STATE OF THE PARK REPORT

JASPER NATIONAL PARK OF CANADA

February 2005

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 1

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 3 Ecological Integrity Condition and Trend...... 3 Visitor Experience Condition and Trend ...... 5 Public Education and Awareness Condition and Trend ...... 5 Cultural Resource Management Condition and Trend...... 5 An Assessment of the State of Ecological Integrity...... 10 Park-wide and Regional Ecosystem Indicators or Measures ...... 10 Ecosystem-Specific Indicators...... 27 Montane Ecosystem Indicators ...... 27 Subalpine ecosystem Indicators ...... 34 Alpine Ecosystem Indicators...... 36 Aquatic Ecosystem Indicators...... 38 Human Dimensions of Ecological Integrity (Stewardship) Indicators ...... 44 Improved water quality ...... 45 Summary Assessment of the State of Ecological Integrity of Jasper National Park...... 48 An Assessment of the state of Visitor experience ...... 50 an Assessment of the state of cultural resources...... 62 Summary Assessment of the State of Cultural Integrity ...... 65 Management Actions...... 65 The Next Five Years...... 67

Appendix A: Jasper National Park of Canada Management Plan Implementation of Key Actions under Strategic Goals...... 68 Appendix B: Ecosystem models ...... 88 Selected References...... 92

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This is the first State of the Park Report for Jasper National Park. The report is a public document that is prepared on a five-year cycle. It will contribute to setting the scope for the Jasper National Park management plan review process scheduled to commence in 2004. It will also contribute to the State of Protected Heritage Areas Report to Parliament and Canadians, which is presented every two years by the Parks Canada Agency.

In this State of the Park Report (SOPR), we summarize current knowledge about the park’s ecological integrity, the quality of visitor experience that the park provides, public education, and management of cultural resources. Condition and trends in park ecosystems are evaluated using a suite of long-term indicators derived from the 2000 Jasper National Park management plan. Where regional data offer further insights into these conditions and trends, we discuss these data as well. This document reports on Parks Canada’s success at securing the ecological integrity of Jasper National Park for future generations through implementation of the management plan, and helps to ensure the results of park monitoring are taken into account in decision-making.

Key objectives in the park management plan include: • Promote high-quality visitor experiences based on the park’s ecological and cultural heritage; • Preserve and strengthen the ecological integrity of the park in ways that integrate social, and economic values; • Establish clear limits to development associated with appropriate visitor activities; • Support Parks Canada’s initiative to renew heritage presentation; and, • Engage community, neighbors and interested stakeholders in protecting and presenting Jasper National Park.

ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY CONDITION AND TREND

A qualitative review of monitoring data for trends and condition suggests that Jasper National Park, overall, has good ecological integrity and a stable to deteriorating trend, with the exception of the highly important montane ecoregion, which has fair ecological integrity and is deteriorating.

At the regional scale, the condition of ecological integrity is good and the trend is deteriorating. Native vertebrate species and vascular plants, with the exception of the bison, are present over most of their historic range. Indications of concern are most evident in large vertebrate mammals such as the woodland caribou – which exists in several discrete population units most of which are declining and one of which, the Little Smoky herd, is under imminent risk of extirpation – and the grizzly bear which, although more abundant than during much of the twentieth century and still widely distributed, is experiencing higher rates of adult female mortality than can be sustained. Primary concerns at the regional scale are increasing habitat fragmentation due to resource development activities in the petroleum and forestry sectors, and the impacts of a steadily expanding road network.

At the park scale, ecological integrity is good and generally stable. The park’s large size and extensive wilderness backcountry, primarily subalpine and alpine, sustains viable populations of most native species and enables natural ecological processes like fire, flooding and predation to continue. Indications of concern at the park scale are the continuing decline of the south Jasper woodland caribou population and indications of climate Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 3 change such as the retreat of A place has ecological integrity when it has a full range of its naturally occurring plant alpine glaciers and expanding and animal species, when the ecological processes that sustain its ecosystems are populations of mountain pine working normally, and when the amount of unnatural stress on nature is below the level beetles that were formerly that would damage it. confined to milder areas west of Jasper National Park. The For the purpose of this report, then, the following qualitative terms are used to describe 2003 Syncline and 2000 the current state of ecological integrity: Moab Lake fires contributed Good: most native plants and animals present throughout their historic range; ecological processes like fire, flooding and predation at play throughout the significantly to restoration of area; unnatural stresses like pollution are limited to a few locations or low a more natural fire regime. intensity. The montane portion of Fair: some species are missing or limited to only part of their historic range; Jasper National Park – about ecological processes are not the main drivers of change in the ecosystem or play 7% of the park area – is a more limited role than they would under natural conditions; the ecosystem is confined primarily to the beginning to change because of unnatural stressors. lower Athabasca, Miette and Poor: many species are missing or limited in range; ecological processes are Maligne valleys. Ecological impaired or no longer at play; unnatural stressors are the main drivers of integrity of this vitally ecosystem condition. important region is fair and Considering the current condition of ecological integrity is only part of the picture; no deteriorating. Indications of less important is to consider the trend in condition over time. In this report, ecological concern include the absence integrity is considered to be improving if there are signs that it is moving from poor to or rarity of wary carnivores fair, or from fair to good. It is considered to be declining if there are signs that it is from areas of high moving from good to fair, or from fair to poor. If there is little evidence that condition is recreational use, persistent changing, then trend is considered stable. and expanding populations of alien species such as General ratings of condition and trend are qualitative and subject to debate, given that Dalmatian toadflax and different indicators of ecosystem health may tell conflicting stories. For this reason, eastern brook trout, failure of readers are encouraged to read the detailed text for greater clarity. aspen stands to regenerate due to chronic over-browsing by elk, high human-caused mortality for some species and proliferating off-trail recreational use by people who are not finding their recreational needs to be adequately met by existing park facilities.

The park’s aquatic ecosystems have fair ecological integrity and the trend is improving. Historically, aquatic habitats have been impaired both by introduction of non-native fishes for angling, and by dams, culverts, berms and other structures that interrupted natural water cycles and cut portions of streams off from one another. Some progress has been made in reducing pollution in the Athabasca River, restoring connectedness in stream systems that had been blocked by dams or culverts, and introducing new regulations that reduce stress to native fish populations from angling. The spread of non-native fishes remains a concern.

In the human dimension of ecological integrity, current condition is considered fair and the trend is improving. Research, active restoration initiatives and collaborative stewardship are focussed on priority ecological integrity issues. The local community, park visitors and interested stakeholders have become increasingly involved in a variety of programs to improve the ecological integrity of Jasper National Park – from regional land use planning and demonstration projects through the Foothills Model Forest program, to volunteer projects to restore the Mt Edith Cavell meadows and to remove biomass from overgrown forests near the Town of Jasper, to problem-solving approaches that reduce unnatural congregations of elk near the town, restore caribou habitat quality, or reduce the displacement of wary predators from important movement corridors.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 4 VISITOR EXPERIENCE CONDITION AND TREND

Visitor satisfaction with Jasper National Park is good and the trend over the past half-decade has been stable. Trail deterioration in the montane areas near the Town of Jasper has contributed to some user conflicts and displacement of recreationists onto unofficial trails (either once-abandoned human trails or wildlife trails). Similar deterioration issues have arisen in popular subalpine destinations such as the Mount Edith Cavell Meadows, Opal Hills and Wilcox Pass and conflict between hikers and horse users is a recurring issue in the Tonquin valley area during wet summers.

More than 60% of Parks Canada’s visitor use assets that support visitor experiences are rated in poor condition and deteriorating due to limited maintenance and inadequate recapitalization.

PUBLIC EDUCATION AND AWARENESS CONDITION AND TREND

The ability of Jasper National Park’s visitors to learn about the park’s heritage values is fair and stable to improving. Issues of concern include the fact that most interpretive exhibits and other fixed media were developed in the 1970s and are both dated and in deteriorated condition. Heritage interpretation programming, eliminated in the early 1990s, has been restored both through expanding opportunities and enhanced product quality in the private sector, and through re-investment in Parks Canada heritage programs.

Understanding by regional residents and stakeholders is fair and improving. This is largely due to the relationships and outreach programs made possible through Parks Canada’s involvement in the Foothills Model Forest and Province of Alberta land use planning programs.

CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CONDITION AND TREND

The integrity of Cultural Resources in JNP is fair, with generally stable trends. Most key actions relating to cultural resources in the Park Management Plan have been initiated and are ongoing. Work that remains to be done includes completion and approval of a Cultural Resource Management Plan; heritage conservation and maintenance plans for the parks ‘classified’ and ‘recognized’ federal heritage buildings; historical restoration of the Jasper Information Centre National Historic Site’s interior and landscape; and completion of cultural resource database for the park. Jasper National Park contains five national historic sites, and work is underway to complete commemorative integrity statements and management plans for these nationally-significant heritage places.

Inventory and protection of archaeological resources is ongoing and new soil disturbances are limited. Looping of the Terassen pipeline through the park is under consideration and will require attention to cultural resources including Level 1 resources at Yellowhead Pass National Historic Site.

Measurable success has been achieved in maintaining or restoring some aspects of Jasper National Park’s ecological integrity, cultural integrity and the state of visitor experience, public education and awareness. This has been accomplished, in part, by building support amongst visitors, stakeholders and residents. Throughout this document we report on actions taken to improve the state of ecological and cultural integrity and visitor experience, public education and awareness and conclude this document with an accounting of the status of key actions identified in the park management plan (Appendix A).

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 5 Introduction

Jasper National Park of Canada is a symbol of Canadian wilderness, worthy of its designation as a world heritage site. It is a place of great beauty, where nature is able to flourish and evolve in harmony with surrounding provincial lands. Canadians and people from around the globe understand and appreciate the ecological and cultural importance of this place to the region, the country and the world. All who reside in and visit Jasper National Park of Canada show dedication and provide leadership and inspiration in how people can live in harmony with their environment. Jasper National Park of Canada Management Plan 2000

The JASPER NATIONAL PARK management plan was completed in 2000. Parks Canada has a legal obligation to review park management plans every five years. This State of the Park Report (SOPR) is a public document, prepared on a five-year cycle, that will contribute to setting the scope for the Jasper National Park management plan review process scheduled to commence in 2004. It will also contribute to the State of Protected Heritage Areas Report to Parliament and Canadians, which is presented every two years by the Parks Canada Agency. Preparation of the SOPR is a requirement of the Parks Canada Guide to Management Planning.

In this SOPR, we report on Jasper National Park’s ecological integrity, trends in the quality of visitor experience, public education and awareness, and management of cultural resources. To summarize the current state of ecological integrity, we measure the condition and trends in park ecosystems using a suite of indicators or measures derived from the Park Management Plan. Indicators of quality visitor experience and public education are currently under development, however we drew from Patterns of Visitor Use study findings and other extant data sources to provide a summary assessment of these aspects of the park mandate. To assess the condition of cultural integrity, we review actions taken to meet key actions in the management plan and suggest areas where work is still needed. Where regional data offer further insights into these conditions and trends, we discuss these data as well.

In addition to assessing the current condition and trend for ecological integrity, visitor experience, public education and cultural resource management, this document summarizes progress in implementing actions prescribed by the park management plan (Appendix A). This review is intended to ensure we take the results of park monitoring into consideration in updates to the Park Management Plan and in year-to-year decision- making.

Regional Setting Jasper National Park of Canada, the Willmore Wilderness Area, and Mount Robson Provincial Park form a contiguous protected area at the heart of the Yellowhead ecosystem (Figure 1). Straddling the continental divide and covering an area of 68,000 km2, this ecosystem extends west to McBride, British Columbia; east to Edson, Alberta; north to the Kakwa River headwaters in British Columbia; and south to the Kootenay Plains. A variety of federal, provincial, and municipal agencies oversee resource protection, tourism, forestry, mining, oil and gas extraction, and energy development in the Yellowhead ecosystem.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 6

Figure 1. Jasper National Park is located east along the continental divide in the province of Alberta. Intensive land use in both Alberta and British Columbia puts pressure on the park’s ecosystems. Logging and tourism in both provinces, as well as oil and gas extraction and coal mining in Alberta, fragment regional habitat and provide relatively easy access to previously inaccessible areas of the park. Development along the Yellowhead corridor includes tourist facilities in the park’s montane eco-region. The Canadian National Railway (CNR) and the Yellowhead Trans-Canada Highway, both critical links in Canada’s national transportation system, pass through the park. Between 30 and 35 trains use the Canadian National Railway main line every day. Vehicle traffic on the Yellowhead Trans-Canada Highway has increased by approximately three percent annually and is currently estimated at more than one million vehicles a year. The Foothills Model Forest conducts research and develops demonstration projects to improve conservation of biodiversity in the whole landscape.

Currently, approximately 1.8 million people visit the park every year, while an estimated 1.4 million additional people pass through on their way to other destinations. The majority of park visitors are Canadians, nearly half from Alberta.

Jasper National Park of Canada plays a significant role in the provincial and national tourism industry. In the years ahead, many factors will enhance this significance—improved marketing, development in adjacent areas, economic and government policy, concern for the environment, improvements in science and technology, changes in visitor demographics, tourism planning and development. Environmental scans point to the influences of a strong Alberta economy, a younger and rapidly growing population, low unemployment, a favorable Canadian dollar, and international marketing partnerships. All of these will increase pressure on Canada’s mountain parks. Regional growth in the Yellowhead corridor will also generate increased demand for day-use services and facilities in Jasper National Park.

The Town of Jasper Jasper, a community of 4,700 people, is a popular service center for park visitors and the administrative center for Parks Canada and the CNR. Like other national park communities, Jasper is subject to the National Parks Act and regulations, but responsibility for its management is shared with the recently created Municipality of Jasper. The federal government has ultimate authority over planning, land use, development, and environmental issues. Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 7 The Municipality is responsible for street and sidewalk services, garbage collection, water and sewer services, structural fire protection, and community human services. This partnership reflects a common vision for stewardship of this national park and world heritage site community.

As set out in the Jasper Community Land Use Plan, new commercial growth has been capped at 9291m2, and an annual rate of commercial growth set 1.5% or 1700 m2.

A new sewage treatment plant commenced operations in June 2003. The Municipality of Jasper, the Province of Alberta and Parks Canada jointly funded this facility. The plant substantially exceeds provincial and federal standards for phosphorous removal.

Park Legislation and Policy Since the enactment of the first National Parks Act in 1930, the legislation has included a “dedication clause”. The clause states:

The national parks of Canada are hereby dedicated to the people of Canada for their benefit, education and enjoyment, subject to this Act and the regulations, and the parks shall be maintained and made use of to leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. Canada National Parks Act 4.1

Over the past 40 years, there has been increasing emphasis on the conservation of nature in national parks as a means of ensuring they remain unimpaired for future generations. The Canada National Parks Act reflects this:

Maintenance or restoration of ecological integrity, through the protection of natural resources and natural processes, shall be the first priority of the Minister when considering all aspects of the management of the parks. Canada National Parks Act 8.2

Further direction on the management of Jasper National Park is provided in the Guiding Principles and Operating Policies (1994)

Ecological Vision The ecological vision for Jasper National Park of Canada is defined in the 2000 management plan.

Jasper National Park of Canada protects and maintains the native biological diversity of this portion of the Rocky Mountains. The park is a living example of the way in which ecological values are protected in a place where appropriate kinds and levels of human activity are welcome. The park’s ecosystems and their component native species and natural processes are free to function and evolve. The park supports and is supported by the natural ecosystems of the region around it.

To maintain the park’s ecological integrity in a changing world, Parks Canada will focus on: • Promoting and cooperating in scientific studies that add to our knowledge of ecological integrity in the park and surrounding landscape and investigating the ways in which human activities influence the ecosystem; • Managing or reducing stressors that reduce biological diversity or impair ecosystem health; • Applying ecosystem-based management principles in decision making; • Restoring ecological processes, with priority given to those actions which have the potential for significant ecological benefit; • Collaborating with other land managers, neighbouring landowners and interested public

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 8 organizations to promote ecosystem sustainability and an informed human community in the Yellowhead ecosystem; and • Increasing understanding and appreciation of ecosystem processes, landscape history and conservation issues, and opportunities for stewardship among the community of people who visit, occupy or use Jasper National Park of Canada and surrounding landscapes.

Together with Banff, Kootenay and Yoho national parks, and Mount Robson, Hamber and Assiniboine provincial parks, Jasper National Park has been designated part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Park World Heritage Site, one of the largest protected areas in the world. The inclusion of Jasper in this World Heritage designation reflects the parks abundant populations of large ungulates such as elk, moose and deer, large predators including wolves, wolverines, cougars, grizzly and black bears, the Maligne Valley karst system, and the Columbia Icefields, one of two hydrological apexes in the world.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 9 AN ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY

Parks Canada assesses the ecological conditions in Jasper National Park by monitoring park-wide or regional indicators and ecosystem-specific indicators. Parks Canada evaluates its success at integrating high-quality visitor experiences with the needs of wildlife and ecosystems by monitoring indicators that represent the ecological well being of the Park. These indicators or measures and targets or thresholds are consistent with the management plan in that they are either listed in Section 3.12. Indicators of Ecological Integrity (Table 1 – Indicators of Ecological Integrity), or represent efforts to address strategic goals, objectives, or key actions in the JN P management plan. These latter indicators/measures and targets/thresholds are listed as ‘(proposed)’ in the following summary tables. In most cases the indicators/measures and targets/thresholds are consistent with the ecosystem conservation priorities, 2003 through 2005 – a companion document to the JASPER NATIONAL PARK management plan that provides more specific direction and priorities for meeting the management pan’s ecological integrity objectives. To complete this document, Parks Canada consulted with a wide range of stakeholders and subject matter specialists, both internal and external, to ensure the direction and priorities are consistent with those of others who share a role in maintaining or restoring ecological integrity in Jasper National Park of Canada.

With regards to reviewing the results of the JASPER NATIONAL PARK management plan to determine whether our efforts are making a positive difference towards maintaining or restoring ecological integrity, or where adjustments may be necessary, we discuss trends for each indicator or measure and then cross-reference each with the strategic management plan goal addressed by this indicator or measure. These strategic goals correspond to Appendix A, where we provide a table that documents the progress made towards implementing key actions of strategic goals from the management plan. Progress is determined as either not initiated, initiated, complete, or ongoing.

PARK-WIDE AND REGIONAL ECOSYSTEM INDICATORS OR MEASURES Parks Canada monitors a set of park-wide and regional or landscape level indicators that provide broad measures of conditions across all ecosystems in the park.

Ecological trends affecting park ecosystems include: • Indications of climate change, including significant glacier melting, spread of new insect species such as mountain pine beetle into the park from milder areas to the west, and decreasing frequency of deep snow winters; • Increased restoration of fire, both through prescribed burning and wildfires, as an ecological process influencing landscape patterns and wildlife habitat; • Two species are listed as “threatened” and one of “special concern” under the Species at Risk Act. Of these, one – woodland caribou – has declined in numbers by almost 50% in the past 16 years; • Human-caused mortality of ungulates and predators due to road and rail collisions remains high; • Previously disturbed sites in the montane are being actively restored, but are also experiencing invasion by persistent alien plant species; • Increasing trend towards loss and alienation of habitat to resource industry activities in the region; and, • Declining extent of grasslands; willow/aspen communities not reproducing; restoration is ongoing.

Regionally, trends include: • Cumulative effects of resource industry activities in the surrounding region continue to result in habitat loss and fragmentation, and increased recreational access to previously remote areas; • High levels of wildlife loss due to poaching and vehicle collisions; and, • Long-term declines in regional caribou populations. Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 10 Summary table of park-wide and regional ecosystem measures

JASPER NATIONAL Measure Target Condition Trend Action Taken PARK Management Plan Strategic Goal 3.5.1 Integrated Grizzly bear Maintain >1 breeding Grizzly bears in ? Parks Canada planning and population status female (accompanied Jasper continue to use collected vegetation management in the by young < 2 yrs old) corridors in the data to develop grizzly Yellowhead ecosystem in each landscape montane bear habitat maps for management unit the Park to identify 3.6.1 Biological (proposed) However: Regional essential habitat diversity exists at a habitat quality may be variety of scales- threatened by coal Foothills Model forest genetic, species, strip mine and access grizzly bear research community, and issues associated with expanded. Parks landscape roads Canada participates in regional working 3.11.1 Populations of group for grizzly native wildlife are conservation viable within the Annual grizzly bear 1 known grizzly bear ? Seasonal area and trail regional ecosystem mortality <1% in park mortality in the Park in closures implemented and < 3% in region 2004 (management- as required to improve 5.7.1 Human use is (proposed) related); 1 grizzly bear habitat security and managed so that the was killed on the reduce risk of Maligne Valley railroad in 2000 encounters with continues to support grizzly bears within and contribute to However: regional the Park viable populations of mortality may not be wildlife particularly sustainable: high grizzly bears, caribou levels of poaching are and harlequin ducks associated with unrestricted access on 5.9.1 Human use is proliferating roads managed so that the Tonquin Valley continues to support and contribute to viable populations of grizzly bears and caribou

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 11 JASPER NATIONAL Measure Target Condition Trend Action Taken PARK Management Plan Strategic Goal 3.6.1 Biological Species at Risk Implement recovery Parks Canada is ? Species at Risk Act is diversity exists at a plans for 100% of meeting the enacted. Parks is variety of scales- designated species at requirements of working to meet genetic, species, risk (proposed) Species At Risk Act legislative community, and for 5 listed species at requirements; landscape risk in the Park but no increased funding is recovery plans have available been implemented since plans are not Caribou research finished or approved began in 2001 to yet identify critical habitat and threats to the population

Inventories for two species are underway: Haller’s Apple Moss and Western Boreal Toad

Recovery team Parks Canada is ↑ Recovery Team representation for all meeting requirements representation for all threatened species of SARA for 5 listed threatened species (proposed) species at risk in the Park

3.5.1 Integrated Habitat loss and >5% of abandoned There are 34 active ↑ Restoration at 5th planning and alienation pits re-vegetated with and inactive pits. The bridge pit, Jasper Park management in the native plant species by total area of gravel and Lodge landfill, and Yellowhead ecosystem 2006 (proposed) sand pits is 190 ha, wood yard underway. with an average pit Remediation work is 3.8.1 Natural size of 5.6 ha. The complete at the geological processes, majority are located in Pocahontas mine including erosion and the montane. >5% are manager’s house deposition, shape the currently being re- landscape and its vegetated Cave inventories are ecosystems ongoing and access guidelines are in 3.11.1 Populations of preparation for review native wildlife are viable within regional Several Park facitlies ecosystems have been moved away from priority 6.2 - National habitat areas transportation corridors and Road densities < 0.3 69% of LMU’s in the ↓ Parks Canada secondary roads are km/km2 in regional FtMF have road participates regionally managed in a way that land management units densities greater than with other supports Parks (LMU) (proposed); 0.3 km/km2 – this stakeholders who are Canada’s commitment Road densities < 0.15 does not include making regional land- to ecological integrity km/km2 in Park additional seismic use decisions and enables visitors to (proposed) lines; The Park road experience the Park. density is 0.05 - The impact of km/km2 aircraft, and their associated facilities, on ecological integrity and visitor experience is kept to a minmum 3.10.1 Natural Extent of non-native 50% reduction in Non-native plant ↔ Six species have been Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 12 JASPER NATIONAL Measure Target Condition Trend Action Taken PARK Management Plan Strategic Goal processes maintain the plant species distribution and impact infestations are identified as priorities long-term composition of priority non-native focused along Park for 2004. Control and structure of plant species by 2006; roads, railways and plans for some species vegetation weed species near developed areas are complete; others communities eradicated or under do not yet have plans control (proposed) Control measures are prepared 6.2 - National reducing the density of transportation priority non-native Yearly, a weed crew corridors and vegetation at scientific picks and/or applies secondary roads are monitoring sites herbicide to priority managed in a way that areas to control non- supports Parks Infestations in native vegetation Canada’s commitment grasslands are a to ecological integrity concern, particularly Pipeline and and enables visitors to where these transmission experience the Park. ecosystems are heavily companies participate - Utilities have impacted by herbivory in non-native plant minimal impact on the management Park’s ecological CN Rail has not integrity conducted weed control measures during the past 3 years. Infestations along rail lines are an important cause of weed dispersal and invasion

3.6.1 Biological Caribou population Increasing population Caribou population ↓ Caribou recovery diversity exists at a status trend over three years has declined by at least planning with variety of scales- (proposed) 30% and by as much stakeholder genetic, species, as 50% since 1988. involvement is community, and underway. landscape Regionally, the A La Peche herd and the Park has received 3.11.1 Populations of Redrock-Prairie Creek multiyear funding native wildlife are herds are considered from to conduct viable within the stable in the short caribou research regional ecosystem term, but have declined from historic Park staff have 5.7.1 Human use is levels. Similarly, the collected vegetation managed so that the range of both herds data to identify what Maligne Valley has contracted in the constitutes important continues to support last decade. The Little caribou habitat, to and contribute to Smokey caribou are create regional viable populations of rapidly declining east vegetation maps with wildlife particularly of Grande Cache. remote sensing, and to grizzly bears, caribou Caribou in Banff have create regional maps and harlequin ducks declined from 20-30 of important caribou animals in the early habitat. 5.9.1 Human use is 1990’s to 5 animals in managed so that the 2004.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 13 JASPER NATIONAL Measure Target Condition Trend Action Taken PARK Management Plan Strategic Goal Tonquin Valley Recruitment >15%; Little data exist on ? Recruitment is continues to support recruitment > adult caribou calf measured by annual and contribute to mortality recruitment and surveys of radio- viable populations of mortality rates. In collared and non- grizzly bears and 2003-2004, the March radio-collared caribou. caribou calf-cow ratio was 29 These data are calves per 100 cows in difficult to interpret park. with certainty because of small numbers of Survival rates of radio-collared caribou collared caribou were and small group sizes 0.68, 1.00, 0.80 in 1989-91, 2002-03, and Adult mortality is 2003-04, respectively based on survival of radio-collared caribou 3.11.1 Populations of Human-caused <2 wolves/year 2 known wolves killed ↔ Voluntary speed zone native wildlife are wildlife mortality in (proposed) per year on average restrictions and area viable within the park between 2000-2003 closures in 2 areas regional ecosystem where there are known den sites 50% reduction in Human-caused ↓ 6.2 National black bear mortality by mortality remains high transportation 2007 -11 bears killed in Digital signs placed corridors and (proposed) 2003 along highways to secondary roads are warn drivers about Ungulates – threshold A decrease in ↑ managed in a way that wildlife in area not determined mortalities since 2000 supports Parks 0 caribou/year 1 caribou killed per ↓ Canada’s commitment Drivers for wildlife year on average to ecological integrity communication between 2000-2003 and enables visitors to campaign started experience the Park Completed fencing at Brule tunnel to reduce sheep mortality

Work with CN Rail to reduce wildlife mortality impacts related to grain spills

3.6.1 Biological Long-term average fire Area burned (50% of With the Syncline ↑ Firesmart forestwise diversity exists at a cycle and distribution the long-term fire Ridge fire, 27,000ha program initiated variety of scales- cycle representative of burned in montane and genetic, species, this region) subalpine areas in Fire program community, and 2003 accelerated due to landscape Five-yr running mountain pine beetle average: However: effects of 3.10.1 Natural Montane > 1570 ha mountain pine beetle processes maintain the Subalpine > 2500 ha are being considered long-term composition Alpine > 100 ha in future planning and structure of (proposed) efforts vegetation communities

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 14 JASPER NATIONAL Measure Target Condition Trend Action Taken PARK Management Plan Strategic Goal 3.6.1 Biological Rare habitat dynamics 5% increase in fire- Two prescribed burns ↓ In additon to two diversity exists at a maintained grasslands to restore grasslands prescribed burns variety of scales- (proposed) have been completed; mentioned previously, genetic, species, however, grasslands experimental burns community, and are shrinking overall. have been completed landscape Despite this, grassland to examine the effects condition has not of fire on aspen 3.10.1 Natural declined since the regeneration and also processes maintain the 1950s to determine the long-term composition effects of low intensity and structure of Invasive non-natives fires on Douglas fir vegetation are invading grassland stands communities area Aspen and willow Many montane stands ↓ communities are failing to progression through reproduce (especially all life stages where elk concentrate) throughout range due to herbivory and past fire suppression ↑) Condition improved (↔) Condition stable or unchanged (↓) Condition deteriorating (?) Condition unknown

Grizzly Bear Population Status Overview Primary issues related to grizzly bear population status in the park are related to regional issues of connectivity, habitat security, and mortality risk. Parks Canada will continue to be involved with the Foothills Model Forest (FtMF), the Regional Carnivore Management Working group and other provincial initiatives related to grizzly bear conservation in the Yellowhead Ecosystem.

Background Parks Canada is a partner in the Foothills Model Forest (FtMF) grizzly bear research program, which is currently entering its fifth year, and which includes both Jasper National Park and adjacent areas. Beyond this, specialists in the mountain national parks are currently examining and testing methods for monitoring grizzly bear populations using non-invasive techniques (e.g. hair snaring and genetics).

Research indicates that the primary issues affecting grizzly bear population status at this time are regional issues of connectivity, habitat effectiveness and mortality risk. These issues are primarily the result of industrial activity outside the park (See Habitat Loss and Alienation indicator).

Regarding habitat connectivity and effectiveness, one concern is the Cheviot coal strip mine. Analysis of wildlife connectivity and habitat effectiveness completed for the Cheviot Mine proposal suggested wildlife connectivity between the park and the province was being degraded. In addition, habitat effectiveness values in the province were at, or near, the lower threshold that would be expected to maintain wildlife populations (Weaver 2000). The Cheviot mine continues to be a significant issue for connectivity of the regional grizzly bear population, particularly because the short- and long-term effects of a newly constructed haul road remain uncertain.

Cheviot, however, is not the only industrial activity that impacts on habitat connectivity and effectiveness. Preliminary analysis of grizzly bear survival data from the FMF research project suggests that roads developed for access to resources along the east boundary of the park are a major mortality risk factor for grizzly bears through increased poaching and collisions (Foothills Model Forest 2003). Specifically, bears that spend more Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 15 time near roads have a higher probability of mortality due to increased contact with people who use the roads. Among 29 grizzly bear mortalities in west-central Alberta from 1999 to 2003, 38% were either due to illegal or suspected illegal kills. Female bears – the critical part of the population – comprise most of this illegal kill.

Mortality risk also modifies the relationship between grizzly bears and clearcuts (forestry) in the foothills of west-central Alberta. There, despite the fact grizzly bears select clearcuts1 (Nielsen et al 2004a), the risk of human-caused mortality increases significantly for areas with open public roads (Nielsen et al. 2004b). Without addressing this relationship, attractive sink conditions may develop where animals are drawn to locations where survival is low (Knight et al. 1988, Delibes et al. 2001, Nielsen et al. 2004a).

FtMF is working with stakeholders in the area, including Parks, to determine appropriate measures for addressing human-caused mortality of grizzly bears in the region. With this and other mitigations, it is possible that negative trends related to habitat effectiveness, connectivity and mortality risk can be reversed or reduced. The FtMF has also created and validated current habitat use and mortality risk maps for the Foothills Model Forest study area. Parks Canada will be able to use these maps in the park to guide land-use planning for grizzly bear conservation.

Species at Risk Overview Species at risk issues have become a greater focus for Parks Canada since the Species at Risk Act was enabled in June 2004. Parks Canada is meeting the requirements for SARA of listed species by providing for the recovery of two threatened species in Jasper National Park and attempting to manage species of special concern to prevent them from becoming endangered or threatened. Increased funding has been provided for research and inventories and these efforts are ongoing.

Background Over the past five years, the focus for research, inventories and conservation in Jasper National Park has been on woodland caribou (classified as “threatened”), Haller’s apple moss (threatened) and grizzly bear. Inventory and planning has begun for the wolverine, Athabasca redband trout (genetic investigation), western toad (special concern) and whitebark pine (inventory to determine infection rates by a non-native pathogen). Bull Trout and Pygmy Whitefish are considered candidates for legal listing under Canada’s recently-enacted Species At Risk Act, which means status assessments will be completed during the next park management plan review cycle.

Habitat Loss and Alienation Overview In Jasper, efforts are ongoing to restore and reclaim priority areas to decrease habitat loss and alienation. Recreational use of unofficial trails is a concern that will be addressed with a new ecological integrity program – a 4-year initiative to address habitat loss and alienation through reconfiguring and improving trail networks in the Three Valley Confluence through the active involvement of recreationists and interested stakeholders. The goal is to work with people to develop a trail network that offers exceptional, highly-rewarding recreational experiences while also reducing disturbance to sensitive wildlife and habitats.

Regionally, increasing amounts of coal, oil and gas, seismic developments and associated roads are leading to habitat loss and alienation. Key to addressing habitat loss and alienation in these areas will be efforts made to mitigate these features through participating in regional planning and policy discussions and decisions with involved stakeholders.

1 Selection occurred differentially depending on terrain, landscape metrics, silvicultural history and season (Nielsen et al. 2004a). Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 16

Background To assess changes in land use affecting habitat loss and habitat alienation (which results from wildlife displacement), we report on trends both within and outside the park.

Within the Park: Most of the park’s recreational infrastructure, including the community of Jasper, is located in the montane ecoregion. Current land use in the park, such as from recreational infrastructure, roads, rails, pipelines and the community of Jasper, has contributed to direct and indirect habitat loss, and to impaired predator-prey systems. Furthermore, these land uses have reduced the functionality of several rare habitat types in the park including grasslands, meadows and aspen stands. However, no new habitat has been lost or alienated as a result of these activities, and restoration efforts through prescribed burns and other programs in key areas are ongoing. For example, during the past five years, fire has been reintroduced to the grasslands in the main valley near the closed Jasper airstrip; several Parks Canada facilities including the warden office, horse range and wood yard have been relocated, redesigned or reclaimed to reverse habitat loss in these priority areas and >5% of abandoned gravel and sand pits are currently being re-vegetated. There is concern over potentially expanding recreational use through unofficial trails, which may be alienating habitat and movement corridors for wildlife.

Outside the Park: Regionally, four major land use activities contribute to regional patterns of habitat loss and alienation. These include commercial forestry; mining; oil and gas exploration and development; and tourism. Research on grizzly bears in the FtMF indicates that roads developed and maintained for these industries significantly increase mortality risk for grizzly bears. The effects of road building are discussed here and elsewhere under the Grizzly Bear Population Status indicator.

We report on the extent of these land use activities in the FtMF because the majority of the industrial development is focused here, to the east of the park. Provincial parks and wilderness areas buffer Jasper to the north and northwest. In areas north and south of Mount Robson and Hamber Provincial Parks, the primary land use is logging and associated road development. Overall, the regional trend towards increasingly intensive land use and road development is leading to increased habitat loss in the regional ecosystem.

Mining There are four mines mines near the national park boundary. At the Gregg River Mine, there is no active mining and reclamation is in progress. In the future, mine lands formerly closed to access will be considered for recreation and hunting. The Luscar Mine has minor active mining, but is being upgraded to serve as a processing facility for Cheviot. Inland Cement is an active limestone mine. Cheviot is a new open-pit surface coal mine that has emerged as the most significant of the 4 mines with regards to park management goals. Habitat loss and alienation coupled with issues relating to habitat connectivity, effectiveness and mortality risk of grizzly bears, for example, are a concern.

Table 1 shows the cumulative area cleared and disturbed by year for mining in the FtMF, which will significantly increase after completion of Cheviot. Another major concern is the haul road and utility corridor, constructed in 2005, that disturb 123 ha over a length of 13.8 km (Kansas, 2002). Operation of the new Cheviot mine is projected to introduce a road traffic volume of 300 vehicle passes per day, 24 hours/day, year-round.

Table 1. Cumulative area cleared and disturbed (ha) by year for mining. 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 After completion of Cheviot* 6042.8 6480.5 6759.5 7017.6 7407.2 10537.2 *Based on projected area to be disturbed by mining and haul road.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 17 Oil and Gas Overall, oil and gas is on an increasing trend leading to more roads and habitat loss (Figure 2). Originally focused in the eastern portion of the FtMF, the number of pipelines and accompanying gas plants has increased recently on the east slopes near the park. Of the areas approved from 1990 to 2000 for oil and gas activity, 38% is held for access roads, 34% for well sites, 24% for pipelines and 4% for power lines. 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 Hectares Per Year 200 0

1 4 6 9 90 9 92 93 9 95 9 97 98 9 00 9 9 9 9 1 1 19 19 19 1 1 19 19 19 20 Year Figure 2. Number of hectares of new oil and gas dispositions added each year in the FMF. The cumulative total is 8078 ha with 6895 ha of that total area still under disposition as of 2000. Seismic Lines Human use on seismic lines can cause habitat alienation for certain species such as woodland caribou. These lines can also make it easier for wolves to access woodland caribou in previously unfragmented habitat. The FtMF has had an increase in seismic activity over the last few years (Figure 3). Seismic requires straight lines through the forest that were traditionally eight meters wide. In recent years, the oil and gas industry has reduced the line width and vegetation disturbance, especially in sensitive landscapes, thereby potentially decreasing the impacts from a seismic line.

10000

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Figure 3. Seismic activity in the FtMF from 1998-2000. Totals include both actual and proposed activity.

Roads The Strategic Framework for Grizzly Bear Conservation in the Alberta Yellowhead Ecosystem (2000) established as a working hypothesis that maintaining a road density less than 0.3 km/km2 would sustain the region’s grizzly bear population. This threshold is based on ecological modeling in other grizzly bear ranges, which indicated that a density of all weather roads greater than 0.3 km/km2 has an adverse effect on grizzly bear populations. Currently, 69% of the bear management units exceed this road density (Figure 2). Between 1995 and 2000, ten percent of the disposition area originally approved for road dispositions in the Foothills Model Forest were cancelled (reclaimed and gated). However, recreationists continue to use cancelled roads where it is possible to travel over or around barriers. The average road density inside the park is 0.05 km/km2. See also the Grizzly Bear Population Status indicator section above for more about roads. Research data from the Foothills Model Forest grizzly program were used to test the ecological models used to produce this working hypothesis

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 18 and the model failed. Based on this, and the fact that data support two other modeling approaches to setting management targets for grizzly bear habitat, management agencies including Parks Canada are refining management goals. The Province of Alberta has eliminated grizzly bear hunting in parts of the Foothills Model Forest to reduce human-caused mortalities.

Figure 2. Road density for Bear Management Units (2000) in the Foothills Model forest grizzly bear study area calculated as km of road per square km. Road density does not include other linear features such as seismic lines, pipelines, railways or power lines.

Extent of Non-Native Plant Species Overview Efforts are ongoing for six high priority species targeted for control or eventual eradication. Prevention, monitoring, and rapid response are needed to ensure new species such as the St. John’s Wort, which is advancing toward the park, does not become established. Restoration of healthy grasslands through natural processes such as fire and the impacts of predators on herbivore populations and distribution will continue to be part of the long-term strategy to reduce the impacts of non-native plants. Parks Canada is also working to ensure that the Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 19 CN non-native plant treatment plan is being actively implemented.

Background Jasper National Park is currently known to contain about 109 species of non-native plants (Achuff 2000). Of these, about 15 pose significant ecological threats and are being treated as high priorities for eradication. Others are less aggressive and targeted for control or eventual eradication. New species of invasive plants continue to arrive while others are advancing towards the park, hence the requirement for prevention, monitoring and rapid response. Ultimately, non-native plants directly affect habitat quality for native species of plants and animals and can hybridize with native species.

Non-native plants mostly occupy areas that have been disturbed by human activity and were introduced, directly or indirectly, by human activities such as railroad, highway, reclamation seeding, hay and landscaping (Figure 4). However, several have shown disturbing tendencies to colonize and displace native plant communities that are stressed by heavy year-round herbivory and intensive trampling. Currently, the park treats priority infestation sites through a combination of picking, mowing and herbicide application. Monitoring indicates that treatment by these methods is reducing the density of non-native plants at these sites. The railway is a primary source of new non-native plant infestation. Although CN has a non-native plant treatment plan in place, they have not implemented any control measures over the past three years and non-native plant infestations are spreading. Discussions with CN regarding this issue are ongoing.

Figure 4. Known invasive non-native plant infestations in Jasper National Park.

Caribou Population Status Overview In Alberta, Woodland caribou are listed as “Threatened” by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC 2002) and are a Schedule I species under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. The population in the south half of the park has declined by as much as 50% since 1988. Populations adjacent to Jasper are considered stable in the short term (A La Peche and Redrock-Prarie Creek) or declining (Little Smokey and Northern Banff). Research is being conducted on each of these herds to determine why they are declining. A local recovery team has been formed that includes members of the community and representatives from Parks Canada.

Background Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 20 Woodland caribou occur throughout much of Jasper National Park (Figure 5). Caribou in northern Jasper (A La Peche) historically summered in the mountains of Jasper and the Wilmore Wilderness and then traveled east into the foothills during winter. Over the last decade, these caribou have abandoned their traditional winter range in the foothills and currently winter in the alpine and subalpine areas of the mountains (West Central Caribou Committee unpubl. data). The reason for this range shift is unknown, but it coincides with less severe winters and increased industrial activity in the foothills. This herd consists of approximately 150 caribou and is considered stable in the short term (Figure 6).

In 1988, roughly 175-200 caribou occupied ranges in south of the Yellowhead Highway in Jasper (Brown et al. 1994). Approximately 107 caribou (95% confidence limits: 86 to 174) currently occupy this range. Within this area, caribou in the Tonquin travel into the upper headwaters of the Fraser River and Hugh Allan Creek. Caribou in the Maligne Range travel south to Jonas-Pobokton Pass and the White Goat Wilderness area. Researchers have not documented movements between the Maligne and Tonquin, nor movements across the Yellowhead Highway (Brown et al. 1994; Mercer et al. 2004). South of Jasper, the number of caribou in northern Banff National Park has declined from 20-30 in the early 1990’s to five in 2004. Potential causes of caribou decline in the mountain parks include lack of high quality habitat, disturbance by people, increased numbers of predators and increased wolf access to caribou range on plowed roads and packed ski trails. A changing climate potentially exacerbates all of these factors by reducing caribou’s resilience to stress. Preliminary results of Jasper’s monitoring study suggest that most, but not all caribou avoid areas with high levels of human activity (Mercer et al. 2004), and these results are similar to results from other areas where caribou avoided roads, seismic lines and industrial development (Cameron 1992; Smith et al. 2000; Wolfe et al 2000; Dyer et al. 2001; Nellemann et al. 2001; Oberg 2001; but see Duchesne et al. 2000).

Survival and calf recruitment estimates for Jasper are limited by the small number of radio-collared caribou and the short time-frame for caribou research. Survival rates of collared caribou were 0.68 (95% CI; 0.555-0.86) from 1989-1991 (n = 21; Brown et al. 1994), 1.0 in 2002-03 (n = 11), and 0.8 in 2003-04 (n = 10). Annual survival rates for caribou vary more compared to other ungulates (Wittmer 2004). Therefore, multiyear data are required to obtain accurate survival estimates. South Jasper calf-cow ratios in 2003-04 (29 calves per 100 cows) were similar to those in other regions with stable caribou populations but data from several years is required to have confidence in these estimates.

Jasper recently created a local caribou recovery team that includes members from the community with diverse backgrounds. This team, which includes representatives from Parks Canada, is creating a local caribou recovery plan.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 21

Figure 5. Home ranges (generated using Minimum convex polygons - MCP) of three regional caribou herds, including two that use the park. Home ranges are based on location data from radio-collared caribou.

Figure 6. Percent change in population of three herds in the region. The South Jasper herd ranges entirely within the protected areas of Jasper and Robson Provincial Park while the A la Peche herd, until recently, ranged in and out of the park.

Human-caused Wildlife Mortality Overview Human-caused mortality in Jasper results from vehicle collisions and management removals. Outside and adjacent to the park, human-caused mortality results from these same causes and additionally, legal hunting and poaching. In the park, wildlife vehicle collisions increased from 1980-1999, however, there is variability among species in the numbers and trends for this human-caused mortality. Efforts are ongoing to reduce these mortalities through programs such as the Drivers for Wildlife Campaign and digital signs placed in key wildlife crossing areas that warn drivers about wildlife. Outside the park, we have little understanding of the numbers of wildlife subject to human-caused mortality, and therefore little understanding of the distribution of mortality among different causes. The FtMF is working to address the human-caused mortality of grizzly bears adjacent the park. Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 22

Background The Yellowhead Highway, the Canadian National Railroad and the Terasen Pipeline bisect Jasper National Park on an east-west axis. These are important national transportation and utility corridors that connect a number of large metropolitan centres including Edmonton, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Prince George. The Park is also bisected on a north-south axis by the Icefields Parkway, which permits visitor traffic to move between Banff and Jasper. There are also over 300 kilometres of secondary roads that provide access to the Park=s many visitor facilities. These roads and railways are the primary source of wildlife mortality in the park. Wildlife-vehicle collisions increased from 1980 to 2003 (Bertwistle 2002). Of the 149 animals killed on average each year, seventy percent of these collisions occur on the highway with the remaining 30% on the railway. Ungulates constitute 90% of the species involved in collisions.

Ungulates: Overall, there has been an increasing trend in mortalities since 1980 for elk, sheep, deer and moose, however during the past 5 years a slight decreasing trend appears for elk, sheep and moose (Figure 7). The increasing trend in deer is comprised mostly of white-tailed deer, whose numbers appear to have increased in recent years based on anecdotal data.

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ilwa Moose 40 Goat nd Ra

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Figure 7. Known railway and highway ungulate mortality from 1980 to 2003.

Carnivores: Grizzly bear mortality has been sporadic over the past twenty-two years with one known collision mortality in 2000 (Figure 8). Wolf mortality has averaged two animals/year over the past ten years, while collisions do not appear to be a major source of mortality for cougars. The trend for number of black bears killed on the highway and railroad is generally increasing, despite up and down peaks in numbers (Figure 8). Black bears are also killed as a result of management removals. Together, management removals and highway/railway mortalities account for an average of 13 bears killed per year over the past 10 years. Based on these figures and research on black bears in the Bow Valley (Hebblewhite et al. 2003), it is possible the Athabasca Valley is a population sink for black bears.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 23 16

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0 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002

Figure 8. Known railway and highway carnivore mortality from 1980 to 2003.

The high variability in black bear mortality between years may be related to the health of the buffaloberry crop (a major summer food source for black bears). During years with a berry crop failure, more black bears seem to search out alternate food sources, including grain spilled on the railway, accessible human food and poorly stored garbage. This often creates habituated bears that become a danger to people; as a result, these bears often must be destroyed. While efforts have been made to better secure food and garbage, especially during bear crop failures, bears are still gaining access. In 2004, a pilot program at Wabasso Campground was started and aimed to reduce bear mortality by re-assigning campers away from berry-rich campsites, increasing communication with visitors, strengthening food and garbage enforcement, and eliminating female (berry-producing) buffaloberry plants from the main campground. In 2004 no black bears were killed at Wabasso as a result of management removals.

Regionally, apart from grizzly bears, we have little understanding of the effects of human-caused mortality on adjacent wildlife populations. For wolves, there are few restrictions on hunting in all wildlife management units bordering the park. For grizzly bears, research from the Foothills Model Forest project conducted between 1999 and 2003 suggests that poaching is a significantly more important cause of mortality of grizzly bears than legal hunting, and that the cumulative amount of mortality may not be sustainable. We have no consistent data on wildlife killed on roads or railways outside the park.

Long-term Average Fire Cycle and Distribution Overview Fire suppression efforts over more than 80 years have significantly altered many aspects of the Park’s fire regime. Recent efforts through prescribed burning and FireSmart-Forestwise programs have made significant gains toward reintegrating the important roles fire plays on the landscape. Mountain pine beetle has become a growing concern and is being addressed through joint provincial, federal and park programs. Prescribed fire program objectives have been significantly advanced through this program.

Background Fire is a natural process that has important effects on vegetation. Fire opens up the forest canopy, maintains open grassland areas, and promotes new growth of important species like aspen. Fire also creates a diversity of stand ages across the landscape that often influence insect and disease infection rates. For these reasons, Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 24 management efforts have focused on the restoration of the fire regime to priority areas of the park landscape.

Fire suppression efforts over more than 80 years have almost eliminated fire as a natural disturbance process. This has significantly altered many aspects of the Park’s fire regime. Montane vegetation has shifted toward late successional types with an increase in crown closure in conifer stands (Rhemtulla 1999). Grassland, shrub, young tree growth and open forests have decreased to less that 50% of their historic extent. Also of concern is the extent of several key habitat types known to shrink or deteriorate as a result of fire exclusion. These include aspen stands, Douglas fir savannah, whitebark pine and grasslands.

The Jasper National Park management plan requires restoration of at least 50% of the long-term fire cycle through wild or prescribed fire – equivalent to about 208 km2 every five years. Significant progress has been made in this regard over the past five years (Figure 10).

Jasper National Park’s fire restoration program includes capping units, prescribed fire and facility protection through FireSmart-Forestwise. Several capping units and prescribed burns have been completed in the past five years. Twenty-eight thousand hectares alone were burned in 2003 by the Syncline Ridge wild fire. A joint Alberta/Parks Canada prescribed burn at Rock Creek in 2003 greatly enhanced our ability to implement challenging prescribed burns along the Park boundary. FireSmart-Forestwise, which uses mechanical thinning and low-intensity fire to reduce fuels and restore forest structure in areas adjacent to developed facilities, was initiated in 2001. As part of this program: eight demonstration sites have been completed; facility protection at Sunwapta Station and Athabasca Hostel is 70% complete; work near the town of Jasper and at Lake Edith has begun; and, research on the effects of the program on wildlife and vegetation is underway through the University of Calgary.

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Target: Area burned every 5- 15000 years

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Area Burned (ha) 5000 Average area burned / 5- years since 1940s

0 Montane Lower Upper Alpine Subalpine Subalpine

Figure 9. Area burned (ha) due to wild and prescribed fires. The five-year threshold for area burned has been surpassed in montane and lower subalpine eco-regions for this past 5-year period. However, the average area burned every 5-years since the 1940s shows that since fire suppression began the area burned was considerably lower than the target. These values do not include fire starts under 0.1 ha. Mountain Pine Beetle Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) is a native insect concentrated in warmer parts of British Columbia. It was first detected in Jasper National Park in 1999. An expanding population in the Robson River valley threatens to spread across the Continental Divide if historical severe winter weather conditions do not return (Figure 10). While MPB is an endemic species that creates natural disturbances, climate change and fire suppression have increased the likelihood of epidemics. Province of Alberta and the forest industry are concerned that beetle populations spreading through the park pose an economic threat to forests managed for timber production on Alberta provincial lands. Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 25

To manage this, in cooperation with British Columbia, Alberta and the Canadian Forest Service, Parks Canada has: developed MPB risk and susceptibility models; undertaken intensive surveying and monitoring of MPB; will remove colonized trees through cutting and burning; will ensure all firewood sources are MPB free; and, will accelerate its prescribed burn program (over 27 000 ha burned in 2003), including along the Miette, Athabasca and Smokey valleys once fireguard construction west of the town is completed.

Figure 10. Mountain Pine Beetle locations identified through aerial surveys are conducted bi-annually in the park.

Rare Habitat Dynamics Overview The size of grasslands is declining due to past fire suppression efforts, historic development patterns that placed much infrastructure in these open areas, and the complex relationship between herbivory and non-native plants. Many montane stands of aspen and willow are failing to reproduce due to herbivory and past fire suppression efforts, but also due to changes in predation and the distribution and abundance of elk and sheep. Ongoing efforts to complete prescribed burn programs and maintain or restore predator-prey processes will be key to restoring these habitats.

Background Grasslands Grassland condition has not changed since the 1950's, but the size of grasslands has declined, and this ecosystem is rare in the park. For example, the Henry House grassland was 468 ha in 1950s; it is 215 ha today. This decline is primarily due to past fire suppression practices that have resulted in forests encroaching into grassland, and also historic development patterns that resulted in roads, airstrips and other features being located in open areas. In addition, invasive plants (primarily Russian thistle) have been found to increase with grazing on grasslands with sandy soils. These dry, sandy sites are unable to sustain the same levels of grazing as wetter sites (Watters 2003) and action to control thistle at these sites will be necessary. The prescribed burn program has been the focus of efforts to restore park grasslands.

Aspen and willow communities Many montane stands are failing to reproduce (especially where elk concentrate) due to herbivory and past fire suppression. The issue is complex because while heavy browsing appears to prevent aspen regeneration and hasten the death of mature clones in areas of high elk density (White et al. 1998), fire in these heavily browsed areas may actually accelerate clone deterioration as new suckers are browsed and mature trees become scorched. Ongoing programs that focus on reintroducing fire, but also on stimulating functioning predator-prey Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 26 relationships and processes continue to be necessary. Restoring or maintaining these predator-prey processes should address some of the changes in herbivory because these changes appear to be linked to changes in predation and the distribution and abundance of elk and sheep.

Ecosystem-Specific Indicators In addition to considering park-wide or regional indicators in the assessment of ecological integrity, we also used a set of ecosystem specific indicators that further characterize the complex ecological system in the park. These ecosystem specific indicators represent montane, sub-alpine, alpine, and aquatic (lakes, rivers, wetlands) areas, and have been described using ecosystem models (See Appendix B taken from Context for Ecosystem Conservation Priorities, 2003 through 2005). To assess the condition of park ecosystems, we monitor key elements or processes from these models as indicators of overall ecosystem condition over time.

MONTANE ECOSYSTEM INDICATORS Trends for montane ecosystems include: • Elk-human conflicts declining; high recruitment rates suggest an increasing population in high use areas; • Increasing off-trail use by recreationists in two corridors; decreasing in Pyramid Corridor; • Displacement of carnivores from wildlife corridors as human use increases on some wildlife trails; and, • Successful wolf denning in the three valley confluence; • Increasing abundance of alien plant species that degrade natural montane habitats.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 27

Summary table of montane ecosystem measures.

Jasper National Park Measure Target Condition Trend Action Taken Management Plan Strategic Goal 3.6.1 Biological Wildlife movement 80% decline in human Winter movement of ↑ Trail Stewardship diversity exists at a and corridor security use of identified wolves has been re- communication to variety of scales- corridors by 2006; established through reduce use of wildlife genetic, species, increase corridor use the JPL golf course; trails community, and by wary carnivores wolves are gaining landscape (proposed) access to valley-botom Restoration of JPL habitat and an elk herd golf course and 3.11.1 Populations of relocation of ski trails native wildlife are During the summer, viable within the off-trail use has Experimental winter regional ecosystem increased in Signal closure of 93A Mountain and between Alpine 5.6.1 Visitors Whistler corridors; use Bungalows and experience the park has decreased in the Tekerra Lodge without impairing its Pyramid corridor. ecological and commemorative Wolves in the integrity Athabasca valley avoid areas of high 6.2 - National trail density and roads transportation corridors and secondary roads are managed in a way that supports Parks Canada’s commitment to ecological integrity and enables visitors to experience the park. - Utlities have minimal impact on the park’s ecological integrity 3.6.1 Biological Wolf population status Montane wolf packs Two intensively ↑ Corridor restoration in diversity exists at a successfully rearing monitored packs have the golf course, variety of scales- pups successfully reared seasonal closures of genetic, species, pups over the past 2 wolf denning areas, community, and years. Pack numbers voluntary lower speed landscape have also increased zones at wildlife during this time crossing locations, and education programs to reduce speeds 3.11.1 Populations of Elk population status Elk-human conflicts: Declining elk-human ↑ Continued native wildlife are and elk-human <15 complaints/year conflict since 1998 implementation of Elk viable within the conflicts <1 human injury/year Action Strategy regional ecosystem including: fencing of Wintering density ? ? parks in town, twice 5.6.1 Visitors north of mile 12 within daily hazing of elk in experience the park 10% of TVC town and at JPL without impairing its Cow:calf ratios < 10- Cow-calf ratios near ↔ ecological and 20:100 roads and high use commemorative areas indicate elk integrity population may increase in these areas

3.11.1 Populations of Trail use in Three 80% decrease in 300 users/week and ? Trail crews improve native wildlife are Valley confluence human use of wildlife 100-200 groups/week trail conditions in viable within the corridors by 2006 on high and moderate priority areas regional ecosystem (proposed) trails, respectively

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 28 Jasper National Park Measure Target Condition Trend Action Taken Management Plan Strategic Goal 5.6.1 Visitors experience the Park without impairing its ecological and commemorative integrity

(↑) Condition improved (↔) Condition stable or unchanged (↓) Condition deteriorating (?) Condition unknown

Wildlife Movement and Corridor Security Overview Carnivores appear to be displaced from some wildlife corridors by increasing levels of human use in these corridors. Off-trail use has increased in the Signal Mountain and Whistler corridors, but has decreased in the Pyramid corridor. However, winter wolf movement has been re-established through the JPL golf course where wolves are gaining access to valley bottom habitat and an elk herd. These data suggest that to retain high quality habitat for wolves and other carnivores, ongoing efforts will be needed to meet the needs of recreational trail users on other parts of the montane landscape and reduce human activity in known wildlife movement corridors. A 4-year ecological integrity initiative is ongoing and will address these concerns.

Background Park biologists studied wildlife movement in wildlife corridors from 1999 through 2003. Carnivores were detected using remote cameras located on wildlife trails in movement corridors. They used a modeling approach to determine the variables that influence the likelihood of wary carnivores (wolves, grizzly bear and cougars) using a corridor. Human use was very important and as human use increased in the corridor, carnivore use decreased (Figure 12). This suggests that increasing use by humans of wildlife trails in wildlife corridors may displace carnivores from these areas.

Figure 11. As human activity increases in a wildlife corridor, the likelihood of carnivores using the corridor decreases.

Monitoring detected a decline in human use of the important Pyramid Corridor in 2002. There are several factors that may have contributed to this pattern. These include the use of plantings and brush to obscure the trailhead, installing signs aimed at decreasing use and other communication efforts. All of this work was due to the efforts of the Jasper Trail Stewards, a collaborative group of park wildlife experts and local trails users. Despite the decline in human use in the Pyramid corridor, human use in the Signal and Whistler corridors continues to increase. This study also highlighted the increase in off-trail downhill-mountain biking, which is a Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 29 growing cause for concern because it can result in erosion and trampling in sensitive montane habitat. The park management plan allows for mountain biking on designated trails only, however compliance to date has been poor.

Research in Jasper and other areas indicates that wolves avoid roads, trails and other linear features as travel routes when they receive high levels of human activity and when there is a higher probability of encountering people (Thurber et al. 1994, Theuerkauf et al. 2003a, Dobson et al. 2004, Whittington et al. 2004, Whittington et al. 2005). For similar reasons, they also avoid areas of high trail density (Whittington et al. 2005). Conversely, wolves select these features when there is a low probability of encountering people (Thurber et al. 1994, Musiani et al. 1998, James & Stuart-Smith 2000, Callaghan 2002, Whittington et al. 2005).

Restoration of a movement corridor at the Jasper Park Lodge (JPL) resulted in significantly increased use by wolves in winter. Restoration aimed to re-establish wolf access to habitat and to habituated elk. The fence was re-designed to open a corridor through the golf course, ski trails were relocated and a voluntary winter use restriction was implemented. Once wolves began to use the corridor, elk numbers declined on the golf course and elk displayed more wary behaviour. Results suggest wolf use of the corridor is restoring predator-prey processes as elk no longer gain refuge from wolves by congregating on the golf course (Dobson et al. 2004).

Wolf Population Status Overview Two regularly monitored packs in the montane have successfully reared pups over the past two years. Anecdotal data suggest that the park wolf population is increasing; the Rocky River pack has had two consecutive successful litters, and there has been an increase in sightings of wolves from the Sunwapta pack. A viable wolf population is necessary to maintain top-down control of herbivores, such as elk, whose numbers in some areas are having detrimental effects (see Rare Habitat Dynamics indicator). As part of a solution to address these effects, ongoing efforts are needed to maintain or restore these predator-prey relationships. A 4-year ecological integrity initiative is ongoing and will address these concerns in the Three Valley Confluence.

Background Routine wolf observations suggest that there are roughly 8 wolf packs residing wholly or partially in Jasper National Park. Two of these packs in the montane have been intensely monitored using GPS radio-collars since 2002. The Signal Mountain wolf pack (Figure 12) consisted of three to five animals in 2002, but has expanded to its current number of nine to eleven animals following two successful litters and the acceptance of dispersing wolves from other packs. The Medicine Lake wolf pack consisted of a mating pair in 2002. The pair successfully reared five pups in both 2003 and 2004 to bring their pack number to twelve. If these packs are representative of the other packs in Jasper, it is likely the park wolf population is increasing. This hypothesis is further supported by observations of two consecutive successful litters by the Rocky River pack, and an increase in sighting of wolves from the Sunwapta pack. This success is likely due to corridor restoration at the golf course, seasonal closures of areas around known wolf dens, voluntary speed restriction in important wolf crossing areas and education programs to reduce speeds.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 30

Figure 12. Wolf locations obtained from satellite collars on two packs that use the Athabasca and Maligne Valleys. Both packs successfully denned in 2003 and 2004 in their home ranges. These packs are collared as part of a research project to better understand the relationships between caribou and wolves.

Elk Population Status and Elk/Human Conflicts Overview Elk appear to select areas of high human use, which allows them to gain refuge from their predators that generally avoid these same areas. As elk become habituated to humans in the high use areas, incidents of aggressive behaviour towards humans also increases. Between 1987 and 1999, these patterns were evident around the town of Jasper. Through the efforts of the Elk Action group, these patterns were addressed through a number of restoration efforts. However, monitoring indicates that these patterns are becoming evident again. Ongoing efforts are necessary to maintain carnivore activity in the valley, as well as ongoing efforts to monitor elk population and carnivore movement trends.

Background Predators and prey such as wolves and elk display a range of behaviours from wariness to habituation in response to human activity. Research has shown that wolves select linear features that receive low levels of human activity and avoid linear features and high densities of linear features that receive high levels of human activity. (Dobson et al. 2004, Whittington et al. 2004, Whittington et al. 2005).

In contrast to wolves, elk appear to select areas with high human activity, which appears to allow them to gain refuge from predators including wolves. Over time, as elk become habituated to the close presence of people, the number of incidents of aggressive behaviour towards humans also increases. In Banff researchers determined that not only does use of urban environments lead to reduced encounters with predators, but also that this use leads to improved access to high quality forage (McKenzie 2001). Roadside elk survey data from Jasper suggest a similar situation for elk here.

These patterns were demonstrated in the montane from 1987 to 1999 by an increase in habituation of elk to human activity, an increase in the presence of elk within the town limits and an increase in the number of aggressive elk encounters with humans (Figure 13) (Parks Canada, Unpublished Data). In 1999, an Elk Action Strategy was implemented to address this situation. The strategy included the translocation of 200 human- Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 31 habituated elk from the park, fencing of the green spaces in town, restoring alternate grazing areas through a prescribed burn program and an aggressive program to haze elk from all high human-use areas.

12 0

10 0

80

60 40

20

0 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Year

Figure 13. Total number of elk encounters with humans by year including injury and non-injury encounters.

In addition, efforts were made to reduce human impacts on wary carnivores in important wildlife habitat and movement corridors. For more detail, see Wildlife Movement and Corridor Security and Wolf Population status indicators.

Despite these successes, elk that use high human-use areas are again showing increasing habituation to humans, and their cow:calf ratio is higher than herds elsewhere in the valley that have active wolf packs accessing their entire range (Parks Canada, Unpublished data; Decker 2001). This may indicate that elk are again gaining refuge from predators in areas with high human activity.

Trail Use in Three Valley Confluence Overview Efforts are ongoing to monitor trail use in the Three Valley Confluence and data will be used as part of a 4-year initiative to address habitat loss and alienation through reconfiguring and improving trail networks in the Three Valley Confluence.

Background Baseline trail monitoring using remote trail counters indicates that use is 300 groups/week on most high use trails and 100-200 groups/week on moderate use trails near the community of Jasper (Figure 14) (Anderson, Unpublished Data). Results from metal detection counters show that mountain bikers contribute 16 to 60% of the total use on trails. While these data provides a baseline understanding of use levels, Parks Canada continues to monitor trails to detect trends in use of high, moderate, and low use trails over time. These data will be used as part of a 4-year trail revitalization project that will be used for restoring security of wildlife corridors, while also providing enhanced opportunities for recreational use in areas away from these wildlife corridors.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 32 800 700 All Users 600 Mountain Bike 500 400 300 200

Ave. # Groups/Week 100 0 Valley of Church Hill Trail 1 Trail 7 Cottonwood Trail 7-4e Mina Five Lakes Slough

Figure 14. Average number of groups of all user types and mountain bikes per week on a representative set of high and moderate use trails in the montane.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 33 SUBALPINE ECOSYSTEM INDICATORS

Trends for subalpine ecosystems include: • whitebark pine stands are threatened by blister rust, fire suppression, and mountain pine beetle; and, • monitoring in the Tonquin Valley finds bare ground as a result of trampling from hikers and horses.

Summary table for subalpine ecosystem measures. Jasper National Park Measure Target Condition Trend Action Taken Management Plan Strategic Goal 3.10.1 Natural processes Condition of whitebark No threshold or target ye Evidence of blister rust ↓ Jasper National Park maintain the long-term pine stands (proposed) established found at all whitebark participated in a regional composition and pine plots in Jasper health inventory. structure of vegetation communities Infecton rates decrease from south to north and from west to east in the Rocky Mountains

COSEWIC status report currently being drafted 3.10.1 Natural processes Condition of Bare ground will not Vegetation cover ↑ Monitoring was maintain the long-term horse-grazed vegetation exceed 10% in grazing transects revealed bare established in the composition the Tonquin Valley areas except in corrals ground in high use areas Tonquin Valley to detect and structure of (proposed) and saddling areas. such as cabins and near vegetation changes from vegetation communities grazing areas; overall, horse grazing bare ground is well less 5.9.1 Human use is than 10% Project initiated with managed so that the horse outfitters to restore Tonquin Valley continue vegetation to problem to support and contribute sites viable populations of grizzly bears and caribou (↑) Condition improved (↔) Condition stable or unchanged (↓) Condition deteriorating (?) Condition unknown

Condition of Whitebark Pine Stands Overview Whitebark pine, an important component of subalpine ecosystems, is under threat from white pine blister rust, fire exclusion and mountain pine beetle. Research and monitoring are ongoing; measures such as fire may be essential for the long-term survival of this native species, and for the subalpine ecosystems it shapes.

Background Whitebark pine is an important component of subalpine ecosystems throughout the higher mountains of western North America. The large, nutritious seeds provide an important food source for a number of animal species including red squirrels, grizzly bears, black bears, many small mammals and birds, and Clark’s nutcracker. Whitebark pine also plays an important role in community development following disturbances such as fire, by aiding in a more rapid re-vegetation on dry, cold and exposed sites. Whitebark pine is rapidly declining throughout its range, threatened by white pine blister rust, a non-native rust fungus introduced from Europe early last century; fire exclusion, and resulting competitive replacement by more shade-tolerant tree species; and mountain pine beetle (Smith 2004).

White pine blister rust surveys conducted in 2003 confirmed that white pine blister rust is infecting whitebark pine throughout its range in the Canadian Rockies, from the international boundary to McBride, BC (west of the

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 34 park). The mortality and infection levels are highest in northern Montana and southern Alberta/BC, with decreasing trends further north. Ninety-six percent of the plots surveyed in the Canadian Rocky Mountains had evidence of active or inactive cankers attributed to blister rust. The average infection level per plot was almost 30% (Smith 2004). Blister rust was found in all plots surveyed in and surrounding Jasper National Park. Mortality in the park has been low to date, but trends elsewhere indicate that mortality may increase in the future.

Condition of Horse-Grazed Vegetation in the Tonquin Valley Overview Vegetation cover transects indicate that bare ground is a problem around high use areas at outfitter facilities in the Tonquin. Parks Canada and outfitters continue to work together to address this issue.

Background The Tonquin Valley is a popular destination for hikers and horseback riders. The valley provides high quality habitat for grizzly bear and caribou and contains several rare plant species and communities including Whitebark Pine. Concerns have been raised over trail conditions and the amount of bare ground as a result of years of horse grazing and trail use. Vegetation cover transects conducted during 2002 indicate that bare ground is a localized problem that is concentrated in areas where horses move to and from grazing areas uncontrolled, around high use areas such as cabins, and appears to be linked to hiker and horse-caused trail braids. Overall, bare ground is well below the 10% minimum established as a threshold of concern. In 2004, Parks Canada and the outfitters in the Tonquin Valley began working together to block trail braids, experiment with methods to limit trampling caused by uncontrolled horses, and to direct hikers and horses on the trail system. Hiker-horse conflicts continue to occur during wet weather due to muddy trails, but current levels of horse use have not been determined to have detrimental impacts on ecological integrity.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 35 ALPINE ECOSYSTEM INDICATORS

Trends for alpine ecosystems include: • Increasing use of alpine trails, degraded trail conditions and vegetation trampling from early season use; • Vegetation trampling reduced and trail conditions improved at Cavell Meadows due to restoration and voluntary use restrictions; and, • Rate of glacier retreat increasing and tree line is advancing up slope, due to effects of climate change.

Summary table of alpine ecosystem measures. Jasper National Park Measure Target Condition Trend Action Taken Management Plan Strategic Goal 5.6.1 Visitors Effects of trampling Not yet established Trail use in alpine ↔ The Cavell Meadows experience the Park and early season use areas continues to Restoration project, a without impairing its on vegetation and increase. Trail joint initiative ecological and trails (proposed) deterioration and between Parks commemorative trampling at some Canada and Friends integrity high use areas of Jasper National Park, is underway to 5.8.1 Visitors have Restoration of Edith rehabilitate the opportunities to Cavell Meadows meadows and trials experience the Park’s underway and to educate users sub-alpine and alpine life zones Ongoing trail and facility maintenance undertaken by Parks Canada in alpine areas

Human use database developed to improve understanding of visitor use in the alpine 3.8.1 Natural Extent of glaciers Not yet established Glaciers retreating at ↓ Interpretive signage geologic processes, (proposed) increasing rate and for the Toe-of-the- including erosion and tree line advancing up Glacier deposition, shape the slope due to global landscape and its changes ecosystems

(↑) Condition improved (↔) Condition stable or unchanged (↓) Condition deteriorating (?) Condition unknown

Effects of Trampling and Early Season Use on Vegetation and Trails Overview Trail deterioration and trampling are evident at some high use areas. In this regards, restoration of Cavell Meadows has been a success story, and is ongoing. Furthermore, a human use database will be developed to help us better understand visitor use in the alpine.

Background Early season use of alpine areas when soils are saturated and snow obscures the trail has resulted in trail deterioration, mud holes, braiding and vegetation damage. Alpine trails of particular concern include Cavell Meadows, Wilcox Pass, Opal Hills and the Bald Hills. A joint project between the Friends of Jasper National Park and Parks Canada is rehabilitating the Cavell Meadows area. The project focuses on trail restoration (identification, marking, water shunts, ditching), trail re-routes, rehabilitation and monitoring (Figure 15).

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 36

Figure 15. Before (Sept. 2002) and after (August 2003) image of the same section of trail, which was re-routed and rehabilitated to reduce trail width, trampling, and damage to native vegetation.

Extent of Glaciers Overview Glaciers are retreating at increasing rates and treeline is advancing up slope due to climate change. From a management perspective, there may be little that can be done about this except monitoring to better understand related changes in other ecosystems (e.g. alpine areas may decrease in size as treeline advances up slope). The potential magnitude of ecological impacts from a shrinking alpine ecosystem and changes to predator-prey dynamics that may already be resulting from shallow-snow winters, however, accentuate the importance of action to minimize human contributions to climate change through the excessive burning of fossil fuels. Interpretive signage present at the Toe-of–the Glacier highlights the evident result of climate change that is occurring at the Columbia Icefields.

Background There has been a dramatic retreat of both the Athabasca and Saskatchewan glaciers since early 1900 until about 1950-80 when a slowdown in the retreat rate occurred, and nearly an advance of Athabasca Glacier (Cryosphere System in Canada, 2004). Recently, both glaciers have shown enhanced retreat again. Results from recent studies of the Columbia Icefield also indicate that the Icefield glaciers have dramatically thinned and retreated in recent decades (Figure 16). Most Canadian mountain glaciers have melted by between 25% and 75% since the peak of the Little Ice Age.

Figure 16. Glacier terminus position and advance rate for two glaciers in Jasper and Northern Banff National Parks from 1700 to 2000 (Used with permission, M. Brugman and adapted from Cryosphere System in Canada 2004).

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 37 AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM INDICATORS

Trends for aquatic ecosystems include: • The presence of most native fish species has been reconfirmed through sampling; non-native fish species continue to persist in many park waters; • Native species (Lake Whitefish and Bull Trout) have been restored or protected in two waterbodies while the health of the parks primary Northern Pike lake population is now a concern; • Reduced nutrient loads & improved water quality in the area of the Athabasca River receiving sewage treatment plant discharge; • Stream restoration projects have improved habitat connectivity; a complete inventory and assessment of all streams crossings is ongoing; and, • Flood regimes affecting wetlands in the Athabasca Valley continue to be disrupted by road, rail beds and culverts. Efforts to restore water flow will focus on targeted areas; however, this broad scale condition is likely to persist.

Summary of aquatic ecosystem measures. JMP Management Plan Measure Target Condition Trend Action Taken Strategic Goal 3.6.1 Biological diversity Distribution and relative No expansion in Non-native fish species ↓ Regulatory changes exists at a variety of abundance of native and non-native fish continue to compete with Permit increased scales-genetic, species, non-native fish stocks distribution. native fish species in angling opportunities community, and (proposed) some Park waters. Non- for non-native fish landscape native species have been while increasing recently illegally protection of native 3.9.1 The natural introduced to Park populations structure and function waters of aquatic ecosystems Consulting with are maintained anglers and stakeholders on further angling regulation changes to protect native species and enhance angling opportunities for non- native stocks

Genetic inventory of rainbow trout populations to determine if Athabasca rainbow is native Fish inventories in montane streams help to identify areas where non-natives may be competing with native populations

Fish database is almost complete to allow mapping of fish distribution that will enable improved long- term monitoring of stocks

Mile 9 and Jacques lakes designated for research purposes

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 38 Presence of all native All but two native ↔ species, with sustainable species historically abundance and natural documented population structure. No in the Park have been significant decline in reconfirmed through recruitment of native recent sampling species. No contraction in distribution of Jacques Lake bull trout native species baseline population (proposed) estimate determined; future monitoring will establish trends

Pike population in Talbo Lake has been assessed as “vulnerable to collapsed” as a result of a fishery survey and status assessment undertaken by Parks Canada and Province of Alberta aquatic biologists

Extirpated fish stocks Lake Whitefish have ↑ restored to native been restored to Lac waters. Reintroduced Beauvert stocks become self- sustaining 3.6.1 Biological diversity Amphibian No long-term range An inventory was ? The amphibian report exists at a variety of distribution contraction for conducted in 2004 to is now available in scales-genetic, species, long-toed salamander, determine the draft form community, and wood frog, spotted frog, distribution of landscape boreal chorus frog and amphibian species in western boreal toad the park 3.9.1 The natural (proposed) structure and function of aquatic ecosystems are maintained 3.9.1 The natural Water quality of the Phosphorus <0.005 Since 1988 water ↑ Jasper’s new sewage structure and function of Athabasca River mg/l quality index values treatment plan is aquatic ecosystems are Faecal Coliform on the Athabasca online maintained <20/100ml (end of River downstream of pipe) <2/100ml (mix the community of A two-year study of 9.5.1 - In the long-term, zone) Jasper have been biological response to effluent matches, as within normal index the sewage treatment PH 7.5-8.5 closely as possible, the range and have been plant discharge has natural composition of BOD5 Summer <10 similar to values been completed. A receiving waterbodies mg/l, Winter <20 mg/l determined from five-year monitoring - Sewage from Total suspended upstream sites program of the new facilities that are not solids<10 mg/l sewage treatment connected to a treatment NH3-N Summer facility is ongoing plant have minimal <1mg/l, Winter environmental impact <5mg/l Cottonwood Creek, Invertebrate community Invertebrate community ↑ adjacent to the sewage structure downstream of pollution indicators treatment plant, is community of Jasper show improvement being rehabilitated to closely approximates following installation of increase montane upstream structure new sewage treatment riparian habitat plant

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 39

JMP Management Plan Measure Target Condition Trend Action Taken Strategic Goal 3.6.1 Biological Connectivity of water A reduction in the Not all culverts currently ↔ A park-wide inventory diversity exists at a bodies number of culverts allow for fish passage and evaluation of variety of scales- that block or impede culvert crossings is genetic, species, fish passage underway. Culvert community and (proposed) restoration priorities landscape are being identified Reduction in number of Flood regimes in the ↔

impounded water bodies Athabasca valley through this process 3.9.1 The natural Continue to be disrupted structure and function by transportation Connectivity between of aquatic ecosystems Infrastructure Lac Beauvert and the are maintained Athabasca River reestablished in 2000. Outlet and fish passage monitored

A stone weir placed in Talbot lake outflow to raise water levels and reduce velocity of the culvert to permit fish access

(↑) Condition improved (↔) Condition stable or unchanged (↓) Condition deteriorating (?) Condition unknown

Distribution and Relative Abundance of Native and Non-native Fish Stocks Overview Considerable effort has been made over several years to gain a better understanding of the distribution and health of native fish populations. Public consultation has led to regulatory changes allowing both increasing protection for native species and increased fishing opportunities for non-native fish. The park has been working with outside agencies to develop rigorous methodologies for assessing fish community health in our rivers, streams and lakes. The effects of non-native species on native fish stocks are of concern, but are not well understood. The completion of a fish database will improve our ability to understand and communicate native vs. non-native fish issues and also will improve monitoring capabilities. Lake whitefish have recently been reintroduced to Lac Beauvert and monitoring is ongoing for the bull trout populations in Jacques Lake. The pike population in Talbot Lake has been accessed as vulnerable to collapsed and this will warrant prompt consideration by park management and biologists.

Background There are 16 native and 8 non-native fish species known to inhabit Jasper National Park waters. Between 2000 and 2004, fish inventories were carried out to confirm the presence of these species.

Of the 16 native fish species previously documented in the park, all but two have been recently re-confirmed. Trout perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus), first recorded in 1969 at the Lac Beauvert outlet has not been found despite recent sampling at Lac Beauvert and throughout the Athabasca River. Flathead chub (Platygobio gracilis) sampled from the Athabasca river in 1925 have not been relocated since that time. Two native fish species not previously recorded in park waters have recently been documented. Longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) were found at two Athabasca River backchannel locations and a single Northern redbelly dace (Phoxinus eos) specimen was sampled from Pyramid Lake.

Eight non-native fish species continue to persist in the park. Two of these, Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and Brook stickleback (Culaea inconstans) have only recently been found. Yellow perch appear to have been Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 40 illegally stocked into Celestine Lake and Brook stickleback into Patricia Lake. Both species are likely to persist in these waters unless eradicated. Non-native, introduced brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) continue to thrive in many lakes, rivers and streams throughout the park. Brook trout are known to directly compete with native Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) for optimal habitat and the two can interbreed leading to decreased Bull trout recruitment. They also outcompete and displace native salmonids in small streams and may be contributing to loss of the Athabasca Redband Trout (Onchorynchus mykiss).

Northern Pike: Recent research involving sampled pike in Talbot Lake found a relatively low proportion of old pike and a fast growth rate. These factors are indicative of a low density population and resulted in the fishery being classified as “vulnerable to collapsed” under the Province of Alberta rating system (Walker and Sullivan 2003).

Bull trout: Jacques Lake was closed to all fishing in 2003 in order to use that lake as a benchmark to provide information on the characteristics of an unexploited bull trout population and to track the population trend. Bull trout were studied during June and July 2004. Fish were angled in the lake, measured, marked by removing the adipose fin, and released. Based on a visual survey, the maximum likelihood population estimate was 196 fish (95% CI range = 148 – 305 fish) (Figure 19). These data provide a baseline for monitoring the status of this population over time. Bull Trout, a protected species in Alberta and throughout much of western North America, and mountain whitefish, have been protected since 2003 by seasonal angling closures for rivers and streams used for spawning.

0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 d

o 0.06 o h i l 0.05 e

k Li 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.00 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 Population estimate (# of bull trout)

Figure 17. Maximum likelihood population estimate of bull trout at Jacques Lake (based on mark recapture study in July 2004). Line with markers indicates maximum likelihood estimate with empirical 95% confidence intervals.

Amphibian Distribution Overview Monitoring was initiated in 2004 for amphibian distribution. These data will begin to address a key gap in our understanding of aquatic ecosystems.

Background Apart from anecdotal observational data, little is known regarding amphibian distribution in the park. It is known that non-native fish introduced into naturally fishless waters affect amphibian populations (Knapp 1996), but whether or the degree to which populations in Jasper have been affected is unknown. In 2004, an amphibian inventory was commenced in the montane areas of the park. Ongoing monitoring will document presence and trends of amphibian species in Jasper National Park. Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 41

Water Quality of Athabasca River Overview As a result of the new sewage treatment plant for the town of Jasper, water quality (biotic and abiotic indices) has been significantly restored in the Athabasca River. It is anticipated this will also restore algal, invertebrate, fish communities and other organisms that may have been affected by inadequate water quality. Localized problems remain, including those associated with some high use areas in the frontcountry, storm drain run-off from the Jasper townsite and run-off from roads and railways.

Background The Municipality of Jasper commenced operation of the new sewage treatment plant in June 2003. This state-of- the-art facility substantially exceeds provincial and federal standards for phosphorous removal. Parks Canada, the Municipality of Jasper and the Province of Alberta funded the plant. Parks Canada has undertaken a monitoring program that tracks both abiotic and biotic measures of water quality.

Other water quality concerns are related to community storm run-off that flows untreated into the environment in two locations. The latter is listed in the Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory. Monitoring is ongoing. Run-off from roads and railways might also be an issue. Finally, some areas of high use in the park frontcountry have no facilities for handling human waste and localized problems exist.

Abiotic measures of the Athabasca River: Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI) The water quality index below is the result of mathematically combining the results for several parameters. The index results can be used to compare water quality conditions at multiple locations and over time at a particular location (Glozier et al. 2004).

The results for the Athabasca River indicate that tributary and effluent inputs in the reach between the two monitoring locations at Athabasca Falls and below Snaring River had only a minimal effect on water quality, particularly during the period from the early 1990s to present. Index values fluctuated within the normal index range for the upstream monitoring reference site on the Athabasca River above Athabasca Falls. A positive trend in water quality (WQI values) at the downstream location below Snaring River was noted between 1987 and 1990 and since then the downstream index values have been very similar to upstream values. This indicates improved water quality below the community of Jasper.

55 JasperAthabas Nationalca River Parkat Athab ofa Canadasca Falls State of Park Report, February 2005 42

x

e 50

d

n

I

y 45 t Normal Index Range Using 90th Percentile i

l

a u 40 Athabasca River below Snaring River

Q

r

e

t

a 35

W

Figure 18. CCME Water Quality Index values for the two locations on the Athabasca River for five-year moving periods from 1983 to 2002. The Athabasca Falls site is upstream of the high use area in the park while the Snaring River site is approximately 10 km downstream of the community of Jasper.

Biotic Measures of Water Quality: Effects of Sewage Effluent Parks Canada has also been monitoring the invertebrate community above and directly below the sewage treatment plant. The results for 2003 reflect the overall score following installation of the new treatment plant. The overall score is based on water chemistry (total phosphorus, total dissolved phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus, dissolved inorganic nitrogen), algal, (chlorophyll a, biovolume, % phosphorus, % nitrogen), and benthic macroinvertebrate (total abundance, % mayflies and chironomids, diversity) metrics (Bowman 2003). Overall, the invertebrate community pollution indicators show improvement following installation of the new sewage treatment plant.

Connectivity of Waterbodies Overview and Background Research conducted on floodplain areas of the Athabasca River impounded by road and railbeds found that river connectivity has a large effect on the diversity, community structure and productivity of wetlands (Guilmond 2001). A railroad embankment in 1915, and roadbeds, altered the connections between the Athabasca River and the floodplain (Figure 19). Lack of flooding has resulted in peat development, increased moss growth and wetland succession to fen (Guimond 2001). To address this, a culvert inventory was initiated in 2003 to create a prioritized list of water flow barriers for restoration. Furthermore, restoration activities at Lac Beauvert and Talbot Lake were completed.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 43

Figure 19. Railroad and road embankments have altered the flooding regime in marshes in the Athabasca Valley. The plot shows seasonal changes in water depth in a disconnected marsh area (RIM), a partially river-connected marsh area (BIM) and a fully river-connected marsh area (RM).

HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY (STEWARDSHIP) INDICATORS

Jasper National Park’s ability to maintain and restore ecological integrity is dependent upon the degree it can successfully engage regional partners and tourism staff, community residents, park visitors in this task. The following section provides an assessment of the park’s activities aimed at involving others in achieving ecological integrity objectives.

Trends for stewardship include: • Improved involvement of tourism industry in delivering EI/CI messages; • Improved knowledge of Parks Canada and tourism staff of EI/CI themes; • Improved outreach through electronic display; • Continuing high levels of media interest in park issues and programs; and, • Improved water quality as a result of the new sewage treatment plant.

Ecological Understanding Through Interpretation Over the past nine years attendance at Parks Canada interpretation programs has been on an increasing trend with the exception of 1997 when no interpretation programs were offered. Interpretation programs educate visitors about current ecological and cultural integrity issues and provide insight into possible long-term solutions.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 44 25,000

20,000

ttendees 15,000

of A 10,000

mber No Interpretation Programs Offered

u 5,000 N

0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Figure 20. Number of people attending interpretation programs per year since 1995.

Ecological Integrity Training for Park Staff At Parks Canada, ecological integrity is everyone’s responsibility. Over the past 2 years all Jasper frontline visitor services staff including gates, campgrounds, cleaners and information attendants have attended a 2-day orientation session including: quality visitor services and national park regulation compliance (e.g. food storage and bears), wildlife-human conflicts, and updates on current ecological research and restoration initiatives. This is a significant step – previously training was not as comprehensive, or as extensive.

Friends of Jasper National Park Volunteer Rates The Friends of Jasper National Park is a non-profit organization that promotes understanding, appreciation and respect for the natural history and cultural heritage of the park. The projects and programs run by the Friends of Jasper National Park would not be possible without the help of volunteers (Table 2). The Friends of Jasper National Park employ a volunteer coordinator and over the past few years, the majority of volunteer hours were donated to: • Projects (Cavell Meadows, Pyramid Island and Trails Project) • Special Events (Take-a-Hike, Classic Caribou Loppet, Canada Day, Jasper in January and More) • Programs (Guided Walks, Interpretive Hikes, Junior Naturalist Program and More) Table 2. Total reported volunteer hours for the Friends of Jasper National Park. Year Total Reported Volunteer Hours 2002 1655 2003 2140

The Friends of Jasper National Park began restoring areas degraded by trampling and off-trail hiking in the Edith Cavell Meadows in 2003. As of summer 2004, 140 volunteers have worked 1720 hours helping to develop the restoration plan, re-route trails, deliver trail surveys, and restore native areas. The majority have been local volunteers (37%), followed by international (31%), seasonal residents (21%) and regional volunteers (11%). The success of this restoration project is due in part to increased awareness of the restoration project created through education delivered on the trail (150 hours), in presentations (reaching 350 people) and through media interviews.

Improved water quality

The community of Jasper was incorporated as a municipality in 2001. The incorporation agreement sets out Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 45 shared responsibilities between Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper for the management of the Town of Jasper. One strong indication of community stewardship has been the establishment of a new sewage treatment plant in June 2003. This state of the art facility substantially exceeds provincial and federal standards for phosphorous removal. Parks Canada, the Municipality of Jasper and the Province of Alberta funded the plant.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 46 A BIOREGIONAL APPROACH TO MONITORING AND REPORTING ON ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY

Parks Canada is moving towards a more standardized way of reporting on the state of ecological integrity in national parks. This process is called a “Bioregional approach for assessing and adjusting park monitoring programs”. The program objectives include: • To assess and adjust present monitoring initiatives to build coordinated, comprehensive EI monitoring programs in all parks, • To integrate EI reporting more directly with park management vision and planning, • To develop tools for more effective communication of EI monitoring results at park (SOPRs), bioregional, and national levels (SOPHARs), • To develop standardized protocols for collecting, storing, and analyzing EI monitoring information, and; • To provide support and capacity as required at all levels of the system to ensure development and delivery of the program.

To meet these objectives, national parks located in similar biological regions (e.g., the Rocky Mountains; called the montane cordillera bioregion) are working to define a small suite of broad scale indicators that are consistent with the ecological integrity indicators defined in the park management plan or that will reflect the general state of park ecosystems in ways not captured by the indicators in the management plan. Any ‘new’ indicators proposed will be consistent with strategic goals, objectives, and key actions in the park management plan or with indicators found in the ecosystem conservation priorities, 2003 through 2005.

Jasper National Park is working within the Montane cordillera bioregion to refine these indicators. Preliminary work suggests that these should be:

• Native biodiversity (e.g., grizzly bears, elk, wolves, species at risk, songbirds) • Atmosphere and climate (e.g., extent of glaciers, air quality) • Aquatic ecosystems (e.g., fish populations, flow regimes, water quality) • Terrestrial ecosystems (e.g., grassland, aspen and willow communities, habitat quality) • Landscape processes (e.g., fire cycle, disease) • Stewardship (e.g., visitor education and engagement)

Once these indicators are determined, a suite of measures will be determined and these will also be consistent with direction from the park management plan and ecosystem conservation priorities, 2003 through 2005. Interested stakeholders will be consulted on these proposed indicators of ecological integrity in 2005, as well as new indicators of quality of visitor experiences, public education and understanding, and cultural resource management.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 47 SUMMARY ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY OF JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Our analysis indicates that the park retains a high degree of ecological integrity overall, but that the montane ecoregion is of concern, with only fair and deteriorating ecological integrity. Regional land use trends and climate change present challenges in maintaining or improving ecological condition. Recent park management actions are contributing to improving trends in key areas; most key actions from the management plan are initiated or ongoing.

Six ecological measures indicate positive trends. These positive trends are in long-term average fire cycle and distribution, wildlife movement and corridor security in the montane, wolf population status, elk population status/elk-human conflicts, condition of horse-grazed vegetation in the Tonquin and water quality of the Athabasca River. Three ecological measures indicate stable trends. These include extent of non-native plants, effects of trampling and early season use on vegetation and trails, and connectivity of waterbodies. Three measures include a combination of positive, negative or stable trends. These include habitat loss and alienation (↑ trend for reclamation of abandoned pits in the park; ↓ trend associated with access issues on roads outside the park), human-cause mortality (↔ for human-caused wolf mortality in the park; ↓ for black bear; ↑ for ungulate; and ↓ caribou), and distribution and abundance of native and non-native fish stocks (↓ trend for extent of non- native fish distribution; ↔ for presence of all native fish species; ↑ for reintroducing native fish species). Four ecological measures indicate negative trends. These include caribou population status, rare habitat dynamics, condition of whitebark pine stands, and extent of glaciers. There are also four indicators that display unknown or stable trends. These include species at risk, grizzly bear population status, trail use in the three valley confluence and amphibian distribution. For species at risk, trail use and amphibian distribution, more data are needed to determine the trends associated with listed thresholds/targets. For grizzly bear, research is ongoing, however, uncertainties exist with regards to the specific thresholds/targets listed. Despite the fact trends for grizzly bear population status are unknown, regional mortality and access issues on roads outside the park are concerning. Stewardship indicators are being developed, however, the general trend appears to be fair and improving. The local community, park visitors and interested stakeholders have become increasingly involved in a variety of programs to improve the ecological integrity of Jasper National Park

Overall, based on this assessment, some of the most significant challenges for ecological integrity include: the cumulative effects of development in the surrounding region leading to habitat loss and increased access; unsustainable levels of wildlife loss due to poaching, management removals and vehicle collisions; long-term declines in park and regional caribou populations; shrinking extent of grasslands and declining condition of aspen and willow communities, condition of whitebark pine stands, extent of non-native fish and vegetation, and connectivity of water bodies.

Jasper National Park is the repository of substantial resource inventories as a result of decades of research on the Park’s ecosystems and the effects of changing land use including: research related to terrestrial montane ecosystems; fire ecology; predator prey interactions; highway mitigations; and, aquatic processes. Furthermore, partnerships have enhanced understanding in areas such as grizzly bear ecology through the Foothills Model Forest Grizzly Bear Research Program and mountain pine beetle threat assessment and predictive modelling through partnerships with the Canadian Forest Service, the provinces of AB and BC, and Weldwood (forestry company). This information has contributed to this initial assessment of the state of ecological integrity of Jasper National Park. Assessments of the future state of ecological integrity will be strengthened as the park monitoring program develops over time, regional trends in some areas become better understood, and new research results become available. Uncertainties will always exist, however, and these must be addressed by careful explanation of the uncertainty, consideration of associated data, and an appreciation of the importance of the precautionary principle. In some cases, it is these uncertainties that will undoubtedly drive certain Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 48 components of future research and monitoring efforts.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 49 AN ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF VISITOR EXPERIENCE

A Place for Community Overview The community of Jasper was incorporated as a municipality in 2001. The incorporation agreement sets out shared responsibilities between Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper for the management of the Town of Jasper. Specifically, Parks Canada retains control of land use and planning, development and the environment, while the Municipality is responsible for street and sidewalk services, garbage collection, water and sewer services, structural fire protection and community human services.

In June 1998, Parks Canada announced four key principles to guide community plans and their implementation. These principles are: • No-net-negative-environmental impact • Appropriate use • Responsible growth management • Leadership in environmental stewardship and heritage conservation.

The Jasper Community Land Use Plan was approved in 2001. The Plan provides the basic direction for managing development and use in the Town of Jasper. Concurrent with the Community Plan, development guidelines and build-out limits were established for all outlying commercial accommodation facilities in the park. Taken together, these measures ensure effective management of the developed human footprint in Jasper National Park and represent a significant advance in ensuring that the park remains unimpaired for future generations.

Substantial progress has been made by Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper toward implementing the key principles established by the Minister regarding the management of national park communities. Preliminary work has begun on establishing a framework and baseline data to measure actions in relation to the no-net- negative-environmental-impact principle. The graph below summarizes the key actions.

Trends and conditions for the Town of Jasper

Minister=s Principles Measure Target Action Taken Condition No-Net-Negative Indicators and No new park lands will be alienated (↑) Regulations are being Environmental Impact. measures to be for community purposes. Area of finalised for approval. developed. community reduced by 20%, from 310 ha to 245 ha.

11 commercial lots rezoned to non- (↑) commercial.

Moratorium on commercial growth implemented pending development (↑) of required infrastructure, such as the new sewage treatment plant.

An environmental coordinator shared (?) with the Town of Jasper has been created. Parks Canada has reserved funds for NNNEI over the next five years

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 50 A landscape strategy that requires proposed developments to (?) demonstrate conformance with Elk Action Strategy and non-native species objectives.

Management Plan Indicator Target Action Taken Condition principle

Appropriate Use Businesses contributing (↑) Business participation to Heritage Tourism in heritage tourism Strategy. initiatives is increasing.

Businesses contributing (↔) to the community=s central role as a service centre for Park visitors and appropriate residential services. (↑) Regulations are being finalised for approval. Architectural Motif Guidelines incorporated into zoning regulations.

Responsible Growth Amount of New commercial growth Regulations are being amended to (↑) Regulations are being Management commercial capped at 9291m2. include growth cap. finalised for approval. growth Regulatory intent is being applied. Growth rate Annual rate of The first commercial lottery held commercial growth set at summer 2003. 1.5% or 1700m2.

Leadership in Water quality Phosphorous: New sewage treatment plant initiated (↑) New sewage treatment Environmental Stewardship <0.5mg/l. operations in July 2003. plant is meeting or Faecal Coliform: exceeding identified <20/100ml (end of pipe); targets. <2/100ml (end of mixing zone). PH: 7.5-8.5. BOD5: summer <10mg/l; winter <20mg/l. Total suspended solids: <10mg/l. NH3-N: summer <1mg/l; winter <5mg/l.

Leadership in Heritage Number of Historic District identified and (↑) Regulations are being Conservation inventoried amendments to regulations have been finalised for approval. classified finalised. facilities preserved. Incentives to encourage long-term (↔) conservation of heritage buildings will be developed with Municipality.

All development will adhere to the (↑)Regulations are being Architectural Motif Guidelines, finalised for approval. which are being incorporated into zoning regulations. (↑)Condition improved (↔) Condition stable or unchanged (↓) Condition worse (?) Condition unknown

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 51 Overall Assessment Preliminary work has begun on establishing a framework and baseline data to measure actions in relation to the no-net-negative-environmental-impact principle.

The Municipality commenced operation of the new sewage treatment plant in June 2003. This state of the art facility substantially exceeds provincial and federal standards for phosphorous removal. Parks Canada, the Municipality of Jasper and the Province of Alberta funded the plant. Parks Canada will also undertake a five- year-downstream-environmental-effects monitoring program developed with Environment Canada.

Operation of the sewage treatment plant permitted Parks Canada to proceed this summer with the first commercial lottery as set out in the Jasper Community Land Use Plan. Parks Canada designed the lottery to ensure that the rate of growth established in the community plan is not exceeded.

Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper completed a housing study in 2003. Components of the community land use plan developed to address the identified housing shortfall are being examined.

The Municipality inaugurated the new Jasper Emergency Services Building in 2003, which houses the volunteer fire brigade, and the community emergency response services. Parks Canada and the Municipality jointly funded this facility.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 52 Transportation Overview The Yellowhead Highway, the Canadian National Railroad, which services both passenger and freight transportation, and the Teresan Pipeline bisect Jasper National Park on an east west axis. These are important national transportation and utility corridors that connect a number of large metropolitan centres including Edmonton, Kamloops, Vancouver, and Prince George.

The Park is also bisected on a north-south axis by the Icefields Parkway, which permits visitor traffic to move between Banff and Jasper. There are also over 300 kilometres of secondary roads that provide access to the Park=s many visitor facilities. A number of utility corridors connecting outlying facilities with the community and necessary electrical and telephone services also exist.

Trends and condition for selected measures transportation and utility corridors

Park Management Plan Measure Target Action Taken Condition Goal/Objective 6.2 National Transportation Habitat Continue gathering baseline data to (?) corridors and secondary connectivity/ identify key wildlife habitat and roads are managed in a effectiveness. movement areas along the highway

away that supports Parks and railway. Canada=s commitment to Number of ecological integrity and visitors. Testing mitigations to reduce wildlife enables visitors to mortality: swarex reflectors, (?) Swarex reflectors experience the park. alternatives to road salt etc. determined to be ineffective.

(↑) Vacuum truck active in Work with CNR to reduce wildlife the park. CN staff work mortality impacts related to grain closely with Parks Canada spills. to manage wildlife on railway.

Completed fencing at the Brule (↑) tunnel to reduce sheep mortality.

Continue non-native plant control (↔) along travel and utility corridors.

6.3 To maintain a Visitor 85% overall satisfaction, Asset inventory completed. Planning (?) secondary road network satisfaction 50% very satisfied. for infrastructure investment. that allows visitors to see (proposed

and experience the park. indicator) Options for Edith Cavell road being (↔) prepared.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 53

Park Management Plan Measure Target Action Taken Condition Goal/Objectives

6.3 To identify areas where Implement an experimental winter (?) Scheduled to begin roads, railway and related closure of highway 93A between winter (2003/2004). transportation development Tekerra Lodge and Alpine Village to has caused loss of improve wildlife movement.

terrestrial, riparian and aquatic habitat; to restore

these habitats where feasible.

6.2 Utilities have minimal Wildlife Pipeline and transmission companies (↑) impact on the park=s mortality; participate in non-native plant ecological integrity. presence of non- management and Forestwiset- native plants Firesmart program to protect (proposed biodiversity. indicators)

6.2 The impact of aircraft, Decommissioning of the Jasper (↔) Comprehensive study and their associated airstrip proposed. is being finalised. facilities, on ecological integrity and visitor experience is kept to a minimum. (↑)Condition improved (↔) Condition stable or unchanged (↓) Condition worse (?) Condition unknown

Main Transportation Corridors Continue to gather baseline data and any additional information required to identify sensitive areas, critical wildlife habitat, and wildlife movement areas in anticipation of Highway 16 twinning. Traffic volumes do not indicate a need for extensive highway reconfiguration in the foreseeable future. Park roads are recognized to be in need of significant recapitalization and upgrading, and efforts continue to generate the necessary investment through park use fees and national infrastructure funding programs.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 54 A Place for People Overview Jasper National Park is the second most frequently visited national park in Canada. Annually, 1.8 million visitors come to Jasper each year. The focus of those visits occurs in the summer months, but visitation in the fall, winter and spring is increasing.

The majority of Jasper National Park visitors are from Canada, with a majority of those coming from Alberta, but approximately a of the Park visitors are international in origin. The most popular means of coming to Jasper is by private automobile.

Trends and conditions for human use.

Park Management Plan Measure Target Action Taken Condition Goal/Objective

5.2.4 Canadians and their Communication 85% overall Implementing the Heritage Tourism (↑) international guests enjoy effectiveness; satisfaction, 50% very Strategy for Jasper National Park. high-quality, authentic satisfaction satisfied. learning and travel (proposed Work with the Canadian Tourism experiences that are based indicator) (↑) Commission, Travel Alberta and on national park values and An increasing 70% of hotels offer Alberta Economic Development to that foster a sense of number of tour learning opportunities ensure appropriate park messages are Canadian identity. companies seek for guests. conveyed in their promotional Park information materials. for their guides.

50% of tour participants know main Participated in the Year of the Great (↑) Tour participants park messages. Bear and Wonder of Water understand main initiatives. park messages. World Heritage Interpretation (↑) Theatre developed Rockies Revealed and Water on the Rocks.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 55

Park Management Plan Measure Target Condition Action Taken Goal/Objective

5.2.4 A well-informed Tour companies 90% of tourism staff Implementing heritage tourism (↑) Increasing business tourism industry respects and guides are engaged in promoting strategy for Jasper National Park. interest in heritage tourism the social and ecological receptive to park Alberta understand initiatives such as Year of values of the Park. messages as main park messages. the Great Bear and

demonstrated by Wonder of Water. questions or interest 75% of tour companies at trade shows and purchase Guide’s (↑) Strong participation in requests for park Guide for staff. Parks Canada regularly delivers park tourism staff orientation. information. orientation for tourism industry staff.

75% of tour guides Community-based Jasper Trail utilise park messages. (↑) Initiative commenced Stewards developing strategies to in 2001. ensure continued recreational opportunities for residents and visitors while achieving ecological goals for the Park. Provides avenue for tourism operators to participate

directly in developing management approaches and gain an understanding of park issues.

Heritage Tourism Council engaged (↑) in steering group for the trails restoration project at Mount Edith Cavell.

Second year of implementing the (↑) Heritage Tourism Awards.

5.3.1 Appropriate facilities Satisfaction; profile 85% overall Asset inventory completed. Planning (↑) and services allow visitors of visitors; satisfaction, 50% very for infrastructure investment. Assets with varying interests to behaviour of satisfied. being reduced in remote enjoy the Park. visitors (proposed backcountry.

indicators) (↑) Project finalised in 5.8.1 Visitors have Restoration of Pyramid Island day- 2002. opportunities to experience use area with Friends of Jasper the park=s sub-alpine and National Park completed. alpine zones. Restoration of Cavell Meadows trail (↑) Project initiated in network with Friends of Jasper 2002. National Park as a Heritage Tourism initiative.

On-going trail and facility (↔) maintenance undertaken by Parks Canada.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 56

Park Management Plan Measure Target Condition Action Taken Goal/Objective

5.6.1 Visitors experience Indicators to be Electric motors only permitted on (↑) Implemented summer the park without impairing developed through Pyramid Lake. 2002. its ecological and the Human Use commemorative integrity. Strategy. Fishing regulations amended to (↑) In effect 2003 season. enhance protection of native fish species while improving angling

opportunities for non-native fish.

Work with the Jasper Trail Stewards to encourage trail use where (↑) Communication efforts appropriate, while ensuring key to inform and educate wildlife corridors remain intact. underway.

On-going communications through Internet trip planning, Park (↑) Internet site updated publications and work of Park 2003. information staff.

See above: Collaborative effort to (↑) restore Cavell meadows and trails and educate users.

5.5.1 Outlying commercial Parks Canada direction on OCA and (↑) These requirements accommodation, hostels hostel redevelopment requirements address both and the Jasper Park Lodge has been finalised and is being commemorative and provide an alternative applied. ecological integrity choice for overnight components. accommodation in a manner that maintains (↑) ecological and Moratorium on OCA redevelopment commemorative integrity. has been lifted now that there are clear limits on future growth and guidelines for environmentally appropriate redevelopment. (↑)Condition improved (↔) Condition stable or unchanged (↓) Condition worse (?) Condition unknown

Patterns of Visitor Use Visitor Origins Over 3 million people travel through Jasper National Park. Of these, approximately 1.8 million visit the Park

Although the majority of this visitation occurs between May and September, substantial levels of visitation increasingly occur year round, especially as a result of the popularity of cross-country and downhill skiing. Maligne Lake, the Columbia Icefield and Mount Edith Cavell are internationally recognized icons of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and are the focus of tourism activities for park visitors. Other popular visitor sites include: the Miette Hot Springs, the Jasper Tramway, Maligne Canyon, Athabasca Falls and in the winter Marmot Basin ski hill.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 57 Most visitors to Jasper are Canadian (69%). 60% of Canadian visitors are from the Edmonton/Jasper corridor.

Origin of Visitor Percent of Overall Visitation

Edmonton/Jasper Corridor 36%

Remainder of Alberta 9%

Remainder of Canada 21%

United States of America 13%

Remainder International 20% Source: Jasper National Park 1998-1999 Gate Survey

Visitor Activities Traditionally Jasper National Park has been popular for hiking, camping, picnicking, bicycling, canoe/kayaking, and this continues to be the case. Other reported activities include fishing and golfing.

"Typical" national park activities predominate

70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

re ic e k ty d n us ivi c cycle aya t oun

Proportion of respondents participating k Pi Camp Bi ac gr r Cent e/ d hike/walko each e b ano l Play m/ c ff Day Visit y a St Swi Da

Source: Jasper National Park 1998-1999 Gate Survey

Trip Profile The Jasper National Park Gate Survey identified the following key motives for visiting Jasper National Park.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 58 Many come to Jasper for its beauty and quiet 5 or 100 80 s scoring 4/ 60 5 5/ 40

respondent 20 on of i 0 view Peaceful Rest and Friends Outdoor Learn Meet

Proport scenery setting relax & Family activity about others nature

Source: Jasper National Park 1998-1999 Gate Survey

Overnight Use The Town of Jasper is located in the centre of the Park, and has a permanent population of 5,000 people, but in the height of the summer season the town hosts 20,000 visitors and residents each night. The town is the base of operations for several hundred businesses that provide for the full range of visitor needs including accommodation, entertainment, and food services.

• There are 1275 hotel rooms within the community; • Approximately 340 licensed home accommodation rooms; • Over 1700 campsites available to summer visitors disbursed over 10 separate campgrounds located throughout the park, including 2 with a combined number of over 1000 sites located less than 10 km south of the community; • 625 accommodation units in 11 seasonal and year-round Outlying Commercial Accommodation facilities; and, • 446 units located at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Awareness and Education; Communicating Ecological and Commemorative Integrity Communications is a challenging and complex program in a park that receives 1.8 million visitors annually. It is important for Parks Canada messages to reach all visitors, which makes it necessary to work with other organizations to be successful.

Trends for communications include: • Increasing involvement of tourism industry in delivering EI/CI messages; • Increasing numbers and growth of private guiding companies; • Increasing knowledge of Parks Canada and tourism staff of EI/CI themes; • Declining condition of interpretive exhibits and displays; • Increasing outreach through electronic display; • Raising profile of scientific research conducted in Jasper National Park; • Continuing high levels of media interest in park issues and programs; • Continuing high demand for information related to Jasper National Park; and, • Continuing demand for issue driven/management action related to communications.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 59

Assets Jasper National Park manages almost 2.5 times the average national value of assets found in other national parks and sites. 54% of the Jasper assets are classified as being in poor condition, almost double the national average of 28%.

Trends and Conditions for Communications Park Management Measure Target Action Taken Condition Goal/Objective 3.4.1 Canadians understand Communications Extensive national consultations (↑) the challenges involved in effectiveness undertaken to engage interested maintaining the ecological (proposed) Canadians in developing management integrity of Jasper National approaches for Jasper National Park. Park. News media, the Internet, public meetings and national mail-outs are all employed to maximise publicity and public involvement.

Re-organization of Parks Canada (↑) communications function. Every

project now incorporates communications and active stakeholder involvement. (↑) Work through the MPHIA to ensure high-quality private sector interpretation and messaging. (↑) Orientation offered to tourism industry staff by Parks Canada. 3.4.2 To reach broader Private Guides 20 guides Working closely with MPHIA to ensure (↑) audiences with key actively seek training accredited/year. high standards are achieved in private ecological integrity and accreditation. sector interpretation. messages by sharing this All day-hiking guides responsibility with others. Guiding interests hire meet accreditation Working with tourism industry to (↑) accredited guides. standards by April train/orient staff to national park goals 2004. and issues.

Tourism staff are 50% new staff attend able to provide basic Orientation information Week/Discover Jasper.

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 60

Park Management Plan Measure Target Action Taken Condition Goal/Objectives 5.4.1 Information is Communications 85% overall Full panoply of publications is prepared (↑) available to help visitors effectiveness satisfaction, 50% very for visitor use. Internet site is widely make informed decisions. (proposed). satisfied. used. Where appropriate, other media, including news services, are utilised to communicate urgent information to visitors and residents. 5.4.1 Canadians and their Communications 85% of visitors will Communications function has been (↑) international guests effectiveness indicate awareness of, reorganised to better coordinate appreciate and understand (proposed). satisfaction with and communications efforts. the nature and history of main park messages. Jasper National Park, and On-going Parks Canada interpretation (↑) the role the Park plays in programs are supplemented by private Canada’s national parks sector interpretation that meets high system and the Canadian standards developed through the Rocky Mountain Parks MPHIA. World Heritage Site. Tourism industry staff benefit from (↑) Parks Canada orientation and information sessions. (↑)Condition improved (↔) Condition stable or unchanged (↓) Condition worse (?) Condition unknown

Quality of Experience Visitor Satisfaction Overall, visitors to Jasper appear to be highly satisfied with their experience. Possible exceptions include the cost of the entrance fees and the lack of staff led interpretive programs.

Satisfaction Information Programs

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Proportion satisfied (scoring 4/5 or 5/5) signs visitor Centre Hazard park warning Exhibits Staff led safety activities Quality activity Quality special Availability information information Information Unique and

Source: Jasper National Park 1998-1999 Gate Survey

Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 61 On the other hand, park staff receive particularly high scores for friendliness and helpfulness, while public safety information, the condition of trails, directional signage to the park, and cleanliness of park facilities are highly rated.

5) Satisfaction Facilities and Services 5 or 5/ 100 80 60

ied (scoring 4/ 40 sf i 20 0 on sat i er s es hs gns t i at louts si cans oom ooms pul shel ocer ng P s/ gr Proport ashr ki ional bage eas/ e ean grounds nt Washr ect ar Wal r Cl poi gar c e labl s/ Di e ean w ew cni labl Cl Vi labl Avai Trail Pi Avai Avai

Source: Jasper National Park 1998-1999 Gate Survey

Challenges and knowledge gaps exist in ensuring that Jasper National Park can continue to provide high quality visitor experiences. Examples include: • Maintaining appropriate and high quality facilities in the face of changing visitor expectations and in spite of aging and outdated infrastructure; • Revitalizing outdated interpretive media, and utilizing new technologies; • Improving public information; and, • Measuring the effectiveness of communications and heritage presentation activities.

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF CULTURAL RESOURCES

While the primary purpose of the State of the Park Report is to “report on the state of ecological integrity, regardless of whether the state of the park report includes other integrated information” (Parks Canada First Priority 2001), we have included a brief assessment of the cultural integrity in Jasper National Park. We feel this is important because ultimately ecological integrity, visitor experience and cultural integrity are interconnected; all are needed to maintain or improve the ecological integrity of Canada’s national parks. This is best articulated in Parks Canada’s Agency Corporate Plan 2004/2005 through 2008/2009 in the strategic planning framework mandate:

“On behalf of the people of Canada, we protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations.” (p.14) Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 62

Furthermore, the Corporate Plan states that “Parks Canada will only be successful in safeguarding Canada’s national treasures if it is more successful in engaging more and more Canadians in valuing, experiencing, protecting and presenting those treasures.”(p.9) By engaging Canadians in this way, it is hoped that we will be able to “raise awareness, to foster understanding, enjoyment and a sense of ownership of, and to imbue personal and shared connections to Canada’s National parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.” (p. 28)

Clearly, these experiences and learning must be fostered in an environment that does not damage ecological integrity, but rather in an environment where visitors are attracted to the right places, at the right times, and with the right expectations.

It is also important to consider that cultural and land use practices over at least 9000 years have influenced the natural processes in the park and surrounding region. Understanding these practices can provide us with a better understanding of drivers of ecological processes and change through time. For example, historic use of fires in the park by Aboriginal people contributed to the fire cycle of the area that is now Jasper National Park, an important human dimension of the ecological integrity of Canada’s central Rocky Mountains.

At this time, no indicators/measures or trends/thresholds have been suggested for assessing the state of cultural integrity in Jasper. Instead, we report on the status of efforts made to address key actions in the management plan and highlight areas where more work is needed.

Cultural Resources and Partnerships

In Jasper National Park of Canada, there are five National Historic Sites, a Heritage Railway station, 38 federal heritage buildings (2 are ‘classified’ and 36 are ‘recognized’), one Canadian Heritage River, and 500 known archaeological and historic sites. There are approximately 100 buildings in the community of Jasper that have significant heritage values. Thousands of historic artifacts, archaeological specimens and archival records are held by Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives (JYMA) and Parks Canada.

Parks Canada, the Municipality of Jasper, the Jasper Yellowhead Historical Society, the Friends of Jasper National Park, the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Heritage Alliance and the Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association (MPHIA) and numerous businesses and individuals play an important role in maintaining the Park=s unique cultural environment.

Summary of Efforts Undertaken to Address Key Actions in the Park Management Plan The following represents a summary of some of the work completed or underway to address key actions in the management plan (See also Appendix A). Work that remains to be done is also discussed.

Cultural Resource Management - A draft Cultural Resource Management plan was completed in 1999 and is presently under revision. - Commemorative integrity statements are complete (Jasper Information Center) or in progress (Athabasca Pass, Yellowhead Pass, Jasper House and Henry House). - National Historic Site (NHS) planning is underway for all NHS in the mountain region. - Regarding specific actions for each national historic site: 1) For the Jasper Information Center, work on this site continues: a comprehensive rehabilitation and use strategy has been completed; improved fire protection measures have been implemented, structural improvements to the building will allow intensified use in the future (in addition to its main use as an information center), a draft landscape plan has been completed. However, historical restoration of the interior is needed, as well as enhanced presentation of the site; Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 63 2) The plaque text for Jasper House is under review, remote sensing has been completed of the Jasper House graveyard and new signage is on site; 3) Archaeological field investigation of the original site of Henry house has been undertaken, but the exact location remains unknown; 4) An archaeological inventory of Athabasca Pass is ongoing; work is ongoing to share management responsibility for this site with BC; NHS signage was installed at the Athabasca Pass trailhead; a Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada (HSMBC) plaque is located at Athabasca Pass; 5) Presentation regarding Yellowhead Pass is being upgraded as part of the NHS planning now underway; - Condition assessments of federally-owned historic buildings are ongoing. Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office (FHBRO) code of practice guidelines are implemented for all designated buildings. - Oral history work is ongoing; some examples include the Jasper Information Center oral history project and work done in cooperation with the Jasper Yellowhead Historic Society (JYHS). - No heritage plan has yet been completed for the Palisades complex.

Built Heritage - Some progress has been made towards developing a strategic approach to protect heritage buildings in the park that have not yet been assessed: 1) The ‘historical district of Jasper’ will receive regulations with the intention of protecting the character of this identified neighborhood in the Municipality of Jasper; 2) Incentives to encourage long-term conservation of heritage buildings will be developed with the municipality; 3) FHBRO heritage building monitoring is ongoing; 4) In conjunction with the University of Victoria, dendrochronological studies have been completed on a number of historic structures in the park; 5) A historic structure dating project is ongoing in partnership with Mount Allison University; 6) Heritage landscape plans for the Jasper Information Center NHS are ongoing; and 7) An option analysis has been completed regarding the upcoming conservation of the Jasper Totem pole. Haida First Nation, Municipality of Jasper, Parks Canada, and possibly the Jasper Rotary club will be involved. - Work is needed to complete heritage conservation and maintenance plans for the parks ‘classified’ and ‘recognized’ federal heritage buildings.

Archaeological Resources - The Archaeological Resource Description and Analysis (ARDA) is under revision and update by archaeologists at the Western Canada Service Center. - Archaeological resources at Jasper House, Athabasca Pass, Henry House and Yellowhead Pass are monitored on an ongoing basis.

Heritage Rivers - Preliminary planning work for the Old Fort Point Area has been initiated and some initial efforts are underway. Efforts will focus on restoration, improved management of traffic due to multiple uses and improved interpretation, particularly as it relates to the status of the Athabasca River as a Heritage River and the importance of this area to Canada’s fur trade and transportation history. - The significance of the Athabasca Heritage River is reflected in the summer interpretive program and is a key part of the training given to commercial guides.

Public Awareness and Involvement - The themes given in the management plan are used as the basis for evaluating, preserving and presenting cultural resources and improving their presentation to the public. - Efforts are ongoing to ensure that the presentation of cultural resources at any one site is in the context of the Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 64 overall park story. - Work is in progress with aboriginal, Métis, the Jasper-Yellowhead Historical Society and other groups to identify additional significant cultural resources in the park. - A heritage area plan for the Pocahontas area has been completed. Remediation of contamination associated with the former gas station is mostly complete; however, monitoring of water quality is ongoing. - Plans are being completed by the leaseholder regarding use of the historic Maligne Lake Chalet (a recognized FHBRO building) as a key site for interpretation in the Maligne Valley. Park approval of these plans will be necessary before any work can be initiated.

Aboriginal Involvement - A ‘Good Spirit Agreement’ is in place with the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA). Métis people were involved in stabilizing the Moberly buildings, and the MNA has contributed to the park’s project for ongoing interpretation related to the area. - Jasper remains involved with the Métis Heritage Alliance. - Development of the terms of reference, collaborative agreement and traditional use study has been undertaken in conjunction with Foothills Model Forest. Parks Canada has been an active and integral part of the steering committee for this Foothills Model Forest initiative for the past two years. This project has involved the potential participation of some thirteen Aboriginal communities adjacent Jasper National Park, Foothills Model Forest, the oil and gas industry and the Province of Alberta. Cultural resource site management training of Aboriginal participants is underway, and fieldwork for the project began in spring 2004. - A strategy is being developed to foster and enhance relations with as many as 21 organizations in AB and BC.

SUMMARY ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF CULTURAL INTEGRITY

The integrity of Cultural Resources in JNP is fair, with generally stable trends. Most key actions relating to cultural resources in the Park Management Plan have been initiated and are ongoing. Work is required to develop more specific indicators and thresholds in order to comment on the state of cultural integrity in Jasper National Park. This highlights the need for careful review and selection of indicators and targets that can be used in the future for this purpose.

Based on a review of the key actions of the management plan, most are initiated or ongoing, with a few exceptions listed above (also see Appendix A). Work that remains to be done includes: - completion and approval of a Cultural Resource Management Plan; - heritage conservation and maintenance plans for the parks ‘classified’ and ‘recognized’ federal heritage buildings; - historical restoration of the interior of the Jasper Information Center, implementation of a landscape plan, and enhanced presentation; and, - completion of an updated ARDA and cultural resource inventory for the entire park.

In addition to this work, there are two other important considerations related to cultural integrity: 1) Considering the high number of built heritage assets and the high costs for restoration and maintenance, Parks Canada will need to establish priorities. 2) Awareness and education are key to presenting cultural heritage – there is a need for an enhanced program for presenting cultural heritage messages, with a special emphasis on the park’s National Historic Sites and the presence of Aboriginal and Métis people. MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

Earlier sections of this report provide details of the actions taken to implement the Jasper National Park of Jasper National Park of Canada State of Park Report, February 2005 65 Canada Management Plan over the last 3 years. Instances of success include; wildlife corridor restoration; transportation corridor-wildlife mortality mitigation work; restoration of fire on the landscape; implementation of the elk management strategy; community volunteers work to repair damage to vegetation and trails at Pyramid Island and Edith Cavell Meadows through partnerships jointly sponsored by Friends of Jasper National Park and Parks Canada; over 90% of the Park is designated as wilderness; and, the Maligne Lake Outlet is protected as an Environmentally Sensitive Site. Additionally, amendments to the Jasper National Park Fishing Regulations have increased protection of native fish while improving angling opportunities for non-native populations. Commercial growth caps for the community of Jasper as set out in the Community of Jasper Land Use Plan have been implemented. Redevelopment guidelines for Outlying Commercial Accommodation facilities have been developed. A new sewage treatment plant has been brought on line. The facility exceeds provincial and federal phosphorous effluent standards. The Moberly homestead has been stabilized and is interpreted in collaboration with the Métis nation of Alberta. The Jasper Heritage Railway Station has been renovated and the Jasper Information Center, a National Historic Site, has been stabilized. The Heritage Tourism Strategy has successfully engaged the tourism industry in a number of successful heritage tourism initiatives including the Year of the Great Bear and Wonder of Water.

Appendix A provides a complete list of key actions in the management plan and progress made on each item. Most key actions have been initiated or are ongoing. The following key actions have not been formerly initiated:

3.6.1 - 10 Prepare status reports on species in Jasper for consideration under federal species at risk legislation; 11. Collect baseline information on little known park species, such as fungi, bryophytes, lichens and invertebrates. [Parks Canada has begun to collect baseline information on amphibians in the park.] 3.6.1 – 6. Reduce the effect of habitat fragmentation on all species, with attention to indicator species from less studied groups such as small mammals, reptiles, insects, and plants. 3.7.1 – 1. Develop and implement codes of practice to reduce vehicle, locomotive, and other fossil fuel emissions in the park; 3. Using national parks as benchmarks, cooperate with other agencies responsible for atmospheric sciences to monitor long-term changes in air quality. 5.4.1 – 3. Target outreach activities at youth and urban audiences in British Columbia and Alberta; 4. Use new technology to improve the delivery and management of information and educational services; 5. Improve the availability of basic information in the east area of the park in response to shifting day- use patterns; 7. Regularly measure the success of awareness and educational activities. 5.8.1 – 1. By 2002, alleviate demand for parking in the Mount Edith Cavell upper parking lot during peak periods. Consider techniques such as communication, public transit, traffic quotas, or restrictions on private vehicles; 2. Define the area’s ecological and visitor experience thresholds using factors such as crowding, infrastructure capacity, visitor satisfaction, and educational objectives. 6.2 – 2. Recapitalize Pyramid Lake Road to meet the needs, as appropriate, of park visitors and operators on the Pyramid Bench; 3. Improve interpretative signs and other media/facilities along park roads; 14. To retain the wilderness character of park lands and the quality of visitor experience, pursue with local operators, voluntary guidelines for commercial sightseeing; 15. Work with managers of adjacent lands and provincial licensing authorities on guidelines for flights associated with recreational activities adjacent to park boundaries. 8.5.1 – 3. Work with regional tourism partners to expand opportunities for Heritage Tourism in the region; 4. Work with the towns of Hinton and Valemount to examine the potential impact more tourism services 66

in their communities will have on day-use in the park; 8.7.1 – 6. Establish, in partnership with others, a program to fund social, economic and ecological research. 5. Reduce air emissions by identifying sources of pollution; minimize activities and products that cause harmful air emissions; 9.5.3 – 4. Reduce the use of phosphates in the park; 7. Develop a communications program for the general public and commercial operators about nutrient loadings, including phosphorus, methods to reduce loading, and performance.

THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

During the next five years of plan implementation, the following priorities are proposed: • Increase active stakeholder engagement in defining ecological challenges, conducting the necessary research and monitoring, developing solutions, and implementing them. This will be a particular priority for dealing with ecological challenges that arise from human activities. • Continue working at a regional level with other aboriginal people, government agencies, industry and interested stakeholders on shared issues (eg. traditional cultural knowledge, mountain pine beetle, grizzly bear, caribou, road densities); • Build on successes to date: restore fire as a natural disturbance process, reduce alien plant and animal species, and restore natural predator-prey dynamics, especially in the montane ecoregion; • Provide for the recovery of two threatened species in Jasper (Woodland caribou and Haller’s apple moss) and manage species of special concern (western boreal toad) to prevent them from becoming endangered or threatened; • Coordinate research and monitoring at the mountain park level; refine and implement a simplified suite of meaningful ecological integrity indicators; • Finalize and implement human use management strategies that both improve visitor experiences and enhance ecological integrity; • Develop meaningful indicators for quality of visitor experience, public education and understanding; and cultural resource management. Implement monitoring programs to ensure we can report on these in the next State of the Park Report; • Enhance communications programming and heritage presentation/education; • Redevelop and/or reinvest in visitor infrastructure in high use locations.

The next State of the Park Report for Jasper National Park of Canada is scheduled for 2008.

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APPENDIX A JASPER NATIONAL PARK OF CANADA MANAGEMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION OF KEY ACTIONS UNDER STRATEGIC GOALS

Progress 3.4.1 Canadians understand the challenges involved in maintaining the ecological integrity of Jasper National Park of Canada. n-Going ot Initiated omplete nitiated N I C O 1. Coordinate a communications program about ecological integrity that : targets key audiences; involves park staff, x researchers, residents, park businesses and stakeholders; presents information on key ecosystem issues; and, encourages a shared responsibility for stewardship.

2. Emphasize opportunities to see and learn about significant components of the Park’s ecosystem on-site at major x day-use areas, along the Icefields Parkway, and at the Columbia Icefield.

3. Provide opportunities in the community of Jasper for park visitors to gain an overview of the Park’s ecosystems x and the Park’s role in a regional, national and international program of conservation and sustainability.

3.5.1 Integrated planning and management in the Yellowhead ecosystem

1. Participate, as appropriate, in future regional, multi-agency planning and management initiatives. x

2. Continue to participate in the West Central Alberta Caribou Standing Committee, the Foothills Model Forest, and x the Integrated Framework for Grizzly Bear Management. 3. Work with the Rocky Mountain Grizzly Bear Planning Committee to conserve and manage grizzly bears at inter- x regional and international scales, focussing especially on areas identified in Map 1: undertake model validation to confirm critical habitat, security areas and linkage zones; evaluate the potential for prescribed fire to improve habitat; identify areas where human use must be modified or restricted to improve habitat effectiveness and security; and, implement human use management actions.

4. Consult with regional agencies and land managers on planning and management initiatives related to vegetation x issues, including the management of fire, forest insects, and disease.

5. Contribute to the Alberta-British Columbia Intermountain Forest Health Group’s initiatives to maintain forest x ecosystem health.

6. Support Yellowstone-to-Yukon research and management efforts that clearly contribute to the park’s overall x goals: protect critical linkage areas; reduce habitat fragmentation in key areas (Map 1)

7. In collaboration with others, maintain and enhance geographic information systems and other tools to support x decision making at the regional and landscape scale.

3.6.1 Biological Diversity exists at a variety of scales-genetic, species, community, and landscape.

Landscape

1. Maintain the ecological structure and functions of the montane ecoregion: monitor, evaluate, and, where possible, x restore vegetation, appropriate behaviour, and the population size and distribution of herbivores and carnivores; restore appropriate fire regimes and evaluate their effects; minimize the adverse effects of human use and development; continue to analyse the cumulative effects of human use and development; and, concentrate research and monitoring on maintaining and restoring native species.

2. Protect and restore rare ecosites, or landscape units, in the park. x

3. Work with managers of adjacent land to manage access and use of backcountry areas. x

Community

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4. Identify benchmark ecosystems for research, monitoring and educational purposes. Coordinate with inter-agency x initiatives, partners, and other mountain national parks.

3.6.1 Biological Diversity exists at a variety of scales-genetic, species, community, and landscape (continued) Progress Initiated Complete On-Going Not Initiated

5. In partnership with others, prepare information and management strategies for species and biotic communities of x concern (e.g. parks, other government agencies, universities, provincial conservation data centres).

Species

6. Reduce the effect of habitat fragmentation on all species, with attention to indicator species from less studied x groups such as small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects and plants.

7. Prevent the introduction of non-native species. Where practical, eliminate or control non-native species. x

8. Evaluate and monitor the status of species of concern in the park (rare, vulnerable, threatened, endangered, x otherwise significant).

9. Participate with other government agencies and groups in management and recovery plans for species of concern. x This includes the Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre (Alberta Environment), Canadian Wildlife Service, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), as well as adjacent land managers.

10. Prepare status reports on species in Jasper National Park of Canada for consideration under federal species at risk x legislation.

11. Collect baseline information on little known park species, such as fungi, bryophytes, lichens, amphibians and x invertebrates.

3.7.1 Air quality is of the highest possible standard

1. Develop and implement codes of practice to reduce vehicle, locomotive, and other fossil fuel emissions in the x park.

2. Conduct prescribed fires under conditions that, where feasible, limit the volume, intensity and duration of smoke x in populated areas.

3. Using national parks as benchmarks, cooperate with other agencies responsible for atmospheric sciences to x monitor long-term changes in air quality.

4. Encourage the use of lighting that is functional and does not detract from the natural environment. x

3.8.1 Natural geological processes, including erosion and deposition, shape the landscape and its ecosystems

1. Develop a long-term plan for gravel extraction and landfilling; keep the impact of these activities on rare or x x sensitive landforms, ecosites, or other natural features to a minimum.

2. Prepare and implement rehabilitation plans for disturbed sites, including fluvial fans, wetlands, and riparian areas. x

3. Ensure development and human use do not impair permafrost in alpine and subalpine areas. x

4. Protect and present significant geological, physiographic and soil features, such as the Maligne karst system, the x Columbia Icefield (glacial geomorphology), the Jasper Lake dunes, alpine and subalpine permafrost, and fossils.

5. Provide opportunities for the public to learn about the landforms and natural processes of the Rocky Mountain x natural region.

3.9.1 The natural structure and function of aquatic ecosystems are maintained

Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems

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1. Identify natural aquatic habitats and fish movement corridors for restoration. x

2. Remove the fish barrier across the outlet of Lac Beauvert and reintroduce lake whitefish to the lake. x

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Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems (continued) Progress Initiated Complete On-Going Not Initiated

3. Rehabilitate the riparian willow community and upland vegetation communities in the Maligne Lake outlet area. x

4. Maintain or restore viable populations of native fish and other native aquatic species. x x

5. Identify water bodies that can be used as benchmarks for the study of native fish species and that are unaffected by x human disturbance, including angling.

6. Work with transportation corridor managers (railroad, highway, pipeline) to restore natural features and minimize x x the impact of these corridors on the volume and seasonal changes in water flows, levels and sources.

7. Ensure that in-stream flow needs for aquatic and riparian systems take precedence over withdrawals or diversions x of surface and ground water.

8. Minimize the effects of road salt and other local contaminants. x x

Angling

9. Implement regulations to protect and conserve native fish stocks. x

10. Restructure open seasons for angling to protect native fish during their spawning periods. x

11. To ensure their protection, prohibit fishing in water bodies that contain only bull trout, specifically Miette, x Kerkeslin, and Jacques lakes.

12. Where both native and non-native species occur in the same water body, consider implementing catch and release x x regulations to protect the native species.

Communications

13. Where feasible, encourage the public to participate in monitoring and rehabilitating aquatic ecosystems. x x

14. Undertake a public awareness program that highlights native fish species, their habitats, and the special nature x x and responsibilities of fishing in a national park.

3.10.1 Natural processes maintain the long-term composition and structure of vegetation communities.

Fire Management

1. Define appropriate fire regimes that reflect desired cycles for various vegetation groups, eco-regions, and site x x moisture classes.

2. Restore at least 50% of the long term fire cycle through prescribed fires, and, where appropriate, limited x x suppression of fires caused by lightning or accident; monitor the effects.

3. Identify scenarios and locations where randomly ignited fires can contribute to the fire regime. x x

4. Work with other agencies and stakeholders to encourage understanding and support for the prescribed fire x x program; consult with affected parties.

5. Protect facilities, communities and adjacent lands from unwanted fires through suppression and fuel management. x x

Ecosystem Function

6. Monitor forest insect populations and diseases; develop appropriate responses to population fluctuations. x x

7. Cooperate with government agencies, businesses, universities and others to increase awareness of the ecological x x importance of natural disturbances, with special attention to forest insects and diseases.

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Ecosystem Function (continued) Progress Initiated Complete On-Going Not Initiated

8. Implement measures that promote appropriate grazing and browsing by native herbivores and horses. Maintain x x vegetation structure and composition to provide adequate habitat for other native species.

9. When vegetation must be removed, protect ecosystem functions and retain as much organic material and as many x nutrients as possible.

10. Keep human-caused disturbance to a minimum. x

11. In developed areas, encourage the use of native plants and plant communities to promote safety and reduce the x x potential for human-wildlife conflicts.

Restoration

12. Maintain an inventory of disturbed sites. x x

13. Restore priority habitats identified through ongoing research and monitoring as closely as possible to the x x composition, structure and dynamics of native communities.

14. Revegetate disturbed sites with native plant species. x x

15. Continue to work with the Line Leaseholder’s Working Group, and others, to obtain a sufficient quantity and x x variety of native seeds and other plant material.

Non-native Plants

16. Maintain an inventory of non-native plant species. x

17. In cooperation with other stakeholders, implement an Integrated Pest Management Strategy to eliminate or x x control existing populations of non-native species and reduce long term use of pesticides.

18. Implement appropriate prevention and control methods to reduce the risk of new non-native plant species of x x establishing themselves.

19. Promote public awareness of, support for, and involvement in the control of non-native plants. x x

3.11.1 Populations of native wildlife are viable within the regional ecosystem.

Habitat

1. Continue working with government agencies and the resource industry to maintain or restore regional connectivity x x for wide-ranging species, including grizzly bears and caribou.

2. Identify fire management/restoration requirements necessary for the long-term maintenance of critical woodland x caribou habitat. Evaluate habitat requirements, existing habitat supply, and fire history.

3. Develop human-use management techniques to maintain or restore connectivity, habitat effectiveness, and security x areas for carnivores and woodland caribou.

4. Remove and rehabilitate the Parks Canada woodlot. x x

Populations

5. With other agencies, including the Yellowhead Ecosystem Working Group, monitor regional caribou and grizzly x x bear populations; undertake research to address management questions.

6. Monitor caribou populations, movement and distribution in the southern part of Jasper National Park of Canada. x x

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Progress Initiated Complete On-Going Not Initiated

7. Implement approved recommendations from the Jasper Elk Action Working Group to restore appropriate elk x distribution and abundance and reduce elk/human conflicts in the community area.

8. Monitor avifauna including songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl in conjunction with regional, national and x international initiatives.

Mortality

9. Evaluate wolf mortality in the park; identify critical linkage areas; reduce wolf mortality. x x

10. Implement the Bear/Human Conflicts Management Plan to reduce bear/human conflicts and bear mortalities. x

11. Investigate and implement techniques such as reduction of speed limits, to reduce wildlife mortality along park x roads, the Canadian National Railway, and the Yellowhead Trans-Canada Highway (16).

12. Assess the effect of more road and rail traffic, as well as of potential twinning of the Yellowhead Trans-Canada x Highway, on wildlife mortality and connectivity.

Cultural Resource Management 4.2 Cultural resources are protected and associated themes presented; Commemorative integrity of national historic sites is ensured; Parks Canada and Aboriginal people collaborate on the protection and presentation of Aboriginal heritage in Jasper National Park of Canada; The natural, historical, and recreational values that led to the nomination of the Athabasca River as a Canadian Heritage River are safeguarded.

1. Prepare a Cultural Resource Management Plan for Jasper National Park of Canada. x x

2. Complete commemorative integrity statements for Jasper House, Henry House, Athabasca Pass and Yellowhead x x Pass national historic sites. The statement for the Jasper Information Centre is already complete. In addition to the commemorative integrity statements, other specific actions for each national historic site include: Jasper Information Centre: Prepare a comprehensive rehabilitation and use strategy; Jasper House: Complete the remote sensing of the graveyard site; update the plaque text; enhance presentation by relating Jasper House to other national historic sites. Henry House: Determine, as closely as possible, where the original site was located; improve the presentation offered at the plaque site. Athabasca Pass: Complete the archaeological inventory; investigate options for joint inventory, protection and presentation of the site with BC Parks; develop off-site interpretation. Yellowhead Pass: Enhance the presentation of the Yellowhead Pass along Highway 16.

3. Where possible, support projects that enhance our knowledge of the park’s cultural resources. Projects could x include: assessing the condition of priority buildings; compiling oral histories; completing a heritage area plan for the Palisades complex, one of the largest collections of federal heritage buildings in the park.

Built Heritage

4. Complete built heritage resource description and analysis reports for buildings that have not been assessed (e.g. x x backcountry warden cabins, outlying commercial accommodations (OCA), alpine huts, youth hostels); develop a strategic approach for their protection.

5. Complete built heritage conservation and maintenance plans for the park’s “classified” and “recognized” federal x x heritage buildings.

Archeological Resources

6. Update the park’s Archaeological Resource Description and Analysis. This update will include new research and x x analysis, and provide information in a revised, user-friendly format.

7. Monitor the archaeological resources at Athabasca Pass, Henry House, and Yellowhead Pass. A monitoring x x program is already in place for Jasper House National Historic Site. 73

Heritage Rivers Progress Initiated Complete On-Going Not Initiated

8. Use this document as the management plan for the Athabasca Heritage River. x x

9. Enhance efforts to increase awareness of the heritage values that led to the nomination of the Athabasca River. x x

Public Awareness and Involvement

10. Use the following themes as the basis for evaluating, preserving, and presenting cultural resources and improving x x their presentation to the public: occupation and use before European contact; fur trade ; settlement; transportation; tourism and recreation; and, managing a national park.

11. Ensure that the presentation of cultural resources at any one site is set in the context of the overall park story. x x

12. Work with First Nations, Métis, the Jasper-Yellowhead Historical Society and other groups to identify additional x x significant cultural resources in the park.

13. Study the potential of the Pocahontas area as a day-use facility for visitors in the east end of the park. Evaluate x x the possibility of using the mine manager’s house to orient westbound travellers and to interpret the area’s history.

14. Use the historic Maligne Lake Chalet as a key site for interpretation in the Maligne valley. x

Aboriginal Involvement

15. Set up a cooperative agreement with the Métis Nation of Alberta to maintain and present cultural resources x x related to Jasper’s Métis history.

5.2.4 Canadians and their international guests enjoy high quality, authentic learning and travel experiences that are based on national park values and that foster a sense of Canadian identity.

1. Develop and market opportunities that enhance understanding and appreciation of Jasper’s natural and cultural x values while respecting ecological and social carrying capacities: ensure that marketing and awareness programs reflect that Jasper National Park of Canada is part of a national system and available to all Canadians; ensure marketing efforts are properly targeted and information needs of the target markets are met; and , promote the Heritage Tourism Strategy, including a Code of Ethics, for people working in the tourism industry.

2. Work with the tourism industry to: provide the tourism industry with regulatory, safety, and management x information on a timely basis; develop marketing strategies and heritage products in conjunction with the tourism industry; participate in joint tourism, marketing, and trade show initiatives; recognize industry members who incorporate heritage tourism principles and environmental stewardship initiatives into their operations; strengthen the presentation and promotion of appropriate activities in the park; strengthen employee orientation and training as it relates to heritage understanding and the sharing of that understanding with visitors; and develop standards and accreditation programs for tour operators.

3. Work with private operators to improve educational opportunities and the communication of park messages to x their guests.

4. Within a regional and national context, facilitate new aboriginal tourism products and programs. x

5. Identify components of the ecosystem that are particularly sensitive during shoulder and winter seasons. Ensure x tourism respects this sensitivity.

5.3.1 Appropriate facilities and services allow visitors with varying interests to enjoy the park.

1. Use the Appropriate Use Criteria (Section 8.4) to ensure new activities are appropriate and to evaluate requests for x x an increase to existing services.

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2. Continue to provide safe, well-maintained, appropriate and accessible facilities consistent with park zoning, that x x have minimal impact. In providing these facilities, Parks Canada will consider the changing needs of park visitors, public safety, educational opportunities, and the potential impact on heritage resources.

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Progress d t i t Not Ii Initiated Ongoing Complete

3. At Old Fort Point, improve interpretation of the Athabasca Heritage River, parking, traffic flow, and day-use. x

4. Manage visitor activities and facilities so they contribute to the specific ecological goals in the sections entitled x x “Effective Human Use Management” and “A Place for Nature.”

5. Ensure equitable access to public services or facilities. x x

6. Improve services at Miette Hot Springs; profile the area’s natural and cultural heritage: ensure visitors have access x x to information about opportunities in the area and the special features of the Fiddle Valley; improve orientation on the Yellowhead Trans-Canada Highway and at the site; implement an environmentally appropriate method for the treatment of sewage at the Miette Hotsprings area; and, prepare an area plan to coordinate visitor use and development of the hot springs area.

7. Use the Commercial Filming and Photography Guidelines for Jasper National Park of Canada and the x x “Appropriate Use Criteria” to review applications for commercial filming.

8. Implement the Jasper National Park Guidelines for River Use Management (1998). x x

9. The public safety plan for the park will be updated and used to guide the ongoing public safety program, which x x includes both prevention and response.

5.4.1 Canadians and their international guests appreciate and understand the nature and history of Jasper National Park of Canada and the role the park plays in Canada’s national parks system and the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site; Information is available to help visitors make informed choices.

1. Enhance the park’s information, interpretive, and educational programs by: improving non-personal media in areas x where visitor use is high; providing leadership in cultivating a “community of communicators”; and, pursuing appropriate opportunities for shared funding, partnerships, and sponsorships for the development and delivery of heritage programs and products.

2. Create opportunities to present Parks Canada messages in the community of Jasper that link the park to the x regional ecosystem, the national system of protected areas, and its place in world heritage.

3. Target outreach activities at youth and urban audiences in British Columbia and Alberta. x

4. Use new technology to improve the delivery and management of information and educational services. x

5. Improve the availability of basic visitor information in the east area of the park in response to shifting day-use x patterns.

6. Coordinate communications with other national and provincial mountain parks and regional visitor information x networks.

7. Regularly measure the success of awareness and educational activities. x

5.5.1 Outlying commercial accommodation, hostels, and Jasper Park Lodge provide an alternative choice for overnight accommodation in a manner that maintains ecological and commemorative integrity.

1. Site specific guidelines governing redevelopment of outlying commercial accommodation will follow decisions x arising out of the outlying commercial accommodation report and will be considered part of this plan.

2. Maintain the existing capacity of the park’s campgrounds (including Snaring Overflow). Allow some adjustments x within existing footprints.

3. In the operation and recapitalization of campgrounds, respond to the changing needs of campers and to industry x x trends that are appropriate for a national park setting.

4. Prohibit new outlying commercial accommodation. x 76

Progress

Initiated Complete On-Going

5.6.1 Visitors experience the park without impairing its ecological and commemorative integrity. Not Initiated

1. Apply the following principles for human use management: habitat effectiveness and security area targets, based x x on landscape management units, will be two of the park’s human use management tools. The overall objective will be to maintain secure habitat for large carnivores while providing a range of opportunities for visitors. Proposals for human use management consider the number of disturbances rather than specific numbers of people; wildlife travel corridors will remain effective; principles of precaution and adaptive management will apply when the effects on the ecosystem are uncertain; proposals to manage human use will be based on the best available information; the analysis of information and drafting of recommendations will be done at the most appropriate scale (local, landscape, regional); the park will use a variety of techniques for managing human use. These include quotas, relocating trails, moving visitors in groups, removing trail signs and trail head facilities, relocating backcountry campgrounds, and reservation systems; restrict or re-allocate use if its impact is unacceptable; education will be the preferred method of solving conflicts between different types of users and gaining support for human use management; and, opportunities for understanding and appreciation of heritage resources will be considered in decision-making.

2. Develop a demand management strategy that addresses overall growth for the park and uses the Heritage Tourism x Strategy: identify and monitor core indicators of sustainable tourism; gather baseline data on current and potential impacts of use, especially in the shoulder and winter seasons; determine appropriate levels and types of use; involve stakeholders as appropriate.

3. Phase in the implementation of a human use management strategy over several years: develop visitor experience x x and heritage presentation goals for landscape management units; work with stakeholders, users and interested individuals to identify priorities for implementation; develop the database and technical systems to support the human use management strategy; consult the public concerning quotas, the distribution of quotas between users (e.g., horseback riders, hikers, bicyclists, private individuals, commercial operators and organizations), and the specific tools or techniques for managing use; and, work with neighboring jurisdictions to implement the strategy.

4. To improve Parks Canada’s understanding of visitor use and improve decision-making, establish a data base about x x visitors that: focuses on the priority research needs including levels of use, visitor preferences and satisfaction, choice modeling; tracks performance in managing visitor activities; involves the tourism industry, academic institutions, and other appropriate partners; and is linked to the park geographic information system (GIS).

5. Use temporary closures or other restrictions on activities when necessary for public safety x x (e.g., avalanches, aggressive wildlife), to protect sensitive natural or cultural resources, or to allow site recuperation: inform the public about the reason for these actions as quickly as possible; and, close facilities or areas permanently only after consultation with the public and as part of the management plan review process.

6. Develop a comprehensive strategy to deal with wildlife-human conflicts that includes: communication with x x visitors and representatives of the tourism industry; improved handling of garbage and compost; and, management of elk populations in the community area.

7. Permit mountain biking on designated trails. x x

8. Consider allowing commercial dog-sledding and skijoring, as long as there is a suitable location and no impact on x x water quality, wildlife, or other park visitors. Dogs may not be kennelled overnight in the park.

9. Prohibit the use of personal watercraft. x

10. Prohibit aerial sports, such as hang-gliding and para-sailing. x

11. Prohibit the recreational use of over-snow vehicles. x

12. Refuse to issue new guiding licenses for fishing or to increase current levels of guided fishing. x

13. Beginning in 2000 allow only electric motors on Pyramid Lake. x

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14. Implement the Jasper National Park Guidelines for River Use Management. x x

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Backcountry Progress Initiated Complete On-Going Not Initiated

15. Revise the application of the Backcountry Opportunity Spectrum (BOS) to: address future trends in backcountry x x use; better define levels of service; and, contribute to ecological integrity.

16. Review backcountry campgrounds and, where there is excessive capacity, better match them with current x x demand.

17. Review the park’s cave management policy to ensure proper resource protection. In some cases current x x restrictions are not necessary for resource protection or public safety. As a result, the requirement for permits is often ignored. A new policy would only require permits where there are resource or public safety concerns.

18. Prohibit new mechanized means of travelling to the backcountry. x

19. Maintain the current size of the backcountry trails system. Allow some trail re-routing and closures for specific x reasons such as ecological integrity, visitor experience, duplication of access, or lack of use. Maintain the capacity of commercial backcountry facilities at current levels: Amethyst Lodge: 25 people; Tonquin Valley Lodge: 25 people; and, Skyline Trail Rides Lodge: 19 people.

20. Prohibit new commercial facilities and the expansion of existing commercial backcountry facilities. x

21. Prohibit new alpine huts or shelters. Minor expansion may be allowed where it is consistent with LMU x objectives.

22. Recognize that horses are an appropriate means of experiencing the park. Allow use of horses to continue at its x current level and locations. Horses will not be allowed on: park trails at Wilcox Pass, Fryatt Valley, Geraldine Lakes, Merlin/Jacques Pass, Meadow Creek, Jonas Pass, Eremite Valley, and the Sulphur Skyline Trail; the Skyline Trail from Big Shovel Pass to Maligne Lake and on the lower part of the Watchtower Trail; and, all interpretive trails.

23. Use grazing quotas to manage multi-day horse trips. Apply seasonal restrictions where required to prevent trail x damage.

24. Limit commercial horse use in the backcountry to 1999 allocation levels; allow some re-allocation where x necessary to achieve LMU objectives.

25. Allow specific non-profit organizations (e.g., the Alpine Club of Canada), that have been traditionally allowed to x use the backcountry in groups of more than 10 people, to continue this practice. Include details such as group size, frequency of use, campground rotation, and location in agreements with these organizations.

26. Prohibit the use of helicopters and over-snow vehicles to transport visitors and their supplies to backcountry huts x and lodges. Allow helicopters and over-snow vehicles to service these facilities.

27. Allow track setting in Zone II where it currently occurs. x

5.7.1 Visitor opportunities are based on experiencing the special features of the Maligne Valley and on understanding and appreciating their importance to the park and surrounding region; Human use is managed so that the Maligne Valley continues to support and contribute to viable populations of wildlife particularly grizzly bears, caribou and harlequin ducks.

1. Prepare an area plan to coordinate heritage presentation, visitor use, and services and facilities in the Maligne x Lake area. Define the area’s ecological and visitor experience thresholds using factors such as crowding, infrastructure capacity, visitor satisfaction, and educational objectives.

2. Keep the Maligne Canyon Hostel at its current location and capacity (24 beds). x

3. Prohibit new overnight visitor accommodation in the Maligne Valley. x

4. Permit staff housing for Maligne Lake Tours at the existing maintenance compound and limited staff x accommodation in the day-lodge. Determine criteria for establishing the appropriate amount of staff accommodation.

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5. Develop an integrated approach to communication at key visitor areas in the valley: enlist the help of third parties; x and, create a focal point for interpretation at the Maligne Lake Chalet.

Progress Initiated Complete On-Going Not Initiated

6. Manage human use in a way that maintains and improves grizzly bear habitat. x

7. Implement the Jasper National Park Guidelines For River Use Management: close the mid-Maligne River to all x in-stream use; close the Maligne Lake outlet to all use during May and June to protect the harlequin duck “club site”; rehabilitate the riparian willow and upland vegetation communities in the Maligne Lake outlet area; restrict access to specific locations until restoration is complete; and, improve interpretation.

8. Zone the Maligne Lake outlet as an Environmentally Sensitive Site (ESS). x

9. Implement an environmentally appropriate method for the treatment of sewage at Maligne Lake. x

Winter Use

10. Until an assessment of the impact of human use on caribou is complete, maintain the current infrastructure x capacity at Medicine and Maligne lakes.

11. Keep the Maligne Lake road open in winter for people who want to observe wildlife, sightsee, ski, or participate x x in other appropriate activities.

5.8.1 Visitors have opportunities to experience the park’s sub-alpine and alpine life zones.

1. By 2002, alleviate demand for parking in the Mount Edith Cavell upper parking lot during peak periods. Consider x techniques such as communication, public transit, traffic quotas, or restrictions on private vehicles.

2. Define the area’s ecological and visitor experience thresholds using factors such as crowding, infrastructure x capacity, visitor satisfaction, and educational objectives.

3. Improve interpretation so visitors better understand the area’s ecological and geological diversity, its glacial x x features, and the role of Mount Edith Cavell as a historical landmark.

4. Encourage people to take advantage of guided trips. x x

5. Close the meadow, as required, to protect caribou rutting grounds in the fall and to reduce damage to vegetation x x from human use in the wet conditions of early spring.

6. Use clearly defined, hardened trails in Cavell Meadows to help protect the area’s rare plant populations: re-route x x trails as necessary to protect rare plants; and, carry out detailed rare plant surveys to determine the location, extent, and status of these populations.

7. Maintain the current character, purpose, and capacity of the Edith Cavell hostel. x x

5.9.1 The Tonquin Valley remains one of the premier backcountry destinations in Jasper National Park of Canada; Human use is managed so that the Tonquin Valley continues to support and contribute to viable populations of grizzly bears and caribou.

1. Inform all visitors to the Tonquin Valley of its importance to grizzly bears and woodland caribou; explain how x they can keep the impact of their presence to a minimum.

2. Minimize human disturbance of caribou during the calving and rutting periods. If the caribou monitoring program x x shows a decline in the population, determine the cause.

3. Define the area’s ecological and visitor experience thresholds using factors such as: grizzly bear habitat x x effectiveness; forage by wild and domestic animals; amount of bare ground; and, visitor satisfaction.

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4. Prohibit development of designated trails in Moat Pass, Tonquin Pass, Vista Pass, and Meadow Creek, in x recognition of their role as critical movement corridors for grizzly bears.

5. In protecting grizzly bears and the public, give preference to area closures over relocating or removing bears. x

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Progress d t i t Not Ii Initiated Complete On-Going

6. Allow strictly controlled horse use to continue in the Tonquin Valley under managed conditions: maintain x effective, secure and connected habitat for grizzly bears; maintain effective, secure and connected habitat for caribou with special attention to rutting and, calving areas; establish management goals and thresholds and ensure monitoring to measure progress towards thresholds; improve conditions in the valley by reducing the number of horses, horse nights, scheduled trips, and controlling free-ranging horse movements; attain levels of visitor satisfaction and acceptance of Tonquin Valley trails, and the entire experience, equivalent to those found in other backcountry areas where horse use occurs; and, reduce bare ground in grazing areas.

7. Maintain capacity of backcountry facilities at current levels: Campsite: 70 persons; Wates/Gibson Hut: 30 persons; x Amethyst Lodge: 25 persons; and, Tonquin Valley Lodge: 25 persons.

8. Determine the impact of day trips on horseback in the Clitheroe and Majestic areas and the need for additional x standards, monitoring, designated trails, or possible closures.

9. Evaluate special features (e.g. rare species and community types, critical habitat) in the Tonquin Valley to x determine appropriate measures for managing visitor use.

10. Document cultural resources of local and regional significance in the Tonquin Valley. x

5.10.1 A strategy for summer and wonter use of the ski areas supports the long-term viability of the ski hill, while ensuring no net negative environmental impact.

1. Adopt the following principles for ski area management: No new ski areas will be permitted in national parks. ( x existing ski areas are the cornerstone of winter tourism in the mountain parks and will be allowed to continue); long range plans and associated development projects must be of sufficient detail to permit cumulative impact assessment; operating practices of the highest environmental standards and quality will be developed and integrated by the ski operators; until new long range plans are in place, new development will only be considered if it is outlined in the current approved plan; detailed ski area guidelines currently being developed will guide ski area management.

6.2 National transportation corridors and secondary roads are managed in a way that supports Parks Canada’s commitment to ecological integrity and enables visitors to experience the park; Utilities have minimal impact on the park’s ecological integrity; The impact of aircraft, and their associated facilities, on ecological integrity and visitor experiences is kept to a minimum.

1. Continue to improve the road surface, viewpoints and signs along the Icefields Parkway. The Icefields Parkway x x will remain open year-round to accommodate growing shoulder and winter season demand and the requirements of the motor coach and tourism industries.

2. Recapitalize Pyramid Lake Road to meet the needs, as appropriate, of park visitors and operators on the Pyramid x Bench.

3. Improve interpretive signs and other media/facilities along park roads. x

4. Examine ground transportation issues in the coming decade. Begin by 2001 and focus on the following: x x appropriate visitor access; the contribution of roads to the visitor experience; the environmental impact of roads; transportation systems as a tool to manage human use; public transit; parking and traffic flow in and around the community of Jasper; and, regional transportation needs and issues.

5. Assess the benefits to wildlife movement of closing Highway 93A between Tekarra Lodge and Alpine Village. x Consider permanently closing this section of road, based on the results of the experimental closure.

6. Keep Highway 93A from the Whirlpool River bridge to Athabasca Falls open until conditions become x x unacceptable. If funds become available, Highway 93A may be recapitalised, although it will receive a low priority.

7. In anticipation of Highway 16 twinning, gather baseline data and any additional information required to identify x x sensitive areas, critical wildlife habitat, and wildlife movement areas.

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8. Continue to apply state of the art mitigation to reduce wildlife mortality in transportation corridors. Place priority x x on the Yellowhead Trans-Canada Highway.

Progress d t i t Not Ii Initiated Complete On-Going

9. Continue to work with the CNR on ways to reduce the overall impact of the railway. Priority areas include wildlife X x mortality, grain spills and water flow.

10. Continue efforts to reduce the extent of non-native plants along highways, the railway and utility corridors. x x

11. Test and implement effective rehabilitation measures in abandoned borrow pits and rights of way, particularly in x x the montane eco-region.

12. Prepare strategies to address traffic and parking issues (e.g., congestion, cumulative effects) associated with key x secondary roads, pull-offs, and day-use areas.

Air Transportation

13. A comprehensive study will be conducted with the intention of decommissioning the airstrip. x x

14. To retain the wilderness character of park lands and the quality of the visitor experience, pursue, with local x operators, voluntary guidelines for commercial sightseeing. These guidelines would recognize the Athabasca Valley as a visual flight rules (VFR) route and the highly variable weather of the Rocky Mountains. Safety will not be compromised.

15. Work with managers of adjacent lands and provincial licensing authorities on guidelines for flights associated x with recreational activities adjacent to park boundaries (e.g., heli-hiking, heli-skiing).

7.3 Jasper is a model environmental community, reflecting its position as an integral part of the national park and its vital role as the center for the presentation of natural and cultural heritage and essential visitor services in Jasper National Park of Canada.

1. Specific guidelines governing development, operation and management of the community will follow decisions x arising from the approval of the community plan and will be considered part of this plan.

8.2.1 Key policy, land-use and planning are timely, fair and consistent, and are arrived at in an open and participatory environment.

1. Set up an annual round table to discuss progress in implementing the management plan. x x

2. Report regularly to the public on the implementation of the park management plan and how it relates to the State x x of the Parks Report.

3. Set up appropriate processes to consult with the public on future issues. Ensure that local stakeholders are x x involved as early as possible.

8.3.1 The Development Review Process ensures the consistent application of guidelines and public input to all development, including major renovations, in Jasper National Park of Canada. 1. Adopt a revised Development Review Process for all proposals. The process will include the following key x x components: Review of development proposals will take place in two stages—the development permit review and the building permit review; an Advisory Development Board (ADB) will facilitate public involvement, the board will review all applications publicly to ensure they are appropriate and meet the requirements of the National Parks Act, regulations and planning and will submit its recommendations to the park superintendent; a District Review Board will assess procedural questions arising from ADB recommendations and decisions by the superintendent; sunset clauses will limit the period during which an approval is valid; high standards for environmental assessment will incorporate the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA); the municipal development review process will serve as a model; all proposals will respect the appropriate development and business licensing criteria as set out in the announcement of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, June 1998, the Jasper Community Plan, and the principles guiding the nature and scale of OCA developments outside park communities; and, appropriate development and business licensing criteria will apply to commercial activities that may not require development, but could have an impact on the community (e.g., staff housing, equipment storage).

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8.4.1 Use is evaluated using clear criteria that respect the mandate as described in the National Parks Act and Parks Canada’s policy framework

1. Set up a process to examine, annually, proposed new activities and use, and changes in levels of use. Invite the x x public to review the proposed changes. Assess proposals against the criteria for appropriate use in Table 3.

8.5.1 Ecological, social, and economic systems in the park and greater ecosystems benefit from integrated Progress management Initiated Complete On-Going Not Initiated

1. Continue to participate actively on key coordinating committees established by other agencies in the ecosystem. x Emphasize participation in the Foothills Model Forest and Northern East Slopes Environmental Resource Committee. Pursue common goals. In addition to short-term concerns, consider long-term strategic issues such as ecological integrity and tourism

2. Participate in environmental assessments or provincial/regional environmental reviews of projects outside the park x x that are likely to have an adverse effect on the park’s environment.

3. Work with regional tourism partners to expand opportunities for heritage tourism in the region. x

4. Work with the towns of Hinton and Valemount to examine the potential impact more tourist services in their x communities will have on day-use in the park.

5. Pursue the management of the park’s backcountry with managers of adjacent land. x

8.6.1 The Lake Edith Cottage area fulfills its traditional role as a seasonal resort subdivision in the park.

1. The Lake Edith Leaseholders Association will serve as an advisory group to the Superintendent. x

2. Prepare planning and operational guidelines to ensure use of the area remains consistent with its traditional role in x x the park.

3. Refuse to make additional lands available for private cottages at Lake Edith. x

4. Ensure the Lake Edith lots, leased on public lands as a resort subdivision in Jasper National Park of Canada, are x only used from April 1 to October 31.

8.7.1 Research and information, shared among agencies and individuals in the Yellowhead ecosystem, support sound decisions.

1. Invite the scientific community, non-governmental organizations and the public to help identify information needs x and develop strategies to fill information gaps.

2. Set up a peer review process. x

3. Encourage interdisciplinary research that improves understanding of the links between ecological and cultural x processes.

4. Work with others to improve the use of science to support decision-making (e.g., institutions that collect and x analyze information or agencies that use information for various purposes, including education and environmental assessments).

5. Make the results of scientific research widely available. x x

6. Establish, in partnership with others, a program to fund social, economic and ecological research. Encourage x contributions from various sectors, including the business community, universities, non-profit organizations and government. Focus on financial support for long-term research related to indicators and cumulative effects.

7. In addition to its role as a training centre allow the Palisades to be used as a research facility. Continue to place x priority on recovering the cost of operating the facility and on recapitalization.

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8. Set clear goals for research related to ecosystem management, human use management and heritage presentation. x Demonstrate how research and information will contribute to management decisions.

9. Work with appropriate authorities in the Yellowhead ecosystem to set up a strategic research program and a x data/information management system.

10. Ensure that the collection and use of data—ecological, social and economic—transcends jurisdictional x boundaries.

Progress Initiated Complete On-Going Not initiated

11. Identify key information gaps, particularly scientific, social and economic information, and set up processes for x obtaining the necessary information.

12. Develop a social science strategy. Define interim socio-economic goals. Refine goals once significant x information gaps are filled.

13. During the next two years, develop and implement a community awareness and involvement program linked to x the park’s research program.

9.2 Parks Canada demonstrates sound environmental practices in all its activities, services, and products; Environmental stewardship is fundamental to the operation of all businesses and institutions; Visitors and residents contribute to the principles of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

1. Prevent contamination from petroleum storage tanks and ensure compliance with Canadian Environmental x x Protection Act regulations.

2. Employ an integrated pest management system. x x

3. Apply safe and environmentally responsible management practices to the acquisition, reporting, monitoring, x x handling, storage, safe use, transportation and disposal of hazardous waste.

4. Implement the contaminated site strategy focusing on the clean up of priority sites. x x

5. Reduce air emissions by identifying sources of pollution; minimize activities and products that cause harmful air x emissions.

6. Reduce gasoline consumption; promote the use of alternative fuels; select new vehicles based on their ability to x use alternative fuels.

7. Develop and implement energy management plans for all buildings; incorporate energy efficiency and cost x effective technology when building or upgrading facilities.

8. Maintain performance in meeting the goal, set by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, of x x reducing solid waste by 50% of the 1988 levels (e.g., through purchasing, reuse, recycling, and composting).

9. Ensure that the use of surface and ground water does not impair aquatic and riparian systems. x x

10. Implement a water conservation program for all park and commercial facilities. Reduce water consumption by x x adopting water saving technologies at park facilities.

11. Purchase products and services that meet environmental specifications; replace as many products and services as x possible with others that are more environmentally friendly.

12. Demonstrate responsible environmental management to visitors and other groups by applying the best available x practices to services and facilities.

13. Keep construction and demolition waste to a minimum. x

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14. Develop training programs and provide tools that allow park staff to make environmentally responsible choices. x

15. Develop communication products and information packages that support shared stewardship initiatives. x

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9.5.1 In the long-term, effluent matches, as closely as possible, the natural composition of receiving Progress waterbodies; Sewage from facilities that are not connected to a treatment plant have minimal environmental impact. Initiated Complete On-Going Not Initiated

1. Work toward the following thresholds for in-stream release of sewage effluent: x x Phosphorus <0.005 mg/l Faecal Coliform <20/100ml (end of pipe) <2/100ml (end of mixing zone) pH 7.5 — 8.5 BOD5 Summer <10 mg/l Winter <20 mg/l Total suspended solids <10 mg/l NH3-N Summer <1mg/l Winter <5mg/l

2. Examine sewage treatment at outlying facilities; draft guidelines and standards for acceptable sewage treatment. x x Implement an environmentally appropriate method for the treatment of sewage at Maligne Lake and the Miette Hot Springs area.

3. Reduce the amount of phosphorus entering the Athabasca River in sewage effluent. x x

4. Reduce the use of phosphates in the park. x

5. Monitor water quality through chemical analysis and biological indicators, such as benthic algae and invertebrates. x x

6. Monitor the performance of wastewater treatment facilities in the community of Jasper, outlying commercial x x accommodation, campgrounds, day use facilities, hostels, and other facilities.

7. Develop a communications program for the general public and commercial operators about nutrient loadings, x including phosphorus, methods to reduce loading, and performance.

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APPENDIX B. ECOSYSTEM MODELS

Montane Model The montane ecosystem covers 7% of the Park. It has the highest levels of biodiversity, and is critical habitat for deer, elk, bighorn sheep and their predators, such as wolf and cougar. It also experiences high levels of human use. The following flow diagram shows the interactions that link different elements in the ecosystem, such as wolves, elk, and grasslands linked by processes of herbivory and predation.

Humans (traditional and current use) Use Levels, Development, Habitat Fragmentation Wildlife be haviour Mortality - habituation Wolf -highway and railway - wildlife movement & Black and Grizzly Bear -problem wildlife displacement Raptors -hunting and poaching Woodpeckers

Predation Food source

Changes to water flow -gl obal warming Elk- S heep -cu lvert crossings Bark Beetles Birds -i mpoundment -beav er activity

Herbivory Food source -Fire control and use, -Non-native plant Aspen- Douglas Fir-Riparian introductions Grasslands-Lodgepole Pine -Development/extraction Non- native Plants

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Subalpine Model The subalpine ecosystem extends above the montane to tree line. Cooler and moister than the montane, the subalpine is mainly forested with Engelman spruce and subalpine fir characteristic of mature forests. Lodgepole pine dominates successional forests with herb and shrub communities occurring in wet areas. As snow cover is continuous through much of the winter the subalpine is primarily a summer habitat for large grazing animals other than moose and caribou. Trails, several lodges, secondary highways and campgrounds occur in this eco- region.

Humans (traditional and current use)

Wolf Wildlife behaviour/ Mortality Black and Grizzly Bear habitat use -highway Woodpeckers -habituation -management removals Owls (e.g. boreal, hawk owl)

Predation Food source

Elk-Sheep Caribou Bark Beetles

Herbivory Food source

Vegetation Change Lodgepole Pine-Buffaloberry-Spruce- Fire control and use Fir-Terrestrial Lichen -Whitebark Pine

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Alpine Model The treeless alpine eco-region has a cold climate year round. Alpine vegetation generally forms a complex, fine- scale mosaic with marked changes in dominant species depending on changes in microclimatic factors including aspect, wind exposure and snow depth. Hiking trails, campgrounds and skiing occur in areas of this eco-region.

Humans (traditional and current use)

Wolverine Wildlife behaviour Grizzly Bear /habitat use Mortality Golden Eagle -habituation -management removals -temporal and spatial displacement Predation Food source

Mountain Goats Caribou Ptarmigan Pika

Herbivory Food source

Vegetation Change Vegetation cover -Climate Change Treeline -Trampling

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Aquatic Model Jasper encompasses several different kinds of freshwater ecosystems – rivers, lakes and wetlands.

Humans (traditional and current use) Displacement Non-native introductions Avian Predators (fish, invertebrates) Changes to water flow Fish community -effects in fishless lakes -global warming structure and population -road and railway Water- fowl Angling (cascading effects) culvert crossings -im poundment Predation Food source -beaver activity Amphibians Aquatic Invertebrates

Non-piscivorous waterfowl

Predation Herbivory

Zooplankton Phytoplankton Changes to water quality -Airborne pollutants Herbivory Food source -Nutrient Addition, -Herbicides / Pesticides -Storm drain discharge

Riparian Zone Aquatic Plants Vegetation Algae, macrophytes

Rivers, lakes and wetlands: There are three major river systems in the park. The Athabasca drains 83% of the park lands to the Arctic drainage, the Brazeau drains 10% to the Hudson Bay drainage via the North Saskatchewan while the Smokey drains 7% to the Arctic via the Peace River. Within these drainages lie 16 medium sized rivers and hundreds of permanent and intermittent streams.

The lakes in Jasper National Park are typically cold, nutrient poor, low productivity waters. Ice-free periods range from less than 100 days at high elevation to more than 200 days at low elevation.

Flood plain wetlands receive annual flooding and sedimentation. They control flooding, prevent downstream erosion, recycle nutrients and support high levels of biodiversity. There has been a combination of natural (beaver activity) and human induced changes (berms, diversions) to the flooding regime in the park.

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