Fresh tracks at Maligne
The Maligne Valley opened Sunday, March 1, after its first year under delayed winter access to protect the valley’s dwindling caribou herd.
The delay was instated by Parks Canada in an effort to prevent the creation of packed ski trails into the alpine. This is because those trails are believed to help wolves reach important caribou habitat in a time when deep snow often limits that access.
The seasonal closure came into effect at the end of December and included the subalpine and alpine areas of the Maligne Range from Signal Mountain southeast of Highway 93 and west of the Maligne River; the slopes to the West of Highway 93 between Bubbling Springs and the Beauty Creek hostel, Poboktan Creek Trail and the Brazeau Loop.
That area is now open because, usually at this time of the year, the snow naturally compacts, so packed trails are less likely to offer wolves an unnatural advantage.
Some of the trails that are now open include the Signal fire road, Watchtower Trail, Bald Hills, Moose Loop, Maligne Pass, Shangrila and the Evelyn Connector.
Warrant issued for Vena’s arrest
Federal prosecutors have been granted a warrant for the arrest of Theodore Vena, after he failed to show up for a Feb. 26 court date.
Vena is facing six charges related to trafficking cocaine, which stem from a December drug best executed by the Jasper RCMP, in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies in the region.
Vena first faced a judge Jan. 22. During his brief appearance, Judge L. E. Nemirsky granted the Jasperite more time to hire a lawyer and review the facts of his case. He was supposed to return for election and plea Feb. 26.
When he didn’t show up on that day, the judge issued a warrant for his arrest, at the request of the federal prosecutor.
Donald Roop, the other Jasperite charged in relation to the drug bust, last appeared in court Feb. 12, where he pleaded not guilty. Roop elected to have his case heard by a provincial court judge July 9.
Celebrating women’s wisdom
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Jasper Adult Learning Centre is hosting women from every generation to share a few of the lessons they’ve learned.
Women’s Wisdom is an afternoon tea that will run from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the learning centre on March 8, and will include women from across the community, including Paula Klassen, Grace Kohn, Marnie Ottoway, Janet Barker and Jill Stafford.
All of the proceeds raised through ticket sales will go toward the Yellowhead Emergency Shelter. Tickets are $10.
