Collaborative Efforts Benefit Wildlife and Albertans

► by Sergeant Mike Hewitt, Vegreville District Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services

On June 10, the first of three Report A Poacher (RAP) highway signs was installed along Highway 36, south of Highway 631 near Vegreville. The RAP program allows Albertans to play an important role in protecting fish and wildlife resources and our natural surroundings by reporting suspected poaching incidents. As the Fish and Wildlife Officer in charge of the Vegreville district, I know that these new highway signs will serve as reminders for the public to report infractions and help ensure Albertans continue to support the province’s conservation efforts.

The highway sign project was a collaborative effort by government and conservation organizations. It began in early 2024 when Alberta Fish and Wildlife first requested three highway signs from Alberta Conservation Association (ACA)—the organization responsible for delivering the RAP program on behalf of the Government of Alberta.

ACA was immensely helpful in providing details about the process and cost estimates for the project. I would also like to recognize the Vegreville Wildlife Federation for their efforts to support the project. Lastly, thank you to our partners at Alberta Transportation and Emcon Services Inc., the local highway contractor, for coordinating and supporting the installation of the sign.

This project was a success thanks to the dedication of all partners involved, and on behalf of Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services, I want to express my sincere gratitude for their support in making this reality.

I would encourage Albertans to learn more about the Report A Poacher program by visiting: www.alberta.ca/ report-poacher.

photo credit (top to bottom): Mike Hewitt; ACA, Cassandra Hewitt