The City of Edmonton is conducting an Integrated Natural Areas Conservation Plan.  It's an on-line survey that may only be completed by residents of Edmonton and will take approximately 10-15 minutes.

The City defines a natural area as "An area of land and/or water especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means." Areas designated for protection are >1 hectare in size. Areas such as groomed parks, recreational areas for sports, and schoolyards are not included in this definition.

Most of the City's natural areas are within the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System (NSRVRS) and protection measures are contained within the "Ribbon of Green - North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System Master Plan." Ecologically significant areas in the City's 'tablelands' first identified in 1993 are addressed under Policy C-467, entitled "Conservation of Natural Sites in Edmonton's Table Lands." The Policy states that "the City of Edmonton will encourage the conservation and integration of as many Environmentally Sensitive and Significant Natural Areas into Edmonton's future urban environment as are sustainable and feasible." Most of these natural areas are at the City's fringes, on undeveloped and/or agricultural land.

It is also important to note that many natural areas are not publicly owned - that is, they are located on private lands - and the City has no legislative instrument to impel landowners to comply with conservation measures. At the same time, it should be noted that voluntary participation of landowners in conservation efforts has been excellent.

The Integrated Natural Areas Conservation Plan is intended to bring all natural areas under the same protection measures and to conserve those areas as a connected network of natural areas, maintaining a healthy environment for the City's wildlife and human inhabitants, and ensuring the many benefits provided by natural areas. Many sites have been identified in connection with significant plant and animal species.

To participate in the study, simply log onto http://naturalareas.saleient.com and follow the instructions.

The events of the last three weeks have been incredibly unfortunate, it is with great shock and sadness that we note the recent passing of Brian Kullman. Brian was an avid racer and long-time member of the Synergy Racing Cycle Club. He was a frequent competitor at ABA road and cyclo-cross events, and was well-known and well-liked amongst the racing community. Those familiar with Brian knew him for his social character and warm personality. He will be remembered for the numerous and gracious hugs he offered fellow racers. He will be remembered fondly and missed greatly and we wish to express our condolences and deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Brian, and to the members of the Synergy Racing Cycle Club.  The address of the Brian Kullman memorial blog with transcripts from the service as well as photos and video of the memorial ride is http://briankullman.blogspot.com/

Sherri Zickefoose, Calgary Herald

A friend of a well- known Calgary cyclist shot to death last week has been arrested at the airport trying to leave the country, police said Thursday. Police have charged the 35-year-old man with second-degree murder, arson and fraud after Brian Kullman was killed and his body dumped near Bragg Creek. Suspicious banking activity involving Kullman's account helped lead detectives to the suspect, said Staff Sgt. Barry Cochran of the homicide unit. "All the evidence collected continually pointed us to our person of interest," said Cochran.

Police said they were waiting for the suspect Wednesday morning at Calgary airport after learning he had bought a one-way ticket to Italy. Bill James Pappas, 35, of Calgary was arrested at 10 a.m. without incident, police said. His flight was scheduled to leave at 1:15 p.m. for Rome, via Houston and London. Pappas and Kullman, 39, had known each other for seven years, police said. They had financial dealings in the past. Police recovered a gun Tuesday and have sent it to the crime lab. It's a registered firearm.

Kullman's disappearance quickly became a story of dark intrigue during an eight-day investigation. The popular cyclist and well services programmer was last seen alive by friends and family at his home Nov. 7. Some of Kullman's friends mentioned the suspect by name on their blogs, with a plea to contact police with information about him. It's alleged the suspect visited the home as others were leaving. A fire was deliberately set in Kullman's Inglewood home Nov. 8 to destroy evidence, police said. His silver Mercedes-Benz station wagon is believed to have been used by the suspect for days before it was recovered at a southeast parking lot. Kullman's body was found by hikers last Friday near the side of Highway 66 in Kananaskis Country, near Elbow Falls.

Kullman's family is trying to cope with the devastating news, said Cochran. "It's been a roller-coaster of emotions for them," he said. "Right now, they are certainly dealing with this as best as they can." Kullman is Calgary's 21st homicide victim of the year.

Pappas is charged with second-degree murder, as well as arson, possession of stolen property under $5,000, uttering a forged document and fraud under $5,000. He was in provincial court Thursday and appeared calm. He returns to court today.

What a weekend! From open to close the place was a madhouse and the energy flowed all day from reps, staff, customers, and of course the personalities!

HIghlights were the new SRAM Force road group on a 14.5 lbs Norco road bike! Norco's new FAze 4" cross country race bike, Trek's new 25lbs 5" travel Fuel EX 9.5, Avid's new Code and Ultra brakes, and the new color matching Specialized Toupe saddles with matching bar tape!