The Alberta Environmental Appeals Board recently dismissed a challenge by concerned citizens regarding the construction of a motorsports park near Rosebud. The group had been fighting a 2020 Water Act approval by Alberta Environment and Protected Places, but the panel ultimately determined that there wasn’t enough evidence to suggest that the racing complex would harm birds in the area. The construction of the racetrack would involve filling in two wetlands and modifying three others, but the ruling stated that the impact on wildlife, including bank swallows and little brown myotis, would not be significant. The approval holder is required to submit a wetland monitoring program proposal annually to ensure the ecological health of the wetlands is maintained.
Some locals, such as farmer Rick Skibsted and Wendy Clark, are leading efforts to halt the development of the motorsports park. Skibsted, an adjacent landowner and conservation award winner, expressed concern about the approval of a project that could potentially harm wildlife, including species at risk like the bank swallow. Clark emphasized the importance of preserving the river valley for the survival of wildlife, especially in the midst of a drought. The CFO of Badlands Motorsport Resort, James Zelazo, reassured that wildlife should not be impacted by the racetrack and that they adhere to all regulations. The company hopes to begin construction in the fall, pending financing, which they anticipate receiving from the province for road improvements needed for the project.
The Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) has objected to the province’s decision to prioritize development over the health of vital ecological spaces, particularly in areas confirmed to be critical habitat for at-risk species like the bank swallow. Conservation specialists such as Ruiping Luo have raised concerns about the potential fragmentation and destruction of wetlands caused by the motorsports park development. Skibsted reiterated the negative impact of the drought on the land around Rosebud, emphasizing the destruction of unique wetlands in the area. He also highlighted the popularity of the area among birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like canoeing and kayaking on the Rosebud River, which could be disrupted by the construction of the racetrack.
Despite the ruling and ongoing development plans, residents like Clark remain determined to fight against the project. She expressed optimism about the future and the various options available to continue opposing the motorsports park construction. Residents and environmentalists are concerned about the potential long-term implications of the project on the local ecosystem and wildlife, stressing the need to prioritize conservation efforts and protect critical habitats from further development. The debate over the motorsports park near Rosebud reflects a broader conflict between economic development and environmental conservation, highlighting the challenges of balancing growth with the preservation of natural resources. Ultimately, the decision to proceed with the construction of the motorsports park will have significant implications for the future of the local environment and wildlife in the Rosebud area.
