Over two million hectares have burned in the province of Alberta in 2023, contributing to Canada's worst wildfire season of the 21st century. The wildfires are emblematic of the increasing stress Alberta's forests, watersheds and species at risk are put under due to climate change. The summer's fires and floods, and the predictions that this will not be an unusual year in the future, demonstrate the need for a deep dive into how the management of Alberta's landscapes is adapting, or failing to adapt, to these increasing pressures. The Canadian Parks and Wildlife Preservation Society's (CPAWS) goal for their project will be recommendations for improving how forests are managed in Alberta in the reality of climate change and increasing threats to species at risk. They believe that Alberta's Forestry Act must be updated to reflect the new knowledge on environmental threats and address ways in which forestry practices can be improved to make healthier and more resilient forests where maintaining ecological integrity is the priority.

To do this, they will require support for staff resources, particularly for their Conservation Policy Analyst position. Staff will review scientific literature and research, understand provincial policies and regulations, consult with subject-matter experts, and design educational communications products for the general public and government staff.