MARMOT BASIN LONG RANGE PLAN SUMMARY

Transcription

1 MARMOT BASIN LONG RANGE PLAN SUMMARY Prepared by: Ski Marmot Basin 1 Marmot Rd, Jasper, Alberta T0E 1E0 Ph: CH2M HILL Energy Canada, Ltd. Suite 1100, 815-8th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 3P2 Ph:

2 1 INTRODUCTION Ski Marmot Basin (a subsidiary of Rocky Mountain Skiing Inc.) owns and operates the Marmot Basin Ski Area in Jasper National Park of Canada. It is situated approximately 21 kilometres (km) south of the Town of Jasper. The ski area operates under a lease agreement for an area that is currently 680 hectares (ha) in size. Consistent with the regulatory and policy requirements of Parks Canada, Ski Marmot Basin is now advancing a first long range plan (LRP) for consideration that will guide future use and development. This LRP advances project components for: Expanded snowmaking; Expanded parking and improved public access; Improvements to the Caribou Chalet; and Minor reglading in the Mid-Mountain area. A subsequent LRP will be submitted in the near future following the conclusion of pertinent wildlife studies. Parks Canada recognizes the importance of the existing four ski areas to Jasper and Banff National Parks. The ski area operators and Parks Canada have agreed that a clear and consistent approach to ski hill management is required. The parties agreed to manage these ski areas in a manner that will not impair the ecological integrity of the parks and, at the same time, assist these ski areas to remain competitive in the increasingly competitive international and western Canada market. Ski Marmot Basin recognizes that it must continually enhance its ski area services and facilities in order to remain sustainable and competitive. The owners and management embrace these improvements and acknowledge that they must occur in recognition of Marmot Basin s location within Jasper National Park. The Ski Marmot Basin Area plays an important part in the human history of Jasper National Park. Skiing has occurred at Marmot Basin since the early 1950s. Since the 1999/2000 winter season, annual visitation to the ski area has varied considerably with an average of 204,884 visits per season and ranging from a low of 132,800 visits in 2000/2001 to a high of approximately 258,000 in 2009/2010. At present the ski area experiences a daily peak capacity of about 4,500 visits, generally occurring over the winter holiday periods. The current operating lift system consists of three detachable quadruple chairlifts, one fixed-grip quadruple chairlift, one fixed-grip triple chairlift, one fixed-grip double chairlift, and one small conveyor belt (magic carpet) beginner lift. The lift system has a theoretical design capacity of 5,430 skiers per day. There are 93 trails/runs (86 of which are named runs ). The total commercial floor area at Marmot Basin is 3,626 square metres (m 2 ) located in three day lodges. 1

3 2 THE SKI AREA PLANNING PROCESS In order to provide certainty for land use in ski areas, Parks Canada developed a comprehensive four-step ski area planning process. Step One: The ski area submits a Vision Statement to Parks Canada, outlining the concepts and initiatives that the ski area would like to pursue in the planning process. Step Two: Parks Canada prepares, with input from the ski area, Site Guidelines for Development and Use that outline permanent growth limits and provide site-specific direction for development and use consistent with the 2006 Ski Area Management Guidelines. Step Three: The ski area prepares a LRP and associated Detailed Impact Analysis (DIA) describing the group of project proposals that are, consistent with the approved Site Guidelines. Step Four: The ski area obtains project permits for implementation of individual projects contained in an approved LRP. A ski area may proceed, at its discretion, with submission of additional long range plans providing they are consistent with the approved Site Guideline. This approach can be repeated until a ski area reaches the limit of build out, as defined by the negotiated and permanent growth limits. The ski area, as the proponent, manages public engagement for the LRP process. In July 2012, the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act was repealed and replaced by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 (CEAA 2012). Marmot Basin s LRP is prepared so as to be compliant with the Parks Canada Interim Directive on Implementation of the CEAA 2012 and involves the submission of a DIA for consideration. A DIA is the most intensive form of environmental impact analysis required by Parks Canada. The Superintendent of Jasper National Park will make a determination regarding the DIA and will recommend the long range plan to the Minister of the Environment for decision. 2.1 Marmot Basin Ski Area Site Guidelines for Development and Use The approved Marmot Basin Site Guidelines for Development and Use (2008 Site Guidelines) were based on the 2006 Ski Area Management Guidelines. The 2008 Site Guidelines outline the scope, nature and location of development and use changes that will be considered by the Parks Canada Agency at Marmot Basin. The 2008 Site Guidelines were developed on the basis of future potential initiatives first identified by Ski Marmot Basin in a Vision Statement submitted to Parks Canada in Future initiatives that were consistent with the 2006 Ski Area Management Guidelines were included in the 2008 Site Guidelines and may be advanced through subsequent LRPs. The 2008 Site Guidelines contain the conditions that must be met before Parks Canada will consider any potential future projects. 2.2 Projects Outside of the Long Range Planning Process With completion of the 2008 Site Guidelines, and in recognition that it will take time to prepare a LRP, Parks Canada may consider the approval of specific types of projects that meet a number of criteria so that necessary facility replacement and upgrading can occur. Several noteworthy projects have been completed by Ski Marmot Basin, with Parks Canada approval, in advance of the LRP. These projects represented like-for-like replacements of existing chairlifts, were the subject of environmental screening reports, and underwent public reviews. Ski Marmot Basin received approval to proceed with: 2

4 1. construction of the Canadian Rockies Express (2009); 2. replacement of the Paradise Chairlift in (2010); 3. replacement of the School House Chairlift in (2010); and 4. construction of a new mid-mountain operations and maintenance facility (for completion in 2014). In addition, Ski Marmot Basin is pursuing decommissioning of the Caribou Chairlift, which is no longer operational. 2.3 Ski Marmot Basin s Approach to Long Range Planning The 2006 Ski Area Management Guidelines provide latitude for ski areas in the mountain national parks to advance project components identified in approved site guidelines through one or more LRPs. The scope of this project entails the preparation, public review and submission by Ski Marmot Basin of two documents the Marmot Basin LRP and DIA. The two documents were prepared concurrently and in recognition of the benefits associated with an integrated and iterative approach. Ski Marmot Basin is required to implement a public engagement strategy for the LRP and DIA for Parks Canada s review and approval. Parks Canada will take the lead in engaging aboriginal groups. An independent firm, TERA, A CH2MHILL Company (TERA), has been retained by Ski Marmot Basin to design and implement the public engagement process. 2.4 Lease Boundary Adjustments, New Licenses of Occupation and Consideration of Exceptions Ski Marmot Basin operates, at present, under two 42-year leases that expire in The largest lease is 678 ha in size. A 2 ha lease was established to accommodate the wastewater treatment facilities constructed in Ski Marmot Basin has proposed, and Parks Canada has accepted, a 17% reduction in the size of the total leasehold. This reduction, to occur in lower Whistler Creek and the surrounding north-facing slopes, is proposed in recognition of the area s importance for woodland caribou, mountain goats and other valued and sensitive wildlife species. Ski Marmot Basin has requested that a new lease be negotiated as part of the long range planning process. Parks Canada has agreed to grant a new lease upon Ministerial approval of the first LRP. The new lease will reflect the voluntary leasehold reductions and, subject to requisite legislative amendments, will confirm mutual intentions regarding two new licenses of occupation provided in the 2008 Site Guidelines. The 2008 Site Guidelines provide for the consideration of a range of exceptions to Parks Canada Agency policy in circumstances in which substantial environmental gains can be realized. The gains are associated with the leasehold reduction from 678 ha to 562 ha. Consideration for the construction of a mid-mountain water reservoir in support of expanded snowmaking in the mid-mountain area is one of these exceptions. 3

5 Figure 1. Jasper National Park Lease Boundary Map 4

6 3 PROJECT COMPONENTS ADVANCED IN THIS LRP This first LRP submission to Parks Canada contains four project components: 1. Expansion of a mid and upper-mountain snowmaking facility including the construction of a new reservoir. This also includes activities involved in making the 2004 Interim Snowmaking System a permanent facility and increasing the volume of an existing lagoon to enhance the early snowmaking capacity on the lower mountain. 2. Expansion of parking and implementation of an integrated transportation strategy. 3. Caribou Chalet upgrades. 4. Tree reglading on the slopes west of the mid-mountain chalet. 3.1 Snowmaking Expansion The expanded snowmaking facility is proposed to provide reliable snow coverage for heavy ski-traffic areas. The proposed project involves the construction of a new 34,000 m 3 water reservoir to the northwest of the midmountain chalets and installation of snowmaking equipment (Figure 2). The reservoir would be constructed as a partially excavated pond and earth dam embankment (berm) constructed with in-situ materials. It would have a footprint of 1.3 ha. Ski Marmot Basin proposes to fill the reservoir from Basin Creek during the high flow snowmelt periods, to reduce the ecological impact of additional winter water withdrawals. The primary snowmaking period is typically from late-october to December. Periodic snowmaking would occur throughout the winter season, however, to ensure that a safe snow-base is maintained. Snowmaking coverage is proposed primarily on Basin Run, Roll Out, Paradise and S-turn (Figure 2). If sufficient water volumes support additional snowmaking, Ski Marmot Basin will address problematic areas that typically occur on Highway 16, Marmot Run, Sunset Boulevard, Fresh Tracks and Gun Sight. 5

7 Figure 2. Existing and Proposed Snowmaking Routes on the Mid-Mountain Reservoir 6

8 The 2004 interim snowmaking system provided Ski Marmot Basin with certainty for ski hill opening and closing dates as well as enhanced safety and satisfaction for skiers. This in turn provided substantial positive social and economic impacts for the Town of Jasper during the winter ski season. The existing early season snowmaking capacity is not sufficient when low snow conditions are encountered on the lower mountain runs. Ski Marmot Basin proposes to increase the capacity of one of the two existing lower mountain lagoons. Additionally, the Ski Marmot Basin will pursue the use of treated water for reuse in the snowmaking operation. This project component is supported by: a Water Management Strategy ; an assessment of the 2004 Interim Snowmaking System; and demonstration that all applicable ecological management parameters can be met for Basin Creek. Reliable snow cover that provides high quality skiing opportunities throughout the season is an important element in ensuring sustainable ski area operations at Marmot Basin. 3.2 Parking Expansion and Transportation Access Ski Marmot Basin proposes a phased approach for transportation access by implementing a number of operational measures, increasing mass transit opportunities, parking lot expansion and widening portions of the Marmot Basin road. This plan addresses both existing and near future parking and traffic circulation issues. Five phases are being advanced: Phase 1: Implementation of operational measures to manage existing traffic circulation and parking problems. Phase 2: Assessment of mass transit opportunities including the promotion and use of mass transit. Results of the assessment may lead to implementation opportunities in subsequent long range plan submissions. Phase 3: Expansion of the four public parking lots by up to 630 stalls from the existing 1,000 stalls, as well as widening portions of the Marmot Road from the Caribou Chalet to Lot 4. The expansion includes the area onto Home Run. Phase 4: Establishment of an on-hill shuttle to transport visitors between the Caribou Chalet and the parking lots, to address congestion and improve the safety of operations along Marmot Road. Phase 5: Pending outcomes of the mass transit assessment, Ski Marmot Basin may pursue, in subsequent plan submissions, the development of an integrated approach for advancing mass transit from the Town of Jasper, further consolidation of maintenance/staff/storage facilities in Lot 2, as well as development of the existing maintenance area for bus loading/unloading and parking. 3.3 Caribou Chalet Infrastructure Upgrading This LRP contains proposals to address existing issues associated with the public and operational uses of the Caribou Chalet. Crowding issues associated with the availability of washrooms and heated eating space occurs when visitation exceeds 3,000 skiers per day. In addition, Ski Marmot Basin intends to remove a mobile trailer used for administration purposes and a refrigeration trailer used for food storage that are both located adjacent to the drop-off parking area. There are two elements to this project component. First, the existing west-facing deck would be enclosed and used for public food services and added washroom facilities. The deck enclosure entails covering 198 m 2 for public eating space and adding 72.7 m 2 that would be used for operational purposes. The net floor area increase is

9 m 2 and results in an increase in commercial floor area of 198 m2. Secondly, the north-end extension of the chalet would occur on two floor levels. The proposed new addition would add approximately m 2 of floor area. The net increase in floor space would be m 2 of which m 2 would represent an increase in commercial floor area. The extension would match the architectural elements of the existing chalet exterior. 3.4 Tree Reglading The 2008 Site Guidelines allows for tree glading. Reglading would occur in a manner consistent with the provisions of a proposed Marmot Basin Vegetation Management Strategy (2014) and the Best Management Practices for Development at Ski Areas in Banff and Jasper National Parks (2008). Reglading is proposed in three areas above and to the west of the mid-mountain chalet, and accessed from the Canadian Rockies Express or Paradise lifts. The areas are associated with Milk Run, Elevator Chutes and Little Chicago. The area was gladed some 35 years ago but has not been maintained and reglading is now required to permit safe and enjoyable skiing by advanced and higher-level skiers. Although the existing stand densities vary considerably with elevation, on average a thinning factor of 20% to 25% would be required over the three areas and along defined ski lines. Trees would not be removed from the top edge or sides of the runs to contain the gladed area. No whitebark pine will be removed and areas containing whitebark pine would be protected. Tree removal requirements can be reduced, if the proposed limbing is permitted. 8

10 Figure 3. Proposed Areas for Tree Reglading 9

11 4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LONG RANGE PLANNING In addition to the four project components identified above, Ski Marmot Basin must address a number of general planning requirements. These requirements represent undertakings negotiated between Parks Canada and Ski Marmot Basin in the 2008 Site Guidelines. Complete versions of a number of the undertakings below are contained in the Supplemental Volume. Water Management Strategy and Assessment of Interim Snowmaking: Ski Marmot Basin is required to obtain a Water Permit under Section 18 (1) of The Canada National Parks Act General Regulations. The Water Management Strategy and the DIA have been prepared to address, in part, the requirements for application of the permit. The strategy elements form integral parts of both the LRP and DIA submissions. Growth Limits and Ski Resort Balancing Assessment: This first LRP submission must demonstrate that the proposed project components neither create nor exacerbate imbalances beyond the negotiated ultimate design capacity of 6,500 skiers per day. Based on an analysis involving the out-of-base capacity, the lift capacity, ski trail capacity, commercial floor area capacity and parking/transit capacity, a conclusion is reached that all of the components are well below the development growth limit of 6,500 skiers. Additionally, the project components advanced in this plan would not result in any operational element becoming out of balance. Adequacy of Supporting Infrastructure: The existing and anticipated future adequacy of the Marmot Basin was assessed relating to domestic water, waste water and electrical power. The existing domestic water distribution system meets applicable requirements and standards and can continue as presently configured but with some future replacements to that system. The wastewater treatment system was determined to be adequate in terms of effluent treatment, but storage volume capacity will need to be expanded in the future. This can be accomplished through the proposed expansion of the existing (Cell 1) lagoon. The existing and proposed power demands were reviewed with representatives of ATCO Electric who confirmed that the increases were within the existing contract limits and do not represent a strain on the Jasper power supply. Some alteration in the distribution system at Marmot Basin would be required to support the proposed expansion of snowmaking that include both upgrading and providing additional transformers. Architectural Theme: An architectural theme is required as part of this first LRP submission and is provided as part of this plan submission. It has application for the exterior of new structures in the leasehold area and as major renovations of existing structures occur. Best Management Practices Specific to Marmot Basin Ski Area: Ski Marmot Basin has developed, as part of this plan submission, best management practices pertaining to: racecourse management; glading activity and tree removal; protocols for summer construction and maintenance activities to minimise impacts on grizzly bears; and matters related to viewscapes, noise and lighting. Vegetation Management Strategy: A Marmot Basin Vegetation Management Strategy has been developed as part of this first plan and will be expanded on in subsequent long range plan submissions. The strategy deals with ecological management parameters, rare plant species, non-native invasive species and sensitive wildlife species, as well as the implications for vegetation in consideration of the proposed project components. The strategy is integrated into the LRP and the DIA. A compensatory tree planting strategy has been advanced by Ski Marmot Basin to assist in addressing ecological management parameters associated with tree removal, the proposed midmountain reservoir, the parking lot extensions and road widening Assessment of Visitor Accommodation: The 2008 Site Guidelines contain direction that the LRP(s) will need to demonstrate that accommodation needs can be met while respecting Parks Canada s established growth limits in Jasper National Park. An assessment of the present and anticipated future availability of accommodation in Jasper and the Hinton area was undertaken. Excepting use during peak periods and involving regional visitors, visitor 10

12 accommodation needs will be sufficient for the foreseeable future. Very modest increases in commercial accommodation will be permitted by Parks Canada in the Town of Jasper and in Jasper National Park. Regional visitors are anticipated to adjust the timing of their visits to avoid peak periods, or to travel to Jasper on a day basis. Staff Housing Strategy: This plan submission contains an assessment of the current staff-housing situation. Modest changes in staffing requirements, associated with the project components advanced for consideration in this plan, can be be handled as part of an amalgamation of housing inventories with the Jasper Tramway and Maligne Lake Tours. Heritage Tourism Strategy: Ski Marmot Basin is required, in compliance with the 2008 Site Guidelines, to establish a strategy for application at the ski resort. As part of this plan submission, a strategy framework is provided and based on the Jasper Heritage Tourism Strategy (1999). A comprehensive and integrated approach involving the Jasper tourism sector, the Town of Jasper and Parks Canada will be pursued in subsequent long range plan submissions. Environmental Management and Monitoring System: An Environmental Management and Performance Management System (EMMS) is contained in this first LRP submission. The system outlines commitments to quantitative monitoring and scheduled reporting on performance. It is linked to the 2008 Best Management Practices and will be advanced and refined in subsequent long range plan submissions. It provides an auditable system for quantitatively monitoring and periodically reporting Marmot Basin s environmental performance. Assessment of Mass Transit Opportunities: An assessment of winter season mass transit opportunities is contained in the first plan submission. It has been prepared in association with the proposed physical expansion of the parking lots and to assist in the design of a new bus unload/load facility to be contained in a subsequent plan submission. Ski Marmot Basin will work with commercial tourism operators in Jasper National Park, the Town of Jasper and representatives of the Parks Canada Agency in undertaking the assessment. As an integrated mass transit strategy is being contemplated in Jasper National Park, the opportunities will be developed further in future long range plan submissions. 11

13 5 SUMMARY FINDINGS OF THE DETAILED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS A Detailed Impact Analysis (DIA) has been prepared to identify, describe and address the environmental effects that are likely to occur should projects proposed in the Ski Marmot Basin 2014 Long Range Plan proceed. A month long consultation period will be provided for public and aboriginal groups to review the Long Range Plan. Following the public review period, comments will be submitted to Parks Canada for consideration. After review, if required, Parks Canada will provide direction to Ski Marmot Basin regarding required revisions to the LRP or DIA. Following these revisions, the LRP and DIA will be finalized and Ski Marmot Basin will submit it to Parks Canada as part of the documentation required for the LRP approval process. 5.1 Environmental Effects Mitigation Best Management Practices have been developed by the ski area operators in Banff and Jasper national parks, and Parks Canada. These Best Management Practices cover a number of routine activities that occur during construction projects. They would form the basis of Ski Marmot Basin s environmental protection planning, which would be part of subsequent development permit applications to the Parks Canada Agency. Native Vegetation Diversity The primary effects to vegetation from the project will result from reservoir construction, snowmaking system installation, and parking lot expansions. During construction, approximately 13.6 hectares of native vegetation would be disturbed, of which, approximately 9.7 hectares would be reclaimed. Ski Marmot Basin will reclaim the reservoir berms and stockpile sites post-construction. Excess material excavated from the reservoir that is not used to build the berm will be used for the parking lot expansion. About 250 trees along Home Run will be removed to allow for parking lot expansion. Selective road widening will require additional removal of approximately 325 trees along the road margin. Compensatory planting will be a component of the environmental mitigation for this component of the project. The remaining construction activities, such as water pipeline replacement and installation of the snowmaking system will result in vegetation disturbance during the construction period. Once the equipment is underground the sites will be reclaimed. Ski Marmot Basin would put in place a long-term revegetation strategy that will offset the tree removal for the proposed parking lot extensions, road widening and mid-mountain reservoir. Implementation of the strategy would advance, in the long-term, the intent of the 2008 Site Guidelines regarding a range of ecological management parameters in the developed area of the Marmot Basin Ski Area. Rare and Sensitive Plant Communities There are four rare and sensitive plant communities that have been identified at Marmot Basin: high elevation dwarf shrub and mountain avens plant communities; saxicolous lichen communities; seepage and riparian plant communities; and a large sedge fen located north of the upper parking lots (outside the ski area boundary, however, identified here since it could be susceptible to drainage changes from activities within the ski area). Topsoil storage would affect a previously disturbed area adjacent and to the north of the proposed reservoir site. Burying of the existing and new proposed snowmaking lines would occur along ski runs with high elevation dwarf shrub vegetation communities. These sites would be disturbed during the season of construction, however, 12

14 successful reclamation of similar sites at Marmot Basin suggest that this vegetation community can be reclaimed successfully. Rare Plants Vegetation surveys at Marmot Basin have identified plants which are considered rare in Alberta. The reservoir site supports a number of plant species, which are considered rare in Alberta. These plants would be affected directly by the reservoir footprint and indirectly in the nearby surrounding area because of likely changes in soil moisture. All of the species that might be affected have been documented at other locations at Marmot Basin. Whitebark pine is the only plant species within Marmot Basin to be listed as endangered by federal agencies (i.e., COSEWIC, or listed under the Species at Risk Act). Prior to implementation of the reglading project, a search for additional whitebark pine would be conducted and, if found, measures will be taken to protect them. Invasive Species 2011 and 2012 surveys documented several non-native and invasive plant species observations. These species include common dandelion and clover varieties that, likely, are a result of historical disturbance and associated reclamation activities. Ski Marmot Basin would use Best Management Practices to minimize potential introduction and spread of invasive species during the construction project. As an ongoing practice, Ski Marmot Basin will monitor sites for the presence of invasive species and will implement control programs for any species identified by Parks Canada as a priority. Hydrology Basin Creek has been the main water supply for Marmot Basin s operations since the ski area was established in Basin Creek flows through the ski area and converges with Whistlers Creek downstream of the ski area. Whistlers Creek then discharges into the Athabasca River. Existing operations divert about 77,000 m 3 (20 million US gallons) of water from Basin Creek, much of which is used to make snow on the ski area s lower slopes during the winter. This snowmelt returns to Basin Creek in the spring. The water intake gallery is situated in a rocky area near the Paradise Lodge. The defined channel of Basin Creek originates downstream of the intake gallery. The intake diverts some water from the infiltration gallery to the ski area s water supply system and the remaining flow discharges to a Basin Creek channel with defined bed and banks. The proposed reservoir would be sited in the existing Basin Creek channel. As part of the permitting process, Ski Marmot Basin will prepare a detailed creek restoration plan demonstrating how the creek will be diverted around the new reservoir site. Approximately 34,000 m 3 of water will be diverted from Basin Creek during the high-flow spring and summer period to fill the proposed mid-mountain reservoir. The water captured in the mid-mountain reservoir would be used to support new snowmaking on the middle and upper portions of the mountain. Water diversion during the high-flow in spring and summer would have little effect on aquatic ecosystems in Basin Creek. Ski Marmot Basin would continue to withdraw water from Basin Creek during the winter to fill the existing lower mountain lagoons cells that are used for the existing snowmaking system in the lower mountain area. It seeks to increase, also, its snowmaking capacity on the lower mountain during the early ski season. This increase would be accomplished by expanding the existing Cell 1 from 11,355 m3 to 17,791 m3. The reuse of treated wastewater will be pursued and any additional water withdrawal associated with the Cell 1 expansion would occur during the summer high flow period. 13

15 Wildlife The proposed reservoir site and mid-mountain slopes fall within an area that is dominated by open and closed Engelmann spruce-subalpine fir forest, while the lower slopes and the Caribou Chalet fall within an area which is dominated by coniferous forest. This type of habitat is moderately important to ungulates during the summer, especially moose and elk; however, they are of low importance in the winter, largely due to deep snow. It is highly important to carnivores, especially marten, weasel and lynx and moderately important to the larger carnivores. They support a moderate number of small mammals at high densities. Marmot Basin has year round human activity. This activity can reduce the habitat value for species assessed in the DIA, including grizzly bear, mountain goat, woodland caribou, wolverine and lynx. Although direct habitat loss would occur with the proposed project footprint, it is small within the context of the broad ranges occupied by these species. Indirect habitat loss (i.e., animals less likely to use habitat from disturbance) during the construction period would be greater due to the actual construction activity. Increased construction traffic to the Marmot Basin site may increase the risk of vehicle-caused wildlife mortality. Visitor Experience Once completed, the provision of improved snowmaking at Marmot Basin would enhance the experience provided to ski area visitors, and provide a more reliable operating season. Implementation of the projects proposed in the LRP would result in a number of benefits including: safer skiing due to added snow coverage and reglading; enhanced environmental education opportunities for youth with the development of the Marmot Learning Centre, operated by Ski Marmot Basin, Parks Canada and the Grande Yellowhead School Division; improved parking and reduced congestion around the Caribou Chalet; general enhancement of the viability and sustainability of winter tourism in Jasper National Park and the Town of Jasper; and a higher quality experience for skiers because of reduced crowding in restrooms and food services at the Caribou Chalet. Reclamation would be initiated soon after completed construction. Based on past experience, full revegetation of the disturbed areas may take several years. The mid-mountain reservoir would be a permanent visible feature at the ski hill, although revegetation and contouring of the reservoir berms would reduce the constructed appearance of the facility. 5.2 Conclusions The Marmot Basin Ski Area Site Guidelines for Development and Use require that development proposals demonstrate how ecological parameters for valued ecosystem components have been met. The DIA outlines how all of the ecological parameters would be met with the following two exceptions. The site of the mid-mountain reservoir would require clearing greater than the 75 meter maximum width parameter contained in the 2008 Site Guidelines. The size requirement is a consequence of the decision to pursue a reservoir of sufficient size to supply snowmaking requirements with a one-time summer fill-up. The 2008 Site Guidelines indicate that the forested area of the ski area s developed area should not fall below 65%. Marmot Basin s current forested area is 46%, which will be further reduced to 42% as a consequence of construction of the reservoir, parking lot expansion, and road widening areas. A proposed revegetation strategy will aim to recover forest cover to 46% of the ski area. However, Parks Canada has accepted that achievement of a 65% undeveloped/35% developed area ratio in the current developed area is beyond the scope of the first long range plan, and may not be realistically achievable in the long term. It was 14

16 determined that Ski Marmot Basin should ensure that long term conditions within the existing Developed Area are not worse for natural forest/vegetation cover than 2008 baseline conditions. The footprints of the projects proposed in the LRP would affect, to a limited degree, native species and communities of vegetation. The reservoir would be located in an area where a number of rare species have been found. These species occur elsewhere at Marmot Basin and are generally associated with wet sites. Drainage that creates these sites beyond the reservoir footprint and its immediate environs would not be affected by the developments, so the conditions that support these rare species are expected to be maintained. Environmental changes associated with the projects in the LRP are unlikely to affect the overall ecological integrity of Marmot Basin; species diversity would not be affected and vegetation community types and their distributions would only be marginally affected. The mid-mountain reservoir would be filled from Basin Creek during high-flow snowmelt periods. During this period, there is an adequate water supply to meet habitat needs in the aquatic environment. With the exception of the first reservoir fill, snowmelt would be essentially recycled to provide meltwater to Basin Creek. The primary effect to wildlife would occur during the construction of the reservoir and parking lot expansion. Wildlife such as grizzly bear, mountain goat, woodland caribou, wolverine and lynx are unlikely to use habitat at Marmot Basin during this period due to increased construction activity. Population level effects are expected to be unlikely due to the short construction period. Once construction is complete, the value of the habitat at Marmot Basin would return to existing baseline levels. The proposed projects would not encroach on mountain goat and caribou habitat. Studies to address the importance of the Marmot Basin area to these species are underway. Implementation of the proposed LRP projects would not result in a loss of ecological integrity. Changes to the environment, such as the footprint of physical disturbances or displacement of wildlife during the construction period, would be within the range of natural variability. It is within the capacity of the renewable resources of Marmot Basin to accommodate these projects. Ski Marmot Basin is committed to being an industry leader in environmental stewardship through the implementation of Best Management Practices developed both for the mountain national park ski areas and specifically for Marmot Basin. Ski Marmot Basin proposes to establish a formal review of environmental performance through an EMMS. Monitoring requirements identified in the Vegetation Management Strategy, the Water Management Strategy and the DIA have been incorporated into the EMMS. 15