Banff National Park has released a draft action plan aimed at protecting 14 at-risk species, including the grizzly bear, bull trout, and whitebark pine. The plan is now open for public review until June 30, 2026.
The action plan outlines specific measures to address threats such as habitat fragmentation, climate change, and human disturbance. Key actions include restoring wildlife corridors, reducing road mortality, and managing recreational activities in sensitive areas.
Parks Canada is seeking feedback from Indigenous communities, local stakeholders, and the public to refine the plan before finalization. The agency emphasizes that the plan aligns with federal species-at-risk legislation and broader conservation goals for the mountain national parks.
This initiative follows a 2024 assessment that identified declining populations of several species within the park boundaries. The final plan is expected to be implemented in late 2026, with monitoring and adaptive management strategies to track progress.
