This Saturday adventure, which begins in Cochrane, is a road trip where we will see various forms of magnificent glacial geology in the Cochrane & Lochend areas and also see a rapidly developing program of hydraulic fracking for oil in the Lochend area.

We will visit locations in the deeply incised glacial melt water channel which runs from Cochrane to Big Hill Springs Provincial Park and onwards into the northwest Lochend area. A similar melt water channel also occurs just south of the small village of Dog Pound. We will also see areas covered by glacial moraines characterized by knob & kettle topography and glacial drumlins. Small creeks and ponds occur in these channels and provide habitat for abundant water fowl. At a number of well pads we will stop for discussions of the energy industry and its significant environmental impact on ranches, farms and acreages in the area. Drilling and oil production is now occurring in an area of approximately 200 square kilometers.

There will also be the opportunity to see some active large gravel mining operations and the sites of a couple of planned gravel pits which will significantly impact the area. Gerry Bietz, President, Bighill Creek Preservation Society will tell us of their efforts to protect this environmentally unique and fragile area.

Coordinator

Photos and Report

See photos and report from this adventure!

Fundraising Goal

Goal: $1,000

Raised to date: $600.00

60% raised of $1,000:

Sponsor this adventure now and help make the tree grow!

All donations to AWA are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

Why Join This Adventure?

This field trip is an opportunity to see and learn about the impact of glaciation on this area. Also, it is an opportunity to learn more about the technology of hydraulic fracturing which has fundamentally altered the oil industry and also can have significant environmental impact. We will also view some major gravel mining operations and will discuss the potential environmental impact of other proposed large gravel mines in the area.

Adventure Metrics

Half day field trip, no hiking. Car pooling can be arranged for those needing to car pool. The roads to be travelled are excellent, no all-wheel nor 4-wheel drive vehicles are necessary. We will drive at slow to moderate speeds and exercise proper safety procedures.

Required Equipment

• Umbrellas or rain coats may be required.
• Please pack a lunch as this will be a day-long trip. Also bring some liquids, e.g. water, soft drinks.
• Remember to bring your cameras since there will be plenty of photo opportunities as we drive slowly through this beautiful area. Discussions amongst the attendees will be encouraged as we view the impact of oil and gravel activities on the area.

Details

Meeting Location: The parking lot at Cochrane Historical Ranche, on the north side of Bow Valley Trail/Highway 2A in Cochrane.

Contact this Coordinator

Contact this coordinator:

by email at a4w@abwild.ca,
by phone at (403) 283-2025,
or by using the form below:

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