Upper Smoky Sub-regional Plan: Balancing Caribou Protection and Land Use

Official title: Upper Smoky Sub-regional Plan engagement

Closed Community Planning Environment & Climate Indigenous & Northern Natural Resources
Alberta developed a draft plan for the Upper Smoky area that sets rules for forestry, coal mining, and other activities in caribou habitat. The plan tries to balance economic activity with wildlife protection and Indigenous traditional uses. Feedback was gathered through surveys, webinars, and open houses.

Why This Matters

Live in northwestern Alberta? This plan affects what happens on the land around you. It sets rules for forestry, mining, and recreation in caribou country. If you hunt, fish, or work in resource industries, these decisions shape your future.

What Could Change

New regulations could restrict where forestry and coal mining can operate in caribou habitat. Conservation areas may be created with limited access. Restoration requirements could force companies to rehabilitate disturbed lands. The plan would be incorporated into the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan, making it legally binding.

Key Issues

  • How should forestry and coal mining be managed in caribou habitat?
  • What areas should be designated for conservation?
  • What restoration requirements should apply to disturbed lands?
  • How can Indigenous traditional uses be protected?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Draft Upper Smoky Sub-Regional Plan and Draft Regulatory Details to understand the proposed changes.
  2. The online survey was available from March 27 to June 25, 2025. Contact epa.srpregdetailsrp@gov.ab.ca for questions.

Events

Date Event Location
April 16, 2025 Public Virtual Information Session - April 16 Virtual
April 23, 2025 Public Open House - Grande Prairie Grande Prairie, AB
April 30, 2025 Public Open House - Grande Cache Grande Cache, AB
May 6, 2025 Public Virtual Information Session - May 6 Virtual

What Happened

Feedback is currently under review. The government will carefully consider all input before finalizing the Upper Smoky Sub-regional Plan, including the regulatory details and amendments to the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan.

Key Documents