# Canada's Changing Mountains: A 150-Year Photographic Journey This document summarizes a CBC News article detailing the Mountain Legacy Project, an initiative showcasing the dramatic changes in Canada's mountain landscapes over the past 150 years using a unique approach: comparing historical and modern photographs. ## The Mountain Legacy Project: A Visual Timeline of Change The Mountain Legacy Project offers a powerful visual representation of environmental change. The core of this project lies in its methodology: researchers meticulously recreated the exact viewpoints of thousands of historical photographs taken between 1861 and 1958 by mountain surveyors. These original images, often part of land surveying efforts, are now paired with modern photographs taken from the same locations. This side-by-side comparison vividly illustrates the impact of climate change and human development on the Canadian mountain ecosystem. The project includes images of Millstone Peak near Radium Hot Springs, B.C., showcasing the difference between its appearance in 1922 and 2010. Another striking example is Mt. Sir Donald near Revelstoke, B.C., and the Illecillewaet Glacier, comparing Arthur Wheeler's 1901 photograph with a 2011 image, revealing significant glacial retreat. The resulting interactive map allows users to explore over 7,000 image pairs across British Columbia, Alberta, and the Yukon. The sheer volume of data provides a comprehensive overview of environmental shifts. ### Key Observations from the Photographic Comparisons: * **Glacial Retreat:** The most obvious change is the dramatic shrinking of glaciers and snowcaps. * **Forest Changes:** Alterations in forest composition and tree lines are evident, indicating shifts in vegetation due to climate change. * **Human Development:** The impact of human activity, such as logging and infrastructure development, is also visible in many of the paired images. The project highlights not only the negative impacts but also the resilience of the mountain ecosystems. ## The Significance of the Project The Mountain Legacy Project's impact extends beyond simple visual documentation. The project's value extends beyond simply showcasing visual changes. The data collected is a valuable resource for: * **Ecological Research:** Scientists can use the images to track changes in vegetation, biodiversity, and glacial dynamics. * **Forestry Management:** Forestry professionals can assess the impact of logging and climate change on forest health. * **Wildfire Management:** The images can help in understanding wildfire patterns and predicting future risks. * **Public Awareness:** The visually compelling nature of the project effectively communicates the impacts of climate change to a broad audience. It's crucial to remember that these images represent only a snapshot in time. While they provide valuable data, they don't capture the full complexity of ecological processes. ## The Project's History and Future The Mountain Legacy Project began at the University of Alberta before moving to the University of Victoria in 2002. The project's longevity (19 years of fieldwork) underscores its commitment to long-term monitoring and data collection. The project's continued accessibility through its interactive website ensures that this valuable resource remains available for researchers and the public alike. Visit the Mountain Legacy Project website to explore the interactive map and witness the changes firsthand. The project's release coincides with International Mountain Day, highlighting the urgency of addressing the pressures facing mountain ecosystems globally. The theme of "Mountains under pressure: climate, hunger, migration" emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental challenges and their impact on human populations.