This post provides information for students in Dr. Tai Munro’s Sustainability 301 course about SAPAA’s role and operations. The project will deliver training in outdoor literacy and emphasizes the need for creating a certification course for visiting protected areas.
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 readingSAPAA is organizing a field trip to Open Creek Natural Area on June 16, 2026. Located SW of Edmonton, pre-registration is required. Wear rubber boots and bring bug juice! Tony B., Steward extraordinaire, is the trip leader.
This Event is Cancelled due to wet conditions and forecasted thunder storms.
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 launched its Site Inspection Report (SIR) system to document the state of Alberta’s Protected Areas. Called SIR-SAPAA, a Google Form is an alternative. Visitors to the areas are encouraged to submit reports. On May 20, 7pm, an orientation will be held.
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 readingThe March 20, 2026, session informed Alberta’s MLAs about the WAERNAHR Act, emphasizing the importance of protected areas for biodiversity and local economies. It aimed to raise awareness of challenges these areas face and promote responsible use. SAPAA plays a key role in stewardship and monitoring these lands.
Download: Briefing Note for this meeting; Riding & Site Count: RuralMLA_SiteCount.
Riding/Protected Areas Map (same as the Annex Below)
SAPAA’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 readingAlberta’s updated Plan for Parks aims to enhance conservation and recreation on provincial lands, focusing on collaboration with various stakeholders. While it emphasizes parks for public enjoyment, there are concerns about the lack of detail on conservation efforts and the role of the Crown Land Recreation and Conservation Strategy, which prioritizes development over true conservation.
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