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Socio-Economic
Montage
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Outdoor Recreation
Development & Management Strategy
Nelson Forest Region
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Authored by: Karen
L. Holden
Prepared for: The
Tourism Action Society in the Kootenays
Funded by: Forest
Renewal B.C. http://www.forestrenewal.bc.ca/
July 1997
Location of Publication:
"Columbia Basin Trust Collection"
The Tourism Action Society in the Kootenays
Forest Renewal B.C.
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This is a survey of opportunities
for development, rehabilitation and promotion of outdoor recreation
infrastructure, such as sites and trails, on Crown Land in the Arrow,
Boundary and Kootenay Lake Forest Districts. It resulted in a database
that identified 116 recreation resources, the user groups interested
in being involved in the management of these resources, and a brief
assessment of feasibility.
The purpose of the public consultation
process was to provide ways for the public to identify:
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outdoor recreation opportunities
such as sites, trails and features that are not already incorporated
into existing databases;
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ways to increase outdoor recreation
activities through greater development of existing sites,
trails and facilities;
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ways to increase outdoor recreation
activities through rehabilitation of existing sites, trails
and facilities; and,
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ways to increase outdoor recreation
through promotion of existing sites, trails and facilities. |
The sites and trails identified
by the public were assessed by a steering committee to determine
the feasibility of the proposals, and assess their merit within
the broader scope of recreation planning. Of the 116 sites and trails
identified, 95 were assessed as being suitable for further consideration,
and possible inclusion, in development plans. These opportunities
fall into the categories of:
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barrier free recreation opportunities,
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mountain biking,
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low and mid-elevation hiking
trails,
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rock climbing,
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wildlife viewing. |
Each of the 95 opportunities listed
include a brief description of the project, potential partners,
rationale, target population, promotion and project constraints.
Each opportunity is also pinpointed on a base map.
A gap analysis was undertaken to
identify inadequacies in existing resources and/or promotional activities.
Preliminary finding revealed significant gaps in the existing supply
of managed recreational opportunities in the study area. Some of
the specific issues identified include:
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There is a paucity of recreation
infrastructure for people with disabilities. Due to a lack
of barrier free facilities, many people with disabilities
are restricted to communities and municipalities. Sites and
trails are needed that will accommodate people with various
disabilities.
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Rock climbing is gaining popularity,
however sites suitable for teaching rock climbing are not
well publicized. In many instances, access is restricted.
Basic signage, facilities and trail access are required in
areas that are suitable for this type of activity. However,
liability issues will likely delay the development and promotion
of areas for this sport.
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Parapenting and hang gliding
sites are frequently piggy backed on sites that have been
developed for other types of recreational use. Furthermore,
launch sites are often on fragile alpine environments where
the plant communities, and soil structure, suffer from the
dragging and trampling that takes place in preparation for
the flight. Designated and hardened launch sites are needed,
in some areas, to accommodate this activity.
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River kayaking and canoeing
are becoming more popular, but there is a lack of put-in and
take-out locations with adequate parking and basic sanitation
facilities.
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There are very few low and
mid-elevation hiking trails. Trails, preferably near communities,
are needed to extend the hiking opportunities into the shoulder
seasons and broaden the recreational opportunities available
to those seeking early season and late season outdoor activities
in snow-free environments. Limited opportunities exist that
are solely on Crown land. Therefore, partnerships with private
landowners, municipalities and Regional Districts, will likely
have to be established to fill this gap.
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Wildlife viewing is recognized
as being a very important activity for residents of the area
and the tourism industry. There are many wildlife viewing
opportunities through out the study area that could be enhanced
with signage, designated parking areas, viewing platforms
and trails. Promotion of these areas is limited to the brochures
published by BC Environment and incidental information contained
in outdoor guides specific to other activities. Much more
could be done to develop and publicize wildlife viewing opportunities.
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It was found that promotional
activities are mainly covered by the private sector. There
is a lot of room for managing agencies to become proactively
involved in publicizing their resources. |
It is hoped that the information
obtained in this study will be used by the managing and funding
agencies to:
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determine the amount of public
support for specific proposals;
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identify new opportunities
for development;
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determine whether specific
proposals fit within a managing agency's mandate and plan;
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determine if proposals for
infrastructure development conflict with the management objectives
of adjacent and overlapping administrative units;
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identify who the key non-governmental
organization players are and what their areas of interest
are;
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prioritize allocation of funding
for infrastructure development; and
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streamline assessment of applications
for infrastructure development that are received from the
private sector. |
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