Jacques Lake

Parks Canada will be surveying the bull trout population in Jacques Lake at the end of July. Nine years ago, aquatic specialist Ward Hughson surveyed the bull trout in the lake to establish a baseline. This long weekend, Ward along with a group of volunteers, will be sampling the fish population again to assess any population changes. This data contributes to a better understanding of the long term ecological integrity in Jasper National Park.

Canada’s New Campfire song

Parks Canada and CBC Radio 2 have collaborated on the creation of “Canada’s New Campfire Song” – The Park Song. CBC Radio 2 commissioned Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah Harmer to compose this new song for exclusive use and broadcast by the network. The lyrics were adapted by Jim Corcoran and the French title is La chanson des parcs. Sarah Harmer recorded the English and French versions of the song and it is now available for listening on CBC Radio 2’s website (www.cbc.ca/radio2). Lyrics and song sheets are available on Parks Canada’s main website at www.parkscanada.gc.ca

Parks Trails

The cougar warning is still in effect in the Roche Miette, Hidden Valley and Disaster Point areas. Parks Canada staff investigated two cougar kills involving mountain sheep on July 20 and 21 at Disaster Point. To stay safe while hiking in this area, do not take your dog, carry bear spray, travel in groups of four people or more and closely supervise small children.

As a reminder, trail users may encounter Parks Canada staff on ATVs this summer. Visitor Safety Specialists continue to assess each trail to determine the potential use of a new ATV stretcher for emergency responses. In the past, rescue teams have pushed wheeled stretchers or used helicopter sling rescue to access casualties on frontcountry or backcountry trails. If helicopters are not available and a public safety incident occurs kilometres from the trailhead, Parks Canada is considering using the ATV as a tool for more efficient rescues. For more information contact Garth Lemke 780-852-6155. 

Canada Day Poster Challenge

As part of the Parks Canada Centennial celebrations, the Department of Canadian Heritage launched the Canada Day Poster Challenge for youth ages five to 18. Young Canadians were invited to design a poster that illustrated their pride in Canada and in being Canadian. Grand Prize winners have been chosen from each province and territory and will be travelling to Alberta in August to experience the mountain national parks. Thanks to transportation provided by Brewster Travel Canada, the lucky winners visit Jasper on Aug. 10 and 11 to enjoy hiking, canoeing and rock climbing with Parks Canada Palisades Stewardship Education Centre staff as well as a ride up the Jasper Tramway.