By Lara Fominoff @fomsy1 on Twitter

At least 200 attend Edmonton OHV rally Saturday

Mar 26, 2017 | 9:21 AM

EDMONTON – It was a smaller crowd than previous rallies in Blairmore and Lethbridge, but just as vocal.
 
About 200 or so protesters showed up on the grounds of the Legislature in Edmonton yesterday (March 25) afternoon to let Environment Minister Shannon Phillips know they want to keep both Castle Parks open to Off Highway Vehicle users, and to continue to allow for random camping.
 
A rally in Blairmore March 11, saw several hundred people come out and parade along the town’s Main Street, in their quads, snowmobiles and other vehicles — while a rally in Lethbridge February 12, drew about 1,000 people. http://lethbridgenewsnow.com/article/547660/gault-gardens-ohv-rally-draws-more-1000
 
According to the Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association’s Facebook page, “The Government and Environmental Lobbyists are taking away random camping and motorized recreation on trails and open spaces along the Eastern Slopes. The proposed closure of Castle Area is only the first step- Porcupine, Livingston and Bighorn areas are all being targeted.”
 
OHV users generally acknowledge that some trails, creekbeds and even private properties belonging to ranchers have been vandalized or destroyed, however groups like the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad say over the last several years, they have been working hard to restore many trails and to preserve ecologically sensitive areas.
 
A number of environmentalists, say the destruction of a number of areas in the Castle Parks is more widespread, and sensitive habitats have also been targeted. http://lethbridgenewsnow.com/article/547733/science-offers-counterpoint-ohv-controversy

Back in January, Environment Minister Shannon Phillips announced a phase -out of Off Highway Vehicle Use in the Castle Parks, among other initiatives in the Castle Park Draft Managment Plan which outraged many users. That plan was amended March 1, after a huge outcry from OHV groups and others. http://lethbridgenewsnow.com/article/549867/province-changes-castle-parks-draft-managment-plan-after-overwhelming-feedback
 
A series of public consultations are now taking place across the province, and the deadline for feedback has also been extended to April 19.