns with West Fraser and the Alberta government is MAY 29th. Please email COS-Info@westfraser.com and consider c.c. our MLA, Sarah Elmeligi at Banff.Kananaskis@assembly.ab.ca

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