Summer in the West Country

Mother and calf on pasture in Alberta's west country

Photo and story by Helge Nome

The popular public lands in the foothills of the Rockies in Alberta's west country support many activities, including grazing, forestry, oil/gas extraction and recreation. This summer, a major flood in local river systems has caused some damage to roads, but is being taken in stride by land users.

The landscape is criss-crossed by roads and tracks, making it very accessible to all users, and the local wildlife and cattle don't mind generous fields of grass growing along road allowances and under power lines. Regrowing forestry plots in all stages of development can be seen along the roads.

Realizing that Alberta has been at the bottom of oceans and glaziers many times in geological history, one can appreciate the riches of the province hiding under a thin layer of soil. No one should ever want for anything in this province of Canada. For more west country photos, go to Alberta West Photos here