Banff, AB - If you see smoke over the next few weeks around the East Gate of Banff National Park, don't be alarmed. Parks Canada is conducting a small (60 hectares) prescribed burn in the Carrot Creek area, conditions permitting in late April or early May.
Prescribed burns and thinning stimulates the growth of grasses, shrubs, aspen and poplar, creating favourable winter habitat for ungulates and predators as well as year-round habitat for a variety of the park’s wildlife. It also augments the fire break for nearby communities.
Active fire may cause smoke plumes to be visible, though smoke impacts are predicted to be short in duration it may reduce visibility on the Trans-Canada Highway and the Banff Legacy Trail. Parks Canada maintains a smoke notification list for people who are extremely sensitive to smoke. If you would like to be added to the list, please call 403 762 1546 or email mark.merchant@pc.gc.ca. For further information on smoke effects, contact Alberta Health Link at 866 408 LINK (5465).