Forestry, Parks, and Tourism minister Todd Loewen. Photo courtesy Government of Alberta

By Jeff Henson

PARKS CLOSURE

Several provincial parks, recreational areas closed until further notice

May 18, 2023 | 5:15 PM

In order to reduce the risk of further wildfire activity, the Alberta government has announced the closure of several provincial parks and recreation areas until further notice.

The list of closures includes:

• Young’s Point Provincial Park
• Williamson Provincial Park
• Smoke Lake Provincial Recreation Area
• Saskatoon Island Provincial Park
• Winagami Lake Provincial Park
• Brazeau Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
• Two Lakes Provincial Park
• Iosegun Lake Provincial Recreation Area
• Waskahigan River Provincial Recreation Area
• Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area
• Minnow Lake Provincial Recreation Area
• Wolf Lake West Provincial Recreation Area

Forestry, Parks, and Tourism Minister Todd Loewen says more closures may be announced, with an updated list of closures being available online at www.alberta.ca/emergency

Campers with reservations in affected areas will receive a refund.

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Loewen also reminds all Albertans that a fire ban remains in place across the province.

“That means wood fires are prohibited on public and private land, including in backyards.”

“There is also an off-highway vehicle restriction in place. The use of off-highway vehicles is prohibited on public land, including designated off-highway vehicle trails. This restriction includes any motorized vehicle designed to go beyond roadways, including jeeps and pickup trucks.”

He says Albertans heading to Crown land this weekend should review active restrictions, closures, advisories and trail conditions before finalizing their plans, adding that conservation officers will be increasing patrols.

Loewen says he knows this news will be disappointing to many, but he adds it is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfire.

“I know that for many of us, this weekend is traditionally spent outdoors with family and friends. While some outdoor activities can continue, we are asking Albertans to stay safe and take precautions to reduce the risk of wildfire.”

“It may not seem like it, but your actions this weekend will make a difference,” concluded Loewen.

As of Thursday afternoon, there were 92 active wildfires across Alberta, 26 of which are listed as being out of control.

So far this year, there have been 487 wildfires in the province, which have burned a combined 764,000 hectares of forest land.