PARKS IN PERIL
Mr. Bill Fisher
Director General
Western and Northern National Parks
Parks Canada, 1550, 635 - 8 Ave, S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2P 3M3
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Park Warden Alumni Society
7 Glenport Road
Cochrane, Alberta
T4C 1G8
March 8, 2011
Dear Sir;
It has come to the attention of the Park Warden Alumni Society of Alberta, and a number of concerned former Parks Canada employees, that there appears to be a redirection of park priorities in the review and update of the park management plan process. The apparent shift in park management to a tourism priority, rather than one of conservation and preservation of natural and cultural resources is of great concern to many Canadians.
An example of grave concern for many of us is the present review of the Jasper Management Plan which allows for the possible development of a “skywalk” project at Tangle ridge. Brewster Transport’s “conceptual approval” of such a project which is in a wildlife sensitive, and in a physically restrictive highway corridor, is most alarming. A considerable number of mountain sheep use this location on a year round basis, and are certain to be disturbed (and fed!) with the construction of an “attraction” and the resultant increased numbers of visitors at this specific location. Mountain sheep may well be forced to relocate from established good habitat to a poor or marginal one. Traffic is congested at Tangle ridge now, with slow moving RVs headed uphill, and fast moving northbound traffic navigating a ninety degree corner at the summit, as well as visitor foot traffic at Tangle Falls. Any increase in visitor traffic at this location will prove chaotic and dangerous.
As for the structure of a plastic “viewing platform” over the edge at Tangle ridge, we find the concept revolting and degrading in a National Park. Are National Parks becoming a Disneyland concept to “entertain” visitors? A similar structure at the Grand Canyon is not in the National Park, but rather joins an array of tacky tourist attractions on reservation lands nearby. Shame on Parks Canada for even thinking of approving such an eyesore in our National Parks!
The reality of this attempt to increase visitor appreciation at Tangle ridge is that there are much more spectacular opportunities for viewing of the alpine and glaciated areas nearby. Why not encourage visitors to ascend the Wilcox Pass trail for spectacular views of Sunwapta Pass, the Columbia Icefields, and the surrounding mountains? Parker Ridge, Tangle Falls or Stanley Falls are all excellent walks with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. A guided walk up one of several already established trails in the area, and Brewster Transport employing summer students to conduct them for a fee, would provide a most worthy visitor experience and contribute to more knowledge of park resources.
The Park Warden Alumni Society collectively represents several hundred years of conservation/protection experience in our National Parks. All the ecological gains made over the decades will be for nought, if Parks continues to head its present direction. Parks need to refocus their efforts, and realign their present priorities, to regain the public trust in the conservation and protection of both natural and cultural resources in our National Parks. Appropriate visitor activities, which maintain and foster enjoyment of the natural landscape, should be mandatory. Gimmicks or gadgets to attract visitors at any moral cost, degrades the long established values of National Parks.
It appears to be a possibility, that Parks may well risk losing the designation of World Heritage Site, if inappropriate visitor activities are allowed and promoted. Perhaps Parks should consider a name change to National Amusement Parks, if present trends continue.
Yours sincerely,
Rod Wallace
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Park Warden Alumni Society of Alberta
cc. Mr. Greg Fenton
Superintendent, Jasper National Park
