Alberta sub-regional plans face criticism over industrial priority

The Government of Alberta has released three draft sub-regional plans for the Caribou Mountains, Red Earth, and Berland regions. These plans cover landscapes that are already heavily disturbed and are critical to the survival of threatened woodland caribou and wood bison populations.

Environmental organizations, including the Alberta Wilderness Association, Nature Alberta, and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Northern Alberta Chapter, have expressed concern that the plans prioritize industrial intensification over species recovery. Critics argue the plans support goals to double oil and gas production and increase forest harvesting, which could further fragment and degrade essential habitats.

Conservationists emphasize that the remaining mature forests and wetlands are disproportionately important for the survival of these species and that restoration cannot immediately replace the protection of existing functional habitats. Public engagement for the Caribou Mountains and Red Earth plans is open until October 26, 2026, while the Berland plan engagement remains open until November 12, 2026.