The Lake Louise Ski Resort got itself into some hot water after an investigation by Parks Canada found that a batch of endangered trees were illegally destroyed in the ski area.

In 2014 Parks Canada wardens conducted an investigation and found that over 140 trees in the resorts leasehold, including 39 endangered Whitebark Pine Trees were removed from the resort without applying for permits.

Whitebark Pine Trees are an endangered species that appear in several of Canada's national parks, including: Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Jasper, Banff, Kootenay, Yoho and Waterton Lakes.

After facing threats from climate change, White Pine Blister Rust Disease and severe mountain pine beetle outbreaks, the species has been protected under the Species at Risk Act.

In December 2017, the Lake Louise resort pleaded guilty to charges laid under both the Species at Risk Act and the Canada National Park Act for the removal of the trees.

On November 30 they picked up the 2.1 million dollar fine.

Parks Canada says the money from the fine will go towards Canada's Environmental Damages Fund, administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

 

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