The proposed Garibaldi ski resort has long been a controversial issue. In 2016, the BC provincial government issued an environmental assessment certificate after 20 years of deliberation. The certificate comes with 40 conditions that are legally binding on the resort before final approval is granted [1]. I understand that the municipality of Squamish has many concerns with regards to this project, such as the size and scope, and particularly environmental sustainability [2]. This memo outlines the steps that I took to analyze the data regarding protected areas, elevation, and snowfall within the project boundaries. I do not address environmental concerns associated with groundwater and local water supply, nor do I address its proximity and potential impact on Garibaldi National Park, though both are large environmental concerns addressed in other research [3]. The scope of this memo addresses protected areas (old growth forest, ungulate and fish habitats) within the project boundary and the amount of snowfall. My data came from DataBC and the UBC Geography Department.
This development project takes place on the occupied lands of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) peoples. They have been a part of the negotiations and the environmental impact assessment. Any development on in their territory must be with their prior and informed consent and must respect the Squamish Nation’s Xay Temíxw (Sacred Land) Land Use Plan (2001). This includes the protection of forest stewardship zones; sensitive areas; restoration areas; and wild spirit places. The Squamish Nation’s chief, Chief Ian Campbell, has stated with regards to Garibaldi mountain that “It’s a very sacred mountain to our people so we want to ensure that the flanks of that mount are being protected for continued cultural use of hunting, gathering … all of the things that our members continue to enjoy as they’ve done for innumerable generations” [4]. A relationship with the Squamish Nation is essential for this project’s success as they have been the environmental stewards of these lands since time immemorial.
To assess the environmental concerns of this project, I looked at the protected areas within the project boundary. These areas include old growth forest, ungulate (Mule Deer and Mountain Goat) habitats, and fish habitats (including fish bearing streams and riparian areas around streams). I displayed these areas on a map (showing data only within the project boundary) and calculated the total amount of area that these various protected areas cover. 37% of the proposed project area is protected (the project area contains 7% old growth forest; 8% ungulate winter habitat; 26% riparian habitat). Of course, nature doesn’t follow lines drawn by human project boundaries; therefore, any environmental effects on these areas would also extend past the project line. *See Map 1
As a result of climate change, reliable skiing conditions do not exist lower than 555m of vertical due to insufficient snowfall [5]. I used elevation data to represent the areas in the project boundary that are less than or equal to 555m or greater than 555m. I also added hillshade to show the surface relief. Using this data, I was able to generate a snowline elevation contour delineating the areas with or without adequate snowfall. My research found that 30% of the proposed project area potentially does not have enough snow. *See Map 2
There are many environmental concerns associated with the Garibaldi at Squamish ski resort project. In my opinion, the greatest environmental concerns have to do with protecting animal habitats and avoiding pollution. Ways to mitigate these impacts would be to follow the 40 conditions put forth by the environmental assessment, to respect and adhere to the knowledge of the Squamish First Nation, and ensure adequate ways of dealing with waste from the resort.
References:
[1] “Controversial ski resort near Squamish get Environmental Approval,” Global News, Jan 2016.
[2] “B.C. ski resort gets environmental and First Nations approval,” The Globe and Mail, Jan 2016. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-ski-resort-near-squamish-gets-environmental-and-first-nations-approval/article28468568/
[3] “B.C. ski resort gets environmental and First Nations approval,” The Globe and Mail, Jan 2016. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-ski-resort-near-squamish-gets-environmental-and-first-nations-approval/article28468568/
[4] “Garibaldi at Squamish gets Environmental Approval,” CBC News, Jan 2016. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/garibaldi-squamish-environmental-approval-1.3426582
[5] “Hitting the plastic slopes: Climate change pushes ski resorts to ‘weatherproof’,” CBC News, Aug 2016. http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/ski-resorts-weather-proofing-climate-change-1.3715284
Accomplishment Statement:
This lab taught me how to clip both vector and raster data. I used ArcGIS tools to convert and reclassify data. I also learned to create a spatial join, calculate polygon areas, give a variable width to a buffer, and add a hillshade. I was able to create maps showing riparian and ungulate habitats, old growth forests, elevation, and snowline to show the environmental factors important to the Garibaldi ski resort project.
