Page 13 - Canadian Wilderness spring summer 2017

poses risks for wildlife, including species at risk, as well as for Basalt cliff and beach cobbles, Green Head,
park users. There are already many amazing opportunities Brier Isand, Bay of Fundy, NS Photo: Irwin Barrett
for visitors to enjoy Jasper and Banff National Parks without
building this exorbitantly priced and harmful new trail. BEYOND 150: CONSERVING CANADA’S NATURAL LEGACY

There needs to be much more focus on conservation and What do you think about the free
education to protect and monitor park wildlife, and to ensure passes to national parks?
visitors understand how to behave responsibly in a park to We’re interested in your thoughts:
ensure they and park wildlife are safe from harm. This will
require a significant re-investment in these programs. Parks What do you think needs to be done to ensure this year’s
Canada should also be looking at long-term strategies like free entry to national parks is a success, for park visitors
providing better public transportation to and within some parks and wildlife?
to minimize traffic.
Should access to our nbaetlioonngaltopPLaeharfolktl:tsCoSco:aSounutnahstdaeinniranunneesr?eDtsoaidvbeieenst;frboeerelcoaws.:
While the free entry initiative is exciting (and yes, many of us after 2017, given they
at CPAWS already have our passes and plan to use them!),
without careful planning and more capacity on the ground, this Beluga in St. Lawrence Estuary.
year’s spike in visitation could make an already challenging Should park management costsPbhoetcoo:Avenrsegadr eWnatilrke/Wly ibkyimtehdeia;
situation worse.
federal government, or are somfaeciunsgeprafgeee:sBaypporfoFpurnidayt,eN? S and
We are encouraged by federal Environment Minister, Catherine NB North Atlantic right whale.
McKenna’s, recent statement at the Canadian Parks Conference
in Banff that she will re-focus Parks Canada on protecting Email us your feedback at: info@Pchpoatow:sA.onrdgrew Chow.
ecological integrity, and limit development in our parks. In
January, the Minister heard from thousands of Canadians
who participated in a nationwide public consultation on the
future of Parks Canada, that they want Parks Canada to re-
focus on protecting nature as the first priority. The Minister
must formally respond to what she heard within six months.
Hopefully, this will mark the beginning of a new era for our
national parks, where protecting nature is once again the top
priority in every management decision.

Elk Island National Park,Alberta. Photo: Nadine and Jamie
Burdon (JaN Studios)

www.cpaws.org SPRING/SUMMER 2017 • Canadian Wilderness • 13