Protecting Bragg Creek’s Wild Spaces
For Future Generations
At Bragg Creek Environmental Coalition, we’re dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and ecological health of the Alberta Foothills, Elbow River, and Kananaskis regions. Join us in safeguarding these essential ecosystems through community action and scientific advocacy.
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About Bragg Creek Environmental Coalition
The Bragg Creek Environmental Coalition (BCEC) is a community-powered initiative dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and integrity of Bragg Creek, Kananaskis, and surrounding areas.
Since 1995, we have led efforts in sustainable land-use planning, reducing the impact of logging, and safeguarding wildlife habitats from the effects of human activity.
Our Mission
BCEC engages in citizen science projects that help us better understand and connect to the landscape we call home. The work we do and data we obtain informs our community and governments in making land use choices that sustains the flora and fauna and ecosystems that sustain us. We ask “What should these landscapes be in 2050?” and work toward that vision.
BCEC views collaboration as essential to achieve conservation goals. We work closely with Municipal and Provincial governments, landowners and organizations such as Bragg Creek Trails (BCT), BCW, ERWP, CPAWS, AWA, Y2Y, Nature Alberta, BRBC and Bragg Creek community organizations.
Our Projects
Mapping & Monitoring Wildlife
The Bragg Creek area is endowed with an usually rich and diverse wildlife population. Large and small predators, moose and deer, members of the wolverine and weasel family, and many different rodents. BCEC is involved in monitoring our populations to enable their continued presence in the face of human pressures on their homes.
Bird Life Group
Birds are literally the “canaries in the coal mine” when assessing the health of our ecosystems according to Birds Canada. Most Canadian bird populations are declining from impacts with buildings and cats, habitat loss and climate change. The Bird Group in BCEC is monitoring populations and encouraging us to observe these beautiful creatures with a coordinated study group.
Bragg Creek Elbow River Orchid Reserve
BCEC is working with the Municipality of Rockyview to establish an Environmental Reserve along the Elbow River floodway within the Hamlet. Botanists have told us the area contains an unusual abundance of native orchids of at least 5 species. The area also is a movement corridor for wildlife to wild spaces surrounding the busy Hamlet.
Municipal Land Use
The Citizen Science projects BCEC is involved with are meant to inform our community and governments in making land use decisions that preserve our ecosystems for future generations of both wildlife and people. We have established working relationships with Provincial and Municipal governments as well as other conservation organizations in our area.
The Elbow River & Wetlands
The Elbow River is a principal natural asset of Bragg Creek and Calgary. Some 600,000 people and millions of animals and plants depend on its water quality and quantity. BCEC is mapping wetlands and identifying critical species along the watershed to better understand our resilience to flood and drought, and retain critical habitat and species.
Conserving Critical Habitat
BCEC is working to identify both public and private lands that might be eligible for conservancies. These would continue to supply the ecological services we have enjoyed and hope future generations can also.
We also recognize the role of fire on our landscape and seek strategies employing fire wisely.
Board & Executive
The Board of Directors are the roots of Bragg Creek Environmental Coalition ensuring funding, strategy, communication and alignment to our mission and science ethic.
- Liz Breakey, Director
- Joe Crawford, Director, Board Chair
- Amarin Dawn, Director
- Clint Docken, LLP Director, Asst Chair
- Dave Klepacki, PhD Executive Director
- Alan Breakey, Treasurer
BCEC Advisory Panel
- Prof Ralph Cartar, Forest Ecolog & Entomology, Emeritus University of Calgary
- David One Spot, Indiginous Knowledge, Tsuut’ina Nation
- Prof Mary Reid, Behavioural Ecology, Emeritus University of Calgary
- Prof Cathy Ryan, Hydrology, University of Calgary
- Prof David Sauchyn, Climate Change, Director Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative, University Regina
- Dr. Richard Schneider, Biodiversity, Nature Alberty, University Alberta
- Dr. Brad Stelfox, Landscape Architecture, Wildlife Biology, ALCES, University Alberta
BCEC Bird Group
Help Protect Bragg Creek’s Wild Spaces
Your donation supports habitat conservation and citizen science to safeguard our natural landscapes.
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Join Us in Protecting Bragg Creek’s Environment
Get Involved
Become a BCEC member! Your membership supports advocacy and conservation efforts. Together, we can make a difference.
Support Our Work
Help preserve Bragg Creek’s natural heritage. Your donation funds critical conservation and ecosystem restoration projects.
Our Community
Join us if you’re passionate about protecting our landscapes. Members engage in conservation, policy advocacy, and community projects.
Blog News
Why Protect Old Growth Refugia in Alberta? Vital Ecosystems at Risk
Alberta’s forests are more than just timber resources—they are vital ecosystems that sustain wildlife, regulate water and air quality, and combat climate change. Despite their ecological importance, provincial forest policies continue to prioritize timber yields over...
Bragg Creek Orchid and Wildlife Reserve
Preserving Bragg Creek’s Natural Heritage The Bragg Creek Environmental Coalition (BCEC), in partnership with Heritage Consulting Ltd., has initiated a citizen-led project to establish the Bragg Creek Orchid Conservation Reserve. This proposed 9.3-hectare reserve aims...
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In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge Moh'kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda and Tsuut'ina nations.