An early closure on Cavell road is certainly required. The long and winding road is handling all of the traffic it can in such bumpy shape, and we support making those switchbacks safer.

However the health of the caribou herd throws a wrench into this project. By improving the road for cars, skiers and such, we are also improving the road for wolves, who in turn feed upon the dwindling herd. Increased access equals increased predation, so the theory goes. Yet if snow is allowed to accumulate on the road, deep snow-hating wolves will be less likely to travel up the mountain to prey upon caribou, whose main defence is their ability to get into hard to reach places. 

There are so many variables in this decision affecting caribou, wolf, moose, humans and other species potentially not considered at this point.
But one thing is almost a certainty. The road closure will not be a one year event.

In order for scientists to obtain decent, scientifically defensible data, the road will need to remain closed for at least a few years. So while Parks is announcing the road will be closed until February this year, there is a likelihood the closure will become an annual event. It will be up to the community and Parks to find the fine balance between healthy caribou herds and acceptable usage of the Cavell road. This is the compromise.

This means less visits to Cavell meadows, one less tourist attraction for those seeking the paved ‘Path of the glacier’ experience, more potential pressure on other such attractions (Maligne Canyon) and a tougher winter for the Sunwapta wolf pack. It’s also one less opportunity for the public to see caribou.

If the road closure results in a healthier caribou pack, the plan will be considered a success. However the decision could have a domino effect, and if the wolves still find another way to easily access the caribou, other measures will be pursued. Time will tell what those measures could be.