This proposed Bear-People Conflict Prevention Plan (or “bear plan”) was designed and completed for the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) as part of their ongoing program to maximize public safety with respect to black bears (Ursus americanus) as well as to maintain the natural behaviour of local bears in as wild and non-habituated a state as possible. Human conflict prevention for grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) is also addressed in this plan even though the species has been virtually extirpated in the region.

This proposed 2005 - 2010 plan incorporates the results of the independent bear hazard assessment and other concerns and sets actions and priorities for implementation. There was a high level of input into this plan from the Whistler Black Bear Working Group (WBBWG), which will act as an advisory team for the plan's implementation by RMOW. A workshop was convened with the WBBWG to facilitate input and direction. The Bear Working Group is comprised of representatives from RMOW Bylaw Services, Whistler RCMP, Squamish District Conservation Officer Service (COS) including the (new) Bear Response Officer (BRO), Whistler/Blackcomb, Get Bear Smart Society (formerly the Jennifer Jones Whistler Bear Foundation), Whistler Black Bear Project and Carney's Waste Systems.

The emphasis on the 2005 - 2010 bear plan is to prevent bear problems through mitigation of highhazard sites (children's play areas and school grounds, Whistler bike park, camping in green spaces), improved bear-proofing of food and garbage attractants (thereby reducing the number of bears being human-food conditioned), appropriate community planning and green space management. The plan provides for more consistent treatment of "problem bears" with an emphasis on bear aversion tactics. The application of these techniques will be monitored and studied. The development of human-bear conflict response criteria and guidelines will provide for greater consistency among first-responders in dealing with situations.

The 2005 - 2010 bear plan is divided into two parts, the first based on Bear Smart criteria created by the former B.C. Ministry of Environment Land and Parks (MELP) and the other based on the additional concerns and strategies the working group feels necessary to complement Bear Smart efforts. The plan should be considered a "working document" to help guide the municipality in bear-people management. It should be updated or modified as new information and techniques become available.