More restrictions planned for Waterton as dry conditions persist
WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK — What a difference six months makes.
It’s so dry the fire hazard is listed as “Extreme” and a fire ban is in place. The dry summer follows a winter of snow that nearly buried the park.
Even more restrictions are planned following the long weekend. Parks Canada fire information officer John Stoesser says the park is planning to implement a limited backcountry closure starting Tuesday, Aug. 8.
“This would entail closing all the backcountry campgrounds, some of the trails, and prohibiting off-trail hiking in Waterton Lakes National Park for visitor safety reasons,” Stoesser explained in an interview.