Lesson 7 Page 4
Completion requirements
Why were national parks created and what is their purpose?
Alberta has some amazing provincial parks, national parks, and forested areas that make for great family vacations. How did they come to be?
A national park is a government protected natural space. The Americans were the first to create national parks such as Yellowstone National Park in the 1800s. Canada soon adopted the American idea. Rocky Mountain National Park became Canada's first national park in 1885.
A national park is a government protected natural space. The Americans were the first to create national parks such as Yellowstone National Park in the 1800s. Canada soon adopted the American idea. Rocky Mountain National Park became Canada's first national park in 1885.
"It is just possible that you may not know that Canada is rich in national parks and yet these parks are your parks and all the wealth of beauty and opportunity for enjoyment which they offer are yours by right of heritage because you are a Canadian. National Parks exist for the people. They are the people's share of the natural beauty of mountain, lake, and stream."
J.B. Harkin, Just a Sprig of Mountain Heather from the Canadian National Parks, 1914
J.B. Harkin, Just a Sprig of Mountain Heather from the Canadian National Parks, 1914
National parks are protected areas. This means trees and dead
undergrowth should not be removed in the forest. Any item found in the
forest whether rock, leaf, flower, bug, fossil, or bone, should remain
there. Sawmills or industry cannot be built in the area.
Banff and Jasper National Parks are examples of wilderness that is preserved. Most Albertans use these areas responsibly. When they visit Banff or Jasper National Park, they leave the area as natural as when they found it. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and careless use of the forest sometimes results in damage. Even with careful and responsible use, humans cannot avoid having some impact on the forest.
Banff and Jasper National Parks are examples of wilderness that is preserved. Most Albertans use these areas responsibly. When they visit Banff or Jasper National Park, they leave the area as natural as when they found it. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and careless use of the forest sometimes results in damage. Even with careful and responsible use, humans cannot avoid having some impact on the forest.