Protesters establish ‘peaceful blockade’ of southern Alberta logging access road

Protesters have established a peaceful blockade of southern Alberta logging access road. Kevin Green reports.

A protest group has set up a blockade to keep crews from building what it says is an “illegal bridge” to access a region of the Rocky Mountain forest that’s scheduled to be clear cut.

The Defenders of the Eastern Slopes (DOES) said in a news release Friday that the protest is “peaceful” and has two goals: to protect a spawning ground for threatened bull trout and to stop the clear-cut logging of the Upper Highwood and Loomis Creek watersheds.

“We are here to physically prevent the destruction of critical fish habitat,” said Michael Sawyer, a member of DOES, in a statement from the blockade location.

“The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has issued permits that clearly violate federal law, and until those permits are rescinded, citizens have no choice but to peacefully intervene.

“This is not just about one bridge; it’s about holding regulators accountable to the laws they are sworn to uphold. DFO’s approval to rebuild this bridge during bull trout spawning season flies in the face of science, law, and common sense.”

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Last month, the DFO gave permission to West Fraser Cochrane to build a bridge across the Highwood River.

The decision came years after a project at the same location was delayed due to environmental concerns.

DOES says their protest is “grounded in law and in care for the land.”

“We are defending Alberta’s water tower,” said Sawyer.

The group is also consulting with lawyers and exploring their options for legal review and other remedies to stop the construction work.

Fisheries responds

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans provided CTV News with a statement:

“Where impacts to fish and fish habitat cannot be avoided, a Fisheries Act Authorization and/or Species at Risk Act permit with mitigation measures and a requirement for the proponent to offset or counterbalance the impacts of the project on fish habitat may be required,” the statement read, in part.

“In this case, DFO issued a Fisheries Act Authorization that acts as a permit under section 73 of the Species at Risk Act because, based on the avoidance and mitigation measures and best practices outlined in the proponent’s application, as well as the conditions of the authorization, impacts to fish and fish habitat (including species at risk and critical habitat) are expected to be avoided, minimized, or offset. The authorization includes enforceable conditions to guide mitigation, offsetting, and monitoring of any residual effects.”

West Fraser statement

“West Fraser recently received approval from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), to construct Temporary Crossings for Timber Harvest in the Highwood.

“Our annual harvest plan covers areas allocated and approved by the Government of Alberta for sustainable forest management – including the Highwood. Forest management is an activity that is consistent with the regional land use plan for the area.

“Harvest planning for the Highwood was underway when West Fraser acquired the Cochrane mill in November 2023. Following our acquisition, we paused any activity to hear from people who live, work, or recreate near our operations to incorporate local knowledge to help shape our plans to balance environmental, economic, recreational and cultural values.

“Over the past two years, we have received feedback during public open houses and at regular meetings with stakeholder groups and revised our plans accordingly. Planning information is also available on westfraser.com.

“Harvest operations will not commence until once our planning processes are complete.

“West Fraser is committed to sustainable forest management practices. Our approach to planning and caring for forests takes into account environmental, social, and economic values to be maintained, over generations.

“We consider all aspects of the forest like water sources, wildlife habitat, recreation, wildfire risks, traditional and cultural use, while responsibly sourcing timber to produce renewable wood products to support home construction and other uses.

“We understand how important it is to protect Bull Trout and Westslope Cutthroat Trout habitat in the Highwood—and we share that priority.

“As part of our planning, we are monitoring conditions before and after harvest to help inform responsible stewardship.

“All critical habitat watercourses will have a minimum 30-metre buffer, with other areas receiving even greater protection. We apply rigorous best management practices to safeguard water quality.

“We also collaborate with universities, research institutes, and NGOs to ensure our decisions are guided by the most current science and research.

“We understand people sometimes have conflicting views about forest management practices. Federal and provincial legislation and policy seek to balance the many values at play in managing forest landscapes.

“West Fraser stringently abides by those policies in developing its forest management plans to secure government approval.”

The location is approximately 130 kilometres southwest of Calgary.