Railway-bear conflict mitigation symposium underway in Canada

Gathering together some of North America's leading bear and transportation experts, the Government of Canada and Canadian Pacific launched the first Railway-Bear Conflict Mitigation Symposium in Banff National Park, AB, Canada. Complementing the five-year Joint Action Plan announced last fall, the symposium will be an incentive for attendees to augment the draft research plan to further mitigate rail-related bear mortality in Banff and Yoho National Parks. "The grizzly bear is an internationally recognized icon of Canada and our national parks," said Minister Kent, Canada's environment minister and minister responsible for Parks Canada. "Through the Joint Action Plan, we are committed to finding solutions to ensure grizzly bears remain on the Rocky Mountain landscape. In connecting with leading bear and transportation experts, we are taking an encouraging step towards the realization of our goal." Over the past 20 years, Parks Canada has reduced bear mortality related to human interaction on highways and within town sites through strategic mitigation actions. This symposium will provide a platform to share information and solicit input from experts with varied knowledge and perspectives. These specialists can help further the development of a credible scientific research program related to rail-specific solutions. "Because we take the issue of grizzly health so seriously, we have brought together some of North America's biggest and brightest subject experts to help us with our goal," said Blake Richards. "Working with partners is one of many examples how we, as Canadians, are able to implement concrete actions to better protect Canada's natural habitats and wildlife." In October, symposium participants and other interested parties will have the opportunity to submit proposals for consideration as part of the $1-million, CP-supported, research plan. This winter, a CP-Parks Canada selection committee will vet submissions and announce successful projects for spring/summer 2012 implementation. Projects will be tested and supported by robust monitoring to determine effectiveness. Over the summer, as part of other potential mitigation measures identified under the Joint Action Plan, Parks Canada and CP have used selected portions of the railway throughout Banff National Park as a living laboratory. Test initiatives, supported by research plans, include on-track structures such as peg boards to discourage bears from using the tracks as an escape path, strategic vegetation management and electro-mats which are being tested to support potential fencing structures.