“Forest management is more than just waiting for a fire to come along,” said Berger, noting that phosphorus, nitrogen and mercury levels increased significantly while forest health decreased following the Lost Creek Fire in 2003, making the trees more susceptible to fire and pine beetle infestation.
“We have to take an active role to also allow for some logging in order to have a healthy and age-varied forest,” he said.
“Logging is part of an entire strategy to make sure we keep our forests healthy.”
Ashmore said that more sustainable methods of forest management need to be pursued, adding that there should be a moratorium on logging in the Castle area.
Dr. Swann echoed these sentiments, adding that clear cutting should have been stopped many years ago.
“Clearcut logging destroys habitat and reduces quality and quantity of water,” said Dr. Swann.
“We need much better management of our water system and we shouldn’t be allowing developments in the Eastern Slopes that threaten water supply for the future.”
When asked by Beaver Mines General Store owner Jacques Thouin to raise their hand if they would support the legislation of the Castle Wilderness as a Wilderness Park, Ashmore, Halton and Dr. Swann each raised their hand without hesitation, while Berger and Stier kept their hands down.
Area resident Vince Anderson also asked candidates what they would do to encourage economic development in the area.
Dr. Swann said the Liberal Party is dedicated to investing in post-secondary education and new technologies in order to create qualified workers and new and expanding industries for them to work in.
Berger stressed the importance of investing in health care, education and infrastructure in order to draw young families to the area and create jobs in order to facilitate that transition.
“We have lost a generation in rural Alberta,” said Berger.
“We need everyone working together to make our rural communities vibrant again.”
For more information about candidates, as well as information on where to vote and how to register to vote, visit www.elections.ab.ca.