A Helping Hand Partnership Caring For Our Environment

President's Message  -  Andrew Rusynyk
It is almost the beginning of June and that means the Annual Ed Gregor Memorial Stewardship Day is rapidly approaching. June 5th is the day and it appears that winter may stop before the day arrives. This is the longest standing volunteer stewardship day in Canada and as I have said before, it is the way that real Albertans take care of their own backyard. So bring a friend, some gloves, a lunch and a smile and have fun on June 5th, 2010. It is also a great chance to catch up with all the different groups and organizations that work year-round to keep our playground safe, healthy and sustainable. Almost every user group in Southern Alberta will have at least a couple of people participating.

If you need more information please contact me at (403) 564-4242 or at andrewr@skicastle.ca.

 I'll see everyone on June 5, 2010.

The Crowsnest Forest Stewardship Society's 16th Annual Ed Gregor Memorial Stewardship Day

is scheduled for Saturday June 5th
Where: Blairmore Forestry Office
When: 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Who: All Backcountry Users

The day starts with a free pancake breakfast at 7:30 A.M. at the Blairmore Land and Forest Service yard. Volunteers choose their "projects" and head out with friends to their work site. At the end of the day there is a free supper and draws for terrific prizes like a Husqvarna H340 Chain Saw donated by Rocky Mountain Mechanical & CFSS, an Unique Hand-Crafted Walking Staff donated by Bill Kinnear, and many other great donated prizes. Awards are also made for the youngest/ oldest volunteer, traveled the furthest, and for the most unique piece of garbage picked up through the day. All of the food and prizes are donated by local businesses and cooked & served by the Coleman & Blairmore Lions Clubs.

Everyone, young and old, are welcome to participate. Remember to bring your work clothes including gloves, hat and boots, as well as tools, drinking water, lunch, cameras and suntan lotion for the day. Keep your fingers crossed that the usual great weather is back this year.

Check it all out at: www.crowsnestforest.com
See you all on the 5th!

 Thank you to all of our many Sponsors
Over the past 15 years - all of the work accomplished could not have happened without your support! See the attached listing of 2009 Sponsors. Please support them and add your name to this year's list!

B&P Johnson Welding Ltd.
Aris Instruments
Kawneer Co. Canada Ltd. - Lethbridge
Bill Kinnear Carvings - Coleman
Rocky Mountain Yamaha YMC - P.C.
Castle Mountain Resort
Coleman Lions
Blairmore Lions
S.R.D. Land & Forest
C.J.P.R. Radio
CNP Quad Squad
Shell Canada Ltd.
Devon Canada
Damberger Trucking
Crowsnow Riders
Stephen Burnell - Lethbridge
Dahl Brothers Spraying Ltd.
Hillcrest Fish & Game
Hazco
Dr. Bernie Bonertz
Curves - Blairmore
Walmart - P.C.
Ranchers Supply - P.C.
Pass Beverages Ltd.
Blairmore Pharmasave
Summit Home Centre - Blairmore
Allied True Value Hardware
KFC - CNP
Beaver Mines General Store
Gallery of Sights & Sounds
Fountain Tire - P.C.
Crowsnest Angler - Vic Bergman
Pincher Creek Marketplace Co-op
Sobey's - Pincher Creek

Land Use Framework - South Saskatchewan Regional Plan Update
The Terms of Reference for the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan were released November 26 of 2009. Water supply and population growth in the region that has 45 per cent of Alberta's population are the key factors that will be considered in the development of the regional plan. The terms of reference will guide the 18-member South Saskatchewan Regional Advisory Council (RAC), responsible for providing advice to government, in three key areas - development scenarios, regional water and air thresholds and social objectives. Population growth and water supply and demand will help shape the region's economy, landscapes and biodiversity. The RAC will explore the relationship between more people, greater demand on water, economic growth and conservation incorporating the following expectations:
· Successful agriculture, energy, forestry and recreation and tourism industries.
· Population growth in the region will increase by about two million by 2076
· Water-use conservation, efficiency and productivity will improve by a minimum of 30 per cent by 2015.
· The council will also provide advice with respect to the potential impacts on Aboriginal communities, the general location of major transportation and utility corridors; and the development of healthy community objectives.

Albertans had the opportunity to learn more about the regional planning process through a series of information and input sessions hosted by the Government of Alberta in early December. The sessions, held in 16 southern Alberta cities and towns - from Calgary to Cardston, Milk River to Medicine Hat - were a valuable forum for government to listen, answer questions and hear initial input of Albertans into the planning process. Specifically, the government sought input on the following issues:
· Economic, environmental and social challenges in the region;
· Potential lands which should be conserved; and
· What Albertans think are high-value tourism and recreation areas.

 2010 Ed Gregor Memorial Stewardship Day Project List

 - Bio-Engineering
- Fence & Rail Repair
- Repairs to structures at Allison-Chinook
- Random Campsite Clean-up
- Bridge Repairs
- Syncline Cross Country Trail clean-up
- Window Mountain Clean-up (weather pending)
- McGilvery Staging area clean-up


Other projects will be announced as the day approached.

Door Prizes

*All Participants are automatically entered into the draw. Increase your chances by purchasing more tickets for $1.

All proceeds go towards CFSS projects.

Last year the big draw prizes were a Husqvarna H340 Chain Saw donated by Rocky Mountain Mechanical and the CFSS, and an unique handcrafted walking staff donated by Bill Kinnear. Many other great-donated prizes were enjoyed by all the winners. 

AGM Approaches
The Crowsnest Forest Stewardship Society's Annual General Meeting

 will take place on June 2d, 2009 at 7:00 PM

 in the downstairs meeting room in the Blairmore Forestry Office. Primary on the agenda will be election of officers and finalizing plans for Stewardship Day.
Renewal Membership Info Required
To stay informed about your Stewardship Society, please renew your free membership today. Info required: all family names, address, postal code, phone, e-mail (please!)
e-mail to: Andrew Rusynyk andrewr@skicastle.ca
or post to: Box 1607, Blairmore, AB., T0K 0E0

CFSS Mission
As Stewards, we are committed to active participation with land management agencies and other users, and to the promotion of public education regarding the responsible use of public lands within the C-5 Forest.

Mandate of the C.F.S.S.
1.      To develop, produce, and distribute materials and programs focused on public education regarding proper stewardship of public lands within the Crowsnest Forest.
2.     To participate with Land Management Agencies on enhancement, maintenance and reclamation projects within the Crowsnest Forest.
3.     Promote the continuation and sustainability of multiple-use opportunities while maintaining environmental protection objectives within the C.F.

Partnering Clubs and Society Updates

Crowsnest Quad Squad
The Club has enjoyed another successful year with funding under the second year of the Community Development Trust grant following the directionof SWAT, South Western Alberta Trail Advisory Council, a large group of multi use trail users and stakeholders. Many kilometres of trail improvements, restoration and relocation out of environmentally sensitive areas has been completed with more to follow as we enter the third and final year.

The School Education Program has achieved a milestone of 8,000 grades 4,5,6 students this past year for a total over 20,000 in the 7 years the program has been running. The program now employs 6 instructors on a part time basis covering the entire province.

Another Quad raffle is under way featuring a 2010 Yamaha Grizzly 550 as 1st prize, 2010 Polaris 550 as second, and a 2010 Super Mach 700 side by side as third prize to be drawn Oct 17, 2010. An early bird draw of a 8' x 12' Channel Quad trailer will be drawn on August 7, 2010 at our 3rd Annual Family/Novice Rider trail day to be held at Syncline Group Camping area, Aug 6,7, and 8. The event was designed to provide a safe environment for kids, grandkids and those beginning riders to enjoy the mountain trails abd back country. Camp out or come for the day by registering with our office for the free B-B-Q and a Pot Luck, 403-562-8686.
Dennis Beasley - President CNP Quad Squad

Crowsnest Cross-Country Ski Assoc.
This season stumping of 3kms of new trail was completed along with the construction of a new shop. Bylaws were revised and trails were re-mapped for accuracy. Also, a casino license was granted for fundraising.

This coming season all trail signs will be replaced and a new brochure and handout materials will be created. CNP Cross Country will continue to work closely with the CFSS and SWAT.

Upcoming initiatives include improving grooming efficiency and quality with a new machine and new grooming methods so that there are good conditions 7 days a week. Also, a stronger working relationship will be developed with the CNP Rec. Board.

Over the past 3 years more than $40,000 has been invested in making Allison the best Cross Country venue in SW Alberta.
Neil Chalmers - President Crowsnest Pass Cross Country Ski Association

Crow Snow Riders
The Crow Snow Riders have had a very busy 2009/2010 season planning and holding the 2010 ASA Mountain Jamboree. The event was a big hit with the Crowsnest Pass being the only place in Alberta that had snow at the end of February. (little as it was) The club raffled off two Yamaha sleds of which one winner was local & the other from Okotoks. We had the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Racing Association here to race at McGillvray (Noel's) flats, as well as, a 2 day poker rally, banquet & dance. It was a very busy weekend.

The club has been striving to earn enough capital, through grants and fund raising, to replace the old groomer. It should be replaced this year. Also, Snow Crow Rider's contribution, along with a grant from the National Trails Coalition, re-habilitated a total of 9 km divided among three trails Gardiner Creek, South Lost, & South Castle. After our AGM May 15th, we are planning our usual Golf Scramble windup party in June and to actively participate in Stewardship day.

Francis Boone - President Crow Snow Riders

 Other Info

Web sites of interest
CFSS at:   www. crowsnestforest.com
Castle area and C-5 DFMP (CROWPAC) at:   www3.gov.ab.ca/srd/regions/southwest
Land Use Framework or Land Stewardship Act - Bill 36 at:  www.landuse.alberta.ca/

Executive - Directors 2009-2010
Andrew Rusynyk ..564-4242                        Neil Chalmers  ...563-3215                     Gail Simmons   ......627-2796 

Terry Aris   ........628-3744                            Dennis Beasley ......563-5640                Robert Johnson .627-3794    

Bill Kinnear   .......563-5476                           John MacGarva...628-2447                    Bill Paton      .......562-8927         

Cameron Welsh ...628-3186               Francis Boone.....563-5053               Stephen Boone         SSusanna MacGarva ..628-2447

Donations gratefully accepted/span>
All moneys are spent on sustainable projects in our Crowsnest Forest.   Income tax receipts available for donations over $25.00