A Strategy for Recreation Management at B.C. Hydro Reservoirs and Projects in the Columbia River Basin

Terms of Water Licences for the major projects included requirements for recreation (with the exception of the Kootenay Canal project which has no reservoir). As well, increased public awareness and concern for environmental responsibility during the past two decades have brought the impact of these hydroelectric projects under closer public scrutiny. Public concern about poor reservoir access at Kinbasket Lake and Duncan Reservoir, along with public perceptions about outstanding recreation commitments at Arrow, Koocanusa, Pend d-Oreille, Whatshand and Revelstoke Reservoirs have brought such matters to the attention of a number of provincial agencies and community groups.

Because it was felt that these numerous interests had the potential to produce an array of separate, disjointed initiatives, B.C. Hydro felt it was timely and prudent to consider a mechanism that would establish a management structure to address reservoir recreation issues with foresight, and in a coherent manner. It suggested that this structure consist of a Steering Committee and a Technical Committee, who would ensure consistency for management and planning of basin initiatives. Local reservoir committees would develop specific reservoir plans and programs. Responsibility for program delivery would be allocated as appropriate through deliberations of the Basin Technical and Steering Committee.

The establishment of a single recreation management fund is also proposed, with the interest deriving to finance annual budgets to support mitigation programs. It was felt that the advantage of this approach would allow funding activities to be more:

Responsive - to changing needs and priorities of resources and resource users.

Adequate - of sufficient size to undertake larger, more effective programs than would otherwise be possible.

Stable - and not subject to the uncertainties of annual operating or capital budget allocations or cuts.

Balanced - between regional interests, between reservoir areas, and among recreational users.

The concept put forward in this report proposes that for management purposes, all reservoirs, dams, diversions and generation facilities within the Columbia River Basin be considered a single development. Major recreation impacts of the "development" would then be identified and appropriate mitigation determined, and priority assigned.

In addition to developing and managing recreation programs within the scope of a Basin Fund, the organization and structure proposed is hoped to serve as a vehicle for truly integrated planning among all agencies in the Region.