List of Upcoming Events and Products

Most Recent Ag News Article

July 15, 2026 - Responsible Recreation

A few catchy slogans to help protect our backcountry. 

With sunny days peeking through between storms, the western portion of our county has begun to crawl with activity. Trails are alive with hikers, lakes are filling with kayaks, ATV tires are rolling, and campers are claiming spots for weekend enjoyment.

Whether you're out from Calgary or Edmonton for a quick getaway, visiting from another province, touring from another country, or a seasoned local, every adventure comes with a shared responsibility. A little preparation, respect for the land, and consideration for others go a long way in protecting these beautiful spaces in our backyard.

A few simple actions, which can be remembered by some popular slogans, can help keep our forests, rivers and trails healthy, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

If a campfire is part of your adventure, remember to Burn it Where You Buy It. It is important to locally source firewood where it is being burned. Transporting firewood can spread invasive insects and tree diseases that threaten Alberta's forests. The emerald ash borer, which can cripple ash tree populations, is one such insect we are trying to prevent from reaching Alberta. 

When you are done with your campfire, take a few extra minutes to Soak it. Stir It. Soak It. Drown your campfire thoroughly with water, stir the ashes, then soak it again until everything is cool to the touch. Fires that are not fully extinguished can reignite and spread if not careful.

If your adventure includes a boat, canoe, kayak or paddleboard, don't forget to Clean, Drain, Dry before moving to another lake or river. Aquatic invasive species can travel on watercraft and equipment, threatening Alberta’s lakes, rivers and fish habitat. Zebra and quagga mussels, which can devastate both ecosystems and infrastructure, are an example of aquatic invasive species that we are trying to keep out of Alberta. Taking a few extra minutes to check and clean your equipment can help protect our waterways. 

Responsible recreation also means thinking twice before introducing anything new into nature. Don't Let It Loose is a reminder never to release live bait, aquarium pets or unwanted plants into Alberta's waterways or natural areas. Even species that seem harmless can quickly become invasive, disrupting ecosystems and harming native wildlife; goldfish are considered a harmful aquatic invasive species due to their ability to outcompete native species.

The Leave No Trace principle emphasises leaving areas as you found them, or even better than you found them. This includes packing out everything you pack in, staying on designated trails, respecting wildlife (and cattle) from a distance, and leaving natural features as you found them.

Many may be familiar with our local Sasquatch & Partners slogan: “Welcome to our Backyard. Please enjoy it with respect.” The Sasquatch and Partners initiative was started in response to concerns about environmental degradation from recreational activities in our backcountry. Educational messaging, which reflects many of the slogans mentioned in this article, aims to remind both visitors and locals the importance of responsible recreation.

Our backcountry is a place worth protecting. By making informed choices and respecting the land, we can help keep our forests, trails and waterways healthy and enjoyable for everyone for generations to come.