Jasper National Park of Canada

2006/11

FireSmart – ForestWise Forest Thinning Project

The FireSmart-ForestWise program has resumed and will continue until the end of March. Initially, work will begin adjacent to the Parks Canada and Municipal Compounds, and Stan Wright Industrial Park. Much of the debris and last winter’s slash will be carefully burned, as winter is generally a time of low fire danger. Parks Canada recognizes that smoke may cause discomfort to persons with respiratory conditions, so the crew will be taking precautions to prevent smoke from lingering in the town site.

The FireSmart-ForestWise Crew is the result of a working partnership between Parks Canada and the Metis Nation of Alberta. The crew consists of 7 Metis youth who are developing technical skills and knowledge towards future careers, and also taking part in activities to expand their awareness of Metis traditions.

The FireSmart-ForestWise Communities Program was developed in conjunction with the Foothills Model Forest and is recognized worldwide for its success in managing forests in ways that optimize conditions for wildlife and minimize impacts to the environment. The program is good for forest health, good for the community’s security from wildfire, and a good example of a partnership that engages our community and encourages individuals to share responsibility for wildfire prevention.

If you have questions about where this work will be taking place, or concerns about smoke, please contact: Alan Westhaver, Jasper National Park, at 852-6169.

Guided Trail Bicycling Trial Update

Mountain Bikers
© Parks Canada

A public meeting was held to gauge public perception of a 2-year guided biking trial and to determine the level of interest from potential operators. A 2-year trial was chosen so that results could feed into the 2008 management plan review. Four companies applied for business licences and an environmental assessment of the activity was completed and approved. Guide qualifications, environmental mitigation measures, operating practices and evaluation criteria were established.

The four companies were offered business licences to conduct trips on a small, select suite of trails. For three of the companies, approval came too late in the summer season to actually operate. One business licence was issued. The operating business only took out one trip with one client (a journalist) in 2006. The same four companies will be offered licences under the same terms and conditions for the 2007 summer season and evaluation and public consultations will follow in the fall.

Caribou Recovery Team: An Update

Caribou
© Parks Canada

On November 9, 2006, members of the local caribou advisory group met and heard updates on the 2006 Interim Action Plan. Mark Bradley, a Wildlife Specialist with Parks Canada, Jasper National Park and head of the advisory group, provided several updates and recommendations. Please view the attached PDF for details:
Updates and Recommendations PDF

Phase I of the Jasper National Park caribou interim strategy will end in spring 2007. Phase II will incorporate views from across Canada; an invitation will be sent out to find participants for Phase II. This group will form the context of the next phase during an upcoming workshop.

For more details on Caribou Research in Jasper National Park, contact Mark Bradley at 780-852-6105. Email: mark.bradley@pc.gc.ca

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