Partnering with Clearwater County for responsible recreation land use
In 2013, Keyera partnered with Clearwater County in Rocky
Mountain House, Alberta, to support the Clearwater Trails initiative. Through
this initiative, the “Sasquatch and Partners” program was developed with the long-term
goal of increasing the public’s awareness around responsible recreational land
use in public areas.
Honoring our commitment to environmental responsibility and
supporting initiatives that enhance and improve the communities where we
operate, Keyera took part in the Welcome
to my Backyard campaign to help increase awareness in these focus
areas.
The initiative features a recognizable mascot designed by a local artist, the
Sasquatch, that represents the “Welcome to Our Backyard" campaign. The campaign is directed at community members and visitors of
Clearwater County and its beautiful recreation areas.
In these recreation areas, signage with tips are prominently displayed, reminding visitors how they can enjoy the recreation areas in a way that's both safe for them and respectful to the environment. To date, there are around 15 signs
posted at various entry points to recreational areas and key highways entering
Clearwater County.
The initiative also focuses on education about eco-friendly
land use. With around 4,000 brochures circulating throughout local communities
annually, visitors and locals are reminded that the recreational use of the
Clearwater Trails areas is a unique privilege that comes with a responsibility
to care for the environment.
Each year, the May long weekend marks the official kick-off
of the campaign. Clearwater County, along with the RCMP and Environment and
Parks, co-ordinate a ‘Check Stop’ which involves a 'taskforce' handing out not only tickets, but also informative literature, garbage bags and camfire suppression totes.
Together, Keyera with its fellow partners and Clearwater
County, can help to ensure that visitors of these recreational areas can enjoy
them safely, all while protecting and maintaining their diverse
environments.
For more information about Sasquatch and Partners and
Clearwater County, visit their website here.