A popular trail in the most visited national parks in Canada is taking strict measures to protect a rare bird.
The Banff National Park, in Alberta, which last year saw a record 4.29m visitors is warning visitors to the Johnston Canyon Trail that off-trail use is strictly prohibited to protect black swifts, an endangered bird species listed under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. All users must stay on the official trail.
The restriction, which comes with a potential hefty $25,000 fine for non-compliance, covers the Johnston Canyon Trail from the lower trail sign to the Ink Pots/Moose Meadows junction.
Johnston Canyon, with its spectacular waterfalls and canyon scenery, is home to a small population of black swifts, an endangered bird species listed under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. To survive in the area, black swifts need protection from human disturbances as their numbers have declined significantly at this site.
Off-trail use is being banned to minimise disturbance to black swifts, protect their habitat and to reduce erosion, trampling and disturbance of sensitive vegetation and soils.
