Where鈥檚 Frankie?
This time last year, a male caribou became a local celebrity. Nicknamed 鈥淔rankie Thunder Bowl鈥� after the Thunder Bowl ski run, Frankie spent most of the winter on or near Marmot Basin.
For many people, even long-time residents, Frankie was the first caribou they鈥檇 seen in the wild. Having a caribou spend that much time on the ski hill was something new.
Marmot Basin took the initiative to protect Frankie, working with Parks Canada to keep the caribou and ski area patrons safe. Armed with spotting scopes, roving Parks Canada Caribou Ambassadors offered a close-up look at Frankie and insight into Jasper鈥檚 caribou.
While people are on the lookout for Frankie, on-going conservation actions are in place to protect all caribou in Jasper National Park. Parks continues to collaborate with partners and stakeholders, monitor and assess actions, and implement changes that support caribou conservation and enhance visitor experience in the park. Through this process, two changes have been implemented this winter.
Caribou speed zone on Highway 93N
Jasper National Park is a premier destination for wildlife watching with animals often seen right along the roads. On Highway 93, sightings of caribou have been recorded almost every year since 1955 on a stretch that runs through the range of the Brazeau herd.
To help protect these caribou, a seasonal caribou speed zone has been in place since 2005. This year, after detailed review and assessment, this action is being revised. To improve the winter driving experience, raise awareness and encourage greater compliance, the speed zone will be shifted to the north, be slightly shorter, and will be in effect for a shorter season.
These changes take into account where and when the area has been used by the Brazeau caribou herd over the last decade, as well as road conditions (primarily sightlines) and feedback from the public.
The caribou speed zone is in effect from Feb. 1 to May 31, inclusive. Please respect the 70 km/hr speed limit, you may even be rewarded with a glimpse of a caribou along the way.
The area is 16 km long and includes the Sunwapta Warden Station and the Beauty Creek Hostel on Highway 93.
Delayed winter access
Winter is the perfect time to explore Jasper National Park. Before you head out, take a moment to learn about what鈥檚 new this year for both winter recreation and woodland caribou conservation at www.pc.gc.ca/jasperwinter.
As of 2014, all important winter habitat of Jasper鈥檚 caribou is protected. Delayed winter access prevents users from packing down trails that make it easier for wolves to access caribou habitat.
These areas are all open for winter recreation later in the season when days are longer and temperatures are generally warmer.
Assessment of the delayed access conservation action is on-going and includes wolf and caribou monitoring and public engagement. Changes may be made that would contribute to caribou conservation while enhancing winter recreational opportunities.
This year, the Moose Lake Loop, as well as a section of trail to Trapper Creek at Maligne Lake, was opened on a trial basis. The intent is to add to the winter experiences at Maligne Lake without impacting the surrounding areas. This will be evaluated on a yearly basis to ensure that it does not impact the area鈥檚 caribou conservation actions.
Your cooperation in respecting the delayed access boundaries is essential for these actions to be successful.
The Cavell/Tonquin areas open for winter use on Feb. 16, followed by all other areas on Feb. 29.
Parks Canada
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