Conservation group seeks judicial review of Kananaskis logging permit over bull trout habitat

Timberwolf Wilderness Society has launched a legal action seeking a judicial review of a federal permit that authorized West Fraser Timber to build a bridge over the Highwood River and 13 other temporary river crossings in the Loomis Creek and Upper Highwood area of Kananaskis Country.

The conservation group argues the project, approved by Fisheries and Oceans Minister Joanne Thompson in late 2025, "may result in harm, harassment or killing of the threatened bull trout" and could damage or destroy critical habitat. Bull trout are listed as a threatened species under both federal and Alberta legislation.

Timberwolf's court filing contests whether the temporary bridges represent "the best solution after considering all reasonable alternatives." The group argues the federal department failed to address watershed-scale effects of the logging operation and did not meaningfully assess less harmful alternatives. The filing also notes that the DFO has not yet issued its required five-year recovery strategy report for bull trout, and there is "no evidence" the population decline has been halted.

Dave Mayhood, a science adviser for Timberwolf, said the written justification for the permit "simply didn't have evidence to support their explanation for why they issued the permit." He added that "in the case of the Upper Highwood, their habitat is perfectly fine the way it is, and it can't be improved."

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Southern Alberta has filed as an intervenor in the case. A 2025 study by the group identified the Upper Highwood River area as critical habitat and a "major spawning and rearing area for bull trout."

West Fraser has emphasized the mitigation measures it has put in place. The original project, which began under Spray Lakes Sawmills, was planned to harvest about 1,100 hectares. According to the revised plan, the harvest has been reduced to 556 hectares.

The office for the Minister of Fisheries declined to comment, citing the matter being before the courts. None of the allegations have been tested in court.