Grizzly Bears and the Whistler Olympic Park Recreation Trails

Post-Games legacy operation of the Whistler Olympic Park called for the creation of recreational cross-country skiing trails during the final phase of construction. VANOC submitted the legacy trail plan for EA review in spring 2007. It was designed to minimize risks to species and habitat. Concerns over the potential impact of the trails on grizzly bears surfaced as an issue in the EA approval process. Construction of the trails was approved and the EA decision included a commitment by VANOC to work with the BC Ministry of Environment on a research program that will help inform grizzly bear management.