🚀 go-pugleaf

Banff National Park is the oldest and most famous of Canada's national
parks.  It is often referred to as the "jewel in the crown" of Canada's
park network.  As well as its outstanding scenic beauty, the park is a
critical link in the Rocky Mountain eco-system.  It's broad valleys and
myriad of alpine and sub-alpine environments support not only the wildlife
residing within the park, but a movement corridor for the large mammals
that range throughout the Rocky mountains.  Established in the 1870's, and
long said to be held and maintained for future generations of Canadians and
those from around the world, the integrity of the Park is now in danger. 
The Bow Valley corridor, which forms the heart of the park, both
geographically and ecologically, has been forced to absorb a huge amount of
commercial tourist development:  a myriad of hotels, a 27-hole golf course,
a cadet training camp, a buffalo paddock, a small-craft airfield, as well
as a twinned highway and national railway line.

Over the last two years there has been a comprehensive review commissioned
by the Government of Canada into the future of Banff National Park, the
"Banff-Bow Valley Study".  This study included extensive round-table
discussions including a broad variety of interests including national and
local environmental groups, and local and national business interests.  As
part of its deliberations the BBVS round table heard a report from an
international panel of prominent environmental scientists.  The panel
advised that the degree of commercial development within Banff National
Park is placing a severe strain on the available wildlife habitat.  As a
result, the population of wolves, bears, and other large mammals is in
serious decline., and the ecological viability of the park as a whole is in
question.  

This evidence was not contradicted by those who advocate continued
commercial development of tourist facilities within Banff National Park. 
Rather, development interests have been waging a campaign urging the
Canadian public and government to disregard the science, and allow further
golf courses, hotels, and condominiums within this precious natural region
on the basis that such facilities will provide "balance".

A decision on the future of Banff National Park is expected from the
Canadian Government by the end of September.  It is broadly felt that
whatever is decided for Banff's future will serve as a precedent for all of
Canada's network of national parks into the 21st century.

It is critical, therefore, that those that believe that national parks are
truly to be managed with a view to their ecological integrity and for the
enjoyment of future generations who have an appreciation of our natural
world make there views known NOW.  Please write a letter on behalf of this
critical piece of Canadian geography, history, and environment today. 
Letters from abroad are very important, because the argument of the
pro-development forces is often that new facilities are needed to cater to
foreign tourists.  If foreign tourists are not attracted by a theme park
in the mountains, they should let that be known.  Again, NOW is the
critical time.

Letters should be sent to Prime Minister Jean Chretien and Heritage
Minister Sheila Copps.  The address for both is: House of Commons, Ottawa,
Ontario, Canada K1A 0A6.  Copps can also be reached at Phone: (613)
997-7788, Fax: (613) 994-5987, e-mail: min_copps@pch.gc.ca.