Scientist Warns Mine Threatens Canadian Park

The World Heritage Centre, meeting this week in Durban, South Africa, could ask the Canadian government for assurances the park won't be damaged -- just as it asked for similar assurances in the case of the Cheviot coal mine outside Jasper National Park. The centre's other options include placing the Nahanni on its endangered list or removing its designation entirely. The concern involves a mine that was developed in the early 1980s but never brought into production. It is located on Prairie Creek, about 20 kilometres upstream of its outflow into the South Nahanni River. The mine's redevelopment is currently before the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board. Ford, a widely respected geologist and retired McMaster University professor, said the Nahanni has the most varied landscape in Canada. The park's spectacular river gorges, waterfalls and wildlife made it UNESCO's first World Heritage site in 1979. http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1121292039178_24/?hub=Canada [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on July 17, 2005]

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