A combination road map and high-level requirements for the next major version of the Site Inspection Report application (SIR-SAPAA). A future version will support Crown Lease organizations with enhanced asset tracking and volunteer safety. A roadmap outlines expansions into broader areas and user integration, extending beyond Alberta.
Continue readingOpen to SAPAA Paid Members and those interested in the association.
Continue readingThe SAPAA presentation to LILSA emphasized the significance of WAERNAHR lands in Alberta, which cover 3,280 square kilometers. It outlined the organization’s role in advocating for low-impact recreation, monitoring Crown Land conditions, and educating the public about environmental stewardship. The deck may be (without speaking notes provided below) downloaded.
Continue readingThe SAPAA website is experiencing a temporary error with its Protected Area map due to changes in WordPress hosting policies. Users can access a workaround through the Interactive Map. Updates are expected by June 2026.
Please note that all maps have been updated. Let webmaster@sapaastewards.com know if one was missed!
Continue readingSAPAA has conducted over 100 site inspections. For those granted access, SIR-SAPAA is the preferred reporting method otherwise a Google Form is available. iNaturalist will be utilized for biophysical data collection. Orientations and training sessions are available upon request.
Continue readingSAPAA has completed its third annual Minister’s Report of the state of Alberta’s WAERNAHR protected areas. Although 84% rated sites as in good condition, 16% suffered degradation from various activities. SAPAA seeks official government recognition and letters of support for funding grants to enhance its work, which aligns with provincial policies. Optimism remains for collaboration.
Continue readingSAPAA’s new Site Inspection Report tool, is launching on May 9, 2026. The system allows members to log in, report recent visits, review past inspections, and upload images. Access must be requested.
Continue readingSAPAA has developed a user-friendly web tool set for launch. Users are invited to test the system and provide feedback by March 16, 2026. Pre-registration is essential required.
Continue readingFor the Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas of Alberta (SAPAA), the Site Inspection Report (SIR) is a key activity to better understand the state of these protected areas. SAPAA took over the SIR function from the Alberta government in 2023 and created a manual process. Collaborating with the University of Alberta, SAPAA is developing an application that streamlines the reporting process. A presentation at the 2026 Dragon’s Den virtual meeting will showcase its features while inviting expert feedback.
Continue readingAs of November 21, 2025, SAPAA reported over 3,100 site inspection reports (SIRs) regarding Alberta’s natural areas since 1988. With significant volunteer contributions, this effort highlights both frequently and seldom visited sites, as well as 87 locations awaiting first reports. SAPAA encourages participation in future inspections to foster biodiversity preservation.
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