The deployment of 19 new conservation officers in the province will help protect the public while also protecting parks and other recreation areas, says Minister of Environment and Parks Jason Nixon.
The newly-trained officers were introduced to the public during a ceremony held in Edmonton on Friday. They received their training at the Hinton Training Centre between Oct. 2021 and Jan. 2022.
The officers will work on Crown lands, proving enforcement through patrols as well as public education.
“With more Albertans than ever before exploring Alberta’s provincial parks and public lands, conservation officers have never been more important,” said Nixon. "I am looking forward to seeing Alberta’s new class of officers in the field as we head into what is sure to be another busy season.”
In all, $1.5 million generated through the Kananaskis Conservation Pass program helped with the hiring and training of the new officers, he said.
Brad Clark is the province’s chief conservation officer with Environment and Parks.
“Our officers are vastly talented and committed to the communities they serve,” said Parks. “With a mandate to conserve and protect Alberta’s wild spaces, the expectations of the job are as broad as the terrain upon which we operate.
"The impact of our new officers will be immediately apparent as we work to ensure our provincial parks and public lands can continue to be enjoyed by Albertans for generations to come.”
There are now 82 conservation officers on the job in Alberta.
