Editor:
Re: Wilderness group concerned with park development (RMO, July 18).
AMPPE’s characterization of the CPAWS 2013 Parks Report as one-sided and manipulative is simply false.
CPAWS’ annual parks reports always highlight good news as well as challenges facing Canadian parks. For example, this yearís report praises conservation projects in Banff and Jasper and also highlights the risk to parks from new infrastructure and commercial development pressures.
And sadly, AMPPEís assertion that Canada’s national parks are healthy doesn’t align with the scientific evidence. Parks Canada’s 2011 report on the state of national parks found that, of 102 national park ecosystems assessed nation-wide, only 43 were considered in good health while 51 were in fair health and eight in poor health. In Banff and Jasper, all three park ecosystems assessed were ranked as being only in fair condition.
In addition, Parks Canada’s spokesperson seems to suggest that CPAWS wants to protect national parks from Canadians. Nothing could be further from the truth. For 50 years, CPAWS has promoted parks as places where people can enjoy and appreciate protected nature.
Through our education and engagement programs, CPAWS chapters coast to coast to coast are connecting Canadians with nature in our parks and protected natural areas.
CPAWS will continue to stand up for the protection of nature in Canada’s parks, and encourage visitors to enjoy our parks in ways that will leave them unimpaired for current and future generations of Canadians.
Alison Woodley
CPAWS National Director, Parks Program
