Wildlife Overpasses working in Banff National Park (Calgary Herald)

The realization that some success has come is very pleasing.  As a biologist and environmental planner that has worked directly on similar types of projects, I read this story with great interest.  To know and view specific photos of active animal crossings is rewarding.  I recall only several years ago touring through the construction of these structures, those in progress, and those complete.  To stand on them is a rather interesting feeling.  Even with large trucks and buses passing underneath at highway speeds.  The degree of perceived shelter was more profound than I had anticipated.  It would be a relatively small step in faith to begin to 'trust' these avenues of passage.

Another perspective is from the photo accompanying the story.  With due consideration to the perspective above, this perspective shows an almost miniscule 'bridge' between two much large chunks of habitat.  It is a very graphic illustration of the 'change' that occurs with the development of these linear projects (i.e., rail, road, utilities, etc.).  The impact assessment would have identified geotechnical hazards, soil capability for reclamation, critical habitat, sensitive features, historical use, among other parameters and designed and located the 'bridge' at a highly suited position along the length.  But one could not argue that this still means a fence, and a rather constricted travel corridor for those highly mobile and wide ranging species (moose, elk, bear, cougar, wolf, etc.).  It would be not different than your wide open field that had a central path constructed across it and a fence from preventing you from experiencing the forest and nature.  For wildlife, it brings limitation into their home.  Altered travel patterns can possibly contribute to an adjustment in energy balances, increased susceptibility to predation, or the removal of access to some important habitat features.  But it is a mitigated alternative, particularly since for many decades, such consideration was not given.  The railway and other parts of the transportation corridor through the park west of Calgary remains as significant contributors to grizzly mortalities and mitigation has not been very effective.  Whether we are fully conscious of it or not, our touch to the earth has consequences - ones we can either accept or not accept.  These decisions we keep making become increasingly less transparent as the population expands.  The quote below is all too true, so in the meantime, enjoy your day.

On a long enough timeline. The survival rate for everyone drops to zero.

Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club, 1996
US writer (1962 - )

Bridging the killing field in Banff

Banff's controversial wildlife overpasses have become a runaway success in reducing wildlife deaths on the Trans-Canada highway. Now, the world is starting to notice.

BY ROBERT REMINGTON, CALGARY HERALD OCTOBER 24, 2010 COMMENTS (13)

• STORY
• PHOTOS ( 1 )

Wildlife crossing structures over the Trans-Canada Highway through Banff are heavily used by animals, and even grizzlies have been spotted using them in broad daylight. The overpasses, which allow wildlife to cross the fenced highway, were criticized as expensive and useless, but have succeeded beyond expectations.

Photograph by: Courtesy, A. Ford, WTI-Parks Canada

This summer, more than 20 motion-activated cameras were set up throughout Banff National Park as part of a long-term wildlife population monitoring project.

Strapped to trees and hidden in rocks along hiking and game trails, the cameras have captured intriguing and sometimes comical images of elusive species like grizzlies, wolves, cougars, goats and wolverines. Researchers will analyze the images for "occupancy modelling" that will help shape management decisions on trail use, species reintroduction and the timing and location of prescribed fires.

Park officials have also found another use for the photos -- they are posting the images on the Banff website to prove to visitors that wild animals really do exist in Banff. The national park has done such an effective job of reducing human-wildlife conflicts that visitors are becoming disappointed at what they perceive as a wildlife-sterile environment.

READ FULL POST HERE