Operation Green Up
Whistler Blackcomb's ongoing program for mountain remediation is called operation Green Up. Over $1.5 million has been spent since 1999 to enhance and protect our natural areas.
What we are doing to meet these objectives:
- A number of areas with high ecological values have been set aside for conservation within the ski area. These include wetlands, black bear habitat zones noted for denning and food supply and coastal mountain black-tailed deer range.
- Limiting erosion within our community watersheds protecting drinking water and fish habitat values.
- Utilizing native species where possible.
- Applying planting strategies/seed mixes which will enhance wildlife habitat.
- Protecting our recreational assets. Ensuring that our trails and roads exposed to potential washout are re engineered and rehabilitated.
Standard Operating Procedures.
- Whistler Blackcomb has an established land use document that sets standard operating procedures for development. Its primary goal is to ensure the ecological heath of watersheds and forests, with a strong focus on soil retention and erosion control.
- We have pioneered sustainable ski trail design as outlined in the Symphony Project which has raised the bar on demonstrating protection of biodiversity.
- Our greatest challenge at this time is sediment flows out of our Mountain Bike Park and mountain roads.
Sustainable design - protecting biodiversity.
- Building experiences inside ecosystems as opposed to changing the ecosystem - the 1000 acre Symphony Project had a construction footprint of 5% instead of 40%.
Habitat Improvement Team (HIT)
Facilitated by Whistler Blackcomb, a community based grassroots take action environmental group. Mission is to protect, restore, enhance fish and wildlife habitat in the community of Whistler. Part of our commitment to building partnerships in action for environmental sustainability. HIT's inception was in 1997 and since then 103 projects have been completed. Over 200 volunteers participated in 2010 including guests to the resort-travellers philanthropy. The health of the natural environment is a core concern of Whistler locals and this program gives them hands on opportunity to get involved. It also provides an opportunity for Whistler Blackcomb to work shoulder to shoulder with the community.
Employee Environmental Fund
The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Employee Environmental Fund was created in 2001 to fund environmental projects in the sea to sky corridor (including Whistler, Squamish, and Pemberton). Our staff are invited to donate to the Fund from their pay cheques; each dollar is then matched by the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
With support from Whistler Blackcomb employees, the WBFEF has sponsored 62 local environmental projects by providing more than $285,000.00 in funding. Funding decisions are made by a Selection Team comprised of Whistler Blackcomb staff members with feedback from our membership. Highlighted projects include:
- Support for the campaign that resulted in the designation of a large wildlife refuge between the Callaghan and Soo Valleys. This is key habitat for moose, grizzlies and mountain goats.
- Several projects to improve fish habitat in Whistler and Pemberton.
- Sponsorship of a new wildlife interpretive and education centre at One Mile Creek in Pemberton.
- Support for several community greenhouse projects.
- Mountain bike trail erosion control and remediation work.
- Planting and habitat improvement projects for bears, deer, and local amphibians.
- Sponsorship for events such as Slow Food Cycle Sunday.
