In spite of recent announcements of new parks being created up north, our already established and more accessible national parks are now seriously underfunded by the federal government. Staff are being laid off, exhibits are being closed, and many trails will no longer be maintained.

The federal government's decision to allow inappropriate infrastructure development such as the Brewster Glacier Discovery Walk in Jasper National Park and the proposed Via Ferrata in Banff National Park could start a dangerous precedent for other national parks across the country – putting the natural landscape and wildlife at risk. Parks Canada is required by law to give first priority to protection of ecological integrity, and there is no evidence that thrill-based developments connect people with nature.

Join us as we voice our objection to further degradation of our national parks and celebrate hope for their future.

There will be a program of music, presentations, and a dramatization. Bring your instrument if you play! Also bring warm clothes (just in case), a lawn chair, and a picnic lunch.

This event is grassroots-organized and driven by individual community members with the support of the Jasper Environmental Association and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (Northern Alberta Chapter).

For further information, please contact:

• Jill Seaton, Jasper Environmental Association - (780) 852-4152
• Kelly Sloan, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - (780) 424-5128 ext. 309

Location

Posted September 4, 2012 by AEN