Royal Alberta Museum - Present Protection in Alberta

Some of Alberta's geological features are identified and protected by Programs administered by federal, provincial, and municipal authorities. Provincial parks are the single largest contributor to the protection and enjoyment of Alberta's natural environment. They provide a balance between natural resource protection and utilization by the public. National parks, wilderness areas, ecological reserves, and natural areas also play an important role in maintaining large, representative segments of the province. Many significant geological features are found within these areas. Some areas have been designated as ecological reserves and natural areas mainly because of their geological significance.

Examples include Red Rock Coulee Natural Area and the Athabasca Dunes Ecological Reserve.

Another important program is the Natural Heritage Protection and Education Branch of Alberta's Department of Environmental Protection. The functions of this program include the evaluation of natural features for educational, recreational, and natural heritage values. However, most of this program's focus is on ecological considerations.

Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture administers the Historical Resources Designation Program which "allows for the preservation of sites or structures of outstanding historical, natural or architectural significance in Alberta". Two Alberta examples of geological sites given Provincial Historic Resource status are the Okotoks Erratic and the Frank Slide. Fossils are considered a special resource and are protected under the Historical Resources Act.

The diversity, abundance, and quality of geological features in Alberta provide the potential to fulfill the public's desire to view and understand their natural heritage. There are several popular interpretive programs in Alberta. A network of interpreted sites would enhance the geological heritage of Alberta and benefit the tourism industry. Most of the programs currently offered are in the provincial and national parks. Interpretive programs outside park boundaries would complement those within the parks by providing opportunities for education on other Crown and private lands.