May 12, 2010
Today saw a huge fire go through the Opal Natural Areas and grazing leases. This fire traveled fast and at its peak was 3 miles wide. It has burned through approximately 23 quarter sections of SRD land and at this time is still burning. I was on-site soon after it started. At present, officials are telling me that the fire was most likely started by a group of quad-riders that were seen leaving the site at a point near where the fire started.
Over time, the lost habitat will grow back; the loss of wildlife destroyed at this time of new birth is gone forever. The cost to the County of Thorhild for fighting this fire will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Given the province's record of not paying for firefighting costs on SRD properties, these costs will be passed on to the local taxpayers.
Here again is another example of irresponsible recreation -- the type that destroys opportunities for everyone.
Thousands of wild bird eggs were cooked, fawns and moose calves were lost and all kinds of smaller animals destroyed.
Please, circulate this information to everyone you know -- friends, neighbours, workmates, your local MLAs and councillors. This type of destruction has to stop.
Richard DeSmet
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