Record number of visitors led to increase in garbage, poor etiquette in Kananaskis

KANANASKIS (660 NEWS) – The pandemic pushed a record number of people to visit Kananaskis last year, but with them came a lot of unprecedented litter.

A new report from Alberta Parks said that Kananaskis Country recorded its highest visitor numbers ever, even more than the annual average of four million people who go to Banff in a typical year.

“Social media played a large role in drawing additional visitors to the area, with many blogs and social media postings inspiring visitation to Kananaskis for its renowned activities, trails, and experiences,” said Debbie Mucha with Alberta Environment and Parks.

However, the report showed that as visitors increased so did the amount of garbage, waste and litter that filled the area.

2/3 The COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions, and the area’s proximity to large urban centres are believed to have contributed to the skyrocketing increase in visitors that presented several new challenges and worsened compounded existing ones.

— Alberta Parks (@Albertaparks) April 26, 2021

Alberta Parks said last year saw the highest amounts of garbage, litter and waste ever observed in Kananaskis.

“Despite our best efforts, visitors seemed to be unaware of leaving no trace principles related to going to the washroom in the woods or in some cases in outhouse facilities,” said Mucha. “Toilet paper was everywhere, including at day-use areas and off/on trails. When garbage isn’t disposed of properly, it can attract and endanger wildlife.”

Speaking of wildlife, Alberta Parks also saw that many visitors were still not familiar with wildlife etiquette and best practices, including bear safety recommendations, not feeding wildlife, properly disposing of garbage and keeping dogs on leash.

Parks officials also said the number of calls for enforcement as well as complaints about traffic, congestion, illegal parking and straying from designated trails was also up last year.

As Kananaskis prepares for another busy summer, parks officials are hoping that visitors will adhere to the rules and reduce the pressure on the landscape, wildlife, and the staff that maintain Kananaskis Country on a daily basis.

“When you visit a park, come prepared and do your research in advance,” said Mucha. “For example, arrive early and have alternative options in mind if parking lots and trails are full, and think of other times seasons that may not be that busy in the area you plan to visit.”