Send a letter asking for better protection for Alberta Mountain Horses

Review the letter

Honourable Todd Loewen
Minister of Forestry and Parks
Government of Alberta

FP.Minister@gov.ab.ca, Todd.Loewen@gov.ab.ca

Cc: Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta - premier@gov.ab.ca, Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas - epa.minister@gov.ab.ca, taber.warner@assembly.ab.ca, Sarah Elmeligi, Shadow Minister for Environment and Protected Areas - Banff.Kananaskis@assembly.ab.ca, Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport - tourism.sport@gov.ab.ca, draytonvalley.devon@assembly.ab.ca

Re. The Economic and Ecological Value of Alberta’s Mountain Horses

Dear Minister Loewen,

I am writing to you as someone who deeply admires the natural beauty of Alberta. Although I do not reside in the province, Alberta’s remarkable landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and iconic wildlife are among the reasons why I - and many others like me - regard Alberta as a truly “must-visit” destination. In particular, the free-roaming Alberta Mountain Horses represent your most unique and meaningful symbol of the province’s landscapes and heritage, embodying the spirit and resilience that make Alberta so admired by visitors from across Canada and around the world.

I am concerned to learn about the current management activities aimed at reducing the population of these horses. As one of countless others who value Alberta’s natural heritage – whether as visitors to your province or through a shared concern for the protection of wildlife and wild spaces - I urge you to halt all removals and use of contraceptives until a management plan is established that is based on robust, transparent, and evidence-based data.

For international and out-of-province travellers, the opportunity to see the Alberta Mountain Horses in their natural habitat is a unique draw that rivals the appeal of the National Parks. Wildlife tourism is a significant driver of economic growth, and visitors coming to see Alberta’s Mountain Horses contribute directly to local economies through accommodations, guiding services, dining, transportation, and other tourism-related spending.

In an era where travellers increasingly seek authentic, "rewilding" experiences, Alberta’s free-roaming horses represent a rare and invaluable ecological treasure. To lose them or even reduce their numbers would diminish Alberta’s brand as a world leader in wildlife conservation. Their loss or continued decline would not only be ecologically significant but would also negatively impact Alberta’s global reputation as a destination for authentic wildlife experiences. Visitors are drawn to places where wildlife is protected and allowed to thrive, not managed in ways that risk its disappearance.

I respectfully ask that your Ministry reassess its current approach and prioritize the protection of the Alberta Mountain Horses as a vital component of Alberta’s identity. The world is watching how Alberta chooses to manage this irreplaceable treasure.

Thank you for your time and for considering the perspective of the global community.

Sincerely,

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