AMPPE's Monthly Membership Newsletter.
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THE ASSOCIATION FOR MOUNTAIN PARKS
PROTECTION & ENJOYMENT

protecting parks * protecting tourism
                  Volume 6, Issue 2, February 2017
Hello AMPPE Members!

February has been a month of good news and success stories for the mountain parks with the long anticipated reintroduction of wild bison to Banff National Park, the announcement of enhanced Roam regional transit, ongoing commitment to repair and maintain trails and a productive Parks Canada planning forum. Yes, we are faced with ongoing challenges in managing issues like congestion and proposed developments in Canmore, Banff and Jasper, but it is also becoming clear that a new spirit of collaboration is spreading amongst the many stakeholders in the region. There is more and more a collective understanding that by working together toward common goals, we can have even greater impact in maintaining a thriving environment for the people, visitors, economy and ecology of the mountain parks.

Casey Peirce, Executive Director
AMPPE
AMPPE Advocacy in Action 

AMPPE was well represented at the Parks Canada Planning Forum held February 9th and 10th in Banff. These meetings invite regional stakeholders to participate in facilitated round table and breakout sessions to share perspectives on the future vision of Banff National Park. The resulting feedback weighs into the policy and planning around the management of the park as well as toward the Banff Management Plan - the guiding operational document which is due to be updated in 3 years in 2020. On behalf of our membership I attended the two-day sessions to provide input on a few key issues of importance that we believe require specific attention and support in the coming years. These include: 

  • Increased multi-trail networks to enjoy nature in a responsible eco-friendly way
  • Enhanced public mass transit between and in Banff and Lake Louise areas
  • More interpretive and educational opportunities and exhibits within parks
  • Encouraging environmentally friendly ways for people to access and experience parks
  • Supporting the balance of ecological integrity, sustainable tourism and visitor experience

The official report of the Parks Canada Forum will be made available in the coming months and I will be sure to relay the information to you as it is released.  

I would like to extend my congratulations to the following AMPPE Members for their recognition as recipients of the Employers of Choice awards from the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association: 

  • Banff Aspen Lodge
  • Banff Park Lodge
  • The Banff Centre
  • The Rimrock Resort Hotel
  • Alpine Village
  • Mountain Park Lodges (6 properties!)
  • Athabasca Hotel
  • Becker’s Chalets 

Congratulations to all of our members in making the Canadian rocky mountain parks a world leading destination!  

Casey
AMPPE

AGM - You are invited!
The Annual General Meeting of our members will be held at The Banff Centre - Max Bell Room 252, on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 4 p.m.
The meeting will be followed by a social reception. 

Please RSVP to admin@amppe.org by Friday, March 10, 2017.
Plains Bison have officially returned to Banff National Park
Bison have returned to Banff National Park after being absent for over a century! Read about their journey from Elk Island National Park to their new home in Banff.

Increased Public Transit Options in Banff National Park Announced 
Banff and Lake Louise are preparing for the busy visitor season in 2017 with  extended  public transit options to offer the best possible visitor experience.

Bow Valley Parkway Mandatory Seasonal Travel Restriction
For the 4th year, a seasonal travel restriction will apply to the 17 km eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway from March 1st to June 25th. Travel will be permitted between 8AM and 8PM.

AMPPE advocates for balance between sustainable tourism, ecological integrity, and positive visitor experience in Canada's rocky mountain parks.