Sustainable outdoor recreation engagement

We received input to help shape the future of sustainable recreational Crown land use.

Overview

From November 2020 to January 2021, we gathered ideas from Albertans to ensure outdoor recreation on Crown land is funded and managed sustainably, now and into the future.

We also looked for input on ways to strengthen and build successful partnerships, which have an important role in providing recreation experiences and opportunities.

Many existing policies for Crown land were drafted with the intention that specific areas only have one use. In fact, Crown land includes public lands, parks and protected areas, it encompasses approximately 60% of the province and is now used for multiple purposes and Crown land policies need to reflect these changes.

This engagement was part of Alberta’s Crown Land Vision to:

  • make the land-use system clear and understandable
  • support sustainable funding and partnerships for recreation
  • focus on outcomes and reducing red tape

Timeline

  • Open

    November 26, 2020 to January 15, 2021

  • Results under review

  • Completed

Who is listening

Ministry of Environment and Parks

Input received

Feedback was collected through an online survey and by ideas submitted online from November 26, 2020 to January 15, 2021.

Thank you for your input.

Outcomes

We heard strong support from Albertans when asked about paying fees to help maintain and protect Crown land that is used for recreation. Two-thirds of survey respondents were supportive or neutral.

Information collected through the survey and online submissions was compiled into a What We Heard Report.

Next steps

Bill 64, the Public Lands Amendment Act, was introduced on April 12, 2021 to allow government to collect fees for recreation on public lands.

If Bill 64 is passed, a Public Lands Camping Pass would be required to random camp on public land along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains starting June 1, 2021.

Subscribe to the Alberta crown land vision mailing list for updates about new initiatives and engagements.

Contact

For more information, connect with the sustainable outdoor recreation engagement:

Email: [email protected]