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 6th is the day and if the weather is not great blame Darryl Johnson. He always promises good weather on the first Saturday of June. This day is a great way to show what real Stewardship is and how to  treat your own backyard. So bring a friend, some gloves, a lunch and a smile and have fun on June 6th, 2009.
The Land Use Framework (LUF) and Land Stewardship Act are in motion and our region will be one of the two regions used as an example. So now is the time to come out to the Ed Gregor Memorial Stewardship Day and show the world what real Albertans are like. The morning starts at 7:30 A.M. with the free breakfast at the Blairmore Ranger Station. So get a good meal in your stomach for a rewarding day of taking care of the forest. If you need more information please contact me at (403) 564-4242 or at andrewr@skicastle.ca.  I'll see everyone on June 6, 2009.

The Crowsnest Forest Stewardship Society's 15th Annual Ed Gregor Memorial Stewardship Day

is scheduled for   Saturday June 6th
Where: Blairmore Forestry Office
When: 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Who:  All Backcountry Users
The day traditionally starts off with a free pancake breakfast at 7:30 A.M. at the Blairmore Land and Forest Service yard. After everyone is fed, the volunteers choose their "job groups" and head out to their assigned projects (see project list on page 2). At the end of the day when everyone is gathered up for the free supper, draws will be made for terrific prizes of a Husqvarna H340 Chain Saw donated by Rocky Mountain Mechanical & CFSS, a Unique Hand-Crafted Walking Staff donated by Bill Kinnear, as well as 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, cooked and 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, your own water, lunches, cameras and suntan lotion for the day. We always seem blessed with great weather. Also, any trail clearing or trail repair equipment you have would be appreciated.
We will be posting some planned projects on our website prior to the day. Please log any volunteer hours there.
www.crowsnestforest.com
Please copy the poster and pass it on
See you all on the 6th!

 Thank you to all of our many Sponsors
Over the past 14 years - all of the work accomplished could not have happened without your support!  See the attached listing of 2008 Sponsors. Please support them and add your name to this year's list!     
RBC- Royal Bank of Canada- Blairmore
B&P Johnson Welding Ltd. - B'FAST
Aris Instruments - 2 DAY PACK TRIP
Kawneer Co. Canada Ltd. - Lethbridge
Bill Kinnear Carvings - Coleman
Rocky Mountain Yamaha YMC - P.C.
Coleman Lions - BREAKFAST
Blairmore Lions - SUPPER
Castle Mountain Resort
S.R.D. Land & Forest
C.J.P.R. Radio
Pass Beverages Ltd.
Shell Canada Ltd.
Filipuzzi Metal Works
Saddle Mountain Ranch Self-Healing Ct.
Pincher Office Products
Dahl Brothers Spraying Ltd.
Blairmore Pharmasave
Robert Matson - Lethbridge
Lethbridge Coulee Kruzers
Kentucky Fried Chicken - CNP
Neat 'n Nifty - Sears - CNP
Walmart - Pincher Creek
Hillcrest Fish & Game
Rancher's Supply  Ltd.- P.C.
Remedy's - Coleman
Beaver Mines General Store
Quad Squad
Crow Snow Riders
Treadsoftly
Devon Canada Ltd.
Dr. Gerald Bishell - Lethbridge
Summit Home Centre - Blairmore
Hedderick Insurance - P.C.
A . & W. Rusynyk
Fountain Tire - P.C.
Crowsnest Angler - Vic Bergman
Pincher Creek Marketplace Co-op
Ewen's Rexall Drugs - CNP
Sobey's - Pincher Creek
Boytinck Home Hardware - P.C.
McClelland Meat Processors - P.C.
Coca Cola Ltd.
Bill Bezooyen Contracting

Exciting New Project
Bioengineering is the use of living plant materials to perform some engineering function. To those of us without an engineering degree, this essentially means using different types of plants to control or repair damage to an area. Willow cuttings are often planted in areas that have been damaged from either improper use, overuse, or natural damage from flooding, fires, etc.  The willow cuttings sprout roots and shoots rapidly, and can quickly grow into living retaining walls, erosion barriers, or drainage systems.  Since willows prefer wet habitats, they work great along stream banks, in wetlands, or in poor drainage areas.  One of the great things about bioengineering projects is that the main investment is labour and people that work on a project can come back in the months and years to come to see how their work is growing. 
Sustainable Resource Development has 2 bioengineering kits available for volunteer groups to sign out for work on approved bioengineering projects. S.R.D. looks forward to working together with groups to improve recreational experiences on the landscape, and minimize the environmental impacts of these uses.

 2009 Ed Gregor Memorial Stewardship Day Project List

-          Bio-engineering project

-          Snowmobile trail clean-up

-          Repair to existing structures at Allison-Chinook (ie steps, erosion control etc)

-          Hwy clean-up 774

-          Kananaskis Road - garbage clean-up

-          Random Campsite Clean-up including closed sites

-          Bridge decking projects

-          Allison-Chinook trail brushing

-          Cross Country trail between Syncline trails and Castle Mtn. brushing

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 May 20th, 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
2008 was a very busy year for the Quad Squad with the installation of 17 bridges and low level crossings. The result of our efforts was the bridging of the 7 trails on Goat Creek drainage and 4 additional crossings on North Lost Creek which makes all those trails multi use friendly.  Our OHV training and education continues to grow with 6 in school instructors, 2 of which are Canada Safety Council Certified Instructors. We expect to bring a safety message to over 4000 Grades 4,5,and 6 by the end of the school year. We are again sponsoring a Family Trail Day on July 11/12, 2009 at the Ball Diamond on the Carbondale River. Come out with your family and enjoy a BBQ and fun day and evening for the Kids.
Dennis Beasley - President CNP Quad Squad

Crowsnest Conservation Society Update
In 2008, Crowsnest Conservation hosted a number of well-attended community workshops on development, transportation, and wildlife.  At each workshop, facilitated conservations on specific topics were recorded allowing resident of Crowsnest Pass to identify their concerns for their community.  The result of the community workshops is the upcoming Crowsnest Pass: Stewardship for Sustainability brochure.  The brochure will synthesize community workshop feedback and be an important publication that promotes in the community a sense of ownership of Crowsnest Pass' development future, unique values, and identity.
Crowsnest Conservation is a grassroots organization whose mission is to value and connect people and nature for a healthy future in the Crowsnest Pass and beyond.  To learn more about Crowsnest Conservation visit our website at www.crowsnestconservation.ca or stop by office located at 12707-20th Ave on Main Street Blairmore.
Jenice Smith - Program Coordinator

Lethbridge Coulee Kruzers Update

The Lethbridge Coulee Kruzers had a great year in 2008 and we are looking forward to the 2009 season. We are excited to be participants on the South West Alberta Trails Advisory Council with several other stakeholders.  This as an excellent opportunity to develop relationships with other user groups, while repairing and replacing the trail infrastructure for current and future generations. 

We are hoping to increase our membership this year and welcome anyone who is interested in responsible four wheeling to check out our club and activities. http://www3.telus.net/lck/
Stephen Burnell - President Lethbridge Coulee Kruzers

Crowsnest Cross-Country Ski Assoc.
Even with the late start, it was a great snow season. We could have been skiing until last week. The Club hosted the cross-country skiing portion of the 55+ Alberta Winter Games and had rave reviews from people all over the province. Next season will see a new storage facility and enhanced grooming. Also, there will be 4kms of new trails for people to explore. The Allison Creek Cross-Country Ski Area continues to be the premiere cross-country trail network in Southern Alberta.
Neil Chalmers - President Crowsnest Pass Cross Country Ski Association

Crow Snow Riders
Sledding is done for the season.  We are having our annual AGM the evening of June 5th at the Rum Runner downstairs meeting room @ 7:00 pm. Plan on being out for Stewardship day on the 6th to clean the trails from Atlas staging area North to the north shelter. June 13th is our yearly windup golf scramble. The Club will be in all the parades this summer with the truck and groomer
We are getting into high gear with planning the ASA Jamboree for next Feb 27 & 28 2010 and prioritizing projects to be done over the next few years.
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 2007-2008
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

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