Alberta Northwest Species at Risk Committee

Alberta Northwest Species at Risk Committee A collaborative Northwest Alberta inter-municipal initiative

Who we are:

Alberta’s five northwestern municipalities have come together to form the Northwest Species at Risk (NWSAR) Committee. The member municipalities are:

- Town of High Level
- Mackenzie County
- County of Northern Lights
- Clear Hills County
- Town of Rainbow Lake

Why we started this Committee:

After learning of the Government of Alberta’s proposal to permanently protect 1.8 million h

ectares of land for caribou in northwest Alberta, Councillors from the area’s six municipalities leapt into action and formed the Northwest Species at Risk (NWSAR) Committee to ensure local voices were heard. We created a report for the federal and provincial government’s to consider when implementing plans to protect the Woodland Caribou – which are a threatened species. The Committee wants to see protection plans be effective but also consider the socio-economic impacts to our communities, so that we can be prosperous and keep jobs here. The Committee believes that we can protect the caribou without creating a provincial park and even protect them more effectively without creating a park.

🚨**NORTHERN ALBERTA—IT’S TIME TO PAY ATTENTION AND GET INVOLVED!** 🚨Two draft sub-regional plans have now been released ...
07/27/2026

🚨**NORTHERN ALBERTA—IT’S TIME TO PAY ATTENTION AND GET INVOLVED!** 🚨

Two draft sub-regional plans have now been released for **Red Earth** and the **Caribou Mountains**.

These plans will help determine how our northern land base is used, managed and accessed—not only today, but for generations to come. They could affect roads and access, forestry, energy development, recreation, trapping, tourism, agriculture, traditional land uses, landscape restoration and the future economic opportunities available to northern communities.

These decisions cannot be made without the voices of the people who live, work, invest, recreate and raise their families here.

We strongly encourage northern residents, communities, industry, trappers, recreational and tourism users and everyone with knowledge of these areas to:

✅ Read the draft plans and supporting information
✅ Register for at least one information session for **each plan**
✅ Ask questions and raise concerns
✅ Complete the online surveys
✅ Share this post so others know this engagement is happening

# # # 🗺️ CARIBOU MOUNTAINS SUB-REGIONAL PLAN

**Public online information sessions:**

📅 August 26, 2026
⏰ 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

📅 September 22, 2026
⏰ 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Review the plan, register for a session and complete the survey here:

https://www.alberta.ca/caribou-mountains-sub-regional-plan-engagement

# # # 🗺️ RED EARTH SUB-REGIONAL PLAN

**Public online information sessions:**

📅 August 27, 2026
⏰ 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

📅 September 23, 2026
⏰ 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Review the plan, register for a session and complete the survey here:

https://www.alberta.ca/red-earth-sub-regional-plan-engagement

📢 **Public engagement closes October 26, 2026.**

Please do not assume someone else will speak for the North. Educate yourself, register, participate and make sure the people developing these plans hear directly from the people who know this land best.

Our land base supports our communities, cultures, livelihoods and way of life. **Northern voices must help shape its future.**

Please share widely!

🚨 **LOCAL VOICES NEEDED – WOOD BISON RECOVERY PLAN** 🚨Alberta has opened public engagement on the draft Wood Bison Recov...
04/07/2026

🚨 **LOCAL VOICES NEEDED – WOOD BISON RECOVERY PLAN** 🚨
Alberta has opened public engagement on the draft Wood Bison Recovery Plan, and this is your chance to speak up.
🗓 Deadline: **April 9, 2026**
👉 Submit your feedback here: https://www.alberta.ca/wood-bison-recovery-plan-engagement
This plan will shape how wood bison are managed across northern Alberta for years to come. The government is asking for input on how to support recovery, manage habitat, and address risks to these herds.
But here’s the reality on the ground:
Healthy, **disease-free wood bison populations already exist** in our region — and they do **NOT** require more sterilized or restricted land bases to thrive. Expanding land-use restrictions without addressing real threats misses the mark.
⚠️ The **biggest threat** to our local herds isn’t a lack of land — it’s **disease transmission**.
Diseases like **brucellosis and tuberculosis**, present in herds connected to Wood Buffalo National Park, have long been identified as a major risk to healthy populations and even nearby cattle operations.
If we are serious about protecting:
✔️ Our disease-free wood bison
✔️ Local ranching operations
✔️ The long-term sustainability of wildlife
…then we need to have honest conversations about **managing diseased herds**, not just expanding restrictions on the landscape.
📣 This is your opportunity to be heard.
Take a few minutes, submit your comments, and make sure decision-makers understand what’s actually needed on the ground.
**Strong, healthy herds don’t come from more red tape — they come from real, effective management.**
👇 Share this post so more locals can weigh in.
https://www.alberta.ca/wood-bison-recovery-plan-engagement

Job Posting: Administrative AssistantAlberta Northwest Species at Risk Committee (NWSAR)Remote – Part-Time (10+ hours/we...
12/10/2025

Job Posting: Administrative Assistant
Alberta Northwest Species at Risk Committee (NWSAR)
Remote – Part-Time (10+ hours/week)
Posted: December 9, 2025

About NWSAR
Formed in 2016, NWSAR is a collaborative committee of northwest Alberta municipalities (including but not limited to: Mackenzie County, High Level, Clear Hills County, County of Northern Lights, Big Lakes County, Saddle Hills County) Who are dedicated to ensuring local voices are heard in provincial land planning initiatives within the NWSAR area, specifically related to species-at-risk legislation, crown-land access, land-use planning, and policy decisions.

Position Overview
We are seeking a self-motivated individual with non-profit and/or municipal experience to provide remote administrative support. Must have knowledge of northwest Alberta and its municipalities, be highly proficient with computers/technology, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities
-Arrange meetings, prepare packages, record minutes, and complete follow-up actions
-Manage communications with members, partners, and the public
-Support lobbying efforts (draft letters, prepare information packages)
-Assist with finance/budgeting in collaboration with Mackenzie County Finance Dept
-Maintain organized online records and filing system
-Update website and social media
-Conduct research and assist with approved projects
-Possibility to attend in-person meetings, events and tradeshows
-Other duties as assigned by the Board

Required Qualifications & Skills
Strong self-management, initiative, and reliability
Excellent attention to detail and quality of work
Sound judgment and decision-making ability
Proven teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills
Ability to work remotely and attend monthly afternoon meetings

Hours & Compensation
Approximately 10 hours/week (flexible, may increase with projects)
$25.00 – $40.00 per hour based on experience
Negotiable expense reimbursement (computer, internet, phone)
Travel expenses covered per policy

Position open until filled.
To Apply
Email resume to:
Lisa Wardley, NWSAR Chairperson
[email protected]
Subject line: NWSAR ADMINISTRATION RESUME

Address

High Level, AB

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

780-928-3983

Website

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