Cold Lake First Nations is looking to partner with the M.D. of Bonnyville on a long-term plan to improve how some of the region’s most-used Crown land recreation areas are managed — before increasing pressure leads to permanent damage.

During the April 28 council meeting, representatives Nicole Nichols and Finlay McDermad presented a proposal focused on four key locations: Sandy Beach, May Lake, Bork Lake and the Martineau River.

While no funding was requested, the presentation was positioned as a starting point for collaboration, with the goal of aligning local recreation planning with broader regional strategies.

The representatives explained that their department already manages a significant amount of off-reserve land, with responsibilities that include environmental monitoring, land-use planning, and operating recreation sites under contract. That work includes facilities such as English Bay and the local air weapons range, giving them direct experience managing public-use spaces.

A key message throughout the presentation was that many Crown land areas are already being used heavily — just without structure. According to the presenters, the lack of management is leading to issues such as illegal dumping, wildfire risk, off-highway vehicle damage, and overall environmental degradation.

Rather than large-scale development, their approach focuses on what they described as “hardening” these sites — adding basic infrastructure such as fire rings, washrooms and defined access points to guide how the land is used. The goal is to shift these areas from informal stopping points into safer, more sustainable day-use destinations for families.

The proposal also reflects a backcountry management approach, emphasizing the protection of the land’s environmental and cultural significance. Representatives noted that many of these areas hold archaeological and cultural value for Cold Lake First Nations, adding another layer of importance to their development and maintenance.

At the same time, they acknowledged that working within provincial systems presents challenges. Certain types of land agreements cannot be held directly by First Nations and often require third-party or non-profit intermediaries. That adds complexity to managing or transferring responsibility for recreation infrastructure such as trails and facilities.

The timing of the proposal also ties into the draft South Athabasca subregional plan. With engagement on that plan now closed, the presenters said working with the M.D. of Bonnyville is an important step in ensuring local priorities are reflected in future regional planning decisions.

Council did not make any immediate decisions on the proposal. Instead, it was accepted as information, allowing administration to review the concept and explore what a potential partnership could look like.

The discussion reflects a broader challenge facing many rural municipalities — balancing increased demand for outdoor recreation with the need to protect natural areas.

As more people turn to Crown land for camping, trail use and day trips, the question is no longer whether these areas will be used, but how they will be managed.

For now, the proposal remains in its early stages, but it opens the door to future conversations about recreation planning, environmental stewardship, and regional collaboration in the Lakeland.