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 drive through and stop at 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. We will stop and discuss the numerous oil well pads, which produce oil from the tight Cardium sandstone oil play. Long distance horizontal wells combined with hydraulic fracking have led to the success of this oil program. Drilling and oil production is now occurring in an area of approximately 200 square kilometers and in some cases has had significant environmental impact on ranches, farms and acreages in the area. We will also 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.
Participants are expected to fundraise the following amount with
sponsorships from friends and family. You may also sponsor yourself.
All donations to AWA are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
Suggested donation per participant: $50
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, however this will be subject to Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services COVID-19 regulations. 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.
Covid-19 Precautions
We will observe COVID-19 precautions and guidance from the Government of Alberta and expect
participants to follow appropriate sanitizing and social distancing. We thank you for your understanding
and cooperation! If you need more details you can check the Government website at:
this link.
Please bring a personal mask and your own hand sanitizer.
Thank you for joining us for this exceptional day out in one of Alberta’s truly wonderful Wild Spaces
— we look forward to meeting you there!
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:
