(Parks Canada)

By Brody Langager

Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland

Alberta creates world’s largest contiguous protected boreal forest area

Feb 11, 2021 | 2:43 PM

Alberta is planning to expand a protected forest area in the northern part of the province, between Lake Claire and Fort McMurray.

Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland was established in 2019, with over 160,000 hectares. The plan is to add another 143,800 hectares.

For reference, that’s almost three times the size of Waterton Lakes National Park.

Premier Jason Kenney applauds the partnership between government, First Nations and industry.

“Today’s announcement creates the largest protected forest area in Alberta history. This will protect an important ecosystem for generations to come, allowing for backcountry recreation and Indigenous communities to practice traditional activities, like hunting, trapping and fishing,” Kenney said.

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Industry stakeholders like Athabasca Oil Corporation have surrendered their Crown mineral agreements for the area to make this happen.

“Since 2019, Athabasca Oil has been collaborating with the Mikisew Cree First Nation and the Government of Alberta to expand the Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland Park. Athabasca Oil has relinquished over 95,000 hectares of mineral rights to help make this park expansion a reality,” explains President and CEO of Athabasca Oil Corporation, Rob Broen.

Mikisew Cree First Nation led the charge for the potential expansion, and Chief Peter Powder says it’s a huge achievement.

“The expansion of Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland Park is part of our vision for protecting the Peace Athabasca Delta and important resources like caribou and wood bison.”

The land overlaps into areas with Woodland Caribou and Wood Bison, both are considered species at risk.

The province says the expansion aligns with the Alberta Crown Land Vision, which guides management of Alberta’s rich, natural heritage of Crown lands.

For a map of the proposed expansion, a fact sheet and a feedback survey, click here.

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