About FLUZ Regulations

Yes. Responsible use of campfires for cooking or warming purposes is usually allowed.

Campfires, in accordance with the Forest Prairie and Protection Act, are permitted within Forest Land Use Zones (FLUZs). However, some FLUZs allow fires in designated camping areas only and/or have other restrictions. Please refer to the specific information provided for the FLUZ you will be visiting. See:

• Forest Land Use Zones

Note: Fires are not permitted when firebans are in effect. If available, use existing campfire facilities, portable camping stoves, or fire pits.

In some Forest Land Use Zones (FLUZs), motorized recreation is permitted.

In other FLUZs, motorized activity is not permitted. In these locations, most non-motorized activities are permitted within FLUZs, in accordance with the regulation. Some of these activities include:

• Camping
• Canoeing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Skiing

Refer to the FLUZ you plan to visit for regulations regarding the activities that are and are not permitted. See:

• Forest Land Use Zones

This requirement prevents water contamination and erosion of shorelines caused by trampling and overgrazing.

Equestrian users are encouraged to high-line their horses to prevent damage to roots.

Providing supplemental feed for horses prevents overgrazing and ensures adequate forage for wildlife.

In addition, using weed-free feed helps to prevent the spread of noxious weeds.

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) staff engage recreationists through major community and recreation events to build understanding and awareness of FLUZ regulations and to encourage responsible use and stewardship.

Staff routinely patrol FLUZs to monitor compliance and provide information to recreational users on the “Respect the Land” programs and responsible recreation.

SRD Forest Officers, Fish and Wildlife Officers, and Seasonal Guardians partner with RCMP, Conservation Officers, Sheriffs and municipal enforcement officers to ensure public safety and responsible recreation throughout the province.

During peak periods, such as the May and September long weekends, additional resources are brought in through collaborative efforts with other departments and the RCMP.

The Forest Recreation Regulation enables law enforcement officers to issue tickets and/or require a court appearance for contravention of the regulations. Offenders could face fines of up to $1000 per violation.

If you see activities that are not in alignment with the regulation of a FLUZ please contact the local SRD office.

Lead by example and encourage others to recreate responsibly.

Yes, but only in the following circumstances:

• Restrictions do not apply to vehicles involved in government resource management activities or vehicles used to transport sick, injured or deceased persons. Such motorized vehicles may be used in restricted areas.
• Some motorized vehicles used by trappers are allowed within the limits of registered trapping areas. A permit is required and timing restrictions apply.
• Ministerial approval may be given for motorized vehicle use for special research in a zone.
• Motorized vehicles used for industrial activity are allowed by permit if a disposition has been approved for that activity by the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development (SRD).

Yes. Industry operates under an existing regulatory framework that applies to all public land, including FLUZs.

This means that proposals for industrial development and activities within FLUZs are evaluated through review and approval processes that exist for all public land.

There are a variety of enforcement and remediation actions to address failure to comply with rules and regulations.

Yes. Other legislation does apply in a Forest Land Use Zone. See:

• Provincial Legislation

Structures and improvements to land within a Forest Land Use Zone must be approved by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD).

Failure to obtain departmental approval can result in enforcement actions. See:

• Developing & Managing Recreation Trails & Sites