Bow Valley kids removing buffaloberry bushes to keep bears away from G7
The upcoming G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alta., is gearing up to host as many as 5,000 participants next month. With the beautiful natural surroundings of the area, officials are taking precautions to ensure the safety of both attendees and wildlife.
One of the main concerns is the presence of bears in the area. To prevent any potential conflicts, efforts are being made to clear out buffaloberry bushes, a favorite food source for bears. Over 200 local kids have been enlisted to help remove the bushes from around Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and its staff residences. This initiative not only helps deter bears from the area but also engages the community in environmental sustainability efforts.
The idea to remove the buffaloberry bushes came from Friends of Kananaskis Country, a non-profit organization that maintains trails in the area. They were approached by Global Affairs Canada for ideas on how to address environmental concerns related to the summit.
In addition to clearing out the bushes, officials are planning to install security barriers and erect fencing around bear attractants. Electric fencing will also be used to keep bears out of key areas frequented by attendees. The goal is to prevent any close encounters between wildlife and summit participants.
Lessons learned from past summits, such as the G8 summit in 2002, where a bear had to be tranquilized and unfortunately died during relocation, have prompted organizers to take proactive measures to minimize wildlife-human contact. Delegates will also receive training on wildlife awareness, including tips on how to avoid conflicts and what safety measures to take when in bear country.
Overall, the G7 summit in Kananaskis is not only a platform for political discussions but also an opportunity to showcase environmental stewardship and coexistence with the natural world. With careful planning and community involvement, officials are working to ensure a safe and successful event for all involved.
