2012-09-19 AWA Letter: GranFondo Event in Banff National Park

Mr. Dave McDonough
Superintendent, Banff National Park
Banff, AB
Email: Dave.McDonough@pc.gc.ca
September 13, 2012

Re: GranFondo Event, Banff national Park

1500 Bike Race Saturday, August 25th

Dear Mr. McDonough:

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the suitability of the recent GranFondo event in our National Park. Alberta Wilderness Association does not support events of this magnitude whether they be sporting, recreation or for other purposes being conducted within National Parks or provincially protected areas. Such events are inappropriate in that they do not interpret park values and are incompatible with a mandate to protect and interpret natural systems.

While the staff of the park was astute in diverting the course of the race away from wildlife and in particular the grizzly bear family grazing near Castle junction we firmly believe the magnitude and complications of holding such an event are not in keeping with National Park or protected areas mandates.

It is simply common sense that wildlife is sensitive and should not be forced to endure an endless stream of human racers regardless of the event being wonderful for human participants. We were not present for the event, but know from similar events that there is a great deal of disruption over a prolonged period in order to set up the needed support system. We expect that the management of our parks will be done without compromising the protection and legacy of ecosystems that make our National Parks such magnificent places.

Sincerely yours,

ALBERTA WILDERNESS ASSOCIATION

Christyann Olson

Executive Director