After months of gathering public input, Parks staff is currently sifting through more than 500 comments on the new Jasper National Park management plan.

“We had a strong response from Canadians. Since the release of the draft plan (in Sept. 2009), we’ve had more than 400 comments and 60 written responses to the plan,” said Shaun Cardiff.

Clustered responses such as obvious form letter and email campaigns are often considered one response by Parks Canada, and are weighed in that manner, Cardiff said.

Visitor experience received the greatest number of responses, as there was a divide on the language used in the plan. While several tourism advocates praised the vague language used, environmental groups called for stronger timelines and definitive actions to be included in the report. For example, a great deal of feedback called for strengthening language around caribou recovery. Parks Canada is working on a caribou strategy for all mountain parks in order to improve the survival of the species.

“There are folks who feel it’s too vague in wording, and others feel it’s a welcome change,” Cardiff said.

Cardiff said when conflicting feedback is received, it must be weighed against the overreaching vision in the plan.

“We’re still organizing the responses, but there was praise for the clarity and welcoming tone of the plan, and others raising concerns to ensure the plan doesn’t erode the ecological integrity of the Park,” Cardiff said.

Parks also received comments on approved activities in the park. He reiterated that Parks Canada will look at new activities that reflect the nature of the park. One such activity currently in use is the Metis privately-run historic tours taking place in Wapiti campground.

The public also warned against changes to declared wilderness areas, which make up the majority of the park.

Management plans from all of the mountain parks will be examined, to ensure consistency through the parks, Cardiff said.

“We’ll compare it across all of the mountain parks so we can produce a better plan that responds to the public.”

The plan is scheduled to be sent to CAO Alan Latourelle on March 12, 2010. It is then expected to go to Environment Minister Jim Prentice for approval. This was also the first time the plan was taken to Edmonton to gather feedback. JNP also approached several aboriginal groups for feedback.

Cardiff said there is a chance the minister could send it back for changes, but Ottawa is very in tune with the progress of the plan.

While the feedback isn’t public at this time, a summary of the comments will be available after the plan is passed.