Fort McMurray is being recognized as two local projects have been named finalists for the Emerald Awards. Presented by the Alberta Emerald Foundation, the awards celebrate and showcase outstanding environmental achievements across all sectors in Alberta.
The Beaver Creek Wood Bison Project done by Syncrude and The Fort McKay First Nation is the finalist in the large business category. On February 16, 1993, 30 wood bison arrived at Mildred Lake to assist in the research of how reclaimed land would sustain large mammals. Now 25 years later the herd of 30 has blossomed to about 300 and the project has gone on to show the capability of reclaimed landscapes and forge a working partnership between industry and First Nation peoples.
Eco YOLO, the student-run environmental group out of Ecolé McTavish Junior High was named a finalist in the youth category for replanting 1,650 trees in Saprae Creek following the 2016 wildfire. The group of 11 studens worked to receive $17,000 in project funding from Chevrolet Canada, Intact Insurance and local sponsors to help plant low moisture deciduous trees that resist the spreading of fire.
The 27th Annual Emerald Awards will be presented on June 5, 2018 in Calgary.
