By Curtis Galbraith

Parks

Kleskun Hills to become a provincial park

Jan 26, 2024 | 6:00 AM

Kleskun Hills is becoming a provincial park.

The province says in a news release that the new Kleskun Hills Provincial Park will include more than 1,000 hectares of protected land.

County of Grande Prairie Reeve Bob Marshall said in that same release; “With its Indigenous cultural significance, it is a fitting tribute that Kleskun Hills be designated as a provincial park within the County of Grande Prairie. We welcome visitors to the area this spring to celebrate the grand opening of Kleskun Hills Provincial Park and to experience a fascinating glimpse at Canada’s northernmost badlands ecosystem and all that our region offers.”

The province said in 2019 it had purchased 15 quarters of neighbouring land but had not yet decided what to do with it.

The same release from the government says the province is adding a total of 1,400 hectares to the provincial park system by adding this one plus boundary changes to other parks.

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“The expansion of the provincial parks system creates opportunities for Albertans to visit and appreciate some of Alberta’s most spectacular landscapes. The changes we are making will enhance the ability to access and enjoy our province’s outdoor spaces without impacting recreational use,” added Minister of Forestry and Parks and Central Peace-Notley MLA Todd Loewen in the release.

The NDP released a statement on the boundary changes from Critic for Tourism, Sports and Recreation Sarah Elmeligi. It says in part the following:

“It’s great to see new parks established in Alberta. Albertans are always appreciative when sustainable recreational opportunities are expanded. However, we cannot rely solely on partnerships with private landowners to expand Alberta’s park system.

“Alberta Parks needs support with staffing capacity, specifically planners, ecologists, and communications staff to identify the best locations for new campgrounds and to work with local communities and stakeholders to create new camping spaces. Albertans have been promised new camping opportunities repeatedly. This needs to be reflected in the upcoming budget.”

The province also says a dozen provincial recreation areas have been redesignated as public land.

That includes the Little Smoky Provincial Recreation Area.

The Fort Vermilion Recreation Area has also been redesignated public land and will be managed by Mackenzie County.