Out and About

Promoting Camrose countryside

By Lori Larsen

A recent article in the Western Canadian Game Warden Summer 2020 (Volume 12 Issue 1) magazine, written by Camrose Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Branch (FWEB) District Officer Lorne Rinkel, not only shed light on the rich history of the Red Coat Trail, including the passage of the North-West Mounted Police, but some of the incredible sites that exist in Camrose County.

Seen through his eyes during the commission of his duties, the article features tidbits about the history and land that encompasses Camrose FWEB district. The district runs from the northwest corner of Edmonton to the northeast corner of Viking, then south to the southeast corner of Hardisty, and then along the north bank of the Battle River to the southwest corner of Bashaw.

While having such a large district to cover poses some challenges for the two FWEB officers (including Lorne) currently posted in Camrose, Lorne admits that it has presented so many opportunities to explore the vast landscape and impactful history of the area snaked by the Battle River.

“I have now been posted in the Camrose FWEB District for five years; the diversity of the people and natural resources continue to amaze me,” said Lorne. “There has been no shortage of large investigative files over those five years, most of which have originated from concerned area residents.” Near the beginning of the four-page article, which includes some stunning photographs of the area and resident hunters and their catches, Lorne tells about early Scandinavian

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Camrose FWEB District Officer Lorne Rinkel takes opportunities during his patrol of Camrose District to snap shots of the amazing landscapes and natural resources, such as this photo of the Battle River.

settlers, then delves into describing the wild landscape, wildlife and some of the treasures found throughout the Battle River and Camrose County.

As quoted from the article, “In the northeast corner of the district, one can visit the Viking Ribstones. Located on the top of a hill, at the highest point for miles around, are the only ribstones in Alberta that have not been moved since ancient times.”

The article presents a different take in the life of a Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officer and validates the work they do to protect our natural world. It is a great tribute to the natural wonders and little gems that can be found within a very short distance of our own back doors.

Quoted from the article, “In the northwest corner of the Camrose District lies the Ministik Lake Bird Sanctuary, an incredible tangle (18,000

“These protected and relatively undisturbed places provide a unique view into our past, but also serve to predict the future success of humankind,” added Lorne, during an interview.

The article also pays homage to the legal sport of hunting and fishing with photographs taken (with permission) by Lorne of people who have enjoyed some of the area’s amazing spots for the sport.

Whether driving the back roads of the County, hiking the badlands located near Meeting Creek or just sitting atop a hill overlooking the infinite stretch of the Battle River, Lorne has been fortunate to experience this countryside like no other.

“One of my favorite quotes that still rings true today is from past President of the USA, Theodore Roosevelt, who said, ‘To waste, to destroy our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land instead of using it so as to increase its usefulness, will result in undermining in the days of our children the very prosperity which we ought by right to hand down to them amplified and developed.’ This is so true today and will remain so for all times.” The Western Canadian Game Warden magazine is available at a number of retail locations for purchase, and is well worth the read. In a year when RVing

One of the benefits of patrolling such a large district is being able to take in the sites during all seasons, including Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary located approximately 30 minutes north of Camrose

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Every season holds its own beauty waiting to be experienced such as the fall colours of the Meeting Creek valley with shades of golds, oranges and greens.

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster and interest in local tourism has increased exponentially, having resources such as these articles about our incredible county and province is a definite

bonus. acres) of thick brush, beaSubmitted ver dams, and wandering Sunsets in the Battle River area are very much comparable to those in any tropical location. creeks.” Residents are encouraged to get out and enjoy without leaving the area.