Multi-species Action Plan for Kootenay National Park of Canada
Species at Risk Act
Action Plan Series
2026
Long description for cover image
The cover page is a picture of Kootenay National Park. Photo credit: Christopher Siddall
On this page
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Executive Summary
- 1. Context
- 2. Site-based population and distribution objectives
- 3. Conservation and recovery measures
- 4. Critical habitat
- 5. Evaluation of socio-economic costs and of benefits
- 6. Measuring progress
- 7. References
- Appendix A: Species information, objectives and monitoring plans for species at risk in KNP
- Appendix B: Conservation and recovery measures that will be conducted by KNP
- Appendix C: Other conservation and recovery measures that will be encouraged through partnerships or when additional resources become available
Document information
Recommended citation:
Parks Canada . 2026. Multi-species Action Plan for Kootenay National Park of Canada. Species at Risk Act Action Plan Series. Parks Canada, Ottawa. vii + 26 pp.
Official version
The official version of the recovery documents is the one published in PDF. All hyperlinks were valid as of date of publication.
Non-official version
The non-official version of the recovery documents is published in HTML format and all hyperlinks were valid as of date of publication.
For copies of the action plan, or for additional information on species at risk, including Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) Status Reports, residence descriptions, recovery strategies, and other related recovery documents, please visit the Species At Risk Public Registry Footnote 1.
French title:
Plan d’action visant des espèces multiples dans le parc national du Canada Kootenay
© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, 2026. All rights reserved.
ISBN to come
Catalogue no. to come
Content (excluding the illustrations) may be used without permission, with appropriate credit to the source.
Preface
The federal, provincial, and territorial government signatories under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996)Footnote 2 agreed to establish complementary legislation and programs that provide for effective protection of species at risk throughout Canada. The Species at Risk Act (S.C. 2002, c.29) (SARA) was enacted to protect wildlife species at risk in Canada and to complement other legislation in conserving Canada’s biodiversity. Today, SARA is a key contributor to Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy – Halting and Reversing Biodiversity Loss in Canada, which charts a path for how Canada will implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Under SARA, the federal competent ministers are responsible for the preparation of action plans for species listed as Extirpated, Endangered, and Threatened for which recovery has been deemed feasible. They are also required to report on progress five years after the publication of action plans on the Species at Risk Public Registry.
Under SARA, action plans provide the detailed recovery planning that supports the strategic direction set out in recovery strategies. They outline what needs to be done to achieve the population and distribution objectives identified in recovery strategies, including the measures to be taken to address the threats and monitor the recovery of the species, as well as the proposed measures to protect critical habitat identified for the species. Action plans also include an evaluation of the socio-economic costs of the plan and the benefits to be derived from its implementation. Action plans are considered one in a series of documents that are linked and should be taken into consideration together, including COSEWIC status reports, recovery strategies, and other action plans produced for the species.
The Minister responsible for Parks Canada is the competent minister under SARA for species found in Kootenay National Park (KNP) of Canada and has prepared this action plan to implement recovery strategies that apply to the park as per section 47 of SARA. It has been prepared in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the province of British Columbia as per section 48(1) of SARA.
Success in the recovery of these species depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies and will not be achieved by Parks Canada or any other jurisdiction alone. All Canadians are invited to join in supporting and implementing this action plan for the benefit of multiple species and Canadian society as a whole.
Implementation of this action plan is subject to appropriations, priorities, and budgetary constraints of Parks Canada and participating jurisdictions and organizations.
Acknowledgments
Parks Canada would like to acknowledge those who have contributed to the development of this action plan.
We acknowledge that the lands and waters of Kootenay National Park fall within the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc Nations. Ktunaxa and Secwepemc Peoples have used and occupied the lands now encompassed by Kootenay National Park for thousands of years. We thank each Nation for their contributions and continued collaboration to nurture our relations to take care of the lands and waters, as stewards, together.
Parks Canada would like to thank all staff, partners, stakeholders, volunteers, and researchers who have contributed to the implementation of the first Multi-species Action Plan for Kootenay National Park of Canada (2017-2022) and to the development of this updated action plan. The contributions of those who took part in the site-based analysis workshops in February 2023 are greatly appreciated.
Executive Summary
This Multi-species Action Plan for Kootenay National Park of Canada updates and replaces content in the 2017 action plan for the siteFootnote 3. Itapplies to lands and waters occurring within the boundaries of Kootenay National Park of Canada (KNP). The plan identifies measures to conserve or recover SARA-listed species and species of conservation concern that regularly occurFootnote 4 in KNP and fulfills SARA s47 requirements for those species that require an action plan.
14 species that regularly occur in KNP are addressed in this action plan: 13 SARA-listed species and 1 additional species of conservation concern, e.g., COSEWIC assessed but not SARA-listed. Eight of the SARA-listed species are Endangered or Threatened (and require an action plan as per SARA) and 5 are Special Concern. Including non-SARA-listed species of conservation concern provides a comprehensive plan for species conservation and recovery at the site.

Long description of diagram
A donut diagram showing this action plan covers 14 total species, including 4 Endangered species, 4 Threatened species, 5 Special Concern species and 1 non-SARA listed species of conservation concern.
5 site-based population and distribution objectives are identified in this plan and represent the site’s contribution to range-wide objectives for the species as identified in SARA recovery strategies and management plans. Measuring progress towards achieving site-based objectives over time will determine the ecological impacts of implementing the action plan.
Conservation and recovery measures were developed to mitigate the main threatsFootnote 5 to the species within the park. The five main threats to species addressed within this action plan are:

Long description of diagram
Five graphic bubbles depicting the five main threats to species at risk in KNP which are: recreational activities, invasive non-native plants and animals, roads and railroads, dams and water management, fire and fire suppression.
38 conservation and recovery measures are identified as commitments in this action plan. An additional 7 measures will be implemented if resources and/or partnerships become available to support the work. The number of committed measures and their action categorizationsFootnote 6 are presented below:

Long description of diagram
Seven graphic bubbles depicting seven recovery action categories in KNP which are: 15 land and water management, 10 research and monitoring, 4 conservation planning and design, 5 species management, 2 partnership and collaboration, 1 awareness raising, 1 legal and policy framework.
No critical habitat is identified in this action plan. Measures to protect critical habitat already identified for species addressed in this plan are described.
The financial cost to implement this MSAP will be borne by Parks Canada, and through partnerships if resources become available. The main costs of implementing the measures in this plan are expected to be minimal. The core recovery strategies in the updated plan remain consistent with those in the 2017 version, focusing on conservation and recovery actions for both federally listed species and species of conservation concern in KNP. Benefits of this action plan include the targeted recovery of species at risk and an overall positive impact on biodiversity, contributing to federal and global sustainability goals. Benefits also include an improved understanding among visitors to KNP of species at risk and increased support for the protection and recovery of these species.
Progress toward implementation of this action plan and meeting the site-based population and distribution objectives will be assessed annually and a report summarizing the results will be published on the Species at Risk Public Registry after five years, as per section 55 of SARA.
1. Context
This Multi-species Action Plan for Kootenay National Park of Canada updates and replaces content in the 2017 action plan (Parks Canada Agency 2017). Under Section 52 of the Species at Risk Act, the competent minister may amend an action plan at any time. An amendment is being undertaken now to update species information and integrate knowledge and new information gained during implementation of the 2017 action plan. The five-year implementation report for the 2017 Multi-species Action Plan (MSAP) is available on the Species at Risk Public Registry.
1.1 Parks Canada Multi-species Action Planning
Parks Canada (PC) takes a multi-species, site-based approach to action planning that identifies and prioritizes conservation and recovery measures for a suite of species at one or more Parks Canada sites. This approach enables Parks Canada to consider the needs of multiple species and identify and prioritize measures that can be implemented at the site(s) to provide the greatest contributions to species conservation and recovery. Parks Canada multi-species action plans focus on lands and waters under Parks Canada’s administration.
The action planning process considers a suite of species that occur regularly at the site(s), including species at risk listed in Schedule 1 of SARA, species assessed by COSEWIC and under consideration for addition to Schedule 1 of SARA, provincially listed species, and other species of interest, including those of cultural importance. Including species that don’t legally require a SARA action plan enables Parks Canada to take a holistic approach and develop a comprehensive plan for species conservation and recovery at the site(s).
In many cases, federal and provincial recovery strategies and plans, management plans, and action plans have been prepared for the species included in this action plan. Along with COSEWIC status assessments, those documents provide guidance for the recovery of individual species, including the identification of threats, recovery objectives, strategic direction to achieve objectives, and critical habitat. This action plan was developed and will be implemented in a manner that is consistent with those recovery documents and should be viewed as part of this body of linked strategies and plans.
Parks Canada’s approach to multi-species action planning aligns with the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service, 2018). It considers priorities of landscape-scale conservation, ecological connectivity, climate-smart conservation, Indigenous conservation, and cultural species. In addition, Parks Canada is increasingly using the adaptive management framework Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation (i.e., Conservation Standards) to support and inform the action planning process.
Implementation of the conservation and recovery measures identified in these action plans is often integrated into the existing framework of Parks Canada conservation programs. Ecological integrity is a cornerstone of Parks Canada’s mandate to protect and present significant examples of Canada’s natural heritage. It is the first priority in the management of Canada’s National Parks. In addition to the protections provided under SARA, species at risk, their residences, and their habitat in Parks Canada places are often protected under additional federal acts and regulations, including but not limited to the Migratory Birds Convention Act and regulations, Fisheries Act, Canada National Parks Act, and the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act.
1.2 Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park protects 1,406 km2 of the west slope of the Rocky Mountains, extending from the peaks and glaciers of the Continental Divide to the semi-arid open forest and grassland of the Columbia Valley. The park is adjacent to Banff National Park and Mount Assiniboine to the east and Yoho National Park to the north. These parks, together with Jasper National Park and Mount Robson and Hamber provincial parks, form a 20,069 km2 protected area that has been designated the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site.
Kootenay National Park encompasses the Vermilion River watershed, much of the upper Kootenay River watershed, and portions of several smaller creeks draining into the upper Columbia River. Park elevations range from 900m at Radium Hot Springs to over 3,300m along the Continental Divide. Precipitation levels increase dramatically from west to east, and snowfall is more abundant near the divide. The main ecosystem disturbance factors are wildfire, forest insects, avalanches, and fluvial erosion and deposition. This complex mountain landscape supports diverse ecosystems that include alpine meadows, moist subalpine forests, open shrub avalanche slopes, rich riparian zones and alluvial flats, and dry montane forest and grassland. These ecosystems support a diversity of species, several of which are at risk, or are of conservation concern.
1.3 Scope of the action plan
Although included in the previous action plan, adjacent federal Crown land, as well as Kootenai House National Historic Site are not included in this amendment. No species at risk recovery actions were identified for implementation in adjacent federal crown land or Kootenai House National Historic Site.
1.3.1. Geographic scope
The geographic scope of this action plan includes all federal lands and waters within Kootenay National Park (Figure 1). This MSAP has been written specifically for KNP to fulfill Parks Canada’s legal responsibilities, and to respond to specific threats, legislation, and management priorities at this site, which may differ in areas outside the site. However, this plan has been developed and will be implemented collaboratively with partners in the broader landscape to maximize conservation benefits to species conservation and recovery.
Text description
Figure 1 is a map showing the location of Kootenay National Park to the north of the town of Radium Hot Springs, and in relation to the other Mountain National Parks.
1.3.2. Species scope
This action plan addresses 13 SARA-listed species plus 1 species of conservation concern that regularly occur in KNP (Table 1). This includes 8 SARA-listed Endangered or Threatened species (for which an action plan is required under s.47 of SARA) and 5 SARA-listed Special Concern species.
| Species | Scientific Name | COSEWIC Status | SARA Schedule 1 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Badger, Kootenay-Plains-Rainy River population | Taxidea taxus | Special Concern | Endangered |
| Bank Swallow | Riparia riparia | Threatened | Threatened |
| Barn Swallow | Hirundo rustica | Special Concern | Threatened |
| Black Swift | Cypseloides niger | Endangered | Endangered |
| Grizzly Bear Western population |
Ursus arctos | Special Concern | Special Concern |
| Lewis’s Woodpecker | Melanerpes lewis | Threatened | Threatened |
| Limber Pine | Pinus flexilis | Endangered | Not Listed |
| Little Brown Myotis | Myotis lucifugus | Endangered | Endangered |
| Northern Rubber Boa | Charina bottae | Special Concern | Special Concern |
| Western Bumble Bee occidentalis subspecies |
Bombus occidentalis occidentalis | Threatened | Threatened |
| Western Toad Non-Calling populations |
Anaxyrus boreas | Special Concern | Special Concern |
| Westslope Cutthroat Trout Pacific population |
Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi |
Special concern | Special concern |
| Whitebark Pine | Pinus albicaulis | Endangered | Endangered |
| Wolverine | Gulo gulo | Special Concern | Special Concern |
2. Site-based population and distribution objectives
The potential for Parks Canada to undertake direct management action at the site that will measurably contribute to the recovery of each species was assessed. Site-specific population and distribution objectives were developed for 5 species (Appendix A). These objectives identify the contribution that conservation and recovery measures implemented by the site or in collaboration with partners can make towards achieving the national objectives identified in SARA recovery strategies and management plans.
Monitoring progress towards achieving the site-based objectives over time will help determine whether implementation of the conservation and recovery measures (identified in Appendix B) is having the desired influence on species recovery.
For several species, Parks Canada’s primary contribution to conservation is ensuring that protection measures are maintained to protect species and their habitats. In these cases, recovery cannot be measurably influenced by site-level management actions, and therefore, setting site-specific population and distribution objectives are not appropriate. This may be due to one or more of the following circumstances within the site: (1) there are no or few known threats; (2) there are no feasible management actions to address threats; or (3) only a small portion of the species range is within the site and therefore the impact of management actions cannot be measured. In such cases, conservation efforts may be limited to protection measures in place under federal legislation, including the Canada National Parks Act, the Impact Assessment Act, the Fisheries Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, and SARA. Additional efforts may include indirect threat mitigations such as education and outreach, habitat maintenance, and addressing knowledge gaps through inventory, research, and monitoring.
3. Conservation and recovery measures
Conservation and recovery measures aimed at addressing threats to the species at the site and making progress towards achieving site-based population and distribution objectives were identified and prioritized. The prioritization process primarily considered ecological effectiveness but also considered opportunities to integrate priorities under the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada, strengthen partnerships, increase the value of visitor experience at the park, and increase awareness through external relations. Prioritization also considered budgetary opportunities and constraints. Wherever possible, PC is taking an ecosystem approach, prioritizing measures that benefit multiple species to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of species protection and recovery.
In total, 38 conservation and recovery measures are identified for implementation by PC in KNP (Appendix B). An additional 7 measures will be encouraged through partnerships or when additional resources become available (Appendix C). Each measure is associated with one or more identified threats. The five main threats addressed in this action plan are: recreational activities; invasive non-native plants & animals; roads and railroads; dams & water management/use; and fire and fire suppression. Each measure is also associated with a desired outcome and the anticipated timeline for achieving the desired outcome. Desired outcomes are designed to be quantifiable and achievable over the implementation period of this plan.
3.1 Conservation and recovery measure approaches
The identification and prioritization of conservation and recovery measures considered opportunities to integrate the following recovery measure approaches: landscape-scale conservation, climate-smart conservation, ecological connectivity, and Conservation Standards.
Landscape-scale Conservation:
Conservation planning beyond the park boundary increases opportunities for collaboration with regional partners to maximize conservation outcomes across the landscape. Many conservation and recovery measures outlined in this plan require collaboration with regional partners to maximize their success.
Climate-smart Conservation:
Climate change projections, impacts and vulnerabilities were considered when developing the recovery measures outlined in this plan. The goal was to develop a climate-smart action plan, including measures expected to be sustainable and effective based on projected climate change scenarios.
Ecological Connectivity: Ecological connectivity is a key consideration for species at risk planning and recovery. This is particularly important for wide-ranging species, both terrestrial and aquatic (e.g., grizzly bear, wolverine, and trout), and increasingly important as trends in park visitation and associated infrastructure continue to rise. Several conservation and recovery measures outlined in this plan focus on removing barriers and ensuring connectivity is maintained or restored for key species.
Conservation Standards:
Conservation Standards is increasingly being used by Parks Canada to support action planning, particularly with species for which implementing a shared adaptive management framework at a regional scale will improve conservation outcomes, e.g., five-needle pines.
3.2 Classification of measures
Measures identified in this plan are categorized based on Conservation Measures Partnership (CMP) Conservation Actions ClassificationsFootnote 7. The following action classifications are addressed in this plan:
Land / Water Management:
Many conservation and recovery measures detailed in this plan involve direct management or restoration of sites or ecosystems in the park. Prescribed fire, forest thinning, tree planting, creating alternate travel routes, restoring water flow, and removing non-native species are some of the active management tools that Parks Canada uses for species recovery. Visitor management is another important tool used to protect sensitive species and their important habitats from disturbance or displacement, and to prevent the introduction of invasive species.
Species Management:
In some instances, direct management or restoration of species is necessary for recovery. This plan includes species reintroductions to historically occupied areas (e.g., westslope cutthroat trout), improvements to landscape and aquatic connectivity, and seed collection to conserve genetic diversity.
Conservation Designation & Planning:
Planning restoration activities is an essential early step in species recovery. Parks Canada will develop species-specific restoration, site-based area, and operational plans to guide future actions for recovery of species such as five-needle pines, westslope cutthroat trout, wolverine, and American badger.
Applied Research & Monitoring
Knowledge gaps represent major impediments to the development and implementation of effective conservation and recovery measures for many species of conservation concern. Information obtained through research, surveys and monitoring will provide a better site-level and regional understanding of species ecology, distribution, status, and population trends, allowing for better protection and timely implementation of active management and threat mitigation. Habitat assessments, species inventory and mapping, genetic analyses, habitat security modeling, habitat connectivity analyses, and long-term population monitoring will provide information necessary to guide future park and landscape-scale conservation action.
Partnerships/collaborationsFootnote 8:
Several conservation and recovery measures outlined in this plan will be conducted in collaboration with regional partners. Parks Canada will work to maintain existing partnerships and cultivate new ones related to conservation issues and research questions of mutual interest.
Raising Awareness:
Outreach and communications about species at risk with park visitors and regional stakeholders garners support for species at risk recovery actions taken in the park. The broad and diverse visitor base that visits KNP provides opportunities to connect with the public about species recovery.
Legal & Policy Frameworks:
Legislation and policy are valuable tools for species protection and recovery. This plan includes implementing new protection measures for species at risk, e.g., barbless hook regulations to protect westslope cutthroat trout.
4. Critical habitat
Critical habitat is “the habitat that is necessary for the survival or recovery of a listed wildlife species and that is identified as the species’ critical habitat in the federal recovery strategy or in an action plan for the species” (SARA s.2(1)). Where the recovery strategy for a species states that the identification of critical habitat is not complete, a schedule of studies is included towards gathering additional information to complete the identification. Additional critical habitat can be identified in an amended recovery strategy or in an upcoming or amended action plan for the species.
Critical habitat was identified in KNP within the recovery strategies for American badger, bank swallow, and whitebark pine. No additional critical habitat is identified in this action plan.
4.1 Proposed measures to protect critical habitat
Critical habitat identified in KNP in recovery strategies for species addressed in this plan is legally protected from destruction as per section 58 of SARA. SARA requires that critical habitat identified in a federally protected areaFootnote 9 be described in the Canada Gazette within 90 days after the final recovery strategy or action plan that identified the critical habitat is included in the public registry. A prohibition against destruction of critical habitat under ss. 58(1) applies 90 days after the description of the critical habitat is published in the Canada Gazette. If it is determined that any portions of critical habitat are not protected, and steps are being taken to protect those portions, those steps will be communicated via the Registry through the reports referred to in section 63 of SARA.
5. Evaluation of socio-economic costs and of benefits
The Species at Risk Act requires the competent minister to undertake an evaluation of the socio-economic costs of the action plan and the benefits to be derived from its implementation (s.49(1)(e)). This socio-economic assessment is narrow in scope, as it applies only to protected lands and waters in KNP, which are often subject to fewer threats (e.g., industrial activities) compared to other areas because the lands are managed to maintain and restore ecological and commemorative integrity. Further, this evaluation addresses only the incremental socio-economic costs and benefits of implementing the measures outlined in this action plan and does not include socio-economic impacts of existing activities or management regimes in those Parks Canada sites. It does not address total cumulative costs or benefits of species recovery in general nor does it attempt to conduct a full cost-benefit analysis as is done to support a regulatory initiative.
The protection and recovery of species at risk can result in both costs and benefits, which affect various groups of Canadian society in different ways. The proposed measures in this action plan seek a balanced approach to reducing or eliminating threats to species at risk populations and habitats. Potential socio-economic costs as well as the social and environmental benefits that may occur through implementation of this action plan are outlined below.
5.1 Costs
The total incremental cost to implement the measures outlined in Appendix B will be borne by Parks Canada out of existing salaries and goods and services dollars that are integrated into the operational management of the sites and thereby will not result in additional costs to society. Implementation of the measures in this plan is subject to appropriations, priorities, and budgetary constraints. Measures outlined in Appendix C will only be implemented through partnerships or if additional resources become available.
The anticipated socioeconomic cost to Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and park visitors is expected to be low. The park is a protected area where core species recovery strategies are already in place. The updated action plan remains consistent with measures outlined in the 2017 MASP and reflects ongoing recovery efforts that have been implemented in the park over time. As such, the proposed actions do not represent a significant change from current practices.
5.2 Benefits
Potential economic benefits of the conservation and recovery of species at risk at this site cannot be easily quantified, as many of the values derived from wildlife are non-market commodities that are difficult to appraise in financial terms. Wildlife, in all its forms, has value in and of itself, and is valued by Canadians for aesthetic, cultural, spiritual, recreational, educational, historical, economic, medical, ecological and scientific reasons. The conservation of species at risk is an important component of the Government of Canada’s commitment to conserving biological diversity and is important to Canada’s current and future economic and natural wealth. Measures in this plan help to meet the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal of protecting and recovering species and conserving Canadian biodiversity. It also contributes to the global goal of ensuring “biodiversity is sustainably used and managed and nature’s contributions to people, including ecosystem functions and services, are valued, maintained and enhanced, with those currently in decline being restored” (Kunming-Montreal Convention on Biological Diversity, December 2022).
The protected natural capital assets (forests, grasslands, wetlands, freshwater, coastal and marine areas) of national parks and national marine conservation areas provide a flow of ecosystem services (e.g., climate regulation, provision of habitat, water supply and regulation) that benefit individuals and communities across Canada. Parks Canada works to sustain and improve the ecological condition of the national network of protected places. Efforts that improve species’ condition and their role in the ecosystem, such as recovery measures in this action plan, have an impact on the overall health of the ecosystem. For KNP, the potential annual value of ecosystem services has been estimated to range between $601 million and $2.7 billion (average value $1.6 billion)Footnote 10 (Mulrooney & Jones, 2023). Implementing the measures within this MSAP will contribute to sustaining the valuable flow of ecosystem services to Canadians.
Measures presented in this action plan will contribute to meeting recovery strategy objectives for threatened and endangered species and will also contribute to meeting management objectives for species of special concern. Recovery strategies, action plans and management plans for SARA listed species are an integral part of species management aimed at species’ survival and recovery, maintaining biodiversity in Canada and conserving Canada’s natural heritage.
The measures outlined in this document are expected to have an overall positive impact on ecological integrity and enhance opportunities for appreciation of the park and the species by visitors and the general public. The measures are expected to have overall positive benefits to the environment and Canadians, such as positive impacts on biodiversity and the value individuals place on preserving biodiversity.
The measures outlined in this document are expected to have overall positive impacts on ecological integrity, cultural continuity, and appreciation of the park environment and species. For example, outreach and education will improve understanding of species at risk and increase support for their protection and the implementation of recovery actions within the park and beyond.
6. Measuring progress
Reporting on implementation of the action plan (under section 55 of SARA) will be done by assessing progress towards implementing the measures listed in Appendix B, and Appendix C when possible. Reporting on the ecological impacts of the action plan will be done by assessing progress towards meeting site-based population and distribution objectives (Appendix A). Progress will be monitored annually and an implementation report summarizing the results of this plan will be posted to the SAR Public Registry five years following publication of the final version. The five-year report will also include a summary of the socio-economic impacts from implementing the action plan.
7. References
Barrueto, M., Forshner, A., Whittington, J., Clevenger, A. and M. Musiani. 2022 Protection status, human disturbance, snow cover and trapping drive density of a declining wolverine population in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Scientific Reports 12:17412.
Canadian Wildlife Service. 2018. Pan-Canadian approach to transforming species at risk conservation in Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, Quebec. 12p.
Convention on Biological Diversity. 2022. Kunming-Montreal Global biodiversity framework. CBD/COP/DEC/15/4. Montreal, Canada. Available online: https://www.cbd.int/doc/decisions/cop-15/cop-15-dec-04-en.pdf
Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2017. Recovery Strategy for the Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis) in Canada [Proposed]. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa. viii + 54 pp.
Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2024. Management Plan for the Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos), Western Population in Canada [Draft]. Species at Risk Act Management Plan Series. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa. xx + XX pp.
Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2024. Management Plan for the Wolverine (Gulo gulo) in Canada [Draft]. Species at Risk Act Management Plan Series. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa. vii + 69 pp.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2016. Management Plan for the Westslope Cutthroat
Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi), British Columbia Population, in Canada [Proposed].
Species at Risk Act Management Plan Series. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ottawa.
iv + 115 pp.
Mulrooney, D. and B. Jones. 2023. The value of natural capital in Canada’s national parks and national marine conservation areas. PARKS 29(2).
Parks Canada Agency. 2017. Multi-species Action Plan for Kootenay National Park of Canada. Species at Risk Act Action Plan Series. Parks Canada Agency, Ottawa. iv + 21 pp.
Parks Canada Agency. 2022. Kootenay National Park of Canada Management Plan. Management Plan Series. Parks Canada Agency, Ottawa. 31 pp.
Parks Canada. 2024. Population and Distribution Objectives for Whitebark and Limber Pine in Canada’s Mountain National Parks. Parks Canada Agency, Ottawa.
Whittington, J., Hebblewhite, M., Meyer, C., Johnston, B., Forshner, A., Macbeth, B., Einfeldt, A. and S. Cherry. 2025. One-stage spatial mark–resight analysis reveals an
increasing grizzly bear population with declining density near roads. Ecosphere 16:e70246.
Appendix A: Species information, objectives and monitoring plans for species at risk in KNP
| Species | National objectivesFootnote 11 | Site-based population & distribution objectives | Population and Distribution Context | Population monitoringFootnote 12 | Site-based Recovery Approach(es) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grizzly Bear Western population | The (draft at the time this plan was prepared) national management objective is to improve the long-term stability and resiliency of grizzly bear, Western Population throughout the diversity of ecosystems it currently occupies in Canada, by mitigating the primary threats to the species and restoring population connectivity and abundance in the parts of its range where human impacts have been most severe. (from Oct 2024 MP - UPDATE if DRAFT Grizzly Bear Management Plan is finalized) |
Maintain a grizzly bear population density (based on a four year moving window) equal to or above the 2012 to 2016 density estimate (8.4 grizzly bears per 1000 km2) across the Banff-Yoho-Kootenay area between 2025 and 2035. Maintain grizzly bear population viability by limiting the number of adult female grizzly bears killed due to human related activities to less than 1.2%13 of the total population. |
Region-wide density has remained relatively stable for many years. Populations are stable in backcountry areas but are declining close to roads (Whittington et al 2025). Bears in KNP are part of the regional Rocky Mountain population. | Trends in population density are monitored with a spatial mark-resight model using a remote camera network and marked individuals. Analytical methods are rapidly advancing, as is our ability to combine data sources. | Improving habitat security and mitigating the impacts of roads address key threats to grizzly bears in the park. |
| Limber Pine | N/A | By 2035, establish 25% of a network of component populations (defined in the 10-year 5 Needle-Pine Restoration Plan for KNP) required to cover limber pine range across the park. Each component population consists of >5000 mature individuals from a minimum of 60 parent trees covering 40 hectaresFootnote 13. | KNP populations continue to decline although blister rust infections rates remain low compared to other areas in the species’ range. | Population monitoring is conducted at existing plots every 5 years as part of a region-wide initiative. | Recovery efforts include the protection of high value, rust-resistant trees, and the conservation of genetic diversity through seed collection, and restoration treatments including prescribed fire, thinning and tree planting. |
| Westslope Cutthroat Trout Pacific population |
The management objectives are to maintain the native distribution and genetic diversity of populations at abundance levels that prevent at-risk status assessment. Also to maintain or rehabilitate the capacity of natural habitat to meet abundance targets. | Objectives are to establish a genetically pure (> 0.99) population of westslope cutthroat trout in one lake in KNP by 2035. | This species is likely stable in KNP | Population monitoring of genetically pure population at one lake. | Non-native species removal, reintroductions and improving aquatic connectivity support the persistence and recovery of westslope cutthroat trout populations throughout the park. |
| Whitebark Pine | Population and distribution objective: To establish a self-sustaining, rust-resistant population of Whitebark Pine throughout the species' range that demonstrates natural seed dispersal, connectivity, genetic diversity and adaptability to changing climate. |
By 2035, establish 25% of a network of component populations (defined in the 10-year 5 Needle Pine Restoration Plan for KNP) required to cover whitebark pine range across the park. Each component population consists of >5000 mature individuals from a minimum of 60 parent trees covering 40 hectares.14 | KNP populations continue to decline although blister rust infections rates remain low compared to other areas in the species’ range. | Population monitoring is conducted at existing plots every 5 years as part of a region-wide initiative. | Recovery efforts include the protection of high value, rust-resistant trees, and the conservation of genetic diversity through seed collection, and restoration treatments including prescribed fire, thinning and tree planting. |
| Wolverine | The (draft at time this plan was published) management objectives for Wolverine in Canada are: •Increase habitat connectivity in areas with high habitat fragmentation and maintain connectivity in areas with low habitat fragmentation. •Increase Wolverine population sizes in the portions of its range where populations have declined and maintain population levels in portions of its range where populations are stable or increasing. •Maintain or increase the current distribution of Wolverine throughout its current Canadian range. (From Oct 2024 draft MP UPDATE if DRAFT Wolverine Management Plan is finalized) |
Re-establish an average summer wolverine occupancy within Banff, Kootenay, and Yoho National Parks greater than 0.38 (the 2012 - 2016 pre-decline timeframe) by 2035. | Regional wolverine populations have declined significantly (39%) over the past decade (Barrueto et al 2022). Very low population densities make connectivity with the rest of the Rocky Mountain population critical. |
Trends in occupancy are monitored using a remote camera network. | Human disturbance is minimized during winter and spring to maximize reproductive success. |
| American badger, Bank Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black Swift, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Little Brown Myotis, Northern Rubber Boa, Western Bumble Bee, Western Toad | No objective established because there are no or few known threats acting in the site, no known management actions to address threats and/or the site is of limited importance to the species' recovery. | N/A | Recording incidental observations. | The site will continue to protect individuals and suitable habitat, and support partners in recovery and protection of these species where feasible. Additionally, the site will work with partners to conduct opportunistic surveys for under-surveyed species in the site and adjust management approaches appropriately when new populations are found. | |
Appendix B: Conservation and recovery measures that will be implemented
| Species and Measure Number | Recovery Measure | Desired Outcome | Activity Priority (High, Medium, Low) | ThreatFootnote 14 Classification | Action ClassificationFootnote 15 | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 Grizzly Bear (Western population) | Refine the grizzly bear habitat security model for KNP. | A refined grizzly bear habitat security model for KNP is developed by 2030 to inform management decisions. | Medium | 6.1.2 Hiking | 8.1.2 Desktop/benchtop research and analysis | 2030 |
| 1.2 Grizzly Bear (Western population) | Conduct research to better understand drivers of grizzly bear habitat connectivity at the landscape scale | Work with regional collaborators to better understand drivers of grizzly bear habitat connectivity at the landscape scale and determine if there are recovery actions that can be implemented at the local / park scale. | Medium | 98 No Direct Threat | 8.1.2 Desktop/benchtop research and analysis | Ongoing throughout the 10-year cycle |
| 1.3 Grizzly Bear (Western population) | Implement and maintain seasonal grizzly bear secure habitat areas (with restricted human access) in key habitat areas. | At least one seasonal grizzly bear secure habitat area has been implemented by 2030 to reduce human disturbance and displacement. | High | 6.1.2 Hiking | 1.1.9 Visitor management | 2030 |
| 1.4 Grizzly Bear (Western population) | Decommission informal trails and relocate official trails in core grizzly bear habitat to reduce human disturbance during the summer season. | At least one area is mitigated (informal trails decommissioned or formal trails relocated) by 2035 to improve security in core grizzly bear habitat. | High | 6.1.2 Hiking | 1.1.9 Visitor management | 2035 |
| 1.5 Grizzly Bear (Western population) | Continue to implement temporary closures around grizzly bear predation sites to ensure secure feeding. | Temporary closures are implemented when needed around grizzly bear predation sites to reduce human disturbance and displacement. | Medium | 6.1.2 Hiking | 1.1.9 Visitor management | Ongoing throughout the 10-year cycle |
| 1.6 Grizzly Bear (Western population) | Implement seasonal closures (mid-October to mid-May) around identified grizzly bear maternal dens at risk of human disturbance to prevent displacement of reproductive females from the denning area and den abandonment. | All known grizzly bear maternal den locations at risk of human disturbance are protected through seasonal closures. | High | 6.1.2 Hiking | 1.1.9 Visitor management | As necessary |
| 1.7 Grizzly Bear (Western population) | Continue to implement mitigations (speed reduction, no stopping, vegetation management) in areas with high grizzly bear use adjacent to highways to reduce grizzly bear highway mortality. | Mitigation measures reduce road mortality of grizzly bears and other wildlife. | Medium | 4.1.1 Roads | 1.1.9 Visitor management | Ongoing throughout the 10-year cycle |
| 1.8 Grizzly Bear (Western population) | Use prescribed fire and vegetation modification to reduce grizzly bear - human conflict. | Grizzly bears are attracted away from areas with high human use through the implementation of at least two prescribed fires or mechanically thinned fireguards that increase grizzly bear habitat productivity by 2035 | Medium | 6.1.2 Hiking | 1.1.4 Mimicking natural fire regimes | 2035 |
| 2.1 Limber Pine | Develop a five-needle pine 10-year restoration plan detailing restoration activities where limber pine conservation value is highest and treatment success is likely in KNP. | A five-needle pine restoration plan is developed for KNP by 2026. | High | 98 No Direct Threat | 6.4.2 Species specific plan | 2026 |
| 2.2 Limber Pine | Use forest treatments (prescribed fire, thinning, planting) to improve limber pine habitat. | Limber pine habitat is improved by meeting 10% of the limber pine restoration targets outlined in the five-needle pine restoration plan by 2035. | High | 7.1.2 Suppression in fire regime | 1.1.5 Mechanical actions | 2035 |
| 2.3 Limber Pine | Protect high value limber pine Plus Trees (putatively rust resistant) from mountain pine beetle with verbenone in areas with recent pine beetle population detection. | At least 50% of Plus Trees are protected with verbenone in areas with recent pine beetle population detection. | High | 8.2.4 Insect pest epidemics | 1.2.6 Chemical actions | As necessary |
| 2.4 Limber Pine | Collect and store seeds to conserve limber pine genetic diversity. | At least 2000 limber pine seeds are collected and stored to conserve genetic diversity by 2035. | Medium | 98 No Direct Threat | 2.3.3 Gene banking | 2035 |
| 3.1 Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Pacific population) |
Remove historically stocked non-native fish to protect westslope cutthroat trout. | Historically stocked non-native fish are removed from at least 1 key water body for westslope cutthroat trout restoration by 2035. | High | 98 No Direct Threat | 1.1.1 Removing invasive species, pests, weeds or problem species | 2035 |
| 3.2 Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Pacific population) | Reintroduce genetically pure westslope cutthroat trout to the species’ historic range. | Genetically pure westslope cutthroat trout are reintroduced to at least 1 priority water body within the species’ historic range by 2035. | High | 98 No Direct Threat | 2.2.1 Reintroduction of species | 2035 |
| 3.3 Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Pacific population) |
Plan for westslope cutthroat trout recovery within the framework of an Aquatics Stewardship Plan | An Aquatic Stewardship Plan for Kootenay National Park is developed in collaboration Indigenous Partners by 2030. | High | 98 No Direct Threat | 6.4.1 Area based plan | 2030 |
| 3.4 Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Pacific population) |
Remove barriers to fish passage to improve connectivity of westslope cutthroat and bull trout populations | Aquatic connectivity is improved by removing barriers to fish passage (e.g., culverts and dams) whenever opportunities arise (e.g., when road works are undertaken at water crossings) and where this will not increase access for non-native fish. | Medium | 4.1.1 Roads | 2.1.5 Movement / migration management | As necessary |
| 3.5 Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Pacific population) |
Implement a barbless hook regulation to protect westslope cutthroat and bull trout | A barbless hook regulation is implemented by 2035. | Medium | 5.4.1 Recreational or subsistence fishing | 7.1.3 Regulations | 2035 |
| 4.1 Whitebark Pine | Develop a five-needle pine 10-year restoration plan detailing restoration activities where whitebark pine conservation value is highest and treatment success is likely in KNP. | A five-needle pine restoration plan is developed for KNP by 2026. | High | 98 No Direct Threat | 6.4.2 Species specific plan | 2026 |
| 4.2 Whitebark Pine | Use forest treatments (prescribed fire, thinning, planting) to improve whitebark pine habitat. | Whitebark pine habitat is improved by meeting 25% of the whitebark pine restoration targets outlined in the five-needle pine restoration plan by 2035. | High | 7.1.2 Suppression in fire regime | 1.1.4 Mimicking natural fire regimes | 2035 |
| 4.3 Whitebark Pine | Protect high value whitebark pine Plus Trees (putatively rust resistant) from mountain pine beetle with verbenone in areas with recent pine beetle population detection. | At least 50% of Plus Trees are protected with verbenone in areas with recent pine beetle population detection. | High | 8.2.4 Insect pest epidemics | 1.1.6 Chemical actions | As necessary |
| 4.4 Whitebark Pine | Collect and store seeds to conserve whitebark pine genetic diversity. | At least 2000 whitebark pine seeds are collected and stored to conserve genetic diversity by 2035. | Medium | 98 No Direct Threat | 2.3.3 Gene banking | 2035 |
| 5.1 Wolverine | Identify wolverine secure habitat areas (with restricted human access) and mechanisms to reduce human disturbance including decommissioning informal trails and relocating official trails. | The disturbance and displacement of wolverine is reduced through the identification of secure habitat areas and mechanisms to reduce human disturbance by 2030. | High | 6.1.2 Hiking | 6.4.2 Species specific plan | 2030 |
| 5.2 Wolverine | Implement protective measures around wolverine maternal dens found in the park to prevent displacement of reproductive females from the denning area and den abandonment. | Displacement of reproductive females from the denning area and den abandonment is prevented through seasonal closures at all known wolverine maternal den locations. | High | 6.1.2 Hiking | 1.1.9 Visitor management | As necessary |
| 5.3 Wolverine | Share data with provincial colleagues (AB and BC) upon request to inform decision making around regional wolverine trapping and participate in the regional wolverine recovery planning process. | Regional wolverine recovery planning and decisions about regional trapping are informed by Parks Canada’s wolverine population trend monitoring data that is shared with provincial colleagues upon request. | Medium | 98 No Direct Threat | 10.3.4 Knowledge sharing | As necessary |
| 6.1 American Badger, Kootenay-Plains-Rainy River population | Implement protective measures to improve badger habitat security around maternal dens | All known active badger maternal den locations are protected through seasonal closures. | High | 1.3.2 Campgrounds | 1.1.9 Visitor management | As necessary |
| 6.2 American Badger, Kootenay-Plains-Rainy River population | Develop and implement a badger coexistence operational plan to reduce badger - human conflicts | A badger coexistence operational plan is developed and implemented by 2026. | Medium | 1.3.2 Campgrounds | 6.4.4 Operational plan | 2026 |
| 6.3 American Badger, Kootenay-Plains-Rainy River population | Use prescribed fire and forest thinning to enhance grassland habitat for badgers. | At least 1 prescribed fire or thinning project is implemented with a goal to increase badger grassland habitat productivity by 2035. | Medium | 7.1.2 Suppression in fire regime | 1.1.4 Mimicking natural fire regimes | 2035 |
| 7.1 Bank Swallow | Conduct bank swallow sentinel colony monitoring. | Bank swallow sentinel colony monitoring is conducted at least every three years. | Medium | 98 No Direct Threat | 8.1.1 Field Research/ Monitoring | Every 3 years |
| 8.1 Barn Swallow | Conduct barn swallow sentinel site nest monitoring. | Barn swallow sentinel site monitoring is conducted at least every three years. | Medium | 98 No Direct Threat | 8.1.1 Field Research/ Monitoring | Every 3 years |
| 9.1 Black Swift | Conduct black swift sentinel site occupancy monitoring. | Black swift sentinel site occupancy monitoring is conducted at least every three years. | Medium | 98 No Direct Threat | 8.1.1 Field Research/ Monitoring | Annually |
| 9.2 Black Swift | Conduct surveys to locate active black swift nesting areas to support critical habitat identification. | Black swift habitat and occupancy surveys are conducted at a minimum of five new high priority sites by 2035. | Medium | 98 No Direct Threat | 8.1.1 Field Research/ Monitoring | 2035 |
| 9.3 Black Swift | Protect newly identified black swift nesting sites from human disturbance (e.g., climbing, canyoneering). | Restricted Activity Orders are in place to protect all known black swift nesting sites at risk from human disturbance. | High | 6.1.3 Recreational use of cliffs and rock faces | 1.1.9 Visitor management | As necessary |
| 10.1 Lewis’s Woodpecker | Document Lewis's woodpecker occurrence data | Staff are reminded annually to record incidental observations of Lewis's Woodpecker. | Low | 98 No Direct Threat | 8.1.1 Field Research/Monitoring | As necessary |
| 11.1 Little Brown Myotis | Conduct little brown myotis population monitoring at sentinel maternity colonies. | At least one little brown myotis maternity colony sentinel site is monitored annually. | Medium | 8.4.3 Fungal pathogens | 8.1.1 Field Research/ Monitoring | Annually |
| 11.2 Little Brown Myotis | Conduct white-nose syndrome (Pd) surveillance at known little brown myotis roost sites. | Guano is collected and tested for Pd annually from priority roost sites. | Medium | 8.4.3 Fungal pathogens | 8.1.1 Field Research/ Monitoring | Annually |
| 13.1 Western Toad Non-Calling populations |
Continue monitoring western toad occupancy monitoring. | Amphibian (including western toad) monitoring is conducted every three years. | Medium | 98 No Direct Threat | 8.1.1 Field Research/ Monitoring | Every 3 years |
| 14.1 Multi species: All species |
Develop a Species at Risk Communications Strategy to increase public knowledge, awareness, appreciation, and support for SAR recovery actions in the park. | A Species at Risk Communications Strategy is developed by 2026 and is updated every five years concurrent with Action Plan implementation reporting. | High | 98 No Direct Threat | 6.4.3 Planning for thematic projects or programs | 2026 |
| 14.2 Multi species: All species |
Implement the Species at Risk Communications Strategy. | The Species at Risk Communications Strategy is implemented to increase public knowledge, awareness, appreciation and support for SAR recovery actions in the park. | High | 98 No Direct Threat | 3.1.1 Raising Awareness | Ongoing throughout the 10-year cycle |
Appendix C: Other conservation and recovery measures that will be implemented if partnerships or additional resources become available
| Species and Measure Number | Recovery Measure | Desired Outcome | ThreatFootnote 16 Classification | Action ClassificationFootnote 17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.4 Wolverine | Conduct research to better understand drivers of wolverine habitat connectivity at the landscape scale | Work with regional collaborators to better understand drivers of wolverine habitat connectivity at the landscape scale and determine if there are recovery actions that can be implemented at the local / park scale. | 98 No Direct Threat | 8.1.2 Desktop/benchtop research and analysis |
| 5.5 Wolverine | Conduct wolverine population density trend monitoring | Wolverine population density is estimated every 10 years. | 98 No Direct Threat | 8.1.1 Field Research/Monitoring |
| American Badger, Kootenay-Plains-Rainy River population | Incorporate badger crossing structures when feasible to mitigate badger highway mortality | Crossing structures are considered and incorporated if feasible at key locations when road upgrades occur near badger habitat. | 4.1.1 Roads | 2.1.5 Movement / migration management |
| 11.3 Little Brown Myotis | Protect little brown myotis from white-nose syndrome through probiotic application | Application of probiotics is trialed at sentinel little brown myotis maternity colonies. | 8.4.3 Fungal pathogens | 1.1.7 Biological actions |
| 11.4 Little Brown Myotis | Locate little brown myotis hibernacula | High potential hibernacula sites have been assessed for use. | 8.4.3 Fungal pathogens | 8.1.1 Field Research/Monitoring |
| 12.1 Northern Rubber Boa | Conduct northern rubber boa inventory | A northern rubber boa inventory is conducted and population genetic diversity is assessed in the Radium Hotsprings area. | 98 No Direct Threat | 8.1.1 Field Research/Monitoring |
| 15.1 Multi-species: Insects | Conduct an at-risk insect inventory | Targeted inventory of at-risk bumble bees, lady beetles and odonates is completed. | 98 No Direct Threat | 8.1.1 Field Research/Monitoring |
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