Livingstone/Macleod MLA Pat Stier says he has one issue he'll be keeping a close eye on over the summer.

That's the closure of several areas for off-highway vehicles in his riding, which is something he's been fighting against since the NDP made the announcement last Fall.

"One of the most interesting things that's coming up for Southern Alberta is the closure of a lot of these areas, by the Environment and Parks Ministry, around the Castle, Livingstone and Porcupine Hills. And that's going to affect a lot of people that like to random camp. And a lot of people who used to like to use their off highway vehicles out there to see some beautiful scenery they normally couldn't get a chance to see just hiking."

He says there's still a lot of opposition to the move in the riding.

Stier, who won't be running in next year's provincial election says he's been getting a lot of love since the legislature broke for the summer.

"No matter where I go, people are pumping my hand and thanking me for my service, because as you know I made the decision a few months ago to not put my name forward for the next election. It's been gratifying and humbling frankly, to have these people come up to you, including just recently at the Black Diamond parade where so many people came up to shake my hand. I was just so thankful for that."

Stier says he'll be kept busy over the summer with a whole bunch of parade appearances, and what is usually a very busy time for him at the Calgary Stampede.

 

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