Author Description

The Bow River Valley around Canmore, Alberta is a critical component of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem. Its importance consists in its montane habitat characteristics, relatively rare in Alberta; its ability to support a vast diversity of mammal and bird species; and its value as a vital linkage corridor for large mammals between the Kananaskis Valley, Banff National Park, and areas to the north. Maintenance of viable wildlife movement corridors and habitat patches is therefore important. This document presents guidelines that define a consistent approach for handling land development applications in the Bow River Valley where there is a potential for impacts on wildlife corridors. It includes definitions of terms, standards for the design of wildlife corridor and local habitat patch networks, information on compatible uses within corridors and habitat patches and on adjacent uses to corridors/patches, and requirements for approvals.