Review of management plan presented

Jasper National Park superintendent Greg Fenton emphasized the need to build on the strengths of strategic goals and to determine what new actions need to take place by way of public engagement on issues of concern at Parks Canada’s annual public forum at the Activity Centre the evening of March 18.

Fenton’s presentation also underscored the importance of working with aboriginal communities to reconnect them with heritage territories and to facilitate “active involvement” in current programs and to develop new ones. 

About 50 people attended the open house and presentation, which focused on the successes of the past year, as well as on longer term strategic goals codified in the Management Plan. 

Attendees made their way around a number of stations on the periphery of the multipurpose hall, where Parks Canada staff provided detailed information regarding recreational activities, at-risk species such as caribou, forest health, and Aboriginal engagement and relationships. 

The formal part of the evening centered around a video-taped address by Environment Minister Jim Prentice, the federal politician responsible for national parks. In addition to discussing his affinity for nature and conservation, Prentice spoke about establishing common ground on many issues and that preservation requires a collaborative effort between the government and public as the community of Jasper has demonstrated, especially since the establishment of the municipality. Prentice also pointed out the fact that Jasper National Park is a “much loved symbol for Canada” and needs to be protected in order to “enrich” the lives of future generations.

Fenton followed Prentice’s speech with his second annual State of the Park Report for 2008. According to the report, “ecological integrity is rated in fair condition with a stable trend”; “cultural resources are rated in fair condition, with stable to improving trends”; and “visitor experiences and learning opportunities are rated fair, with improving trends.” 

Shawn Cardiff, manager of land-use policy and planning for Parks discussed in greater detail the management plan review, which occurs every five years as dictated by the Canada National Parks Act, as part of the 15-year Park Management Plan. One of the initiatives Cardiff highlighted was the market-based approach to visitors, which studies the different ways that people use the park and the different motivations for coming to Jasper. Parks will be utilizing the services of a marketing expert for this initiative. 

There was also a chance for members of the public to ask questions regarding Park plans, which were answered by Fenton. Six people asked questions on a range of topics from trail use to special events, to the concentration and location of trees on the Icefields Parkway.

The management plan will be reviewed during the fall and sent to Parliament for approval in late 2009 or early 2010. For more information, visit www.pc.gc.ca/jasper. There is also an online forum that will be available shortly for public involvement. To participate in the forum send an email to parks.chats@pc.gc.ca to register.