Banff Overwhelmed

National parks

Development should be halted in Banff National Park, says a study by a 20-member panel that includes some of North America’s most prominent biologists.

Banff, which is about 90 miles west of Calgary, is Canada’s best-known park. However, “the current growth rate in tourism in Banff National Park is unsustainable,” the report says.

David Schindler, an acid rain expert, said that only six of the park’s 200 alpine lakes are undisturbed by habitat degradation and the introduction of non-native species.

The death rate of grizzlies in the park exceeds the birth rate, said David Mattson, University of Idaho wildlife specialist.

The final report will be presented next summer.