Jasper Park - playground for the rich?

January 8, 2010

2009 Jasper National Park Management Plan:

A misguided step that will create a playground for the rich at the expense of Jasper’s sensitive wildlife, ecosystems and traditional visitor experience? 

In November 2009 Parks Canada released a 10-Year Management Plan for Jasper National Park and its direction has caused concern for CPAWS.  This new management plan for Jasper National Park will guide its activities for the next ten to fifteen years, as such CPAWS Northern Alberta urges Albertans to make sure this is how they want their beloved National Park managed.

While CPAWS welcomes Parks Canada’s intention of creating a Canadian public that sees themselves as stewards of National Parks we feel the new plan is deeply misguided, promoting new non-traditional uses at the expense of Jasper’s sensitive wildlife, ecosystems and traditional visitor experiences.  CPAWS Northern Alberta is asking the public to help us in standing up to a private recreational airstrip, new gravel pits, and commercial activities in ecologically sensitive wilderness areas in Jasper National Park.  Instead, let’s have a plan to recover the declining caribou herd and threatened grizzly bear populations while encouraging traditional low-impact park experiences for all visitors.

Given that there are substantial changes needed to revise the Plan to bring it into accordance with the National Parks Act we would like to request a second review process subsequent to the revisions of the proposed Plan by Parks Canada. Because of the value of national parks to all citizens of Canada, we suggest this review process should include consultation in Edmonton, Ottawa and other major centres.  The Plan makes occasional reference to including Canadians in the management of Jasper National Park however it does not outline a plan (or provide indicators of success) outlining how this will be accomplished.  It has become increasingly clear over the years that there has been a greater emphasis on community-driven consultation programs within the Park.  While CPAWS see’s the value in this there is also a danger that without the input of other Canadian’s such community-based involvement creates a conflict of interest situation. The final result of such consultations could end up benefiting community businesses and members at the expense of ecological integrity. Members of CPAWS Northern Alberta would like to be involved in helping Parks Canada create a plan to involve more Canadians. 

Please see the attached Position Piece for CPAWS Northern Alberta's reaction to Parks Canada's Management Plan for Jasper National Park, the issues we have with it and our suggested solutions. 
Write your own letters to Parks Canada

Parks Canada's Draft Management Plan for Jasper National Park:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/index_e.asp
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/plan/Jasper_National%20_Park_Draft_Management%20Plan_Nov_24_2009.pdf


For further media information please contact: Katherine Thompson, Executive Director, CPAWS Northern Alberta