The What we heard document, which was posted on the Parks Canada website on March 26, is a 17-page summary of questions and comments from two workshops—which included a total of 204 participants—held in Edmonton and Jasper in February. In the document, Parks Canada attempts to answer many of the questions presented at the workshops, while citing historical and scientific data. The document also includes a list of comments that Parks felt reflected personal opinion and general commentary and therefore Parks did not include a response.
Part of the document includes a list of alternatives to the proposed winter use restrictions. These include adjustments to the closure areas so that key recreational areas are not cut off or only closing two areas instead of all areas. Some of the suggestions were more specific and involved closing certain roads while keeping others open. Another suggestion was to allow earlier access via helicopter. Rotating closures based upon snow conditions was also suggested.
In regard to alternative winter use areas, some workshop participants suggested there were few areas that could be considered as the proposed closure areas provide the only easy access to the alpine in the park. Other participants believed that facilities and infrastructure would be required to accommodate alternative backcountry use areas, as distance would necessitate longer touring times. One participant suggested building a road into the Elysium Pass area for winter backcountry use.
Access to the What we heard document, as well as information on current caribou conservation efforts, can be found at . Comments in regard to the proposed caribou conservation actions in Jasper National Park can be sent to [email protected].
