G-8 organizers are adamant a massive invasion by security and diplomatic officials won't trample the sensitive environment of Kananaskis Country.
But some environmentalists still aren't entirely convinced, saying turning the alpine wilderness into an armed anti-terrorist camp is indefensible.
"It looks more like Fort Kananaskis and it'll get worse in the next week," said Stephen Legault, executive director of Wildcanada.net.
Legault said he fears global exposure of Kananaskis' beauty will attract developers to Alberta whose plans to pave mountain lands would be hard to resist for a pro-business provincial government.
"Now is the time to ensure a legacy of protection, not exploitation," he said.
But an environmental scientist said a multi-pronged program designed to safeguard the Kananaskis ecosystem will do just that.
"I have a lot of confidence the whole summit will be conducted in a safe manner ... I don't think there will be any residual effect," said Dr. Bruce Leeson, the summit's director of environmental affairs.
He pointed out it's the first time any such environmental title has been created for a G-8 summit.
The RCMP will spearhead the environmental initiatives, taking the lead in monitoring its progress.
The Mountie in charge admitted it's not a role the RCMP is accustomed to.
"It's a bit of a different position for a police force to find itself in," said Const. Kevin Beson.
"There aren't any issues we've come across yet that ... we haven't been able to solve."
Security forces patrolling the forests to intercept possible militant infiltrators will ensure they leave no mark behind, Leeson claimed, while the movement of large mammals, particularly bears, is being monitored with an eye to protecting them.
"We've taken special efforts to know where they are and what their sensitivities are."
Security personnel working in the woods will be equipped with bear spray and special firecrackers to ward off the bruins and will only shoot the animals as a last resort.
Sewage from a temporary encampment of 260 trailers housing the personnel at the Nakiska Ski Resort will be treated and recycling emphasized.
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