Opal Wildfire Update #19

August 6, 2010

Hello everybody,

This information came to me yesterday.  I am forwarding it to you with an urgent request that you read through the news release and fill out the accompanying public survey.  It will  only take a few minutes of your time.

Should our elected officials be able to follow through with this proposal, I believe that it will be a bold and positive step towards preventing tragedies like the Opal wildfire and the type of destruction that has taken place at Bruderheim, Bridge Lakes and all over this province.  The possibility of permit access to our crown lands is the way of the future.  It will be just like buying a fishing licence (maybe).  The link to the government survey is at the bottom of the news release.

Once again, please fill it out and encourage all other responsible outdoor types that you know to do the same.

Thank you.

Richard

News Release 

August 5, 2010

Province seeks input on proposed regulation changes

Updated regulation a better tool to deal with abuse of public land

Edmonton... Albertans are asked for their input into proposed regulation changes being made to strengthen the management of public lands.

The changes under the Public Lands Act will allow the Alberta government to better manage general access to vacant public land, allow for stronger compliance and enforcement, and provide for appeals to ensure fairness and consistency in decision-making.

The changes provide the government with more ability to deal with the offenders who abuse public land. For example, government may be able to temporarily close an area to prevent loss or damage to public land from off-highway vehicle riders who drive through sensitive wet areas.

Public consultation is a key step in the process to develop the new regulations. Albertans are invited to complete an online survey regarding the proposed regulation changes at http://www.srd.alberta.ca/Newsroom/SRDSurveys/Default.aspx or mail in a completed survey to:

Legislative Services Unit, Sustainable Resource Development
2nd Floor South Petroleum Plaza
9915-108 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2G8

Feedback must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on September 17, 2010, to allow time to evaluate the submissions. Public comments will be reviewed and considered as the regulations are developed.