How Should Alberta Manage Land in the South Athabasca Region?
Official title: South Athabasca Sub-regional Plan engagement
Alberta is asking how to manage a large area of land between the Clearwater, Athabasca, and Beaver Rivers near the Saskatchewan border. The draft plan sets rules for roads, logging, oil and gas, recreation, and conservation. This land overlaps Treaty 6, 8, and 10 territories, so Indigenous land uses are a key consideration.
Why This Matters
Hunt, fish, or camp in northeastern Alberta? This plan will shape what you can do and where. Work in forestry, oil and gas, or tourism in the region? The rules could affect your job. Live in a nearby community? This affects local roads and development. Indigenous communities have traditional ties to this land that the plan must respect.
What Could Change
New rules would govern road building, tree cutting, and oil and gas operations across the sub-region. New conservation areas could be created, including along the Clearwater River. The Lower Athabasca Regional Plan would be amended to incorporate these changes. Recreation and tourism access may be restricted in some areas while expanded in others.
Key Issues
- How should roads and access be managed across the region?
- What areas should be designated for conservation?
- How should forestry, oil and gas, and recreation be balanced?
- How can Indigenous traditional land uses be protected?
How to Participate
- Review the Draft South Athabasca Sub-regional Plan and supporting documents on energy, forestry, recreation, and conservation areas.
- Complete the online survey to share your feedback on the draft plan.
- Register for a virtual information session: Feb. 19 at 7 PM, Feb. 25 at 2 PM, or Mar. 10 at 7 PM.
- Email questions or feedback to epa.southathabascasrp@gov.ab.ca.
Events
| Date | Event | Location | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 19, 2026 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM MST | South Athabasca Sub-regional Plan Informational Webinar | Virtual | View Details → (opens in new tab) |
| February 25, 2026 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM MST | Draft South Athabasca Sub-regional Plan Informational Webinar | Virtual | View Details → (opens in new tab) |
| March 10, 2026 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM MST | South Athabasca Sub-regional Plan Informational Webinar | Virtual | View Details → (opens in new tab) |