Download Lillooet LRMP - Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource

Lillooet
Land and Resource Management Plan
Phase 1 Framework Plan
Conservation, Recreation, Tourism, and
Community - Final Recommendations
(Includes changes outlined in the March 22, 2001 Amendment)
April 23, 2001
Table of Contents
Page
1 Introduction
1
2. Creating Greater Certainty
4
[See Section IX: “Adaptive Management - Making Plan Adjustments During
Implementation” section in the Conservation, Recreation, Tourism and Community
Final Offer document.].
3. Community and Provincial Interests
5
4. Community Economic Development
6
5.
11
Phase 1 Strategic Level Recommendations
5.1 Strategic Recommendations for General Management
5.1.1 Access ..................................................................................................................... 11
5.1.2 Agriculture ............................................................................................................ 19
5.1.3 Community / Crown Land Interface Zone ........................................................ 21
5.1.4 Community Watersheds / Domestic Water ........................................................ 22
5.1.5 Crown Lands ....................................................................................................... 25
5.1.6 Cultural Heritage ................................................................................................ 26
5.1.7 Energy .................................................................................................................. 26
5.1.8 Fire-Maintained Ecosystems (NDT4) ................................................................ 26
5.1.9 Fish ....................................................................................................................... 27
5.1.10 Forest Biodiversity ............................................................................................. 30
5.1.11 Minerals ............................................................................................................. 32
5.1.12 Paleontology ....................................................................................................... 33
5.1.13 Range .................................................................................................................. 34
5.1.14 Recreation .......................................................................................................... 36
5.1.15 Riparian Ecosystems .......................................................................................... 39
5.1.16 Species at Risk
5.1.16.1 General/Fisher/Tailed Frog .................................................................... 41
5.1.16.2 Grizzly Bear ............................................................................................. 43
5.1.16.3 Spotted Owl .............................................................................................. 48
5.1.17 Timber and Silviculture .................................................................................... 50
5.1.18 Tourism .............................................................................................................. 52
5.1.19 Visuals ................................................................................................................ 55
5.1.20 Water Resources ................................................................................................ 59
5.1.21 Wildlife
5.1.21.1 Bighorn Sheep ......................................................................................... 62
5.1.21.2 Moose ....................................................................................................... 64
5.1.21.3 Mountain Goat ....................................................................................... 66
5.1.21.4 Mule Deer ................................................................................................. 68
5.1.21.5 Predators ................................................................................................... 70
5.3 Strategic Recommendations for Resource Management Zones .................................. 71
5.3 Strategic Recommendations for Protected Areas ......................................................... 74
6. Process for Phase 2 (Completing the Plan)
77
7. Phase 3 – Implementation, Monitoring and Adaptive Management
79
8. Plan Schedules
A. Glossary of Terms
B. Description of Front/Mid/Backcountry Tourism and Recreation Zones
C. Tourism in Parks - Draft Letter of Understanding between Ministry of Small Business,
Tourism and Culture and BC Parks - Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks
D. Critical Grizzly Bear Habitat Description
Appendix – Lillooet LRMP Draft Under Consideration (DUC)
Draft material that has not been agreed to (i.e., work in progress) at the end of Phase 1.
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The entire Draft Under Consideration “DUC” (~400 pages) will be sent separately (from the Phase 1 Framework text) to
government. This material is provided for information purposes only, with the understanding that the Table has not
endorsed this material. In this regard, government is not being asked to endorse/approve the DUC text.
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Together with the direction provided in Phase 1 (i.e., once government has made a decision with respect to the
recommendations developed in Phase 1), this will serve as a starting point for discussions in Phase 2.
Lillooet LRMP Phase 1 Framework Plan
Conservation, Recreation, Tourism and Community
1. INTRODUCTION
A. Background
The Lillooet LRMP process has been underway since November, 1995. In the fall of 2000, government
indicated an expectation that recommendations on key topics would be received from the Table by March
2001. The LRMP Table realized they would be unable to develop a detailed LRMP document given the
short time that remained. In order to meet the collective interests of the Table regarding short term
certainty, the desire to create a plan with the usual level of detail, as well as to fulfil the government’s desire
for recommendations on some key issues by March 2001, the Table adopted an alternative “phased”
approach. This approach will enable the Table to reach decisions on as many of the issues as possible
before the March deadline (i.e., “core, strategic direction”), and to then later “fill in the detail” over the
following year.
B. Purpose of the Plan
The Lillooet plan area has never benefited from a comprehensive land use plan. Instead, resource planning
and management on Crown land has focused on specific land uses and values such as forestry, mining,
tourism and parks under the authority of separate government ministries. As long as there were sufficient
lands and resources to satisfy all needs, this approach to planning was adequate. In more recent times,
however, increased demands for finite resources and a societal shift toward greater protection for
environmental and recreational values have led to increasing conflict and uncertainty among resource
interests.
Increasingly, assumptions for a variety of land use and resource allocation decisions within the plan area
were being challenged. In this atmosphere, decision making by resource managers became more
contentious and difficult, and often was deferred. The need for a coordinated approach to planning was
clear.
The ‘Phase 1 Framework Plan’, and the complete Lillooet LRMP (to be completed by the end of Phase 2),
are intended to address this need by incorporating the principles of sustainability and integrated resource
management into a long-term, strategic vision for Crown land and resource development within the plan
area. These will provide provincial government agencies and resource users with direction on resource
management within the Lillooet Forest District for the next ten years.
The Phase 1 Framework Plan also provides direction for the phased development of a complete LRMP
plan, as well as the implementation and monitoring of the plan. The Phase 1 Framework Plan and
subsequent LRMP document, will contain recommendations to manage economic impacts of land use zone
designations in order to help maintain and enhance community stability and vitality.
When approved by Cabinet, both the Phase 1 Framework Plan (and the complete LRMP that will be
developed over the following year) will become government policy for all agencies. As such, they provide
strategic direction to any lower level planning through the application of the land use objectives and
strategies described in these plans. Portions of the complete LRMP plan will be approved by Cabinet and
will become a "higher level plan" under the Forest Practices Code of B.C. Act. With respect to activities
carried out under the Forest Practices Code of B.C. Act higher level plans have the effect of law and any
lower level planning must be consistent with the objectives and strategies described therein.
All land use and resource management activities within the plan area are subject to legislation, policies and
regulations for Crown Land and resource management.
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C. Description of the Phased Approach
The phased LRMP approach consists of three phases as illustrated in Figure 1 and described below.
Figure 1: Timelines and Role of the Table and Implementation and Monitoring Committee in the
Phased Approach
October, 2000
March 31, 2001
March 31, 2002
Government
PHASE 1 - Framework Decision
Plan
Government
PHASE 2 – Plan Details
Decision
PHASE 3 – Implementation and Monitoring
Implementation &
LRMP Table
Monitoring
Committee
Phase 1
During Phase 1 strategic level recommendations were developed on as many of the key issues as possible
before the March deadline. Discussions focused on reaching agreement on what the issues were, the goals
associated with each of the resources and uses identified in the plan, andstrategic level recommendations to
meet the identified goals.
All parties have been committed to trying to reach agreement on the strategic level recommendations for all
the resources and uses in the plan. Where disagreements existed, the participants tried to each resolution
through the dispute resolution mechanisms described in the terms of reference for the LRMP. However,
despite their best efforts it was not possible to reach agreement. As a result the Table collectively decided
to prepare two option packages for government to consider. One was developed by the ‘Lillooet
Communities Coalition’ and the other by Conservation, Recreation, Tourism and Community interests.
This ‘Phase 1 Framework Plan’ represents the conclusion of Phase 1. This report includes the following:
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requirements for creating certainty for the various sectors and interests during the remainder of the
process;
recommendations for achieving community and provincial sustainability;
recommended approaches for each of the various resources and uses including a brief description,
the vision for the resources or use, issues, goals, and strategic level recommendations;
recommended Resource Management Zone boundaries;
recommended protected area boundaries and agreed to direction on managing all protected areas.
documentation of what material will be addressed in Phase 2; and,
direction for Phase 3 (Implementation, Monitoring, and Adaptive Management)
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Phase 2
The main task in Phase 2 is to “fill in the detail” of the Phase 1 Framework Plan to produce a complete
LRMP. More specifically, this phase will entail developing objectives and strategies pursuant to the Phase
1 strategic level recommendations approved by government, as well as other material the Table agreed to
complete in Phase 2. (Please see the “Process for Phase 2” section for more information.)
The Table will continue to meet in Phase 2 in order to develop the detailed management direction described
above. Small groups (e.g., ‘working groups’ or subcommittees of the larger Table) will be utilized to work
out issues as needed or appropriate. Since the Implementation and Monitoring Committee will not be
established until April 2002, the Table will also be tasked with addressing any implementation and
monitoring issues that may arise during Phase 2. The Table will continue to operate under its existing terms
of reference unless it decides to change them.
The target date for the completion of the first draft of the Phase 2 recommendations is November 30, 2001,
with a firm deadline of March 1, 2002.
Phase 3
Once the complete LRMP plan is finished (i.e., Phase 2 is concluded) the Implementation and Monitoring
Committee will be established to assist the regional Interagency Management Committee (IAMC) with
writing an annual monitoring report. This report will state how the objectives and strategies outlined in the
complete LRMP are being met through agency specific resource management activities, landscape level
planning processes, and resource development plans or permits.
D. Commitment to the Approach
All the members of the LRMP Table are committed to this phased approach and have agreed to continue
participation in Phases 2 and 3.
The government is supportive of this approach and has agreed to commit the necessary staff and funding
resources to complete Phases 2 and 3.
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2. CREATING GREATER CERTAINTY
[See Section IX: “Adaptive Management - Making Plan Adjustments During Implementation”
section in the Conservation, Recreation, Tourism and Community Final Offer document.].
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3. COMMUNITY AND PROVINCIAL INTERESTS
The Lillooet Land and Resource Management Plan must, of necessity, consider both local and provincial
interests. These interests include economic, social and environmental elements. The Lillooet LRMP Table
with strong community representation, but including broader provincial representation, has taken on the
responsibility of developing a land and resource management plan for the Lillooet Timber Supply Area.
This area of over 1 million hectares is rich in natural resources and rich in cultural diversity and history,
providing a wide array of social, economic and environmental opportunities that are both locally and
provincially significant.
The Lillooet LRMP area has the potential to produce goods for the local communities, for other parts of the
province, and for the world market. The timber producing potential is an example. Timber produced in the
plan area is used both within the TSA and outside of it, generating jobs, wood products, and revenues that
are locally and provincially important. Similarly food is produced both for local consumption and for sale
in other parts of the province, particularly the Lower Mainland. The magnificent and diverse landscape also
has the ability to provide recreation to the local people and draw in tourists and recreationalists from across
the province and around the world. The challenge is to create a balanced land management plan that takes
advantage of the many strengths inherent in the plan area and utilize the resources available to the best
social and economic advantage for the communities and the province as a whole.
It is in the public interest, both locally and provincially, to bring the Lillooet area up to its full social and
economic potential. It is also in the public interest to maintain the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources
of the area in the best possible condition for the present and future generations to experience. Considering
both community and provincial interests has meant that the LRMP Table members have had to look for
creative solutions that will lead to a sustainable environment and a sustainable local economy and society –
in short, to sustainable communities. The collective effort to achieve sustainable communities is reflected
throughout this document.
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4. COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
INTRODUCTION
Plan area communities have been subject to boom and bust economic cycles for many years, including the
early gold rushes, railroad construction, mining at Pioneer and Bralorne, hydro dam construction,
fluctuating timber markets and highway construction projects. In 1996 employment within the plan area
was generated mainly by the public sector (37%), the forest industry (27%) and tourism (15%). However,
recent downsizing of the public sector, the sawmill closure, forestry layoffs at the Ainsworth operations and
reduced timber harvesting have substantially reduced employment and income in Lillooet particularly.
The long-term economic instability has also contributed to the unemployment rate within the plan area that
has chronically been higher than the provincial average over the last decade. In late 1998 the rate in
Lillooet reached approximately 30% or three times higher than the provincial averages.
Plan area communities are at a critical stage in the process of economic diversification in which new
businesses and investments must be encouraged to stabilize the existing services and to offer new
opportunities within the plan area. Several economic diversification and expansion opportunities exist
including: increasing the employment generated in the forest sector through value-added wood
manufacturing and other related initiatives; attracting retirees and telecommuters; improving the airport;
expanding and diversifying agriculture; expanding mineral development; enhancing tourism, especially
outdoor adventure and travel corridor activities; and building on the spectacular landscapes and the
proximity of the area to Whistler and the Lower Mainland.
The collective vision of the plan area communities is based on the following principles as detailed in the
Community-Crown Interface section:
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Cooperative local planning and implementation
Having a diverse and healthy economy
Creating opportunities for diverse cultures
Maintaining sustainable infrastructure, and
Maintaining, enhancing and restoring watershed integrity and the natural biodiversity of the area.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The following six components articulate the opportunities that have been identified to strengthen plan area
communities and support development:
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1.
Coordination of programs and building human resource capacity
Financial support
Release Crown land and/or resolve land conflicts with First Nations
Stabilize the timber industry and existing manufacturers
Economic diversification for the plan area
Natural biodiversity and the environment
Coordination of Programs and Building Human Resource Capacity
To develop strong and resilient communities that are able to adjust to the changes associated with economic
diversification, the following actions are needed:
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Foster sustainable growth of employment and investment within the local communities, including
sufficient training and support services for workers.
Coordinate all levels of government programs to reduce overlaps and to develop a regulatory
environment conducive to healthy economic activity.
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Provide economic and social opportunities for all generations and cultures to stay in the area
through the collaborative effort between the local governments, provincial government, First
Nations, and private businesses.
Encourage community resource tenures near communities and in the interface zone to directly
increase the social and economic benefits derived from local resource development (e.g.,
community held tenures in timber, tourism, agriculture, etc.).
Provide adequate support services to allow seniors to remain in their communities.
Possible Measures of Success: Low rate of unemployment, training and employment programs in place
locally, growth in numbers of small businesses and new industries being developed, streamlining of
regulations, diversity of community controlled tenures, diversity in the resident population both in terms of
age distribution and cultural background, and a decrease in the rate of resident turnover.
2.
Financial Support
Mitigate the financial losses and foregone opportunities borne by plan area communities that result from
managing, developing, or protecting provincially significant resources by:
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Creating reliable, long-term sources of funding for a broad-based, plan area wide economic
development entity that is locally controlled and responsible for the implementation of economic
diversification plans.
Increasing the funding to local governments for economic diversification.
Having provincial resource agencies and local governments create and/or support financial
partnerships that will result in sustainable employment within the plan area.
Ensuring local communities receive a fair share of the benefits derived from the development of
local resources.
Possible Measures of Success: Funding sources are available to plan area residents; increased funding and
programming directly available from local governments; economic diversification plans have funding for
implementation; communities receive a direct share of the benefits from local resource development.
3.
Release Crown Land and/or Resolve Land Conflicts and First Nations Issues
Access to Crown land is an essential component of economic diversification. The following measures are
critical for allowing economic activities to thrive:
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Resolve treaty processes and First Nations land issues in a fair and expedient way.
Encourage the provincial government to make suitable Crown land available through tenure, lease
or purchase to support the economic diversification initiatives of plan area communities.
Encourage businesses that potentially compete for resources to work cooperatively for the benefit
of both interests. (e.g., use memorandums of understanding to clarify roles and responsibilities).
Coordinate all levels of government zoning and business regulations to support and maintain
existing businesses within the plan area, and create opportunities for new developments.
When businesses operate within different government jurisdictions (e.g., infrastructure on private
or municipal land and activities on Crown land), government agencies and local governments will
work cooperatively to resolve conflicts in regulations.
As areas become developed, public access points to Crown land and the intrinsic values of the land
will be maintained so as not to limit future public and business opportunities.
Possible Measures of Success: First Nations land issues are resolved; measurably less overlap between
government regulations; agreements between businesses and/or between government agencies reduce
operation conflicts and complaints; number of new tenures, leases and/or private lots available.
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4.
Stabilize the Timber Industry and Existing Manufacturers
Because timber is currently the primary resource providing economic benefits, stabilization of the timber
industry and existing manufacturers by creating certainty regarding access to forest resources will provide a
base from which plan area communities can pursue economic diversification. This stabilization should be
accomplished by:
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Ensuring that levels of economic activity are based on a sustainable long-term harvest level.
Establishing community license(s), or other forms of tenures, that will allow local communities to
maintain or increase the current level of economic activity created by timber harvesting and
processing, while adhering to the principles of sustainability.
The Ministry of Forests and the forest industry working collaboratively to resolve local constraints,
and looking for innovative solutions to the high costs of logging development in this district (e.g.,
area-based tenure reforms).
Providing incentives for both industry and First Nations communities to work proactively together
to resolve local timber harvesting issues.
Assisting First Nations and other local community groups who are interested in entering into the
timber industry with capacity building and training in forestry.
Creating a diversified local economy that maximizes the flow of forest products between all users
and encourages innovative uses of traditional and non-traditional species.
Creating opportunities in the forest industry that encourage re-investment in existing facilities and
investment in small-scale manufacturing and value-added developments that better utilize the wood
profile in the TSA.
Developing a log sorting facility and open log market within the plan area to maximize the value
obtained from the timber harvested.
Possible Measures of Success: increase in the number of jobs per cubic meter harvested; number of new
manufacturing opportunities; expansion of existing timber facilities or the number of new facilities; number
of tenures held by local communities or community groups.
5.
Economic Diversification for the plan area
The creation of a sustainable basis for the local economies of plan area communities depends upon finding
feasible solutions for the following:
5.1)
Improving the Services and Infrastructure within the Communities
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5.2)
Identify the gaps in existing facilities and services needed to support tourism and recreation
opportunities. Then, develop a plan to address these gaps, including prioritization of projects and
funding sources.
Improve the highways and road access to and between plan area communities.
Improve communication technology throughout the plan area by upgrading aging phone lines,
switches and other infrastructure within the plan area; increasing the free calling area (local call
radius) for rural communities; and exploring satellite service, high-speed optic cables and other
options that could lower communications costs.
Determine the role the community wants in the proposed Melvin Creek ski resort development,
what opportunities exist in relation to this development, and how the communities within the plan
area can best develop their services to capture benefits while maintaining the quality of life
enjoyed by area residents.
Consider planning for sustainable recreational cottage developments as a means of economic
diversification.
Developing Alternative (to road) Transportation Access Opportunities
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5.3)
Maintain and/or improve the rail service to Lillooet and Lytton by providing more options in
passenger service, including economical passenger fares similar to the BC Ferries commuter fares,
and by reinstating shipping by way-freight from the Lillooet station.
Inventory alternative transportation access opportunities and develop those that are economically
feasible and environmentally sustainable including the potential for scheduled bus service, and the
expansion and commercial possibilities for the Lillooet airport and other airstrip sites throughout
the plan area.
Enhance Front, Mid and Back-Country Business Stability by Developing All-Season
Markets
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5.4)
Support the development of a range of activities and accommodations that encourage visitors to
stay longer within the plan area communities.
Target new business development that compliments existing area businesses to develop a critical
mass of consumers and ensure that zoning and regulations will work to support this development.
Promote recreation and tourism opportunities within the plan area that can contribute to the
development of all-season markets.
Develop front, mid and backcountry zones to encourage managed and balanced use.
Developing and Promoting Opportunities in all the Resource Sectors Including Agriculture,
Tourism, Mining, Forestry, and Recreation.
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Ensure that the mix of activities and opportunities across the landscape balances the needs of all
resource uses and development with environmental and community sustainability.
Determine the opportunities that exist within each industry, including forestry (manufacturing, log
markets, etc), agriculture (crop and livestock diversification, agro-tourism etc), mining (historic
tours, gold panning, exploration, mine development, reclamation, etc), and tourism (golf courses,
lake resorts, RV sites, dude ranches, campsites, educational and cultural tours, wild crafting and
promoting local arts, hiking, mountain biking, etc).
Government agencies, recreational users or groups and businesses, should cooperate in the
development of recreational guides and maps that include regulations and responsibilities for
various activities (e.g. horseback riding trails, snowmobile areas, motorized recreation areas, walkin lakes, etc).
Ensure that there is adequate consultation and collaboration with local communities regarding the
allocation (priorities) of resource management funding programs and resource management
decisions, particularly within the interface zone.
Develop promotional materials, in consultation with existing businesses, the public and local
government, aimed at generating investment in the local economy.
Ensure adequate training and support is available for local entrepreneurial development from
within the communities.
Improve public knowledge regarding sustainable resource development practices by ensuring
adequate education, and where feasible, training, is made available through local communities.
Possible Measures of Success: Gaps in services and infrastructure are addressed; highways are improved;
communication costs lower; bus service, rail service and air service increase; communities have activities
available for visitors; overnight stays of visitors increase; boom-and-bust cycles for front country businesses
are greatly reduced; greater diversity in the types of businesses; guides, maps and other information is
readily available; communities are regularly involved in management processes.
6.
Natural Biodiversity and the Environment
A healthy environment is one of the key needs of sustainable communities. The following priorities
are recognized as being essential to the long-term sustainability of plan area communities:
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Increase the levels of enforcement and increase the funding available to government
ministries/agencies to meet the environmental goals laid out in the LRMP.
Make the improvement of environmental data (including water quality and quantity assessments
and wildlife inventories) a high priority to improve the information available upon which sound
management decisions can be made and ensure access to this data.
The government will continue to support and promote legal hunting, trapping and fishing
opportunities that do not conflict with conservation efforts, recognizing these activities as
providing economic benefits and sustenance to plan area communities
The government will ensure that the sustainability of the environment, including surface and
ground water, which forms the basis for the quality of life enjoyed by plan area communities, is
respected as a high priority in all planning and resource development processes.
Possible Measures of Success: Environmental programs continue and expand; active enforcement occurs
within the plan area; environmental databases improve; data is accessible to all; legal hunting and fishing
continue; communities maintain high quality of life satisfaction.
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5. PHASE 1 – STRATEGIC LEVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Strategic Recommendations for General Management
[Note: Except as identified to the contrary, existing policy applies while Phase 2 recommendations
are being completed.]
5.1.1 Access
1) Introduction
Access includes roads of all types and condition, trails, as well as water and air access. The access
infrastructure that is developed and maintained for the Lillooet LRMP plan area must take into
consideration the long term economic and social development of the area, as well as giving consideration to
the needs of the full range of recreation and tourism users, while recognizing environmental interests such
as the needs of wildlife and the demands for wilderness areas.
Road access is the primary component of the access infrastructure and is essential to meet the needs of
communities, the industrial sector, farmers and ranchers, the tourism sector, recreationalists and ordinary
citizens. Roads of a wide range of type and condition are required to meet the full range of needs and
expectations. However, there may be instances where it is desirable to restrict or exclude public use of
roads in order to address wildlife concerns, or to maintain “wilderness” or non-motorized recreational
experiences. Roads in the recreational category can range from those which are all season, two wheel drive
accessible through to very rough roads and trails that are only accessible by four wheel drive or all terrain
vehicles. It will be important to provide a full range of recreational roads to meet the needs of recreation
and tourism users.
Many roads and trails constructed during the early days of mining are significant from a historical
perspective, particularly in the vicinity of Gold Bridge and Bralorne. These roads and trails have important
cultural, recreational, tourism and contemporary mineral exploration values.
The plan area has a rich heritage of both foot and horse trails. Recreation and tourism use trends have
resulted in new activities such as mountain biking, which has placed additional demands on trails. There is
the potential to develop more trails to exploit the recreational and tourism values of the area. Recently,
conflicts have developed in some areas that need to be addressed. This may require a higher level of
management of the trail system in the future, including inventory, mapping, construction, maintenance and
in some instances the designation of the type of use(s) allowed.
Access points to water bodies, particularly the Fraser and Thompson Rivers and several of the major lakes
and reservoirs needs to be addressed. Also to be considered are the river rafting operations that are active
in the area.
Planes and helicopters are also an important means of access in the plan area and also need to be considered
during access planning.
The access related issues that have been identified include the following.
i)
The lack of a public mechanism or process to resolve access conflicts and/or to define appropriate
road, trails, air and water access management which satisfies the needs of different interests and
values. In some instances there is an urgent need for access management control structures that
should be addressed.
ii) There are existing access routes (both public highways and resource roads) that cross private
property, Indian Reserves or future treaty settlement lands for which no legal right of way exists.
This leaves these routes vulnerable to closure by the land owner. In the case of resource roads, this
would then potentially isolate or interrupt public access to portions of the Crown land base and
resources.
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iii) Loss of historic and other significant trails and roads (see definition) due to access and other
developments. Access closures or restrictions can result in the loss of recreation and tourism
opportunities.
iv) Costs associated with developing access management control structures, as well as maintenance of
roads that are not required for industrial uses.
v) The need for comprehensive accesses management planning when development is planned for
undeveloped watersheds.
vi) When gates are established that close public access to an area keys are provided to select
individuals with the intent that they will use these keys for work related purposes. However,
instances do arise where these individuals, their friends and associates use these keys to access
these areas for recreational purposes including hunting and fishing. This is perceived to be unfair
by those who do not have access to the area and can undermine the intent of the road closure.
vii) There is a trend towards using access controls as a substitute for adequate law enforcement. This
has a number of negative impacts including a reduction in recreational opportunities, increased
road management costs, inadequate law enforcement effort and in the final analysis may not
achieve the conservation goals intended or required.
viii) Lack of inventory and management of trails used by the public, recreation and tourism users.
ix) Lack of public access (including boat launching facilities) on the lakes, rivers and reservoirs in the
plan area.
x) How to maintain the wilderness flavour of areas that are subject to heavy floatplane and/or
helicopter use, and managing the potential negative effects on wildlife resulting from air access.
2) Strategic Level Goals
A well planned and carefully managed system of access that balances the long and short term economic,
social and environmental needs of the Lillooet plan area, including, but not limited to, those of conservation
interests, local communities, residents, industrial users, farmers and ranchers, /,tourism operators, and
recreationalists and tourists.
Access Management – Underlying Philosophy
The fundamental principle involves maintaining public access to public lands. This does not mean
maintaining all forms of access to all lands but rather providing a system of graduated access ranging from
public highways to trackless wilderness.
The main issue is road access and how to manage road networks in such a way as to provide all users with
opportunities for access while recognizing other values such as wildlife and the maintenance of wilderness
values. The approach being taken is to maintain a primary system of roads that are open and maintained for
all ordinary two wheel drive users. Beyond this the intent is to provide a system of roads of decreasing
standards that may only be accessible by four wheel drive vehicles or all terrain vehicles to a point at which
vehicular access is no longer possible or is deemed undesirable for specific reasons. This concept will
progressively decrease the number of users as the difficulty of access increases to the point where road
access is no longer possible or desirable. This concept would not preclude road closures for wildlife
conservation concerns but would require that the concern be validated.
Our primary access network consists of a range of public roads through to trails, as defined in the glossary,
including historic and traditional roads and trails, and is available for all users. Graduated access
management, (gradually increasing difficulty of access with the goal of reducing numbers of users but
maintaining the opportunity for as many people as possible while maintaining key values) applies to
secondary and tertiary roads as needed to protect values and be consistent with the principles outlined.
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Access Management





Does not satisfy everyone’s interest everywhere.
Does provide something for everyone/thing somewhere.
Graduated access is seen as a way to protect values, while allowing as many people as possible
access to enjoy the outdoors.
The goal is to manage levels/numbers of use and mode of access as opposed to not allowing
access.
Is not to restrict industrial access to resources - e.g., “windows” when activities would be allowed
that are too restrictive or limited, situations where access to a certain drainage is not allowed for
several decades. In other words, the plan recognizes the need to maintain access to the resource
land base (e.g., timber supply, geologic resources, etc.) and that there may/will be restrictions that
apply to manage impacts from access/extraction of resources.
3) Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
Government is to immediately implement the priority access management actions as noted below.
The intent is that these access closures and concerns with other existing closures will be reviewed
through an access management planning process at some point in the future. These access
management-planning processes will be consistent with the direction provided in the Access
section. This does not limit further access management actions in Phase 2. Any further access
management closures identified in Phase 2 will also be subject to a review through an access
management planning process at a future date. In order to minimize impacts on recreational users
and tourism operators, a schedule for access management planning (based on the identification of
access management priorities) should be developed within Phase 2.




Maintain the existing gate on the Bonanza road in the Spruce Lake area. (Noted that this
closure was not originally put in place for grizzly bears, but it is beneficial for them.)
In the Yalakom watershed, maintain the existing gates on the following road systems
Condor, Ore, Junction, Yankee, Burkholder, Peridotite and Blue.
Maintain the existing gate on the Standard Creek road in the Cadwallader watershed.
(Noted that this closure was not originally put in place for grizzly bears, but it is
beneficial for them.)
Maintain the existing gate on Boulder road and spring closure of the Phair Creek road
with the existing gate in the Cayoosh watershed. (Noted that this closure was not
originally put in place for grizzly bears, but it is beneficial for them.)
The following actions are to be given high priority for evaluation through the Access Evaluation
Process (following this section) during Phase 2.



Spring closure with a gate on the Texas Creek Road at the junction with the Molybdenite
Road. (Note: exact dates for this closure are to be defined during Phase 2 to address grizzly
feeding in the area during Spring.)
Remove the bridge at 8 km on Van Horlick road in the Duffy watershed. (Noted that this
closure was not originally put in place for grizzly bears, but it is beneficial for them.)
Remove the bridges on Davey Jones Creek and Red Mountain Road, or establish some sort of
temporary access controls (e.g., gate, lock blocks, abutments, etc.) until the access issues in
these areas are addressed through an access management planning process.
b) Government is to commit the resources (staff and funding) to complete comprehensive access
management planning for the plan area. Work on these processes is to be initiated in the
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2001/2002 fiscal year, and is to focus on the identified priority areas (there is to be either a list or a
map provided of the areas in question). It is intended that this work would be completed within
two years of the approval of Phase 1 of the LRMP. The intent of the “Access Management –
Underlying Philosophy” is to guide the development of these plans.

c)
The list of priority areas would be a comprehensive list that considers all access related issues.
In other words, it wouldn’t just be the priorities according to what’s in the Species at Risk –
Grizzly Bear section. The priorities identified in that section, as well as what may be
identified in other sections, would all be considered and an overall priority list would be
developed.
Implement the “Lillooet LRMP Access Evaluation Process” (see below) to deal with urgent access
related issues while the comprehensive access management plan (referred to in the previous point)
is being developed. It is expected that the evaluation process will also be used to address any
proposed changes to the comprehensive access management plan, once it is completed.
d) Government to commit to the creation of a widely available and easily located information
database on access management measures (e.g., listing of open and closed areas, types of allowed
uses and level of difficulty for trail/road routes). This could be accomplished through an Internet
website and may include an interactive map or table list with current information.
Lillooet LRMP Access Evaluation Process
The intent of the access evaluation process is to provide a structure for the participants in the access
management planning process, including concerned individuals, the designated Committee and government
agencies to consider when making recommendations to government relating to access management in the
Lillooet LRMP area. It is intended to be used to deal with access related issues as they arise and involve all
of the affected parties in order to find solutions. This process can also be used to identify overall access
management planning priorities. In all cases the use of this evaluation process should be consistent with the
“Access Management - Underlying Philosophy”. It is not intended to delay resource development
application reviews and approvals. It is understood that the authority for making decisions related to access
rests with provincial government agencies.
The basic procedure would be for participants in the access management planning process to work through
the evaluation process, which will assist in highlighting potential access concerns, documenting them,
considering available options, deciding on a strategy, and making a recommendation to the appropriate
government authority that it be implemented. In all cases, the recommendation and the decision by
government will be documented, the reasons for the recommendation and decision by government will be
described, and a committee that has been assigned the responsibility by the LRMP Implementation and
Monitoring Committee will evaluate the results of any strategies described in the access management
portion of the plan document. Based on the review of the strategies, and the results of implementing those
strategies, further recommendations may be made.
A descriptioin of the access evaluation process follows this section in order to assist interested parties in
participating in access management decisions prior to and during the LRMP implementation.
When working through the Access Evaluation Process, people should keep in mind the principles and
underlying philosophy of access management, the measures in place under general management, and the
objectives and strategies for the various resource interests present in the area under discussion.
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A. RESPONSIBILITY OF A CONCERNED INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATION
Step 1 - Define whether Access Management is the Right Tool
In order to qualify for the access management process, anyone having a concern must answer, to the best of
their ability, the following questions;








Who are the existing users of the area, both licensed and public use?
What resource, value or use is being threatened? Verify this threat.
What is putting the resource value at risk? How? What is the urgency to act?
Does general management deal with this issue properly, if not, why not?
Identify the specific area over which access management is proposed.
How does changing the number of users, timing of use or mode of access, solve the problem? If
changing these parameters does not address the problem, the issue may not be an access
management issue.
If the concern is related to the use of the area by other users. Have you attempted to reach a
mutually acceptable solution with the other party?
Is the suggested solution within the mandate of the LRMP?
If these questions cannot be answered, the issue may not qualify for access management solutions within the
LRMP process.
If the questions can be answered, proceed to Step 2
Step 2 - Define the Values Potentially Affected by Access on the Defined Portion of the
Landbase
Are the values restricted to specific parts of the area, or are the values widely distributed over the area?

If the values are restricted to specific parts of the area - is redefinition of the area possible to
minimize impacts on other users?
 If yes - redefine area and Proceed to Step 3
 If no - Proceed to Step 3.
Step 3 - Determine the Effect of Access Management on the Resources and Users in
the Area
Document the values considered, assumptions, and desired future state for each resource value. Consider
the following questions:






Is it possible to integrate use? If not, then can we separate it either in space or time?
If it is necessary to exclude a particular use, where are the alternative opportunities for that use?
Does the presence of one user mean that another user’s experience is no longer available or has
changed so much that it is no longer an acceptable or desirable experience?
Can the uses be made compatible? If not, then,
Can we manage the uses in a feasible manner? How? Who bears the cost of this management?
Define user groups potentially affected, and
[Note: The designated Committee would be available to assist with this step.]
Proceed to Step 4
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B. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DESIGNATED COMMITTEE
Step 4 - Determine the Type of Access Desired for Each User Group



Full Unrestricted Access
No Access
Partially Restricted Access
Describe types and degrees of access desired, for each user group, with reference to values and needs
documented in Steps 2 and 3.
Proceed to Step 5
Step 5 - Consider the Types of Access Management Possible
Keep in mind that the primary desire is to allow as much access as possible while protecting resource
values.
Temporal




Seasonal restriction of access
Restricting access during or after industrial activity
Restricting access at some future point in time
Provide alternate opportunities for users (to encourage separation of conflicting uses, redistribution
of various users or lower user densities within a given area). [wordsmith]
Spatial
 What proportion of the area?
 Where is the best place to restrict access, and how?
 Type of Access Restricted
 Roads
 Trails
 Foot
 Motorized
 Mechanical
 Pack Animals
 Air Traffic Restrictions
 Water
 Motor restrictions under Federal legislation
Proceed to Step 6
Step 6 - Consider Available Tools
Educational Programs




Signs
Informational Brochures
Letters to users
Advertising
Construction and Maintenance Standards


Reduced standards to restrict access (e.g. winter roads to restrict vehicles)
De-activation to reduce roads to 4x4 access
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Physically Restricting Access




Blockages
Gates
Pulling Bridges and/or culverts
De-constructing or rehabilitating roads
Temporal/Spatial Restrictions on Access


Seasonal Closures
Air Navigation Orders
Legislation/ Regulation



Section 105 of FPC Act
Wildlife Act closures
Others?
Or to enhance access if desired;
Enhancing Access








Constructing Roads or Trails
Upgrading Existing Access
Providing Parking Areas at trailheads, viewpoints, river access points, road blockages etc.
Installing Directional Signs
Brochures
Constructing Docks, Boat Launch Area
Constructing Heli-pads, Airstrips, or float plane docks
Create opportunities to separate conflicting uses
Proceed to Step 7
Step 7 - Recommendation on Appropriate Combination of Tools
Document the recommendation, the values considered, the desired future conditions, the assumptions about
how the chosen strategies will impact the values considered. Consider the sources of funding for the access
control and the proposed agency that would be responsible for implementing the strategy.
Proceed to Step 8.
C. RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Step 8 – Statutory Decision Maker Decides Access Management Strategies
After full consideration of the recommendations from the designated Committee, the appropriate statutory
decision-makers within government agencies will decide the access management actions.
Proceed to Step 9
Step 9 - Define how to Update Access Decisions and Emergency Procedures
Define procedures for updating access decisions, including who is to be notified and how, and who is to be
involved in the decision, and the review schedule. Define procedures for emergency situations including
whom to notify, and minimum duration of notification.
Proceed to Step 10
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Step 10 - Implement Decision
Assign responsibilities for implementation, keeping in mind any possible budgetary constraints or limits on
other resources available for implementation.
Proceed to Step 11
Step 11 - Monitor Results
Government agencies will implement a monitoring program to assess the effectiveness of the access
management actions. Based on this information, the Implementation and Monitoring Committee or a
designated committee will evaluate the impacts of the chosen strategies on the identified values in an area,
and where necessary, recommend changes.
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5.1.2 Agriculture
1) Introduction
The dominant agricultural activity in the plan area is forage production and ranching. There is an
increasing trend towards diversification in other forms of livestock and horticultural crops. Agriculture is
dependent on the use of crown resources including land for expansion, water for irrigation and crown range
for grazing livestock.
The agriculture related issues that have been identified are as follows:
i)
There is a very limited amount of arable crown land within the plan area. There are competing
interests that can impede its use for agriculture, such as wildlife habitat, recreation, tourism,
hunting, and resource industry uses (i.e.: mining and forestry). The ability to alienate and use this
land for agriculture is important for the future growth and development of the industry.
ii) The growth and development of the ranching sector is dependent on the continued availability and
expanded use of the crown range resource. The continued availability, sustainable management
and cost of using these lands are critical to the ranching industry’s long term viability.
iii) With increasing industrial development, urban population growth and the competition for crown
resources, wildlife and agriculture-urban interface conflicts will result.
iv) Water is important for almost all activities in the plan area and agriculture is no exception.
Irrigation water is currently limiting the ability of the agriculture industry to expand.
2) Strategic Level Goals
An economically viable, environmentally sound, agriculture industry with a balanced and recognised link to
water, land and range resources of the plan area. A well-diversified mix of product, both crop and animal
marketed within and beyond British Columbia’s borders.
3) Key Definitions
See glossary in Schedule A.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
To encourage agricultural use of land within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
b) Evaluate Crown lands outside of the ALR to identify those lands with agricultural development
potential that may be considered for inclusion in the ALR.
c)
Recognise the need for fine-tuning of the ALR boundary prior to the designation of a Forest Land
Reserve (FLR). This process would allow for minor amendments to boundaries where lands
missed during the establishment of the ALR in 1973 would be included. Lands without
agricultural potential that were inappropriately placed in the ALR would be removed. The
expectation is that there will be no significant net change to the amount of landbase currently in the
ALR in the plan area.
d) Within Phase 2, a mapping exercise using existing information, but with as much ground truthing
as possible, is required to evaluate Crown lands currently within the ALR. The purpose of this
exercise is to define and quantify those lands currently within the ALR with arable agricultural
development potential.
e)
To maintain and expand the productivity of agricultural lands with irrigation. This includes the
retention of existing water rights where beneficial use exists (as defined under the Water Act) and
identifying new sources of irrigation water.
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f)
To minimize conflicts with agricultural development that may result from adjacent land uses such
as urban expansion, industrial activities, wildlife or recreational activities.
g) Contain, control, manage and where possible, eliminate noxious weeds.
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5.1.3 Community / Crown Land Interface Zone
[Substantial work completed (see the DUC); to be finalized in Phase 2.]
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5.1.4 Community Watersheds / Domestic Water
1)
Introduction
Water is an essential resource that is available as surface or groundwater. A key consideration for this
LRMP is protection of water quantity and quality for human consumption. This reflects the longstanding
provincial interest in protecting drinking water. As communities continue to grow and prosper within the
Lillooet LRMP area, the demand on community and domestic water supplies will also continue to grow. It
is important to consider future water needs during resource development in order to ensure that an adequate
volume of clean water continues to be available to all residents.
Most domestic use water use is provided through surface water flows, both for communities and for
individual users Groundwater is also chosen as a water supply where surface water is not readily available,
is of lower quality or has higher treatment costs. There is currently inadequate groundwater management
and protection in the Plan area, due to lack of legislation, limited resources, and information. Management
of aquifers is an area of concern in the plan area. The provincial government has classified aquifers located
at Lillooet (one east and one west of the Fraser River), D’Arcy and Seton Portage according to their level of
use and vulnerability to contamination. There is an additional unclassified aquifer running directly under
the Village of Lytton. All of these aquifers are located in valley bottoms and partly up valley sides where
land is primarily under private ownership. However, upland drainage areas, which provide recharge to
these aquifers, are predominantly Crown lands and also need adequate protection. As local and regional
governments have control over valley-bottom land use, they need this aquifer information to plan growth
and land use to minimize adverse impacts on groundwater.
It is estimated that there are approximately 300 water licenses for domestic use within the Plan area. There
is also a substantial amount of unlicensed use for domestic purposes. There are approximately 20
community watersheds within the Plan Area presently designated under the Forest Practices Code of British
Columbia Act. In addition, there are two applications for this designation, from the Gun Lake Rate Payers
and Buck Creek water licensees. There are other areas within the plan area where community watershed
designation may be appropriate (e.g. Marshall Lake, Tyax/Tyaughton Lake, Pavilion area, Antoine Creek),
but applications have not been submitted by the water licensees in these areas. Recommending additional
community watershed designations was considered during the LRMP, but it was decided that this was not
appropriate without applications from the water licensees for the areas.
Key water quality concerns for most parts of BC relate to deterioration by sedimentation, nutrient loading,
contamination, and waterborne diseases. These water quality concerns exist in the Lillooet plan area as
well. Water monitoring is occurring in two community watersheds (Murray and Nekliptum Creeks). Water
quality objectives for community watersheds have not yet been set by MELP, including water quality
objectives for forestry related activities.
Issues in the plan area with respect to drinking water are:
2)
i.)
Potential for loss of water quantity, quality and timing of flow due to resource development or
use, which has a negative impact on licensed water use;
ii.)
Domestic water use licensees sometimes are not fully informed about plans for development
and use in the watersheds from which they draw water; and
iii.)
Domestic water use licensees sometimes feel their input is not considered in decisions about
resource development in watersheds from which they draw water.
Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A.
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3) Strategic Level Goals
Drinking water is recognized as a critical resource which is managed for both use and protection, ensuring
water quality and quantity are maintained, and, where needed, restored.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
These recommendations are made with the knowledge that the government is creating a Drinking Water
Protection Plan. These recommendations should be reconciled with this plan once the plan for drinking
water is finalized.
Watersheds with Domestic Water Licenses:
a)
Protect, maintain, and where needed, restore water quality, quantity and timing of flow in
watersheds with domestic water use licenses, as indicated by levels of turbidity and sediments and
flows that remain within the natural range, both on a seasonal and event basis.
b) Domestic water use licensees will be fully informed of planned development or use within the
watershed upstream of the point of diversion for their license including:

Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Water Branch, will maintain accurate records of
domestic water use licenses, as required by the Water Act. This agency will provide a digital
map of this information and an electronic version of the contact names and addresses to
ministries responsible for reviewing and approving development and use proposals;
The scale of “planned development or use” that would trigger referral will be defined in Phase 2.
Policy Advice to Government: The Water Act should be updated to require that more detailed and
accurate information on domestic use water licenses is available. Any information to be provided to the
public should not be subject to Privacy Rules.




c)
Ministries responsible for reviewing and approving development and use proposals will
provide proponents with the current listings and maps of domestic water use licensees, from
the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks;
Establishment of ongoing communications by development proponents with domestic water
use licensees early in the planning process;
Domestic water use licensees will receive direct notification of the formal public review of
development or use, and their opportunity to comment; and
Development or use proponents will directly inform domestic water use licensees who provide
comments in writing of how their concerns have been addressed .
If a domestic water use or waterworks licensee is not satisfied that the concerns they raised in
writing are adequately addressed by a development or use proponent, they can initiate a ‘local
referral process’ as follows:



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The water use licensee will secure a written opinion by a hydrologist assessing the level of risk
to water quality, quantity or timing of flow (considering both hazard and consequences) due to
the proposed development or use;
The hydrologist’s judgement will be provided to the Lillooet District Community Resources
Board who will designate Board members or others to review the concerns, with the assistance
of a professional hydrologist from a government agency;
The Community Resources Board designates will provide advice, in writing, to the
development or use proponent to better address the concerns of the water licensees, and
provide information to the statutory decision maker, in writing, regarding the decision to be
made; and
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[Note: If the Community Resources Board is unwilling or unable to perform this function, then an
alternative will be developed in Phase 2.]
 This process must be completed within the timeline that the statutory decision maker would
make a decision on the proponent’s plan in the current regulatory framework, unless seasonal
conditions make it impossible for the hydrologist or the local referral group to complete
necessary site assessments.
d) To be approved, development plans must contain provisions for:


Addressing the concerns of domestic water use licensees that are provided in writing during
public review; and
Consulting domestic water use licensees throughout further planning as required.
e)
Domestic water use licensees will be fully informed of the reasons for approval of industrial
resource development or use in the watershed upstream of the point of diversion for their license.
The scale of development that would trigger referral will be defined in Phase 2.
f)
Implement a water quality/quantity issues survey of all water users during Phase 2. Feedback from
this survey will be used in the development of a drinking water management plan.
Community Watersheds
a)
During Phase 2, assess the cumulative impacts and levels of risk to drinking water supplies in
designated and candidate community watersheds from all industrial developments and land use
with a view to limiting impacts to water quality and quantity in the next five years.
b) Identify candidate community watersheds and upgrade to community watershed status.
c)
Implement a water quality/quantity issues survey of all water users within the plan area during
Phase 2. Feedback from this survey will be used in the development of a drinking water
management plan.
d) Until a new agency is defined to manage drinking water as recommended by George Morfitt,
Auditor General of British Columbia, the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks should
become the lead agency for land management decisions in community watersheds and watersheds
with licensed domestic use.
e)
Develop a comprehensive drinking water management plan for the area.
f)
Communities who switch from surface-fed water supplies to groundwater sources should maintain
the surface-fed supply as an emergency back up if groundwater sources become contaminated.
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5.1.5 Crown Lands
1) Introduction
While the most significant and visible commercial use of Crown land is forest harvesting and cattle grazing
authorized by the Ministry of Forests, there are many other uses authorized by a variety of government
agencies (e.g., BC Parks, Ministry of Energy and Mines, etc.). The British Columbia Assets and Lands
Corporation (BCAL) is the agency responsible for Land Act dispositions that make essential contributions
to local economies by allowing for the diversification of commercial use of Crown land in an area.
The continued and sustainable growth of the local, regional, and provincial economy is dependent on the
availability of Crown land and amenities. Growth is also dependent on Crown land being available for
infrastructure needs such as transportation, communication, and service corridors. In the Lillooet area,
diversification of the local economy through the expansion of the tourism sector is an immediate concern.
In future, the expanded need for agricultural food production land could be of major significance.
The Crown land related issues that have been identified are as follows:
i)
Historical, current, and future needs should be considered in making dispositions on Crown land.
There is particular concern about exclusive-use tenures and the multi-layering of incompatible
uses.
ii) As demands on Crown land continue to increase, planning for future opportunities becomes
increasingly important. There is a need to identify opportunities for future land allocations to
ensure that a broad spectrum of Crown land users can continue to be accommodated and new
opportunities are supported. Some of these uses are incompatible, or may block access to future
land allocation opportunities (e.g., access beyond a tenure, or access to private land), limiting
future expansion.
iii) Some private lands are turned back to the Crown (via tax forfeitures, escheat, or surplus to another
agency’s needs), and are often isolated amongst other private parcels, providing little benefit to the
Crown. These parcels are often difficult to manage and for all intents and purposes act as private
land. The highest and best use of this land is often best served as private land and not as Crown
land.
2) Strategic Level Goals
Crown land will continue to be available throughout the plan area for a wide spectrum of Land Act
applications that provide opportunities to grow and diversify the economic base of the plan area
communities. Land Act decisions will be made considering a broad spectrum of community and resource
interests to create opportunities within the planning area for diversified and sustainable growth.
3) Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
i)
Land Act applications will be administered in the context of multi-use management practices,
demonstrating consideration of impacts to existing tenures and other land and resource values such
as sensitive cultural and heritage features, wildlife and fisheries habitat, tourism and recreation
areas, timber and other developed resource values, and the needs of plan area communities.
[Note: See the following sections for further direction regarding the adjudication of Land Act decisions:
Tourism, Community-Crown Interface]
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5.1.6 Cultural Heritage
[Substantial work completed (see the DUC); to be finalized in Phase 2.]
5.1.7 Energy
[Substantial work completed (see the DUC); to be finalized in Phase 2.]
5.1.8 Fire-Maintained Ecosystems (NDT4)
[Many issues are being worked on by the Regional NDT4 Committee; to be finalized in Phase 2.]
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5.1.9 Fish
1) Introduction
There have been 33 species of fish identified within the geographic boundaries of the plan area. Major river
systems include the Fraser and Thompson. Smaller river systems include the Bridge, Seton, Yalakom,
Cayoosh and Portage. Four species of pacific salmon are found in the plan area; namely sockeye, chinook,
coho, and pink. Steelhead, bull trout, sturgeon, rainbow trout, kokanee and brook trout are found within
major stream and lake systems throughout the plan area. As well, valuable native fish stocks inhabit high
alpine lakes and there are many non-game fish species found in all types of habitats throughout the region,
Coho salmon, steelhead, bull trout (blue-listed) and white sturgeon (red-listed) populations are of special
concern. Population numbers, habitat quality and quantity are concerns that require special management
attention in order to bring the populations of these species back to sustainable levels relative to habitat
capacities.
The vast majority of the fish populations in this plan area are wild stocks. There is limited stocking of
rainbow trout and brook trout carried out in several small lakes, which help sustain sport fisheries. Fishing
is important from an economic and cultural perspective for commercial, sport/recreation, tourism and native
food fishing purposes. Fisheries inventory is not complete for the plan area. For example, bull trout and
small lake inventory is ongoing and will eventually add valuable information to resource planning
processes.
The key fisheries issues are the protection of fish and fish habitat in both rivers and lakes. Even the smallest
creeks may support wild salmon, trout or char species. Although many very small headwater streams may
be barren of fish, they often flow into fish bearing waters and thus are an integral part of the ecosystem. It
is important that riparian areas along fish bearing waters and direct tributaries be properly managed for the
protection of fisheries resources. Forested lands near water bodies are critical for maintaining channel/bank
stability and complexity, cool water temperatures, food supply (invertebrate production), nutrient supply
and long-term woody debris input. Given the steep-sloped nature of the planning area along with unstable
surface materials, intact riparian areas are critical in ensuring natural control of sediment into streams and
lakes. There are also habitat issues concerning the operation of hydroelectric dams and their impacts on
both in-reservoir and downstream riverine habitats. There are concerns over the temperature sensitivity of
some streams within portions of the plan area, which reflects the very arid climate of this part of the
province. More fisheries land use management effort is currently being directed at this key habitat issue.
The goals of the provincial fisheries program are to conserve the natural diversity of fish and fish habitat
and to sustainably manage fresh water sport fishing in British Columbia. The first priority (for the
province) is conserving wild fish and their habitat including wetlands and riparian areas, and ultimately the
conservation and maintenance of genetic and ecosystem biodiversity. The fisheries program (BC
Environment) definition of conservation is: the protection, maintenance and rehabilitation of native fish and
their habitat to ensure ecosystem sustainability and biodiversity. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans
(DFO) also has the responsibility to protect fish and fish habitat, under the authority of the Fisheries Act.
The long-term policy objective of DFO is to achieve an overall “net gain” in the productive capacity of fish
habitats. A fundamental strategy for achieving this objective is to prevent further erosion of the productive
capacity of existing habitat by applying the “no net loss” guiding principle. This guiding principle is key to
the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat.
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The issues identified relative to fish are as follows:
i)
More detailed inventories and site specific information on fish species distribution and fish habitat
is needed to address interactions between development, land use activities and fish and fish habitat
within the plan area.
ii) Degraded fish habitats, where these exist in the plan area, require restoration.
iii) Key habitats for bull trout, a threatened or blue-listed species, are or may be at risk due to
temperature sensitivity and sedimentation. This species also congregates in defined locations
during particular times in their lifecycle, making them vulnerable to over-fishing and poaching in
easily accessible locations.
iv) Existing hydroelectric facilities have had the greatest negative impact on fisheries in the plan area
and annual operations continue to have impacts. The large water control facilities in the plan area
modify stream flows which have impacts on fish and fish habitat. Also, fish are killed in the
hydroelectric turbines (entrainment), stranded in isolated pools during drawdown and lost in the
Seton canal water diversion.
v) White sturgeon is a provincially endangered (red-listed) fish species that inhabits the Fraser River,
and possibly the Seton/Anderson River system in the Lillooet plan area. Provincially, the quantity
and quality of suitable habitat for this species is declining. The lack of a complete inventory may
also be putting this species at risk in some locations. The populations in the plan area are
relatively stable, compared to other reaches of the Fraser River, because much of the main stem of
the Fraser River within the plan area is inaccessible. Increasing access to the river, without
adequate law enforcement, will increase the potential for illegal fishing for sturgeon.
vi) A portion of the plan area experiences extreme summertime temperatures, particularly on the
eastern side, which can result in stream temperatures which exceed the tolerances ranges for
resident fish species. Coho salmon, steelhead, and particularly bull trout (blue-listed) are at least
three species at that require cool to cold water to successfully carry out their life processes.
vii) Loss of, and impacts to, fish habitat (e.g., loss of riparian areas, inadequate instream flows, etc.)
during construction of transportation and utility corridors, roads, subdivisions, etc.
[Note to reader: Strategic level goals and recommendations pertaining to management of riparian
areas and in-stream flows are contained in the Riparian and Water Resources sections.]
2) Strategic Level Goal
To conserve, protect and restore the natural diversity of fish and fish habitats in the plan area.
3) Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
Government commitments to complete fish and fish habitat inventories.
b) Government commitment to maintain and update the map and database of fish and fish habitat as
new information becomes available. Government agencies are to make this information available
to resource users and resource managers.
c)
In Phase 2, create a map of bull trout habitat and develop management objectives and strategies for
bull trout that address the following issues: sensitivity to over-harvesting and illegal fishing
(particularly at congregation areas); lack of adequate law enforcement; water temperature; water
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flows; sedimentation and, habitat.
d) In Phase 2, to address concerns about illegal harvesting of endangered white sturgeon, increase law
enforcement and identify areas of Crown land where access management planning is needed
Access management plans will be developed in a manner that is consistent with the direction
provided in the Access section.
e)
In Phase 2, identify priorities and develop management direction for watershed and habitat
restoration.
f)
In Phase 2, identify streams that are potentially temperature sensitive and develop management
objectives and strategies for those streams that are designated as being temperature sensitive.
g) In Phase 2, develop management objectives and strategies to minimize negative impacts to fish and
fish habitat (e.g., increased sedimentation, loss of riparian habitat, etc.) from the development such
as utility corridors, roads, and subdivisions.
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5.1.10 Forest Biodiversity
1) Introduction
Biological diversity (biodiversity) is the diversity of plants, animals and other living organisms in all their
forms and levels of organization. Under the Forest Practices Code of B.C Act biodiversity is managed by
landscape unit. In the Lillooet plan area there are 18 landscape units. Currently all landscape units in
Lillooet are managed to the Low Biodiversity Emphasis Option. The next step in biodiversity planning is to
complete the assignment of biodiversity emphasis options (High, Medium and Low) and biodiversity
objectives for each landscape unit.
Unique issues in Lillooet area with respect to landscape unit planning are:
i)
The nature of the topography in Lillooet will result in a lack of representation of lower elevation
timbered landbase in OGMAs if following the Landscape Unit Planning Guide. On the other hand,
moving more OGMA into the THLB may affect timber supply,
ii) The natural fragmented nature of the Lillooet landscape make it difficult to meet the requirements
for representation of rare forest types, for this reason it will be important to remain flexible and
find unique solutions to ensure biodiversity in the plan area.
iii) In the Lillooet plan area there is a significant amount of land outside of the THLB that can
considered for OGMA placement.
2) Strategic Level Goals
Biodiversity in the Lillooet plan area will be ensured at all scales over space and time.
3) Key Definitions

OGMA (old growth management area): See the glossary in Schedule A.

LU (landscape unit): See the glossary in Schedule A.

BEO (biodiversity emphasis option): See the glossary in Schedule A.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations:
Subject to the mitigation strategy and the certainty mechanism, the following are the strategic level
recommendations for biodiversity:
a)
Biodiversity Emphasis Options:
i)
Complete preliminary assignment of BEOs in Phase 2.



Consider, but not be limited by, the Biodiversity, Landscape Unit Planning and Higher
Level Plan (Chapter 5) Guidebooks. For clarity, biodiversity assignments (high, medium,
low) may vary from policy. Where variations from policy (e.g., 10-45-45) result,
rationales will be provided.
Geographic location may not follow the LU Guidebook direction to provide flexibility to
locate biodiversity emphasis in the most appropriate places. For clarity, this means that
partial landscape units may be used where appropriate.
Landscape unit boundaries will be checked to confirm appropriate locations; MELP and
MoF to jointly confirm these in Phase 2.
b) Seral stage requirements:
i)
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ii) Areas that meet old and mature criteria within protected areas that are parts of LUs will
contribute to the achievement of seral targets.
c)
Old Growth Management Areas (OGMAs)
i)
Locate OGMAs to be representative of subzone variants and topographic variability within
landscape units. This may require OGMA placement on the THLB, either in the short-term
or, in some instances, in the longer term. In Phase 2, criteria will be established for
amendments to initial OGMA placement.
ii) Detailed inventory and mapping must be available to assign OGMAs to best achieve the
subzone variant and topographic variability representation, as well as to achieve optimum
overlap with areas assigned to meet other resource objectives. The mapped ‘developed climax
sites’ in the Yalakom LRUP are to be incorporated in the mapping of potential OGMAs.
(Note: The definition for ‘developed climax sites’ can be found in the glossary.)
iii) OGMA candidates will be selected based on ecological/biological criteria (as per the
Landscape Unit Planning Guidebook and other criteria that may be agreed to in Phase 2) and
will be assigned based on the following recruitment priorities:




non-THLB
constrained THLB (economically constrained and/or physically constrained)
partially constrained THLB (e.g., retention visuals, wildlife winter range, selection
harvesting areas)
THLB
iv) WTPs greater than 2 ha will contribute to old growth requirements if they meet the
biological/ecological criteria for OGMAs.
v) Where possible, avoid placing OGMAs where they would impact mineral values (e.g., known
deposits) and/or tenures.
d) Landscape Unit Planning:
i)
e)
Allocate increased staff and funding to complete landscape unit planning (e.g., OGMA
placement and WTP requirements) within one year of the approval of the final LRMP. This
time frame needs to be considered along with all the other requirements established through
the LRMP.
Stand level biodiversity:
i)
Stand level biodiversity management practices for wildlife trees, wildlife tree patches and
coarse woody debris will be developed in Phase 2.
ii) Stand level biodiversity targets will follow the Landscape Unit Planning Guide Tables 3.1 &
3.2 (page 95).
iii) Reduce the impact of stand level as we move into landscape unit planning.
f)
Connectivity:
i)
Spatial modelling will examine achievement of connectivity, which would be created without
additional timber impacts. Criteria for achieving landscape connectivity will be developed in
Phase 2.
5) Mitigation Strategy
See Section VIII) “Finalizing General Management and Resource Management Zone Objectives and
Strategies in Phase 2” and Section IX) “Adaptive Management - Making Plan Adjustments During
Implementation” in the Conservation, Recreation, Tourism and Community Final Offer - March 13, 2001.
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5.1.11 Minerals
1) Introduction
The plan area has a long history of bedrock mineral and placer mining. Portions of the plan area have
provincially significant potential for new discoveries and developments.
The area has aggregate resources (sand, gravel and crushed rock) which are used locally. There are
potential export opportunities to Lower Mainland markets.
Coal potential is low. There is untested potential for oil, gas, coal-bed methane, and geothermal resources.
Resource management issues include the following:
i.)
Industry viability: To be viable the mineral industry needs security of tenure, security of access
for exploration and development, and certainty that mining values will be respected when other
resource values and land uses are addressed in permit approval processes.
ii.)
Investment confidence: Overlapping or competing land-use designations, objectives, and
strategies for non-mining values can result in inadvertent impediments to mineral land
development and the perception of land-use uncertainty. This can cause decreased opportunities
for sustained, long-term mineral exploration programs and loss of investment in mineral
development.
iii.)
Aggregates: The aggregate sub-sector will require Crown land for development of new
resources, as reserves on private land are depleted, precluded by urban expansion, or withheld
from development by government. Although there is little aggregate development currently within
the plan area, aggregates are projected to be important in the future as the larger centers run out of
aggregates for building materials.
iv.)
Placer: The placer sub-sector is seeking more operating areas than are currently allowed.
v.)
Recreation/tourism: There are unrealized opportunities for expanded recreation or tourism use
of geological and historic mining sites, where appropriate.
vi.)
Public awareness: Outside the mineral industry, there is a need for better awareness of mineral
resources, exploration activities, permitting processes, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
2) Strategic Level Goal
An economically healthy, sustainable and environmentally responsible mineral industry that has access to
all available mineral lands1 in the plan area for exploration and development.
3) Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
Allow exploration, development, production and processing of bedrock geological resources
throughout the plan area on available mineral lands.
b) For placer resources: a) maintain existing placer claim area and placer lease area designations, and
b) continue current processes for establishing new placer claim and lease areas.
“Mineral lands” means lands in which minerals or placer minerals or the right to explore for, develop and
produce minerals or placer minerals is vested in or reserved to the government, and includes Crown granted
2 post claims (Mineral Tenure Act).
1
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c)
Ensure appropriate access2 for exploration, development, production and processing of geological
resources throughout the plan area, consistent with the Access Management - Underlying
Philosophy section.
d) Incorporate non-mining resource values and uses3 into standard project review and approval
processes4, using applicable legislation, regulations5 and policies.
e)
Develop and, if practical, implement aggregate resource management direction that addresses the
following issues: resource assessment and inventory; ownership and allocation (in particular in the
Gold Bridge area); constraints on development; aggregate supply and demand; potential export
opportunities; provincial, regional and municipal land use zoning (insofar as it pertains to
aggregates).
f)
Disseminate information on mineral resources, exploration activities, project review and permitting
processes, and dispute resolution mechanisms to the general public.
5.1.12 Paleontology
[Substantial work completed (see the DUC); to be finalized in Phase 2.]
“Appropriate access” is defined as “access by means that are necessary or sufficient to accomplish
intended activity”.
3 Examples of non-mining values and uses include fish, water, wildlife, recreation, tourism, and communityCrown land interface zone.
4 Project review and approval processes include interagency referral, Mine Development Review
Committee, and Environmental Assessment Office.
5 Examples include the Mines Act; Mineral Tenure Act; Mining Right of Way Act; Mining Rights
Amendment Act; Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in BC; Mineral Exploration Code.
2
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5.1.13 Range
1) Introduction
Rangelands in the plan area include natural grasslands, forests, shrub lands, alpine areas, wet meadows,
cutblocks and other areas on which there is vegetation suitable for grazing or browsing by domestic
livestock and wildlife. This resource also provides critical habitat for many wildlife species, including a
number of red and blue species. A myriad of commercial activities take place on Crown range within the
plan area including livestock grazing, back country tourism, harvesting of timber and minerals and
recreational activities.
Tenured range areas for livestock production occur throughout the plan area. The bulk of cattle use occurs
in the eastern portion of the plan area in areas adjacent to the Yalakom, Bridge, Thompson and Fraser River
systems. Tenured range in the north west portion of the plan area is used mainly by commercial horse
operators (guide outfitters and packers) with only a small amount of cattle use.
Rangelands fall into two categories. These are:


Permanent range types, which are areas that produce substantial forage throughout most or all
successional stages; and
Transitory range types, which are areas that eventually succeed to closed canopy forest, providing
forage only during a brief period following stand-initiating fires or timber harvesting.
Both these range types are used in the Lillooet plan area with spring grazing occurring on the grassland
permanent range types and the bulk of summer grazing occurring on cutblocks, which are defined as
transitory range. The biogeoclimatic zones that are included in the permanent rangelands are the
bunchgrass, ponderosa pine, interior Douglas fir and alpine zones. Transitory range is found within the
interior Douglas fir, montane spruce and engelmann spruce sub-alpine fir zones.
The Lillooet plan area includes range tenures that support 17,187 animal unit months (AUMs) during the
months of April to December. The length of time that each herd spends on crown land differs between
tenures due to forage availability, amount and readiness. The total percentage of the plan area which, is
covered by range tenures is 65%. Twenty-nine percent is tenured to primarily cattle (with some horse use)
and 36% is tenured to commercial horse operators.
The issues that have been identified relative to range are as follows:
i)
A range inventory is necessary for proper range management and the viability of the industries
dependent on grazing. Without a proper inventory, it is not fully known which areas may be
overgrazed, which riparian areas may be not functioning and where new opportunities for grazing
may occur in the plan area. An inventory would also establish the essential baseline information to
monitor range use in the alpine and other ecosystems in order to study the impacts grazing has on
the range resource. The problem is that there has not been any funding or resources for this work
in the past.
ii) There is a potential for loss of wildlife habitat and forage (for both wildlife and livestock), in the
plan area (Crown land and in parks) when wildlife and/or livestock overgraze. This ultimately
affects the health and productivity of the rangelands in the plan area.
iii) Noxious weed invasion is decreasing the health, productivity and biodiversity of the rangelands in
the plan area. Noxious weeds are spread by many means including industrial and recreational
users and all types of access (i.e.: logging trucks, 4x4s, livestock, wildlife, hikers, ATVs). Weeds
can also be spread by transporting weed-infested feed (especially hay) into a non-infested area.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the public is generally not aware what plants are weeds
and how they spread and inadequate control by some agencies. This plan must also recognize that
public education and access management is not enough to stop, contain or reduce the spread of
noxious weeds and that noxious weed programs need to be supported as a plan area priority.
iv) The viability of industries dependent on grazing is reliant on: 1) the maintenance of current
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tenures; 2) the ability to expand into new areas (geographically); and 3) the ability to enhance the
current use of range tenures. Competing uses (e.g., wildlife habitat, recreation, etc.) may impede
new and existing grazing opportunities. In addition, the ability to maintain and enhance current
grazing also requires capital investment for range improvements (e.g., fencing, seeding, corrals,
water developments).
v) Livestock are attracted to riparian areas for water, shade and forage and overuse can have a
negative effect on these riparian areas. It is often difficult to manage livestock in these areas
because of this strong attraction. There are riparian areas within the plan area that have been
negatively impacted and the aim is to bring these areas into ‘properly functioning condition’ (as
defined by the Forest Practices Code Riparian Guidebook). It is also to try and prevent any new
areas from degrading into non-functioning condition due to impacts from livestock.
vi) There is a demand for new range tenures and increases to existing tenures for horses by tourism
operators in areas that are already tenured for livestock grazing and where recreational horse use is
taking place. The problem is that both recreational and tourism horse operators do not believe
their use is being considered when new grazing applications arise.
vii) Recreational horse users and tenured tourism operators do not believe their use is being considered
when new grazing applications arise. There is also a concern by tourism operators that have
tenured horse use that recreational horse users are eroding their tenures.
2) Strategic Level Goals
Maintain the long term productivity and sustainability of the range resource. Sound range management
planning and practices to provide for the maintenance of natural ecosystem functions, support for viable
plant and wildlife populations and allow for a healthy vibrant ranching industry.
3) Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
Over the term of the plan, complete a range inventory assessment for the purposes of managing
and properly monitoring the range resource.
b) Manage tenured range use to protect and maintain the following resources (wildlife, plantations,
riparian areas, water quality and quantity and plant communities such as grasslands) and balance
uses (recreation, recreational horse use, tourism, tenured tourism horse operators, cultural and
community uses).
c)
Resolve range/community conflicts regarding the use of open range adjacent to or within
communities (e.g., livestock grazing within ‘unincorporated’ areas).
d) Contain, control, manage, and where possible eliminate noxious weeds.
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5.1.14 Recreation
1) Introduction
Wildland recreation is an important resource in the Lillooet LRMP area to local residents as one of the
keystones of their rural lifestyle and for visitors from across the province and around the world. In addition
to an exceptionally wide range of front-country outdoor recreational activities the Lillooet area offers
several opportunities for wilderness experiences. The outdoor recreational resource also acts as the
mainstay for a range of tourism endeavours.
The range of recreational experiences offered in the plan area includes: boating, swimming and beach
activities, camping, canoeing, fishing, gathering, heli-hiking, heli-skiing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting,
kayaking, motor-touring, mountain biking, mountaineering, nature study, off-road motorized activities and
4-wheel driving, picnicking, rock and ice climbing, rockhounding, scenic and wildlife viewing,
snowmobiling, spectacular photographic opportunities, wilderness adventures and more.
The popularity of wildland recreation in the Lillooet district is due to the quality and variety of the
recreational resource. Resource quality relies on clean air and water, an abundance of wildlife, and the
spectacular scenery. The variety derives from a wide range of recreational settings (rivers, lakes, forests,
mountains, etc.) together with a full range of amenity developments (front-, mid-, and backcountry areas.)
There are a variety of organized public camping opportunities in the plan area. The Ministry of Forests
currently maintains 53 Recreation Sites. There are 14 trails systems with over 200 km of trail. Many more
dispersed-use day and overnight camping spots and more than 200 trails that receive varying levels of use.
Lillooet has several trails of special historical significance and many more that have quite long histories
associated with the mining and ranching industries. Trails have a significant recreational value. Long trails
are particularly valued.
BC Parks maintains developed campsites in four parks in the plan area: Skihist, Goldpan, Marble Canyon,
and Duffey Lake Park. BC Hydro maintains campsites at Gun Creek, Big Horn Creek, Carpenter Lake
pondage and Cayoosh Creek near Lillooet. The Stein N’laka’Pamux Heritage Park provides a range of
backcountry recreation opportunities in a wilderness setting.
Issues
The recreation related issues that have been identified include:
i.
The types of recreation activities are increasing and there are ever-larger numbers of recreation
users in the plan area. In some areas there are conflicts between established activities and new
activities, between motorized and non-motorized activities. There are also problems that come with
over-use of areas.
ii.
A number of other activities on the landbase (e.g., forestry, tourism) have implications for
recreational activities. In order to maintain the quality and quantity of a broad spectrum of
recreational experiences, it is important to have meaningful planning and communication between
various user groups.
iii. With the increasing pressures and competing demands for wildland recreation, the need for a
comprehensive planning process that takes in the full range of recreation opportunities has become
evident. The plan must consider such things as carrying capacity, current and future demands,
economic opportunities, potential conflicts and the funding required for essential infrastructure.
iv. Current funding for recreation planning, monitoring, and follow-up consultation is inadequate in
the Lillooet district.
v.
Many recreational users are concerned about losing the particular recreational opportunities they
enjoy due to future access restrictions.
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vi. The recreational resource presents an opportunity for economic diversification and job creation
within the plan area that is not being used to its full advantage
vii. Historic and other recreational trails, both motorized and non-motorized, could be lost due to the
lack of a comprehensive trail inventory. As well, there is a lack of short trails to points of interest
within the district.
viii. Ongoing industrial development throughout the plan area threatens to steadily reduce the nonroaded recreational resource and limit the spectrum of opportunities available to recreationalists.
ix. Recreational angling opportunities are threatened due to over-harvesting of fish stocks, the
manipulation of habitat, a loss in genetic diversity and access-related impacts on the fishing
resource.
x.
Hunters are concerned that hunting opportunities may be restricted as a result of future land
management decisions.
xi. Some areas of Crown land that are adjacent to settlements offer a recreational opportunity that is of
high value to those living nearby. Conflict may arise when a tenure or Land Act disposition is
approved without due consideration for the interests of those who have an established recreational
use of the area.
2) Strategic Level Goals
The plan area will be known for its wide variety of high quality, well-managed recreational opportunities.
The recreational resources will provide local and provincial residents, and visitors from outside the
province, with a wide range of recreational experiences. Motorized recreation and non-motorized recreation
will be managed in a balanced manner, taking into consideration the special opportunities for wilderness
recreation that exist in the area. The recreation planning for the area will optimize the recreational
opportunities in the area considering the environmental carrying capacity of the land, employment creation
opportunities and the interests of local residents. All users of the plan area will respect the interests of
others and the need to protect their valuable recreation resources of this land.
3) Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A for recreation and tourism definitions. A draft description of the Front, Mid
and Backcountry Recreation and Tourism Zones is also provided in Schedule B.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
Government commitment to provide resources and funding to complete an inventory of
recreational resources and opportunities for recreational developments within the plan area.



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Begin a recreation opportunity study in Phase 2. Intent: A recreation opportunity study
should be linked with Forest Service work on Recreation Inventory. A Recreation Inventory
is defined as: the identification, classification and recording of recreation features, visual
landscapes, Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS), recreation features of rivers and specific
point locations of recreation sites, trails, caves etc.
Government is to complete an inventory of priority trails (motorized and non-motorized) by
September 2001. This is to build upon information on this issue that has already been
developed.
When this study is undertaken it should be coordinated with a similar inventory of tourism
opportunities (e.g., sharing resource information and map products with respect to
‘experiences’, evaluating areas for recreation and tourism uses, etc.).
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b) Government commitment to provide resources and funding for comprehensive planning for
recreation and tourism (based on Front, Mid and Backcountry Zones).



c)
Provide resources to complete mapping of Front/Mid/Backcountry zones and associated zone
descriptions within Phase 2.
It is intended that in Phase 2 a list of priorities for areas that require an analysis of carrying
capacity will be developed.
Undertake studies to determine carrying capacity (use levels) according to the prioritized list
in the previous bullet in order to maintain the experiences described for each of the zones.
Government commitment to enforcement of access management and other measures put in
place to maintain environmental and recreational values is needed. As well, education of the
public on stewardship and the maintenance of recreational resources is needed in order to ensure
that all users are aware of the overall recreation and conservation objectives on the landbase.
d)
Implement a process to:



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Identify existing recreational use near settlements (“near” is to be defined by the process itself
and dependent on the type of recreational use being examined.)
consider local recreational use in a referral process; and,
protect, or demonstrate consideration of, local recreational values during the allocation of
Land Act tenures.
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5.1.15 Riparian Ecosystems
1) Introduction
Riparian habitat (habitat adjacent to a lake, stream or river; influenced by surface water) is vitally important
for many species, particularly fish, amphibians, moose, grizzly bear and many birds. Riparian forests are
generally dense and moist with the understorey dominated by shrubs and herbs, making them excellent
habitat for many warbler species. Seasonal flooding or high water tables influence this habitat. Coarse
woody debris (CWD) in the form of large fallen trees and snags provide habitat for many wildlife species
such as fur bearers and bats. Coarse woody debris influences streambed stability and provides cover for
fish. Wildlife may also use riparian corridors for migration or daily travel.
Riparian forests are also highly productive timber areas, however, timber harvesting and road building can
cause stream degradation, fragmentation of habitat and loss of connectivity to upland areas. Livestock
grazing can also impact riparian areas. If not properly managed, high levels of grazing can lead to
increased pathogen contamination, turbidity, sedimentation, and stream bank degradation. Riparian habitat
is also at risk from erosion due to unstable soils and from pollution of watercourses by runoff and leaching
from agricultural activity or mining.
Given the steep-sloped nature of the planning area along with unstable surface materials, intact riparian
areas are critical in ensuring control of sediment into streams and lakes. Riparian areas provide shade to
streams and are therefore important to fish and other wildlife given that the plan area has been identified as
a stream temperature sensitive zone. This designation reflects the very arid climate of this part of the
province. For this reason more fisheries land use management effort is currently being directed at this key
habitat issue.
For stream classes S1, S2 and S3 current forest management (Forest Practices Code) practices adequately
meet the riparian requirements while at the same time provide enough flexibility in forest management to
minimize or control costs to industry. However, there are issues with management of S4, S5 and S6 streams
in that the base level requirements as proscribed under the FPC (not including best management practices)
are not adequate to conserve and protect the resource.
2) Strategic Level Goals
To increase the level of protection of riparian ecosystems around S4, S5 and S6 stream classes to
adequately manage for key fish habitat values such as temperature, water quality, water quantity, and water
timing of flow.
3) Key Definitions
See glossary in Schedule A for definitions related to riparian management.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
For forest development activities, manage streams as follows:
a)
S1 – S3 streams are to continue to be managed as per the FPC.
b) Manage S4 streams with fish in the same manner as S3 streams (i.e., 20m reserve and 20m
management zone with 50% basal area retention). This management regime may be modified
according to the development of a stream reach plan as per c) i).
c)
Riparian management strategy for non-fish bearing S4, S5 and S6 streams:
i)
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processes (e.g., FDPs and SPs) for S4, S5 and S6 streams where appropriate. (DFO/MELP
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may recommend areas where this type of plan is to be developed. Such requests must be
accompanied by a supporting rationale.)





The stream reach plan will identify how the protection (i.e., basal area retention provided
by BMPs and reserves for streams in the plan area) will be allocated in the short and long
term along streams to increase protection of riparian values. (This would essentially be a
re-allocation of the enhanced riparian THLB Planning Allowance of 4,000 ha.) This is
intended to use basal are retention from BMPs and apply this on a broader basis than
block by block.
In Phase 2, define the specific content of stream reach plans (e.g., area, purpose, process,
etc.) and develop a model stream reach plan to show what one looks like, how it is
applied on the ground, to demonstrate that it addresses the concerns, etc.
The application of stream reach plans to the plan area as a whole, and the approval
process that stream reach plans must undergo, must be approved by the DM in
consultation with DEO.
Fish bearing streams and non-fish bearing streams that are direct tributaries to fish
bearing streams and streams where there are potentially temperature concerns should be
priorities within stream reach plans.
Ensure one or more SRPs are undertaken in areas where spatial-temporal planning models
are developed.
ii) In areas where stream reach plans are not initiated, use the best management practices (BMPs)
identified in the FPC Riparian Guidebook to develop silvicultural prescriptions (SPs) for all
riparian management zones. This can be facilitated by utilizing the enhanced riparian THLB
Planning Allowance of 4,000ha, where necessary.


Provide the ecological rationale where BMPs are not applied in the SP. The definition of
what’s an acceptable ecological rationale and the issue of who makes the decision
regarding whether or not the rationale is acceptable will be developed in Phase 2.
The priority reaches would be identified on the basis of a clear set of criteria, which will
be developed in Phase 2.
d) In Phase 2, initiate research to assess the effectiveness of current management for maintaining
riparian values (not only for fish) for all streams. (Lillooet specific work is required on this issue,
which should tie into provincial work that is underway on this issue.)
e)
Complete stream inventories for the plan area with necessary funding from the provincial
government.
f)
Ensure adequate resources are allocated to MoF and MELP to fulfil their responsibilities as
identified above, including stream reach plan area recommendations and approvals, reviews of SPs
for adequacy, research and inventory.
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5.1.16.1 Species At Risk – General (Includes Fisher and Tailed Frog)
1) Introduction
“Species at risk” include red and blue-listed species found within the Lillooet plan area.
The red list includes any species (fish, wildlife, plants and natural plant communities) being considered for
the more formal designation under the Wildlife Act of endangered or threatened. Extirpated species (those
that are considered to no longer exist in geographic areas of British Columbia) are also included on the red
list. Endangered species are those facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened species are those
likely to become endangered if threats are not dealt with and trends reversed.
The blue list includes any species (fish, wildlife, plants and natural plant communities) considered to be
vulnerable in British Columbia. Vulnerable species are of special concern because of characteristics that
make them particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events. Blue listed species are at a lower
level of risk than red listed species.
The yellow list includes the remainder of wildlife species, some of which are species of management
concern or are regionally important, or at risk of becoming a blue listed species
The Lillooet plan area has at least eight red-listed and 23 blue-listed fish and wildlife species. Many of
these species are found within the grassland (BG) and dry forest (PPxh, IDFxh, IDFxm) portions of the
forest district. There are also numerous red- and blue-listed plants and natural plant communities.
Inventories for these species, the knowledge of their distribution within the district, their habitat
requirements and methods for managing their habitat, are all very limited.
Given the vast number and array of wildlife it is difficult to address one species in isolation of another. For
this reason, wildlife habitat management has recently focused on an ecosystem approach that covers the
needs of many species. Components of ecosystem management have taken the form of a biodiversity
(coarse filter) approach. Coarse filter management is generally achieved at the landscape level by applying
the recommendations listed in the various Forest Practices Code (FPC) guidebooks such as the Riparian
Management Guidebook and the Biodiversity Guidebook (i.e., seral stage distribution, wildlife tree patches
and connectivity). Additional site specific management (fine filter) is often required for red- and blue-listed
species. Fine filter management provides for those species that have specialized habitat requirements that
are not met through the coarse filter approach. Management for red- and blue-listed species is required at
both the coarse and fine filter levels.
Volume 1 of the Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (IWMS) outlines the fine filter approach for
some of the red- and blue-listed species. This strategy, however, is limited in that it only addresses forestry
and range practices, it does not address all rare species in the plan area and it only addresses site level
features (e.g., den or nest sites), and not all of the requirements important for life processes.
The strategic level recommendations that follow address some of the gaps in existing management.
Additionally there is management direction presently being developed in other sections (e.g., Fire
Maintained Ecosystems - NDT 4, Biodiversity) of the LRMP document that will benefit red- and blue-listed
species.
The following section is organized into management direction for the majority of red- and blue- listed
species found in the Lillooet LRMP plan area. Management direction for specific species such as grizzly
bears and spotted owls follow.
It was noted that further research could result in changes in how species at risk are managed. This would
also include the development of recommendations for Fire Maintained Ecosystems - NDT4 and ‘interim
measures’ regarding development in and around identified (critical) habitats for species at risk.
The issues that have been identified with respect to species at risk include:
i)
Lack of inventory information regarding the distribution, abundance, habitat used by species at
risk.
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ii) Loss of and reduced suitability of habitats can threaten or lead to local extirpation of species at
risk.
iii) Management strategies need to incorporate new and better information as it becomes available.
This involves both communication and assessment of the impacts (to species, the timber industry
and other industries).
2) Strategic Level Goal
A plan area in which Species at Risk have healthy populations and habitats across their natural ranges.
3) Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
On a priority basis, undertake inventory and research to determine presence, population numbers,
habitat requirements, range, etc. of species at risk within the plan area.
b) Where a development proposal overlaps with confirmed presence of a species at risk, retain
sufficient quantity and quality of habitat to facilitate local population recovery or local population
maintenance. This process will be conducted within acceptable THLB impact parameters. See
Table 2: Incremental THLB Planning Allowances from the “Conservation, Recreation, Tourism
and Community Final Offer - March 13, 2001.”
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5.1.16.2 Species At Risk – Grizzly Bear
1) Introduction
Grizzly bears range throughout much of the plan area. British Columbia’s Grizzly Bear Conservation
Strategy identifies three grizzly bear population units within the Lillooet plan area (see map “y”). The
Ministry of Environment, Land and Parks has designated all of these population units as threatened, with
population recovery being the primary goal of management activities. Some local citizens do not agree with
this designation for all of the population units, resulting in questions about the data used to reach this
designation and the appropriate management practices.
A small portion of the North Cascades Population Unit exists within the plan area, with approximately 4 of
the estimated 25 bears living within the plan area. The Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks have
prepared a draft recovery plan for this unit, which will be reviewed by the public.
A substantial portion of the Stein/Nahatlatch Population Unit lies within the plan area, with approximately
33 of the estimated 60 bears in this population living within the plan area. Approximately 55 of the
estimated 110 bears in the South-Chilcotin Population Unit live within the plan area. In the opinion of the
Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, the populations in these two units are not likely to remain viable
without a significant conservation and management effort directed at achieving population recovery. Some
local citizens do not agree with this view.
Because of concerns about low population levels, the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks has closed
grizzly bear hunting in all three population units. The Ministry does not expect that populations will
recover to levels that can sustain a legal harvest in the short term.
Grizzly bears have been largely extirpated from in the area north of the Thompson River on the east side of
the Fraser River within the plan area, and there are no proposals to recover the population in this area.
Measures need to be taken to protect critical grizzly habitat and prevent bear-human conflicts with the few
grizzly bears remaining in this area, as the need arises.
Management for grizzly bears must recognize that bears select habitat at a number of spatial levels at the
same time. The largest scale is home ranges which are typically between 150 and 250 km2 for adult males
and 75 and 125 km2 for adult females. Within these home ranges, individual or groups of watersheds (or
landscapes) have different relative value for grizzly bears than others, depending on seasonal food
availability and distribution, as well as the degree of human influence. Within these watersheds, ecological
units also differ in their contribution to the health of a grizzly bear population. Finally, bears use individual
patches or complexes of habitat at the stand level to meet essential seasonal needs.
Key components of grizzly bear habitat include: access to critical seasonal habitats; access to adequate
amounts of berry-feeding habitats; areas where bears are relatively undisturbed, known as security areas
(especially for adult females); unfragmented home ranges; linkages between populations to maintain genetic
continuity, including across barriers created by human use; limited displacement from preferred habitat; and
low mortality risk from human causes.
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The issues identified for grizzly bears in the plan area are:
i)
The need for inventory information (e.g., population levels and trends, areas of use, location of
critical habitat areas, etc.), particularly to verify population status.
ii) Increased mortality and displacement risk associated with human/bear interaction (traffic
mortalities, hunting (legal and illegal), physical displacement) which may be associated with road
development and improved access in and around grizzly habitat.
iii) The potential for canopy closure in older forests to reduce grizzly bear forage, which can have
significant consequences to sustained forage supply at the watershed level.
iv) Management of “critical habitats” (e.g., areas that have high forage values for bears). Overall
these relatively small patches of habitat can contribute disproportionately to the forage
requirements of a bear.
v) Riparian areas are often highly productive habitats for grizzly bears providing an interconnected
mosaic of forage and cover. Harvesting within these areas can result in reduced suitability of the
area for both the short and long term.
vi) The potential negative effects of range use on grizzly bears.
vii) Tourism and public recreation development and use, including trail use, may potentially cause
grizzly bear displacement and mortality, and impact critical habitats.
2) Strategic Level Goal

Achieve and maintain viable and healthy populations throughout the plan area.
3) Key Definitions

Core security areas: Core security areas are intended to be permanently roadless areas of suitable
grizzly bear security habitat.

Roving security areas: shifting habitat security over time; areas where roads are closed or
motorized access is restricted to a level which presents negligible mortality or displacement effect
to grizzly bears. These areas are expected to be closed for a minimum of 20 years.

Critical grizzly habitat: Critical grizzly habitats include herb dominated avalanche tracks,
meadow/wetland complexes and seepage sites, smaller wetter areas not necessarily in association
with larger wetter bodies, including hygric to subhygric sites, areas of high suitability spring
habitat, glacier lily complexes, white bark pine stands and old burns dominated by Vaccinium
species.
[Note: For a detailed description of grizzly bear critical habitat, see Schedule D.]
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
Government commitment of resources to undertake research, inventory and analysis to
confirm/determine populations/habitats by grizzly bear population unit (GBPU).
i)
The details regarding these research projects will be completed in Phase 2. This will include
developing the terms of reference (e.g., who the researchers report to and who the results are
to be provided to), identifying who does the research (MELP, industry, conservation sector
biologists?).
ii) Spot DNA analysis would provide additional population information and could be completed
in about a year. (The cost is about $300,000 per GBPU.)
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iii) Predictive Ecosystem Mapping (PEM) mapping can be used to provide habitat information..
(This project could be fast-tracked and completed in about two years at an estimated cost of
about ~$400,000).
iv) The preliminary results of this research will be delivered in Phase 2 and is intended to address
the following issues.







Site specific population inventories
Consolidation of data
Identification of critical habitats (see item “j”)
 For clarity, identification of critical grizzly bear habitats would include a definition
of critical habitats (e.g., types, seasons of use, and ranking of importance), and
ground truthing of identified sites.
Assess the current population and determine the target population level, which is based
on 75% of the mid-point of capability.
Further research will identify future management options for hunting.
Assessments and recommended options for core security areas:
 As part of the assessment, clarification is required regarding the size, location and
management of core security areas.
 An assessment of the uses that can occur in core security areas.
 Review the type and level of impact that core security areas will have on all users.
 When the options are considered, the recommendation could range from having no
core security areas to identifying a number of areas of a certain size in specific
locations.
Examine the potential to overlap grizzly bear habitat needs with other interests (e.g.,
riparian, OGMAs, etc.)
b) Government is to formally designate a grizzly bear recovery program and commit resources and
funding to implement population inventories and recovery planning for grizzly bear in the
Stein/Nahatlatch GBPU.
c)
Government is to formally commit resources to conduct the DNA spot analysis inventory to
determine the grizzly bear population levels within the South Chilcotins. If the population analysis
shows that the population is threatened, government would commit the resources and funding to
implement recovery planning for these GBPUs.
d) Government to formally commit resources and funding to undertake and complete management
planning for grizzly bear in any areas not part of recovery as noted in “b” or “c”, above.
e)
The provision of landscape level forage, through site specific silvicultural strategies that maintain
natural stand characteristics to meet the forage requirements of specific populations of bears within
specific ecosystems, is an alternative to mid-seral stage constraints as long as forage requirements
are met.

f)
This should also be linked to biodiversity strategies (particularly, early and mid-seral).
Consistent with “4a”, recommend core security areas as part of the Phase 2 package.
g) In Phase 2, identify current and future roving security areas as appropriate.




These may be identified using landscape level spatial models/plans.
Subject to the “certainty mechanism”.
In siting roving security areas, ensure they are integrated with other plan objectives.
The issues that need to be considered include access (both industrial and public), size of the
area, etc.
 The provision of access for the public specifically needs to be addressed.
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h) Government is to immediately implement the priority access management actions as noted below.
The intent is that these access closures will be reviewed through an access management planning
process at some point in the future. These access management planning processes will be
consistent with the direction provided in the Access section. This does not limit further access
management actions in Phase 2. Any further access management closures identified in Phase 2
will also be subject to a review through an AMP at a future date.




Maintain the existing gate on the Bonanza road in the Spruce Lake area. (Noted that this
closure was not originally put in place for grizzly bears, but it is beneficial for them.)
In the Yalakom watershed, maintain the existing gates on the following road systems
Condor, Ore, Junction, Yankee, Burkholder, Peridotite and Blue.
Maintain the existing gate on the Standard Creek road in the Cadwallader watershed.
(Noted that this closure was not originally put in place for grizzly bears, but it is
beneficial for them.)
Maintain the existing gate on Boulder road and spring closure of the Phair Creek road
with the existing gate in the Cayoosh watershed. (Noted that this closure was not
originally put in place for grizzly bears, but it is beneficial for them.)
The following actions are to be given high priority for evaluation through the Access Evaluation
Process (following this section) during Phase 2.



Spring closure with a gate on the Texas Creek Road at the junction with the Molybdenite
Road. (Note: exact dates for this closure are to be defined during Phase 2 to address grizzly
feeding in the area during Spring.)
Remove the bridge at 8 km on Van Horlick road in the Duffy watershed. (Noted that this
closure was not originally put in place for grizzly bears, but it is beneficial for them.)
Remove the bridges on Davey Jones Creek and Red Mountain Road, or establish some sort of
temporary access controls (e.g., gate, lock blocks, abutments, etc.) until the access issues in
these areas are addressed through an access management planning process.
i)
The priorities for access management planning will be developed through a process that considers
all issues and resource values. The list of identified watersheds requiring access management
planning to address grizzly bear access related concerns is to be considered in the development of
the “comprehensive” list of access management planning priorities.
j)
Critical habitat will be identified and designated according to the Identified Wildlife Management
Strategy or other land use designations during Phase 2. If the critical habitats identified exceed
8,000 ha (2.67%) then this will be addressed through the certainty mechanism for all interests.


To the extent practicable, avoid designating critical habitats in areas with high mineral values
(e.g., areas with higher mineral potential, tenure, documented mineral occurrences or past
exploration or development activity).
Overlaps between critical grizzly habitats and proposed mineral exploration and development
activities will be managed as per existing regulations and future designations.

Allowable activities in critical grizzly bear habitat will be determined in Phase 2, giving
consideration to recreation and tourism use including camp locations, trail locations, and
grazing areas.

In locating new uses, camps, trails or grazing areas, tourism operators will attempt to avoid
critical grizzly bear habitat.

Critical grizzly bear habitat areas will not automatically become a wildlife management area
(WMA) under the Wildlife Act. For clarity, WMAs are established through a separate
process.
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k) Increase enforcement to address concerns over poaching and people violating access closures (e.g.,
increase funding, hire/employ additional staff, extend enforcement powers to other government
staff).
l)
Improve public education regarding grizzly bears to reduce bear-human conflicts and bear
mortality.
m) Based on the results of the inventory and/or research, management practices will be revisited as
appropriate.
n) Where population recovery has been achieved, review management practices and consider a
relaxation of constraints where appropriate.
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5.1.16.3
Species At Risk – Spotted Owl
1) Introduction
Spotted owls occur in the lower 2/3 of the Lillooet Forest District, generally south of an east-west line
through Carpenter and Downton lakes, which is likely the northern extent of their range. Their distribution
is clumped presumably due to the availability of suitable habitat. At present, based on inventories and
forest cover suitability, 18 areas (including the Stein) ranging in size from 850 ha to 29,264 ha have been
identified as having spotted owls or as having the potential for spotted owls (Lillooet LRMP Spotted Owl
Map, Sept. 1998). Four of these areas (Kwoiek , Copper, Downton and Enterprise Creeks) are confirmed
spotted owl areas. Inventory has been limited, but is on going in order to further identify and refine the
information needed to maintain spotted owls within the forest district.
In 1986 the committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) designated the spotted
owl as endangered in Canada. This means that the spotted owl is “threatened with imminent extirpation
throughout all or a significant portion of its Canadian range”. Additionally the spotted owl is on the
provincial Wildlife Branch red list as a species being considered for legal designation as endangered under
the British Columbia Wildlife Act. In 1990, the northern spotted owl was listed as threatened under the
U.S. Endangered Species Act throughout all of its range in the United States.
The spotted owl requires contiguous areas of older aged forests for foraging, roosting and nesting.
Occasionally younger forests that have retained a high degree of structural legacies may have some or all of
the characteristics for spotted owl nesting or foraging.
The following issues have been identified relative to spotted owls:
i)
Limited inventory information (distribution, abundance, forest habitat requirements) for spotted
owl.
ii) Spotted owls and their habitats may be at risk in the Lillooet plan area because current forest
policies do not require management for spotted owl habitat.
iii) Spotted owls require dispersal opportunities if populations are to be maintained.
iv) Lillooet is at the northern extent of the spotted owl range. Strategies specific to managing for
spotted owls in local forest conditions are not well understood.
2) Strategic Level Goals
A stable spotted owl population in the Lillooet LRMP area with quality well distributed habitat.
3) Key Definitions

Activity centres: Areas that have been identified as having spotted owls present or are areas
identified as being required for recovery of the population. An activity centre containing one
spotted owl pair corresponds roughly in size to the median annual home range which is 3500 ha
(home range sizes vary from 600 to 4000 ha). Areas identified as having two or more pairs would
be proportionally larger with consideration to the fact that home ranges can overlap up to 50%.
Smaller areas may be suitable when topography or habitat suitability limit the amount of available
habitat.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
[Note: The following recommendations will be applied within the interim THLB planning allowance of
0.35%.]
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a)
Government commitment to fund development of a management plan for the Lillooet area with
appropriate practices to address non-timber and timber issues. This will include:
i)
Complete population inventories with initial emphasis on potential habitat (purple areas on the
map) scheduled for development (i.e., survey these in the spring of 2001). Emergency funding
is required to complete inventories for Williams and Bobb Creeks.
ii) Establish what a viable population is (the parameters defining this).
b) Designate Copper, Downton and Enterprise and Kwoiek Creeks as “activity centres”. In Phase 2
determine the management guidelines for these activity centres; use the existing (coastal, or ‘Fraser
Spotted Owl Management Plan’) guidelines from the Draft Under Consideration in the interim.
i)
c)
This proposed activity centre overlaps a large mineral claim block. This needs to be
addressed through further discussions between MELP, MEM and the mineral tenure holder.
General considerations:
i)
When developing BEOs or placing OGMAs consider overlaps on owl habitat.
d) Interim management direction:
i)
Place timber harvesting reserves around all confirmed nest/roosting sites. These reserves will
be approximately 80 ha in size.
ii) An interim management plan will be developed for the red, yellow and purple areas in Phase
2. Purple areas scheduled for development in 2001 and nest/roost sites within activity centres
(red areas) will be the priority for inventory work during Phase 2.
iii) Non-forestry activities (e.g., mineral exploration) will be addressed in both the interim
management plan (Phase 2) and the long term management plan.
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5.1.17 Timber and Silviculture
1) Introduction
The rugged, mountainous terrain in much of the plan area, and the wide range of environmental and social
resource values in the area have a substantial impact on the forest industry. Approximately 45% of the plan
area is forested, with only 26% of the total area (296,000 hectares) being suitable for timber harvesting and
included in the timber harvesting land base. The terrain conditions and management practices for the many
resource values have resulted in logging costs that are amongst the highest in the interior of the province, as
indicated by industry costs surveys (Price Waterhouse, 2000).
The local timber sector includes a few forest management and silviculture consulting businesses, a number
of contract logging firms, a veneer plant and value-added mill in Lillooet and a medium-sized sawmill in
Lytton. The local businesses are integrated with the regional industry, with extensive movement of logs and
products in and out of the plan area. This sector makes a considerable contribution to the local economy.
Since the early 1990’s high harvesting costs and restricted access to the landbase have limited the ability of
the local industry to harvest the approved allowable annual cut (AAC). According to Ministry of Forests
data, on average only 488,000 m3/year have been harvested during the past 5 years - 75% of the approved
allowable annual cut (636,000 m3/year). A number of factors have contributed to the situation, including:

The operability of the THLB is very sensitive to market conditions for timber products;

Removal or deferral of portions of the plan area including Approved Study Areas and other areas of
interest;

Deferral of areas as a result of unresolved First Nations concerns;

Limitations resulting from the rough, mountainous terrain, which physically limits the speed of access
road development with appropriate permit approvals;

A general lack of road infrastructure to provide the necessary access to many parts of the plan area.
The issues that have been identified relative to timber and silviculture are listed below.
i)
Access to the timber harvesting landbase (THLB) is being constrained by a variety of
environmental requirements.
ii) Operating costs in the Lillooet plan area are high due to planning costs, road construction costs and
the demand for costly silviculture systems.
iii) Access to timber is being constrained by First Nations issues.
iv) There is an unrealized potential to increase the quantity and quality of future forests that needs to
be addressed.
2) Strategic Level Goals
a)
Achieve the allowable annual cut (AAC) – i.e., maintain and enhance the level of harvest.
b)
Achieve cost structure that’s consistent with the Interior average and reflects the operating
conditions.
c)
Maintain the availability of the THLB; security/certainty of the THLB.
d)
Enhance and stabilize employment levels.
3) Key Definitions:

Salvage: harvest of dead or previously attacked trees; (does not mean sanitation); unsalvaged
wood in a constrained area is not necessarily a loss.
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4) Strategic Level Recommendations
[Note: Also see Sections IX) “Adaptive Management - Making Plan Adjustments During Implementation” and X) “Economic
Transition, Mitigation and Diversification” from the Conservation, Recreation, Tourism and Community Final offer March 13, 2001.]
a)
Apply the budget for incremental THLB planning allowances in a way that maximizes the
environmental benefits. See table below.
Incremental THLB Planning Allowances6
Resource Value
Enhanced riparian
Percentage of THLB
Hectares
4,0001
1.35%
6,0003
2%
(S5 and S6 steams only)
Mule deer
Grizzly bear
8,000
1,2
2.7%
1
0.35%
Spotted owls
1,000
Total
19,000
6.4%
This is an interim figure for the parties to work with and is subject to results of research projects. See the Species at Risk – Grizzly
Bear, Species at Risk – Spotted Owls and the Riparian sections in the Phase 1 Framework Plan for more information.
2 This applies only to the Stein/Nahatlatch Population Unit and those portions of the South Chilcotins Grizzly Bear Population Unit
where there are concerns.
3 MELP staff note some concerns that this number is on the ‘light’ side and may need to be revised upwards.
1
b) To the extent possible, enhanced levels of management should provide benefits for multiple
values.
c)
The incremental THLB planning allowances will be reviewed/reconsidered if it becomes apparent
that the detailed management objectives and strategies developed for Phase 3 (implementation)
will not adequately address the full range of non-industrial interests. These allowances may be
reallocated without increasing the overall budget.
d) Minimize levels of unsalvaged losses where ecologically appropriate while maintaining
biodiversity.
e)
Enhance timber production through silviculture and management practices to increase stand yields
and value.
6
These are in addition to the 9% THLB impact identified in the base case (broken down as follows: 5.8% for stand level biodiversity;
2.2% for FPC riparian management, including 200 ha for upgrading S4 to S3 management; and, 1% for the Identified Wildlife
Management Strategy).
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5.1.18 Tourism
1) Introduction
The Industry
Tourism is an important industry in the provincial economy and, particularly, within the Lillooet plan area.
Outdoor and adventure experiences and products are the fastest growing segment in the BC tourism
industry. Many tourism clients seek an emotional or spiritual experience and the opportunity to fulfil
personal challenges and experience settings such as backcountry areas that they would not have otherwise
encountered. Resource based tourism relies heavily upon the use of Crown land.
Tourism in the Lillooet District
Adjacent to the Whistler/Pemberton area, the Lillooet District is the new growth frontier for mid and
backcountry tourism. The entire region is accessible within an easy day’s drive from the two major cities in
the Pacific Northwest (Seattle & Vancouver). While distant travellers will find many reasons to be attracted
to the area, it is the nearby market that will fuel the demand for new products and facilities providing three
to five-day getaway vacations.
Present tourism operations in the plan area offer a wide range of front, mid and backcountry services
including the following resource based tourism products:





River rafting companies on the Thompson, Fraser, and lower Stein rivers;
Guide outfitters operate in over 85% of the plan area;
Heliski companies conduct operations in the western third of the area.;
Angling guides offer experiences on the area’s lakes and rivers;
Companies (other than guide-outfitters) offer guided backcountry adventures throughout the area.
In addition to the products offered by these businesses, tourism clients can do mountain bike tours, trekking,
snowmobiling, guided ATV and backroads touring; nature and cultural tours and photography, fishing, and
guided hunting for twelve species of game. The plan area includes part of the popular circle tour from
Vancouver via Duffy Lake and the Fraser Canyon. In the summer, the Hurley Pass Forest Service Road
(FSR) is an important unpaved access route for a growing number of travellers coming to Gold Bridge,
Bralorne and the tourism facilities and activities in the western portion of the plan area. BC Rail traverses
the region from the Coast through Lillooet to the Cariboo Region and offers a variety of seasonal tour
packages.
Many tourism products offered in the plan area have regional and provincial significance. Backcountry
adventures of all types, especially in the Spruce Lake area, are provincially significant due to terrain,
climate and the “wilderness experience”. Rafting on the Thompson River is a popular activity, because of
its ease of access, favourable climate and white-water opportunities. There is also significant potential for
growth, both for new products and within the existing businesses and/or products.
The tourism related issues that have been identified include:
i)
Lack of suitable representation and recognition of tourism industry and operators in land and
resource allocation, management decisions, and land use and development proposals.
ii) Lack of secure, long term and transferable tenures for tourism operators undermines the security of
their business and affects the industry as a whole.
iii) A favourable and supportive business climate and certainty of operation is needed for a stable and
secure tourism industry.
iv) The lack of an appropriate process for access management planning threatens the tourism industry,
other industries and users, and the resources upon which they depend.
v) A process is needed that determines a balanced allocation of resources and use, considers the
cumulative impacts (between and within user groups) and the capacity of the resource to ensure the
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sustainability of the resource and preservation of the quality of the front/mid/backcountry
experience.
vi) The tourism industry depends on healthy and sustainable fish and wildlife populations, and access
to these populations for consumptive (i.e., fishing and hunting) and non-consumptive (i.e., wildlife
viewing) uses. A decrease in the health and the sustainability of these populations, or a decrease in
the access to these populations, would threaten the viability of the industry.
vii) Lack of meaningful opportunities for input from tourism and recreation users among and between a
range of resource users.
viii) Economic benefits from tourism are not always realized by the local community. Without the
proper information (i.e., Tourism Opportunities Study), the full mix of front, mid and backcountry
facilities and uses are not encouraged and managed.
ix) Some resource development has a negative impact on visual quality, important to the tourism
industry. [Cross-reference: Please see the Visuals section for visuals management guidelines.]
x) Tourism operators with range tenures for horses need secure tenures. There is a demand for
increases to these existing tenures and there is a demand for new range tenures. There is also a
demand for recreational horse use, and in some areas there is an overlap with the existing tenures.
The allocation of use must be balanced between interests, while at the same time providing security
to the tenure holder.
xi) Special features on the landscape (e.g., formerly proposed Goal 2 park candidates) that are not
recognized in management plans and resource planning processes may be negatively impacted by
other activities that occur on the landbase.
xii) Because the level and type of noise can have a detrimental impact on tourism (i.e., power
generation, industrial activities), the needs of the industry need to be recognized and respected in
the planning and management process.
xiii) Lack of appropriate zoning (i.e., the Tourism Commercial Zone used by Cariboo Regional
District) for mid/backcountry tourism facilities, both on private and Crown land, has resulted in the
assessment of these lands by the BC Assessment according to “highest and best use” (i.e., “private
and exclusive”, or “undeveloped sub-divisions”). This artificially inflates land values and in turn
increases property taxes on fee simple holdings, and both taxes and lease rent on Crown land.
2) Strategic Level Goals




A full spectrum of opportunities, products, facilities and experiences is present to meet a wide range of
client interests and expectations while working in cooperation with the other resource based interests in
the area.
Tourism and recreational use are environmentally sustainable, with recognition of historical use and the
rights of both public and private users. The area will be managed to achieve a balance between the
type and distribution of tourism, and a balance between the resource use of tourism and the resource
requirements of the other sectors. The quality of life for residents, that is dependent on their access to
and enjoyment of ‘public’ lands, continues while honouring the importance of environmental
sustainability and diversification of the economy, thus strengthening the community and the overall
quality of life.
Recognition of historical use and the honouring of tenures is balanced with other resource users.
A representative mix of Front, Mid and Backcountry opportunities and experiences is present to meet a
wide range of client interests and expectations while working in cooperation with other resource based
interests in the area. Tourism operators, especially mid and backcountry tourism, are dependent upon a
natural resource base, and the use of the resources is environmentally sustainable.
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3) Key Definitions

See the glossary in Schedule A for tourism and recreation definitions. A draft description of the
Front, Mid and Backcountry Tourism and Recreation Zones is also provided in Schedule B.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations for Tourism:
a)
Government is to commit resources and funding to address the following tenuring issues:


Ensure the tenure application evaluation process includes criteria that gives weight to local
applications for Land Act tenures.
Develop long-term, secure and transferable tenures that provide security to operators.
b) Government commitment to provide resources and funding for comprehensive planning for
recreation and tourism (based on Front, Mid and Backcountry Zones). A preliminary definition of
Front, Mid and Backcountry Zones is provided in the glossary (to be refined further in Phase 2.



c)
Provide resources to complete mapping of Front/Mid/Backcountry zones and associated zone
descriptions within Phase 2.
It is intended that in Phase 2 a list of priorities for areas that require an analysis of carrying
capacity will be developed.
Undertake studies to determine carrying capacity (use levels) according to the prioritized list
in the previous bullet in order to maintain the experiences described for each of the zones.
Government commitment to provide resources and funding to complete an inventory of tourism
resources and opportunities for related tourism developments within the plan area.


Begin a Tourism Opportunity Study (that includes the appropriate government agencies) in
Phase 2.
When this study is undertaken it should be co-ordinated with a similar inventory of recreation
opportunities & trail inventory work (e.g., sharing resource information and map products
with respect to ‘experiences’, evaluating areas for recreation and tourism uses, etc.).
d) Inventory, map and develop appropriate management direction for special features during Phase 2.

Start with the list of proposed Goal 2 protected areas that were not recommended as protected
areas.
Tourism within Parks: Tourism operators have expressed concern about their ability to operate within new
parks arising from the LRMP. To address this concern, a draft letter of understanding between BC Parks
and the Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture is provided in Plan Schedule C to clarify the
management direction regarding tourism use and the administration of tourism tenures in parks.
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5.1.19 Visuals
1) Introduction
Owing to the steep topography of the Lillooet area most activities on the landscape have the potential to
modify visual quality as viewed from a variety of locations. The visual quality of any landscape can have a
direct effect on other resources such as recreation and tourism.
These visual quality guidelines are directed primarily at forest management practices but are also applicable
as policy advice to mining, utility corridors, recreation facilities and corridors, and other activities on crown
land that alter the viewscape.
Visual quality guidelines apply to both forested and non-forested Crown lands.
These visual guidelines recognize the importance of visual quality to people who live, work and recreate in
the plan area. They are intended to provide professionals with latitude when planning and carrying out their
business. It is considered more important to achieve an acceptable viewscape than to be fixated on numbers
and percentages. For example, a cutblock that exceeds recommended visual alteration percentages but
borrows from the natural shapes, sizes and lines, may be preferable to a block that is within the
recommended percentages but not well designed.
Harvesting activities have the potential to affect extensive landscape areas, however the visual impact of
these activities is relatively short term. As new trees and vegetation grow back, the harvested areas blend in
with the natural landscape. This “greenup” process is strongly influenced by the lines, shapes and patterns
of harvesting created. Some previous harvesting which has created geometric shapes and patterns may take
many years and considerable tree height to visually green up. In these areas visual rehabilitation may
improve the harvest design, allowing for shorter greenup periods and greater flexibility for future passes. It
is anticipated that future harvesting which is based more on design principles and visual quality guidelines
will require shorter greenup periods to blend back in. Therefore, the visual guidelines should be reviewed
in the future with these thoughts in mind. The dry climate and slow growing conditions of the region
prolongs the visual recovery from forest practices and road building and other human impacts on the
landscape.
Inherent in the process of landscape design must be an understanding of social, environmental and
economic values. It is expected that planners will rely on the established landscape design principles and
practices contained in the Ministry of Forests Visual Landscape Design Training Manual (Victoria, 1994).
The Lillooet LRMP area is divided into two primary visual landscape management zones as well as visual
design principles incorporated into areas outside of these two zones (non-critical viewscapes). It is
expected that with completion of visual inventories and other planning processes such as Lakes
Classification, areas may be moved from one Zone to another.
The following issues have been identified:
i)
Resource extraction, natural disasters and other activities that modify the visual landscape can
powerfully impact visual quality. Tourism, recreation and other values may be affected by the
scenic or viewing quality of the landscape.
ii) Incomplete visual inventories.
iii) Visual quality standards must be sensitive to changes in land use practices or the associated
changes in public expectations for visual management. There is currently no feedback loop for
assessing visual quality design standards to see if these meet with the expectations of the public.
iv) Visual quality objectives can negatively affect timber supply for forest licensees in areas proposed
for harvesting.
v) Public judgement of forest practices is often based on visual effects without adequate
understanding of the dynamics of resource extraction.
vi) Non-forest development activities (e.g., urban developments, recreation and tourism facilities,
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highways, utility corridors, mineral exploration, mine development) can have a detrimental effect
on visual quality if not properly managed
2) Strategic Goals
A visual landscape that, through successful integration of basic visual design principles with ecological
processes and management of a variety of resource values, gives a positive message of the respect and care
we have for the natural environment.
3) Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
Designate known scenic areas through the Forest Practices Code, shown as Zone 1 areas on the
Visually Important Areas Map and implement the associated Visual Quality Objectives (VQOs).
The following table presents Zone 1 guidelines for choice of silvicultural system, scale of
alteration, visual greenup, and reserves/leave trees in order to meet VQOs. It must be emphasized
that flexibility is required in applying the table since every situation is unique in its combination of
influencing factors. It is considered more important to achieve an acceptable viewscape than to be
fixated on numbers and percentages. In addition, forest health, biodiversity and other concerns
may require management different from what is contained in the table.
b)
Implement Visual Quality Classes (VQCs), shown as Zone 2 areas on the Visually Important
Areas Map, and carry out visual impact assessments.
c)
Adopt visual design principles to achieve visual objectives throughout the plan area without
creating timber supply impacts. Intent: Developments should borrow from natural line and form
and follow natural boundaries (creeks, ridges, draws, topography breaks, natural types) and look
natural in shape and scale.
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Silvicultural System, Greenup, Scale of Alteration, and Reserve Area Guidelines to Meet
VQOs:
Silvicultural
Preservation
Retention
Partial Retention
Modification
System
Harvest
%1
Reserve
Area 2
Green
up 3
Harvest
%1
Reserve
Area 2
Green
up 3
Harvest
%1
Reserve
Area 3
Green
up 3
Harvest
%1
Reserve
Area 3
Green
up 3
Single Tree
100
>66%
N/A
100
>66%
N/A
100
>66%
N/A
100
>66%
N/A
and Group
5
Selection
Patch Cuts 6
basal
area 4
5-10
N/A
basal
area
3-5
10 - 25
N/A
3-5
15-30
N/A
3-5
25 - 35
N/A-
3-5
10 - 20
N/A
3-5
15 - 25
N/A
3-5
25 - 35
N/A-
3-5
5-15
5-10%
3-5
10-25
5-10%
3-5
20-30
5+%
3-5
10-20
N/A
3-5
20-30
N/A
3-5
10 - 20
5-10%
3-5
20 - 30
5+%
3-5
15-25
-
3-5
0.1 - 1.0 ha
Clearcuts
1.1 - 5.0 ha
Clearcuts with
Reserves 7
5.1 - 10.0 ha
Clearcuts
5.1 - 10.0 ha
Clearcuts with
Reserves 7
10.1 - 20 ha
Clearcuts
10.1 - 40.0 ha
*Shading indicates silvicultural systems not normally permitted for a given VQO. Any variance from the table must be accompanied
by a rationale statement, e.g. salvage harvesting resulting from natural disturbances such as fire, insects, disease ,or blowdown.
1 Harvest percent refers to the allowable range in plan view of visible area harvested in a Visual Landscape Unit as defined from a
key viewpoint. Perspective view percentages are also available for evaluating Visual Impact Assessments.
2 Reserve Area refers to the minimum required area or pre-harvest basal area (percent) remaining in the cutblock.
3 Greenup refers to the tree height necessary to meet visual greenup requirements.
4 Basal area (BA) refers to percent remaining in m2.
5 Single tree & group selection is intended as a three or more entry system with minimum 20 years between entries.
6 Patch cuts are defined by the OPR as a silvicultural system that creates openings less than one ha in size and is designed to manage
each opening as an even-aged stand.
7 Clearcuts with reserves are defined by the OPR as a variation of clearcutting in which trees are retained, either uniformly or in
small groups, for purposes other than regeneration. The Ministry of Forests further clarifies that the reserve trees must comprise at
least 5% of the area or pre-harvest basal area to be classed as clearcuts with reserves.
Notes:
 This table is designed with the intent to maintain long-term visual quality over multiple passes and entries.
 This table must be accompanied by application of landscape design principles and forest practices which minimize visible site
disturbances. Large biodiversity blocks allowed under Section 11 of the OPR, which exceed the percentages in this matrix, must
still use landscape design principles, reserve patches, and other measures to maintain visual quality.
 Clearcut systems do not preclude leaving residual trees which can further reduce visual impacts.
 Seedtree cuts are treated as clearcuts for the purpose of evaluating visual quality.
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





Visual Absorption Capability (VAC) is the ability of a landscape to absorb visible changes based on physical attributes such as
slope, vegetation pattern diversity, terrain complexity, soil colour, aspect, etc. The higher the VAC, the greater the scale of
harvesting possible and the shorter the visual greenup height needed.
Visual greenup will generally range from 3 to 5 m., but may exceed this height if required to meet VQOs.
Where the slope is greater than 50% with either low VAC or foreground viewing then either manage to a 6m Visually Effective
Green-up (VEG) or plant to target-plus-10% stocking.
Where past harvesting is not well designed greater greenup height may be required. Visual rehabilitation techniques may be
used to improve design and reduce greenup height.
Forest health, VAC, and level of public concern as identified and agreed to by the LRMP Monitoring Committee may influence
appropriate position within each range.
In the interest of good landscape design and rehabilitation of existing views, the values in the Harvest Percent matrix may be
exceeded on a site-specific basis.
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5.1.20 Water Resources
1) Introduction
Water is an essential resource available as surface or groundwater which is managed for both use and
protection throughout the plan area. As water is a finite resource, water availability and water quality have
the potential to impact regional growth and economic development. BC Hydro is the largest licensed user of
water resources in the plan area, as it regulates water on the Bridge River and Seton River systems by a
series of dams. Second to BC Hydro, the agriculture industry is the largest user of water. Growth of the
agriculture industry (on both private and Crown lands) will be dependent on the availability of water into
the future.
Water is a crucial component of the Plan Area’s ecosystems, as the lakes and rivers and riparian areas
associated with these water bodies provide habitat and food for fish and many wildlife species. The key
consideration for this LRMP is protection of water quantity and quality. As communities continue to grow
and prosper within the Lillooet LRMP area, the demand on domestic water supplies will also continue to
grow. It is important to consider future water needs during resource development in order to ensure that an
adequate volume of clean water continues to be available to all current and future residents.
There is considerable variation in precipitation from west to east. In the western watersheds, near the Coast
Mountains, there are thick forests and large ice fields and annual precipitation may be around 2000 mm.
Lillooet, in the eastern end of the Plan Area, lies within the dry Interior and has annual precipitation of 300
to 400 mm. Due to the semi-arid climate, much of the Plan Area is dependent on the runoff from winter
snowpack at higher elevations.
The Plan Area contains two major river systems - the Bridge River and Seton River, which flow into the
Fraser River on the eastern flank of the Plan Area. As well, the Thompson River flows through Spences
Bridge and into the Fraser River at Lytton. Other significant watercourses are Cayoosh Creek and Portage
River (Seton River system); Yalakom River, and the Stein River.
Key water quality concerns for most parts of BC relate to deterioration by sedimentation, nutrient loading,
contamination, and waterborne diseases. Some water quality monitoring data are available for the Bridge
River, Yalakom River, Carpenter Lake, Cadwallader Creek, lower Lajoie Creek, Gun, Pavilion, Lajoie
Lakes, Hell and Condor Creeks. Results indicate that high metal levels may be present in some areas
(Carpenter Lake, Gun Creek), that water quality is very variable throughout the Plan Area and that more upto-date and detailed sampling is necessary to determine management plans. Water quality in mainstream
lakes throughout the Plan Area is generally good.
Historical volcanic activity has deposited a layer of material that is deep in a localized area around Gun
Lake, and lighter at Gold Bridge, Bralorne and Tyax. This material, known as Bridge River Ash, resembles
pumice and is highly porous with rapid drainage. The implications of this material on water management,
including during road construction and maintenance, were considered during this process. Based on the
advice of specialists (Kevin Turner and Graeme Hope, Ministry of Forests, Kamloops), it was decided that
specific management objectives and strategies were not needed in this plan. However, residents of the Gun
Lake area are unsure that the characteristics and management implications of this material are now fully
understood.
Storage Dams
Minor Dams: There are six minor dams (less than 10 metres high) in the Plan Area. These structures are
mostly located on the East Side of the Fraser River (with the exception of the Moore Lake reservoir on the
west side) and are used to store water for irrigation. Future development will need to consider storage of
water as an option that will be dependent on the availability of suitable storage sites. Further studies,
especially for agriculture, need to be completed to assess the potential for storing water.
Major Dams: BC Hydro operates three hydroelectric generating facilities within the Plan Area, supplying
power to the provincial transmission grid. There are two dams on the Bridge River, Lajoie Dam and
Terzaghi Dam and one on the Seton River. The primary operating objectives of this system are for
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hydroelectric power generation, flood control and the maintenance of minimum flow. Downstream water
supply, fisheries, wildlife habitat, and recreational activities are considered in the operation of these
facilities.
Issues in the plan area with respect to water resources are:
i.)
Lack of water quantity (flow) monitoring information;
ii.)
Lack of inventories of water available for storage and use for domestic, agricultural and
industrial development and conservation purposes;
iii.)
Lack of water allocation planning, which includes analysis of seasonal water flows, licensed
use and ecological needs;
iv.)
Concerns that current water licensing decisions, and water use practices, do not adequately
account for the water needs for fish habitat and aquatic ecosystems;
v.)
vi.)
Need to maintain and enhance water flows from dry sites;
Concerns that the impacts of development on water quality and quantity are not fully
considered during planning the development of some watersheds;
vii.)
Water quality is at risk of contamination; and
viii.)
Concerns about the potential to divert water from the plan area for export.
2) Strategic Level Goal
To ensure that water quality and quantity is protected and maintained, and restored where possible
throughout the plan area.
3) Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A.
4)
Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
Government commitment to allocate resources and funding to improve the understanding of the
water resources in the plan area by:









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maintaining the existing hydrometric monitoring stations in the plan area, and adding new
stations;
facilitating sharing of water monitoring and watershed assessment data broadly, including the
general public and stakeholder organizations;
conducting water discharge analysis to define the timing and level of water flows;
inventorying water storage opportunities for domestic, agricultural and industrial
development,
defining methodologies to determine the water needs (instream flows) for fish and aquatic
ecosystems, and identify instream flows where this information is needed for water allocation
planning;
in watersheds where there are water shortages, conducting water allocation planning, including
accounting for groundwater flows which contribute to water supply;
creating an inventory of stream systems with licensed use where water conservation is required
to restore fish habitat or aquatic ecosystems;
researching management practices to increase water yields from dry ecosystems; and
continuing existing baseline water quality monitoring.
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b) When making water licensing decisions, government will balance licensed water use with the
needs of fish and aquatic ecosystems
c)
Watersheds requiring assessments (IWAPs) will be prioritized using the Lillooet District-wide
Watershed Screening Framework.
Policy Advice to Government: Water diversion for export is not an acceptable use of water resources
within the plan area.
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5.1.21 Wildlife
5.1.21.1 Wildlife - Bighorn Sheep
1) Introduction
Within the LRMP area, there are five distinct California bighorn sheep herds (Upper Relay, Shulaps,
Camelsfoot, East Fraser River and West Fraser River), and one Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep herd near
Spences Bridge. The California bighorn herds are indigenous to the Lillooet area, while the Rocky
Mountain bighorn herd was introduced in the late 1920’s. The current populations are estimated at 1,000
California bighorn and approximately 300 Rocky Mountain bighorn.
In BC, California bighorn sheep are blue-listed (considered vulnerable to declines). The Camelsfoot and
Fraser River sheep populations were near carrying capacity in the early 1990’s, as evident by the lungworm
outbreak in those areas at that time. Lungworm flourishes in areas of high sheep concentration and poor
range condition. Improving range conditions may act to distribute concentrations of sheep and thereby
decrease the incidence of lungworm.
Sheep are particularly sensitive to grassland conditions, and favour bunchgrass dominated range. Snow
depth is not a major factor affecting sheep population as sheep primarily overwinter in shallow snow zones.
Sheep habitat is to be generally managed through mule deer winter range (MDWR) with the exception of
migration corridors, lambing grounds and some limited winter ranges.
The following issues have been identified:
i)
The availability of productive preferred forage on winter range is critical to the survival of sheep
populations. Livestock, noxious weeds and dense overstorey conifers can limit the availability of
sheep forage species.
ii) Industrial and recreational access can displace sheep if roads are located too close to lambing
habitats and movement corridors.
iii) Diseases transmitted between wild and domestic sheep populations can lead to unhealthy adults
and lambs and result in declining sheep populations (in both domestic and wild herds.)
iv) Sheep require mature forest periodically during the winter months for thermal cover. Removal of
mature forest cover could negatively impact the species.
v) The viability of bighorn sheep populations is dependent on their ability to migrate between
summer and winter ranges. Livestock fences can limit the movement opportunities of wild sheep
populations.
vi) Lack of inventory data for evaluating the presence and health of sheep populations and their
habitats.
vii) Private land development may disrupt sheep migration patterns.
2) Strategic Level Goals
The overall goal of the Lillooet LRMP is to maintain the current population of sheep (approx. 1,300)
throughout their current range within the plan area. Ensure a healthy population among all six distinct herds
of Bighorn sheep that occupies substantially improved habitat that provides for protection of critical
habitats and migration corridors in the plan area.
3) Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A.
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4) Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
Undertake research/inventory work to determine population numbers and habitat areas, as well as
the key limiting factors on bighorn sheep populations (e.g., habitat, poaching, predation, etc.).
Any research/inventory work should consider studies in adjacent areas that involve herds that
migrate into this plan area - e.g., ‘Churn Creek Bighorn Sheep Study’ (Williams Lake Forest
District).
b) Establish the area shown on the bighorn sheep winter range map as “known ungulate winter
range”. In Phase 2, establish a procedure for adding or removing areas from the map that do not
meet the criteria. This procedure should be efficient, effective and rely on professional
accountability for all resource managers. The amended map would still be considered as “known
ungulate winter range” under the Forest Practice Code of BC Act.
c)
In Phase 2, develop management practices for bighorn sheep range that address the following
issues: thermal and security cover; access; forage; maintenance of corridors; and, disease
transmission from domestic sheep. Current management will be maintained until these strategies
are in place.
d) Any THLB impact associated with bighorn sheep will ‘count’ against the THLB impact ‘budget’
for mule deer.
e)
Give a high priority in Phase 2 to undertake access management planning in French Bar Creek,
upper Yalakom River and Noaxe Creek for bighorn sheep migration/seasonal needs.
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5.1.21.2 Wildlife - Moose
1) Introduction
Moose are the largest member of the deer family and one of the most sought after species for commercial,
recreational and First Nations’ hunting, as well as wildlife photographers. Moose are adapted to living in
areas of deep snow and cold climates and tend to seek out cooler habitat types during periods of high
temperatures in both summer and winter. Moose are found in most biogeoclimatic zones but some of the
most productive winter ranges are in the upper parts of the interior Douglas fir (IDF) zone. Local
population trends generally follow food abundance, increasing following wildfires and logging activities
(which create an abundance of forage) and decreasing as forage grows out of reach or is shaded out. In
addition to an abundance of quality forage, moose require adequate thermal and security cover adjacent to
foraging areas. During both winter and summer dense, mature conifer stands, especially spruce near
wetland/riparian areas provide critical thermal cover. Recently, access management has become important
on moose winter ranges to limit the unregulated moose harvest.
The moose population within the Lillooet plan area consists of numerous small-scattered herds. The total
population within the area is currently estimated between 200 and 300 animals. Unlike some of the other
ungulate species where the population is depressed relative to historical numbers and/or below the carrying
capacity of the habitat, there has been a consistent upward trend in the moose population over time. Some
historic moose winter habitat was flooded out by hydro dams. Logging has created replacement habitat and
with future “moose friendly” silvicultural practices, there is the potential to increase the population.
Moose habitat will be managed through the development of moose management units (MMUs) which are
small parcels of habitat (no smaller than one hectare) of high value to moose as wintering and/or foraging
sites. MMUs are usually located in conjunction with wetland/riparian habitats within the drier
biogeoclimatic subzones (IDFdk1, IDFdk2, IDFdk3, IDFxh2, MSxv, MSxk, MSdm2, MSdc, ESSFdv, and
ESSFxv). MMUs will extend from the riparian/forest edge, and will incorporate old burns, deciduous
stands and non-productive brush. Where MMUs are isolated or in small groups, a larger buffer should be
applied, and where MMUs occur in large groups or complexes, a smaller buffer should be applied. These
buffers are to address security and thermal cover concerns. High value sites are shrub-dominated swamps,
fens and carrs where willow is a dominant species and ungulate browsing is evident.
The issues relative to moose that have been identified include the following:
i)
Lack of inventory data within wildlife management units for evaluating the presence and health of
moose populations and their habitats.
ii) Moose populations are sensitive to the distribution and abundance of forage throughout their
range, and in particular, within winter ranges. Post-harvest silviculture treatments can have a
significant impact on the level of forage available particularly within winter ranges.
iii) The location of roads as well as the type and level of activities associated with road access can
have a negative impact on moose populations, primarily within winter ranges. Plowing of roads
within winter ranges, for example, can result in an increase in recreational use and a potential
increase in mortality or displacement of moose.
iv) Highway and livestock fences can limit the movement of moose along their migration corridors
and within seasonal ranges. Fences can have a mortality risk to juvenile moose. This can
ultimately lead to reductions in moose populations.
v) Moose are sensitive to changes in thermal and security cover associated with forage areas. The
type of silvicultural system and the manner in which it is applied may reduce the amount of thermal
and security cover available for moose within their habitats. If the appropriate prescription is not
applied moose populations may be negatively impacted.
vi) Moose are valuable game animals, highly prized by both regulated and non-regulated hunters.
Limited ability to manage the non-regulated harvest of moose in the plan area is suspected as
playing a significant role in maintaining the current population below its potential.
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2) Strategic Level Goals
To both increase the distribution and abundance of moose to approximately 1,000 animals (three to four
times the existing population) as well as improve the health and abundance of moose habitat, while
recognizing other resource values and uses.
3) Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
Undertake research/inventory work to determine population numbers and to refine habitat
mapping (winter range and critical areas), as well as the key limiting factors on moose populations
(e.g., habitat, poaching, predation, access, etc.).
b)
Establish the area shown on the moose winter range map as (“known ungulate winter range”). In
Phase 2, establish a procedure for adding or removing areas from the map that do not meet the
criteria. This procedure should be efficient, effective and rely on professional accountability for
all resource managers. The amended map would still be considered as “known ungulate winter
range” under the Forest Practice Code of BC Act.
c)
In Phase 2, develop management practices for moose winter range that address the following
issues: thermal, snow interception and security cover; forage; maintenance of corridors; cattle
fencing; and, access. Current management will be maintained until these strategies are in place.
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5.1.21.3 Wildlife – Mountain Goat
1) Introduction
Mountain goats are distributed widely throughout the Lillooet LRMP area with densities in some areas
amongst the highest in British Columbia. Goats are typically associated with steep, precipitous terrain yearround and generally do not forage more than 100-200 metres from rugged escape terrain. Males are usually
solitary but may form small groups of two or three during the summer months. Females and young are
found in larger groups averaging ten to thirty, and occasionally exceeding forty to fifty or more during the
summer and fall, where habitat is good. Groups of thirty to fifty have been seen regularly within the
Cayoosh Range, which contains some of the best mountain goat habitat within the LRMP area. Of the
estimated 3,000 goats in the Thompson-Nicola Region, approximately half (1,500) occur within the Lillooet
LRMP area.
The Cayoosh Range has the highest known goat densities in the Thompson-Nicola Region, averaging one
goat per two square kilometres (1 per 2 km2). Densities on small high value winter ranges, such as in
Downton Creek, and on the south-facing slopes of Cayoosh Creek, average five to six goats per square
kilometre, but can exceed ten per square kilometre on exceptional winter ranges.
The current mountain goat population is below the historical numbers and there are numerous possible
reasons for this. In some areas habitat suitability has declined, largely as a result of fewer high elevation
wildfires occurring on mountain goat ranges. While the current goat harvest is quite restrictive, previous
harvests were more liberal. Coupled with increased road access this may have caused population declines
in some watersheds. Increased vehicular access leads to an increased level of disturbance, which may affect
birth rates and kid survival. Industrial activities, helicopters and increased vehicular traffic in general may
negatively affect population growth. Finally, in some watersheds predation by wolves, cougars, bears and
wolverines may be the direct cause in population declines.
The issues that have been identified with respect to mountain goat include:
i)
Access-related disturbances (industrial, tourism/recreation) on identified winter and natal
(kidding/early rearing) ranges may negatively impact goat populations, including displacement
from these important ranges.
ii) Certain forest management activities, including fire control, can have a negative impact on the
supply of cover and forage (necessary for the survival of mountain goats) on goat habitat (in
particular winter kidding and natal ranges).
iii) Lack of information on mountain goat populations and winter/natal goat ranges (due to a lack of
surveys) can lead to mismanagement of goat habitat and further negative impacts on goat
populations.
2) Strategic Level Goals
The overall vision of the Lillooet LRMP is to restore mountain goat populations to estimated historical
numbers of 2,000 – 3,000 animals, which may include doubling the current populations in some areas and
to maintain this population in a healthy condition.
3) Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A.
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4) Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
Continue research and inventory work to determine population numbers and to identify habitat
areas, particularly specific locations and seasons of use and improve the accuracy of historical
population estimates.
b)
In Phase 2, develop management practices for mountain goat that address the following issues:
snow interception cover; access (including timing of use); forage; and, disturbance and/or
displacement (from both industrial and recreation/tourism use).
c)
Establish the area shown on the goat winter range map as “known goat winter range”. In Phase 2,
establish a procedure for adding or removing areas from the map that do not meet the criteria.
This procedure should be efficient, effective and rely on professional accountability for all
resource managers. The amended map would still be considered as “known ungulate winter range”
under the Forest Practice Code of BC Act.
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5.1.21.4 Wildlife – Mule Deer
1) Introduction
Mule deer are found throughout the plan area and are considered a valuable resource. This species provides
wildlife viewing, recreational hunting and sustenance hunting opportunities to a wide cross-section of the
public. It is estimated that recreational and sustenance hunting of mule deer generates about $350,000 per
year within the plan area.
Mule deer occupy a mix of forested and open habitats. Summers are spent in mid to high elevation habitats
including sub-alpine and alpine meadows. With the onset of winter, mule deer migrate downward to
habitats with low snow levels. As mule deer are susceptible to severe winter conditions, managing winter
ranges to ensure an appropriate mix of forage and cover is critical to their survival. Winter range habitat
normally consists of dry southerly aspect slopes, often with Douglas fir as the dominant overstorey tree
species. Depending on the snowpack within a given area, winter ranges may be open or densely treed.
Deer become more dependent on denser overstorey habitats and litterfall (i.e., lichens and Douglas fir
twigs) for forage, as snow levels increase on the ground. Understorey vegetation, in particular shrub
species such as saskatoon and rose, provide an important forage source during winter months. Winter
ranges with appropriate spatial distributions of older aged Douglas-fir and areas of productive understorey
vegetation can provide forage and cover in close proximity. Such situations decrease energy expenditures
and decrease mortalities associated with severe winters.
Winter range is considered the limiting habitat factor for mule deer population expansion. Deer winter
ranges have been affected by loss of habitat through urban and agricultural development. Certain cattle
management and forestry practices can adversely impact winter ranges. Fire suppression has decreased
forage productivity on winter ranges. Access onto winter ranges can result in an increase in unregulated
deer harvesting, vehicle/deer collisions and displacement of deer from winter ranges.
Mule deer normally have one to two fawns in late May, usually in mid-elevation forests. Fawn survival is
largely dependent on predator density and winter severity. Within the plan area, wolves, cougars and
coyotes are the primary species preying on mule deer.
Current estimates of mule deer populations within the Lillooet LRMP area are approximately 8,000 deer.
There is a concern that the population may be declining as reflected in a reduced harvest over the past five
years. While the cause of the decline is not apparent, it is likely due to a number of factors including habitat
degradation, predation, unregulated harvest and, possibly, disease. Habitat suitability has declined on
winter range, largely due to forest ingrowth on key forage sites and to canopy removal on key snow
interception sites. On some winter ranges, reduced areas of forage have led to increased competition with
livestock. In some areas population declines may be directly linked to increasing predator populations.
Cougar and wolf populations have direct influence on deer numbers in the plan area. In some areas
unregulated harvest on winter ranges may be contributing to population declines. In particular, recent low
snow years has allowed vehicular access on winter ranges when deer are most vulnerable. This may have
led to increased unregulated harvest on some winter range.
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Mule deer related issues include:
i)
Forest harvesting practices and the size of cutblocks, in certain cases, can have a negative impact
on mule deer thermal and security cover requirements within mule deer winter range.
ii) Uncontrolled access on deer winter range often results in increased deer mortality through
unregulated hunting, poaching, stress, etc., and can also lead to a reduction in the quality of habitat
available in those areas.
iii) The availability of productive preferred forage on winter range is critical to mule deer survival.
Livestock, noxious weeds, and conifer encroachment/ingrowth can limit the availability of mule
deer forage species
iv) Industrial/agricultural activities on Crown land can limit the movement of deer within their
migration corridors by interrupting security cover along corridors and physically limiting their
movement between habitats (i.e., livestock fences.)
v) Lack of inventory data for evaluating the presence and health of deer populations and their
habitats.
2) Strategic Level Goals
The overall goal is to increase the current population to 15,000 - 20, 000 mule deer, and to maintain this
population in a healthy condition while recognizing other resource demands on the landbase.
3) Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
Undertake research/inventory work to determine population numbers and habitat areas, as well
as the key limiting factors on mule deer populations (e.g., habitat, poaching, predation, etc.).
b)
Establish the area shown on the mule deer winter range map as “known ungulate winter
range”. In Phase 2, establish a procedure for adding or removing areas from the mule deer winter
range map that do not meet the criteria. This procedure should be efficient, effective and rely on
professional accountability for all resource managers. The amended map would still be considered
as “known ungulate winter range” under the Forest Practice Code of BC Act.
c)
In Phase 2, develop management practices for mule deer winter range that address the
following issues: thermal and security cover; access; forage; and, maintenance of corridors.
Current management will be maintained until these strategies are in place.
d)
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5.1.21.5 Wildlife - Predators
1) Introduction
Predators are an important component of the wildlife community. Predators within the plan area include
coyotes, wolves, cougars, lynx, bobcat, black bears, grizzly bears and wolverine.
In predator/prey systems, predator populations fluctuate with the availability of prey species. The ability of
prey populations to sustain a level of predation depends on an adequate distribution and abundance of
functional key habitats.
Implementation of management direction intended to enhance wildlife (prey) populations (through the
LRMP) will also likely result in an increase to predator populations. Monitoring of predator and prey
relationships will lead to a better understanding of the system and will help guide management decisions.
The issues that have been identified relative to predators include the following:
i)
Predator populations tend to increase with the availability of prey species. If the plans for
increasing wildlife populations are successful, through habitat management and improvement
initiatives, then it may be anticipated that predator populations may also increase. This increase in
predators has the potential to offset and, in fact, negate the management programs for other
species. Predators can thus have a negative impact on other wildlife populations and may require
management in order to achieve wildlife objectives.
ii) Wildlife predation on livestock not only creates losses for the livestock owner but can cause losses
to predator populations. Once wildlife begin to prey on livestock, they are more likely to prey
again and are defined as a “problem”. They are then at a higher risk of being destroyed by the
rancher, who is protecting her or his herd, or by the Conservation Officer (if the officer has
exhausted other means of deterring the predation).
2
Strategic Level Goal
The vision is for a healthy population of predators managed and controlled in such a way that they do not
negate other wildlife management programs.
3) Key Definitions
See the glossary in Schedule A.
4) Strategic Level Recommendations
a)
Monitor predator populations and determine the impact of predators on ungulate populations.
Implement management actions as may be appropriate.
b)
Implement the appropriate livestock and predator management actions including proactive and
preventative measures to reduce conflicts and mortality of predators and livestock.
c)
Undertake research to better understand key predator prey relationships (the “balance”).
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5.2 Strategic Recommendations for Resource Management Zones
Detailed objectives and strategies for Resource Management Zones will be developed in Phase 2,
taking into consideration the issues and values for each zone as identified below.
Upper Bridge RMZ (Unit 1)

Key values/issues: access management, grizzly bear, biodiversity, wildlife, fish, backcountry recreation
and tourism, connector between South Chilcotins and wilderness areas to the north, south, and west.
South Chilcotins/West Shulaps RMZ (Unit 2)

Key values/issues: access management, water management, recreation, visual quality, tourism, wildlife
migration corridors, grizzly bear, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and mule deer winter range.

Covers access and visuals in lower Taylor, lower Cinnabar (lower Pearson Creek Road) and Gun Creek
road / trail to Jewel Bridge and lower Slim Creek.
Upper Relay RMZ (Unit 3)

Excludes all industrial activities except mineral exploration and mining. Timber harvesting is not
allowed. Removal of trees is permitted only where required for approved mining exploration and
development purposes, including access, and for other activities consistent with objectives and specific
direction for management stated in each of the planning units and sub-units.

Only fly-in access or use of existing roads is permitted for the early stages of exploration.

Ensure that all road access is temporary and that approvals include plans for closure, deactivation,
and/or rehabilitation, following cessation of activities at the end of the development cycle.

Ensure the proposed access roads are public reviewed prior to government approval.

Upon cessation of tenure holder activities, return temporary secondary roads and access routes to a
state that re-establishes natural drainage patterns and which, over time, will return the area to a
vegetative state that approximates natural conditions.

Use of motorized vehicles is only permitted by licensed/authorized industrial users and for authorized
research activities. Motorized vehicles can only be used for the purpose for which the tenure, license
or authorization was issued.
Lower Tyaughton/Bonanza RMZ (Unit 4)

Key values/issues: access management, water management, recreation, visual quality, tourism, wildlife
migration corridors, grizzly bear, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and mule deer winter range.

Excludes all industrial activities except mineral exploration and mining. Timber harvesting is not
allowed. Removal of trees is permitted only where required for approved mining exploration and
development purposes, including access, and for other activities consistent with objectives and specific
direction for management stated in each of the planning units and sub-units.

Only fly-in access or use of existing roads is permitted for the early stages of exploration.

Ensure that all road access is temporary and that approvals include plans for closure, deactivation,
and/or rehabilitation, following cessation of activities at the end of the development cycle.

Ensure the proposed access roads are public reviewed prior to government approval.

Upon cessation of tenure holder activities, return temporary secondary roads and access routes to a
state that re-establishes natural drainage patterns and which, over time, will return the area to a
vegetative state that approximates natural conditions. All bridges to be decommissioned, including any
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bridging of Tyaughton Creek.

Use of motorized vehicles is only permitted by licensed/authorized industrial users and for authorized
research activities. Motorized vehicles can only be used for the purpose for which the tenure, license
or authorization was issued.

We request that this RMZ be legislated.
Yalakom RMZ (Unit 5)

Key values/issues: access, biodiversity, fish, recreation, tourism, wildlife (particularly grizzly bear),
wildlife corridors, enhanced community referral for industrial development planning and development,
partition cut (timber harvesting).

This area will be a priority for ecosystem-based planning as presented to the LRMP table by the
Yalakom Community Council.

Manage Burkholder, Retaskit, Midway, Serpentine and Peridotite lakes through the lake classification
process within the Yalakom RMZ plan.
East Camelsfoot RMZ (Unit 6)

Key values/issues: grasslands, wildlife migration routes, and ungulate winter range.
Bendors RMZ (Unit 7)

Key values/issues: primitive recreation and tourism, roadless management includes Tommy Creek
(specific planning ongoing in this area), ecosystem mapping, wildlife inventories, manage for old
growth, grizzly bears, primitive recreation opportunities, remote lakes, trails and appropriate
viewscapes in this area; MoF and forest industry to explore options for access and timber harvesting
that does not involve ‘mainline’ road access (may involve changes in operating areas between the MoF
SBFEP and industry).

Managing visual landscape from Highway 40.
Cayoosh RMZ (Unit 8)

Key values/issues: access planning, biodiversity, mountain goats, mule deer, tourism and recreation,
grizzly bear habitat and corridors, tourism, visual management, integration with timber.

We acknowledge that planning for Melvin Creek is a separate process and we have not made specific
recommendations about it. We would like it noted that the valley has very high conservation values,
especially for mountain goats and grizzly bears. If the Cayoosh Resort development proceeds at
Melvin Creek, strong measures to mitigate the negative impacts of this development will be necessary.
The proponents of the Melvin Creek development have previously stated their support for the Cayoosh
Goat protected area.
Intlpam/Siwhe RMZ (Unit 9)

First Nations’ concerns, community water supply, recreation trail issues, connectivity and adjacency to
Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park.
Kwoiek RMZ (Unit 10)

Key values/issues: biodiversity, old-growth, spotted owls, recreation, tourism, access, grizzly bear,
fishing, high-elevation lakes.
Siska RMZ (Unit 11)

See Siska First Nation Nxezumatkwu Traditional RMZ proposal submitted to Lillooet LRMP table
Sept 15 2000.
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
Key values/issues: spiritual values, biodiversity, old-growth, drinking water, goats, mountain beavers,
grizzly bears, and tailed frogs.
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5.3 Strategic Recommendations for Protected Areas
1) Introduction
The following protected areas are recommended for the protection of their natural, cultural, heritage and/or
recreation and tourism values. With the technical assistance of the Regional Protected Areas Team, the
LRMP table used the Protected Areas Strategy as a guide in the selection of protected areas and in
providing directions for their management.
The Protected Area Strategy has two goals. Goal 1 is to protect viable, representative examples of the
natural diversity in the province, representative of the major terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems,
the characteristic habitats, hydrology and landforms, and the characteristic backcountry recreation/tourism
and cultural heritage values of each ecosection.
Goal 2 is to protect the special natural, cultural heritage and recreational features of the province, including
rare and endangered species and critical habitats, outstanding or unique botanical, zoological, geological
and paleontological features, outstanding or fragile cultural features, and outstanding outdoor recreational
features.
The protected areas pre-dating the LRMP are shown in Table 1. The new protected areas recommended by
the Lillooet LRMP are listed in Table 2.
Table1: Protected Areas Pre-Dating the LRMP
Ref. #
Unit Name
Ref. #
Unit Name
P1
Stein Valley Park
P5
Skihist Ecological Reserve
P2
Marble Canyon Park
P6
Skwaha Lake Ecological Reserve
P3
Skihist Park
P7
Soap Lake Eco. Reserve
P4
Goldpan Park
P8
Duffy Lake Park
Recommended Protected Areas:
Table 2: Recommended Protected Areas
Name of Unit
Total Area (ha)
THLB (ha)
Key Value
Antoine/Fred
7,428
3,915
Representation, intact watershed,
community water
Arthur Seat
2,341
820
Representation, grasslands
Bridge Delta
1,371
500
Representation, wildlife (See Schedule B
of final offer document for detailed
description), wildlife viewing
Cerise Creek
1,378
148
Recreation, wildlife
Cayoosh Goats
3,515
5
Wildlife, recreation
French Bar Creek7
1,133
25
Representation, grasslands
143
90
Community development opportunity,
Gwyneth Lake
8
7
The Table recognizes the interest in maintaining the option of removing water from this unit to irrigate agricultural lands adjacent to
this unit. It may be necessary to allow this should this need arise in the future. This use must not adversely affect the values for
which the protected area was created or fish or fish habitat. The final decision regarding this development rests with the appropriate
authority within the Parks (e.g., District Manager or the Minister). Access issues related to the construction and maintenance of any
water improvements associated with this use will be addressed through the approval process for this use and/or the management plan.
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recreation, tourism
Marble Canyon
(addition to existing PA)
2,254
580
Representation, recreation, tourism
Red Mountain
1,166
460
Representation, grassland, sheep
Shorthorn
699
0
Representation, grasslands
Skihist Park Extension
(addition to existing PA)
360
0
Representation, recreation, river access,
tourism
Southern Chilcotin
Mountains
71,487
11,641
Representation, tourism (See Schedule B
of Final Offer document for detailed
description)
Swan Lake
1,200
700
Wildlife, recreation, Goal 2 PA
Yalakom Creek
5,045
2,789
Representation (See Schedule B of final
offer document for detailed description)
Total Area (approx.)
99,520
21,673
Total Percentage
8.84%
7.32%
9
2) Guiding Principles for Management of Protected Areas
Protected areas are managed under the authority of the Park Act and Regulations. Therefore, logging,
mining and energy exploration and development will not be allowed to occur in Protected Areas. However
many other appropriate existing activities will continue to be allowed, subject to the management plan for
each protected area.
There are five different management categories for protected areas, as outlined in “A Protected Areas
Strategy for BC”: strict preservation; wilderness; heritage and natural and cultural sites; natural
environment-based outdoor recreation; and, intensive recreation and tourism sites. (These are outlined in
more detail in the appendix.) Each protected area has a unique combination of one, some or all of these
categories, as well as its own set of specific objectives and strategies.
The principles that guided the selection and management of protected areas for the Lillooet plan area
include:

protecting viable, representative examples of B.C.’s natural diversity and special features

maintaining integrity of natural ecosystems to ensure impairment of ecological processes does not
occur, in the short or long-term

diversifying and improving tourism use of parks, in part by working with existing and future
tourism operators
3) General Objectives for Protected Areas
Detailed objectives and strategies for the protected areas listed in Table 2 (above) will be developed in
Phase 2 and will lead to management direction statements for individual parks established under the LRMP.
In time it is expected that Management Plans will be created for all protected areas. These plans will be
consistent with the Protected Areas Management Principles, the guiding principles from the LRMP for
protected areas, general objectives and strategies and the specific objectives for each protected area (to be
8
This unit is not included in the hectare totals.
The understanding is that the BC Assets and Land Corporation has a concern over gravel resources within this unit. This unit
would remain unless a suitable replacement can be found.
9
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developed in Phase 2). In the interim, the Protected Areas Management Principles and existing government
policies will apply.
Tourism Within Parks: Tourism operators have expressed concern about their ability to operate within
new parks arising from the LRMP. To address this concern, a draft letter of understanding between BC
Parks and the Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture is provided in Plan Schedule C to clarify the
management direction regarding tourism use and the administration of tourism tenures in parks.
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6. PROCESS FOR PHASE 2 (COMPLETING THE PLAN)
Phase 2 of the phased approach will begin in April 2001, after the completion of the Phase 1 Framework
Plan recommendations and a decision (announcement) by government on these recommendations. The
timeframe for completing Phase 2 is summarized below. It is understood that the target date for completion
of the draft LRMP plan and the timing of the public review could be changed if necessary by the Table
during the course of Phase 2. However, the deadline for completing the LRMP plan (March 1, 2002) is a
firm date.



Target completion of the first draft of the LRMP plan - November 30, 2001
Public review (if necessary) - Jan/Feb 2002
Deadline for the submission of the final LRMP plan, as well as the summary of the public review
session - March 1, 2002
Phase 2 will proceed in a manner consistent with the established terms of reference for the LRMP table,
unless the table agrees to change them. These terms of reference address issues such as:






participation and roles of the public, government and others;
responsibilities and prioritizing tasks;
structure; and,
rules (for decision making, etc.).
Table meetings and working group discussions will be facilitated (proper resourcing is necessary).
Decisions will be based on consensus decision-making; however, this should be done more
efficiently (less time consuming).

It is expected that the following will be covered in Phase 2:

To complete the objectives and strategies pursuant to the strategic level recommendations that
were developed in Phase 1. It is expected that the objectives and strategies in the ‘Draft Under
Consideration’ (or ‘DUC’), dated November 2000, will serve as a starting point for these
discussions. (The ‘DUC’ is not being recommended to government for consideration or approval.)
The use of this document does not preclude the inclusion of any other material the Table wishes to
consider in these discussions.

To develop introductions, issues, goals, objectives and strategies for those sections that the Table
was unable to consider in Phase 1 because of time constraints (e.g., Cultural Heritage, Energy). It
is expected that the material in the ‘Draft Under Consideration’ (or ‘DUC’), dated November
2000, will serve as a starting point for the development of these sections. (The ‘DUC’ is not being
recommended to government for consideration or approval.) The use of this document does not
preclude the inclusion of any other material the Table wishes to consider in these discussions.

To finalize the monitoring and implementation directions and priorities for all elements of the plan
for final approval.

To develop management practices (e.g., objectives and strategies) for any areas that may be
identified and agreed to as ‘short term deferral areas’ and Resource Management Zones in Phase 1
that are to be addressed in Phase 2.

To make recommendations to government regarding those elements of the plan that would be
considered for higher level plan status.

With respect to protected areas, general management direction will be developed during Phase 1.
Additional details will be provided through “Management Direction Statements”, which will be
developed outside of, but possibly concurrent with, the Phase 2 process.

The development of a conflict resolution mechanism to address issues that arise following
completion of the LRMP.
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The Table will continue to meet in Phase 2 and will be the body that will be making recommendations to
government regarding the completed LRMP plan document. It is anticipated that rather than resolving the
Phase 2 material through monthly table meeting discussions, these issues will be resolved through small
group (e.g., ‘working group’ or subcommittee) discussions. These small groups will be established through,
and report to, the Table. The members of Table will be kept abreast of the activities of these groups
through written updates of what occurs at their meetings or conference calls. They will also be provided
with meeting and conference call schedules for these groups. Once a small group has completed its work
(e.g., it has developed the objectives and strategies for a particular section) it will be reviewed by the Table.
Once the small group’s work is endorsed by the Table, it is expected that it will form part of the complete
LRMP plan that will be provided to government for decision at the end of Phase 2.
In using the approach outlined in the previous paragraph, the following issues need to be considered:



The need for a better/improved method for distributing documents
The use of methods other than meetings to discuss material (conference calls) to reduce travel
requirements.
To follow the current process/methods for producing products to move the process to a conclusion.
The Table will also deal with any implementation or monitoring issue that may arise between April 1, 2001
and March 31, 2002. In other words, it will also serve as the Implementation and Monitoring Committee
for this time period. In performing these types of functions the Table will follow the direction provided in
the Phase 3 – Implementation, Monitoring and Adaptive Management section of the Phase 1 Framework
Plan. After March 31, 2002 these tasks will be the responsibility of the Implementation and Monitoring
Committee, which is expected to be in place by that time.
Government has made a firm commitment to provide the staff and financial resources to complete Phase 2.
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7. PHASE 3 – IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND
ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT
A TRANSITION STRATEGY
To be developed in Phase 2.
B IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING FRAMEWORK
The completed Lillooet LRMP provides the provincial government and other resource users with direction
on resource management through land use goals, resource management zones, objectives and strategies.
This direction is translated by government agencies into an implementation plan identifying tasks which
they are to carry out in compliance with ongoing legislative and policy responsibilities or as specific
projects.


Tasks that are met through ongoing legislative or policy responsibilities are referred to as
“compliance activities”. An example of a compliance activity is the achievement of visual quality
objectives through the implementation of the Forest Practices Code.
Tasks that require new or incremental activities to be undertaken are referred to as “projects”.
Projects can usually be defined by a set of input resources (time, money, research activities, public
consultation, etc.) as well as by measurable outcomes or results.
A Lillooet LRMP Implementation Plan will be completed within 6 months of Cabinet approval of the final
LRMP document. Implementation activities initiated during the Phase 2 process will be incorporated into
this overall implementation plan.
Referrals
A critical element in the successful implementation of this plan will be the creation of an efficient
mechanism of communication on resource planning issues. This will ensure that interested parties are
notified of upcoming resource planning activities, improving the public’s ability to participate in land use
planning. It will also provide resource managers with assistance in determining which stakeholders to
contact, assisting them in meeting statutory referral requirements and encouraging proactive
communications.
A Central Database for the plan area must be created early in the implementation process by LUCO or an
agency appointed by LUCO. The database will:


enable those using it to search for interested parties based on 1) a particular activity or concern
(i.e. winter recreation, timber harvesting, water quality) and 2) have three geographic levels of
interest such as TSA level, landscape unit level and specific locations (i.e. Gun Lake, Spruce
Lake).
be accessible to both government agencies and licensees or tenure holders for searching to obtain a
list of parties which require notification as deemed appropriate by the activity or the area.
Notification may include, but is not limited to, an e-mail message indicating where to access more
information, a letter or package of materials mailed out, or a phone call.
A website should be developed to facilitate the public’s participation in maintaining and using the database.
The website will enable interested parties to:





register for inclusion in the database
update their contact information
receive updates on resource planning processes currently underway
access a contact person for further information
find links to resource agencies and other related information
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Monitoring
An annual implementation assessment will track progress on LRMP incremental projects. Since legislative
and policy compliance (compliance activities) is monitored through a number of other public bodies (e.g.,
Auditor General, Forest Practices Board, Ombudsman, etc.), implementation monitoring will be primarily
directed toward projects rather than compliance activities. Progress on projects will be tracked through a
Lillooet LRMP multi-year project work plan. The work plan will include a listing of each project
identified in the LRMP along with the designated lead agency, annual milestones and expected outcomes.
Regional agencies will review and update the project work plan on an annual basis to coordinate with the
fiscal cycle.
In addition to assessing progress on the implementation of projects and compliance activities, the
framework will include an effectiveness assessment to determine whether the goals and overall intent of the
strategic land use plan are being achieved. Effectiveness is usually measured against a set of performance
indicators relating to stated resource management goals, objectives or desired outcomes in the plan.
Because these indicators are mainly relevant for monitoring multi-year trends, effectiveness monitoring will
not be necessary every year for every indicator. Also, because such indicators are fed by a number of
factors besides the plan, monitors must weigh the plan’s influence on the indicators and decide whether
some aspect of the plan should be adjusted or not.
The results of the implementation and effectiveness assessments will be presented in an annual monitoring
report. This report will provide further guidance and direction to the implementation process and will also
include recommendations for amendments to the strategic land use plan that may be required to improve its
overall effectiveness.
Implementation and Monitoring Participants
Government and the public both have a role to play in the implementation and monitoring of strategic land
use plans. The provincial government has responsibility for both implementation and monitoring, while the
public is involved specifically in monitoring implementation progress and effectiveness.
Guiding Principles
The work of the LRMP Monitoring Committee will be carried out in a manner consistent with the LRMP
Statement of Principles and Process (October 1993) and the Lillooet LRMP Terms of Reference Rules of
Procedure (June 1997), which may be amended by a consensus decision of the Monitoring Committee. The
Monitoring Committee will be composed of members of the LRMP Table (or their agreed upon
replacements) who will reflect the interests and perspectives in the same capacity as provided for through
the LRMP process.
Term
LRMPs are intended to have a formal term of ten years from the date of approval, with a full scale review
being initiated after eight years to deliver a new plan after two years work. The LRMP Implementation and
Monitoring Committee (IMC) will remain active from its initial appointment for eight years from the date of
Lillooet LRMP approval, or until disbanded by the Thompson-Okanagan IAMC or other appropriate
provincial government authority. Individual members may be replaced or rotated during the term at the
discretion of the entities, sectors or agencies they represent.
Meetings
Following approval of the final LRMP document, the Implementation and Monitoring Committee will
convene at least once a year to review and comment on the annual monitoring report. Up to three additional
meetings may be held annually as required to fulfil the Committee’s assigned role and responsibilities.
IAMC may increase the number of meetings if required. At least 21 days notice of meetings will be
provided and documentation for the meeting will be made available not less than one week in advance of
the meeting date. All meetings are expected normally to be completed within one day.
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Participant Expense Reimbursement
Within the general framework of government’s 1993 Interim Participant Assistance Policy, and subject to
available funding, recognized Table members will be eligible for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
incurred attending regular Table meetings. As such meetings are anticipated to be one day’s duration only,
eligible expenses are expected to be limited to mileage and meals under Group 1 government rates and
policies, and include one-night accommodation for those travelling from outside the plan area. Assistance to
replace foregone income is not available.
Decision Making
The LRMP Implementation and Monitoring Committee will strive for consensus on all issues,
acknowledging the LRMP Statement of Principles and Process (October 1993) and the Lillooet LRMP
Terms of Reference Rules of Procedure (June 1997). Consensus is defined as lack of expressed objection
by any participant. For some decisions, members may simply “stand aside” and not participate in a
decision.
The Committee may also appoint subcommittees to focus on specific work as deemed necessary to achieve
the most efficient and effective use of participants time.
Dispute Resolution
The LRMP Implementation and Monitoring Committee will use the procedure in Section 8 of the Lillooet
LRMP Terms of Reference (June 1997) , or a consensus-derived amendment to these methods, to resolve
disputes and govern conduct; in general:








Strive for agreement
If disagreement occurs, document rationale and how interests are affected
If disagreement continues, strike subcommittee to resolve and bring back to table
If Table agrees, okay
If table disagrees, use fallback mechanism
Use of mediator
Options report
Referral to IAMC for decision.
Communications and the Media
Formal media inquiries and process updates will be handled by the Process Coordinator. The Lillooet
District Community Resources Board will continue to provide public education and communication with
residents of the plan area, as it did during the LRMP process. Individuals who are contacted by the media
are free to respond in a truthful and open fashion; no Table member or sector should use the media as a
negotiation tool. Issues should be aired at the table, and communications with the press must reflect the
respectful and open tenor of the process itself. Media coverage will be tracked by the Process Coordinator.
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C AMENDMENTS
Strategic Land Use Plan (SLUP) policy calls for a full review and necessary amendment of the entire plan
approximately eight years after original approval. During this term, however, to remain relevant as
circumstances change, the final LRMP must be open to evolution and tuning. It must also be capable of
responding to significant new issues should they arise. Reasons for such plan changes include:







emergence of new information or research results on resource values;
emergence of unanticipated problems;
emergence of improved management techniques;
opportunities for greater efficiencies;
emergence of new and better ways of achieving intended objectives;
clarifying relationships between the strategic plan and lower level plans;
evaluation in a strategic context of recommendations for changes in the strategic plan arising from
lower level planning processes, compliance with new legislation or regulations, or with significant
new land and resource management strategies or provincial initiatives.
Note: See Section IX) Adaptive Management - Making Plan Adjustments During Implementation in the
“Conservation, Recreation, Tourism and Community Final Offer - March 13, 2001.”
The process recommended in this paper is based on the Kamloops LRMP experience, where the Monitoring
Committee plays a pivotal role in striking the balance between certainty and flexibility.
Categories of Amendments
To balance stability with flexibility, the IAMC will review all proposed plan amendments and assign them
to one of the three categories detailed below. In making such assignments, the IAMC will seek the advice
of the Monitoring Committee or the original plan participant bodies in the absence of a Monitoring
Committee.
1) Minor Amendments (Plan Updates)
Minor amendments or plan updates are any minor changes to the plan that would not have the effect of
altering the overall balance of the originally negotiated agreement reflected in the approved SLUP. Minor
changes include:






revision of wording to clarify intent or correct errors in the original plan document;
revision of the order in which local level plans, watershed assessments, and other actions identified
in the plan are actually done;
priorities for local level plans, watershed assessments, and other actions identified in the plan.
small changes to boundaries of Resource Management Zones (up to 5% of the RMZ area, but not
to exceed 500 ha.)
refinements to objectives and strategies, i.e. clarifying or interpreting management direction, or
adding new strategies that provide alternative management direction yet still achieve the existing
objectives in the plan.
changes required to make the plan conform with provincial laws, regulations or policies, where
these do not alter the original balance of the plan agreement.
2) Unscheduled Major Amendments
An unscheduled major amendment is a significant change to the plan:


that would have the effect of altering the overall balance of the originally negotiated agreement
reflected in the approved SLUP, and
that, for reasons of overriding provincial necessity or other compelling causes, must be considered
before the scheduled term of the plan is complete.
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Unscheduled major amendments may include:



large changes to Resource Management Zone boundaries (500 ha or more, or exceeding 5% of the
RMZ area)
major revisions to the objectives, strategies or targets set out in the plan, i.e., additions or deletions
changes required to make the plan conform with provincial laws, regulations strategies or policies
(including new strategic initiatives such as the Grizzly Bear Strategy, the Identified Wildlife
Strategy, etc.), where these would impact the original balance of the plan agreement.
In the interests of protecting plan stability, every effort should be made to hold issues for consideration in
the scheduled review rather than opening the plan for major amendment during its term.
3) Scheduled Major Amendments
A scheduled major amendment involves a review of the entire plan and examines all significant revision
proposals in context. The process of scheduled review and amendment will begin approximately eight
years after the original plan is approved.
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8. Plan Schedules
Schedule A: Glossary of Terms
[This section will be included once it is completed.]
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Schedule B:
Draft Description of the Front, Mid and Backcountry
Recreation and Tourism Zones
Note: This document is provided for information purposes only and has not been approved by the
Conservation, Recreation, Tourism and Community group, nor is government being asked to approve it at
this time. It is intended that further discussions regarding this document will occur in Phase 2 and that it
will be finalized as part of the recommendations resulting from Phase 2.
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Tourism/Recreation Attributes for Zones
Underlying Principles

Balance between uses

Recognition of historical use

Recognition of tenured use
Qualifiers/Considerations for each of the Zones

Not meant to limit opportunities; intent is to manage use & activities

Experience approach to management, not protection approach

Not meant to be an inventory of “what is” - vision of future - “what we wish it to be”

Within each zone (front/mid/back) there is a range of uses/facilities/experiences: extreme ends of
experience and everything in between
Front/Mid/Back Country Zone Definitions
Introduction
In the Plan Area, recreation and tourism takes place in a wide range of settings from downtown
Lillooet or Lytton to the glacier that feeds the Bridge River. Although the range of recreation and
tourism settings forms a continuum it is possible to identify three broad categories: Front
Country, Mid Country and Back Country. Visitors to each type of area will have different
expectations and different experiences related to access, level of infrastructure/service, and the
number of other people visiting the area.
It is very important to have a balance of Front Country, Mid Country and Back Country areas for
tourists to visit in order to maintain a healthy tourism industry in the Plan Area. Maintaining this
balance allows the Plan Area to appeal to a wide range of visitors and to maximize the benefits
from fluctuations in visitor tastes.
The following description of each of the three classes of recreation and tourism settings includes
quantifiable measures for each class as indicators of how well recreation and tourism goals are
being achieved.
Front Country
Description
Front Country areas include communities and highways and visitors expect fairly easy paved and/or
maintained road access to these areas. The type of activities common in these areas include paved road
touring, sight-seeing and visiting cultural and historical attractions. The diversity of opportunities adds to
the experience. Typical related businesses in the Front Country include hotels, restaurants, rental shops,
museums and other urban attractions. Visitors to the front country expect a high degree of interaction with
other people because of the ease of access and the concentration of infrastructure and services.. However
they also put a high value on the scenery visible from communities and roadways.
Measurements/Characteristics:

Percentage of urban, rural & roaded modified ROS category for recreation is high.
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
Paved and/or maintained road access

Infrastructure/services such as hotels, restaurants, gas stations, banks, museums, service infrastructure,
full service campgrounds.

Diversity of opportunities (activities/infrastructure) .

High concentrated use.

Level of use & type of use (i.e., mode of transport) is facilitated.

Correlation between road & trail density & number of users.
Mid Country
Description
Mid Country areas are roaded although the quality of road will vary from pavedroads accessible by standard
motor vehicles to those requiring 4 wheel drive or ATV. Services and infrastructure in the Mid Country are
not as extensive as in the Front Country. Infrastructure can include small communities or stand alone
lodges/guest ranches. Visitors may expect to see timber harvesting, mining and other extractive activities in
these areas. Management actions and techniques will be apparent (for example, trailheads, signs, camping
areas, sanitation facilities).
The Mid Country may provide many of the services found in the Front Country but these services will not
be as abundant, varied or easily accessible. Typical facilities/activities include developed trails and
campgrounds, lodges, guest ranches, and guided and non-guided day and overnight trips by foot, bike, horse
or motor vehicle. Separation of users according to the type of activity, such as designation of motorized and
non-motorized roads and trails, may be necessary where use is high.
Visitors to the Mid Country expect a lower degree of interaction with other people due to the more difficult
access and lower concentration of infrastructure and services. They expect to have many of the comforts of
the Front Country but the greater emphasis on outdoor activities means they are much more concerned
about the quality of the natural environment.
Measurements/Characteristics:

Percentage of roaded natural, roaded modified & semi-primitive motorized ROS class for recreation is
high.

Type (i.e., mode of transport) and/or level of use (numbers) are managed.

Road access ranging from 2-wheel drive roads such as Route 40 to roads requiring high clearance
vehicles and/or 4WD or ATV.

Infrastructure ranges from rustic campgrounds to full service campgrounds or lodges but occurs singly
or in small pockets

Moderately managed for use & density levels and level of development.

Moderate to large size of area – depends on activity (bike vs. hike or walking)
Back Country
Description
The primary attraction of the Back Country is the naturalness of the environment where visitors expect to
see little or no evidence of human activity. These areas include wilderness and primitive experiences, (most)
often without motorized access, recreation and tourism in the Back Country requires the highest degree of
effort (time, cost, physical effort) and planning that is associated with a limited road network for specific
purposes or no roads at all. Limited infrastructure, or lack of it, adds to the recreational and tourism
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experience. Extractive activities such as timber harvesting, mining or gravel pits tend to be minimal or
absent.
Other designations such as Parks, Resource Management Zones for wildlife, and Wildlife Management can
be found in the Back Country. Management in this zone will focus on maintaining the recreational and
tourism experience associated with these areas but will not preclude a limited level of motorized access or
resource extraction.
Measurements/Characteristics:

Percentage of Primitive & Semi-primitive non-motorized, & Semi-primitive motorized ROS classes for
recreation is high.

Both the level of use and type of use (i.e., mode of transport) may be restricted by a variety of means
including physical and regulatory limitations.

Infrastructure is dispersed and very limited.

Overall group sizes (number of people) may be limited to maintain quality of the experience.

Little or no awareness of other human activity (noise, visible signs) in most areas. The experience of
users is highly sensitive to intervention or the presence of other users and activities.

Management on the ground is subtle and sophisticated and is not evident to the user.
Summary of Characteristics for the Front/Mid/Backcountry Zones:
Variable
Front-country
Mid-country
Back-country
Experience or “drawing card”
Separated from natural
environment
“Natural environment”; Some
accommodation
No obvious division between humans
& the environment - primarily outdoor
“Provided for”
Visibility of human activity
Highly visible
Expect presence of human activity
(some in certain places)
Visible signs unlikely - little or no
evidence
Infrastructure
Diversity adds to the experience
- multiple opportunities
Limited mix
Limited - "tends to add to the
experience"
User Density
High concentration of users facilitated use
Moderate use - managed use
Low (or limited) use - restricted natural or imposed
Access
Easy access - facilitated
Requires effort - time/cost and/or
4-season access
some physical/natural limitations
Requires effort - time/cost & physical
effort
Little or no physical limitations
Managed use
"Degree of…?"
"diversity doesn't add to the
experience"
Seasonal limitationss
Restricted - natural or imposed
Activity
Wide variety of facility-based
and outdoor activities
Activities limited by access, terrain and
facility availability.
Motorized activities subject to some
restrictions to maintain a mix of
opportunities
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and lack of facilities. All activities
subject to restrictions to protect the
need for quiet enjoyment while
maintaining a mix of opportunities
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Schedule C:
Draft Letter of Understanding Between BC Parks and the Ministry of
Small Business, Tourism and Culture Regarding Tourism Use and
Administration of Tourism Tenures in Protected Areas
Note: The following draft letter of understanding has yet to receive final review and approval by the
agencies noted. A final (signed) copy of this letter will be made available on file at the Lillooet Forest
District, the BC Parks - Thompson District office and at the Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and
Culture – Land Use unit in Victoria.
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Date: March 15, 2001
DRAFT - Letter of Understanding between: BC Parks – Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks
and Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture
Lillooet Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP)
RE: Tourism Tenures and Uses within New Parks Arising from the Lillooet LRMP
This letter of understanding is intended to provide clarity and certainty around the administration of tourism
tenures and uses for existing and new tourism operations that fall within new parks, arising from the Lillooet
LRMP. This letter is also intended to be consistent with the provisions of the Park Act and associated
amendments, and established park regulations and policies. Park management planning involves
stakeholders (e.g., tourism operators within parks) and interested groups and individuals.
The Lillooet LRMP protected area objectives provide the basis and intent to this letter of understanding:
“Much of the recommended Provincial Park land in the Lillooet LRMP overlaps important traditional and potential areas for
tourism operators. Provincial parks form a critical economic base for the LRMP area, particularly relating to backcountry tourism
opportunities. BC Parks looks upon tourism operators as essential partners in the management of park resources and in the
provision of tourism opportunities. Tourism operators offer services and facilities that would not otherwise be available to park
visitors. The nature, types and scales of tourism opportunities must be consistent with the LRMP vision for each individual park.”
BC Parks & Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture agree to the following directions as set forth
in the Lillooet LRMP Protected Area Management section.
Park Act Designation to Ensure Pre-existing Rights and Tenures:

All existing liens, charges, and encumbrances other than those applying to commercial logging, mining
or energy exploration and development will continue to be authorized through issuance of park use
permits. This policy recognizes all existing Land Act tenures, special use permits, water rights,
trapping licenses and other legal tenures and rights.

Grazing tenures and use within parks will continue to be administered and managed through Range Use
Plans under the Range Act by the Ministry of Forests. (See the Protected Areas section for a
description of grazing management direction and monitoring opportunities in parks.)

Hunting and fishing activities within parks by Licensed Guide Outfitters and Licensed Angling Guides
will continue to be regulated through current hunting and fishing regulations established under the
Wildlife Act. Any restrictions to hunting and fishing would be the result of fish and game management
measures, in the same manner as management occurs outside of park boundaries. Any changes to
allocations or management of hunting & fishing will be negotiated with all parties.

Pre-existing use, rights and tenures of established tourism operators will be honoured. Any reductions
in historical rights and uses (e.g., range, hunting, angling rights) through park management planning
(due to higher management standards set within a park) will be negotiated with the parties
Issuance and Administration of Tenures for Tourism Use within Parks:

Level of priority for permit applications and approvals will provide recognition to historical use by
established tourism operators, while allowing for new tourism opportunities.

Priority implies an order of preference that shall be used in the approval of tourism opportunities in
parks, as follows: (a) existing tenured operators; (b) existing non-tenured users; (c) new activities. BC
Parks will determine if and when a competitive bid process is required to allocate new activities.

Where appropriate, tourism opportunities should be packaged to provide an economically viable base
of operation. In this regard, existing tourism operators should be given first priority to package tourism
opportunities to make use of existing facilities and increase business viability.
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
Tourism stakeholders (e.g., individual operators) will be involved in developing management plans and
the identification of tourism opportunities (which can be combined).

Crown tenures and BC Parks permits should be harmonized with similar terms and fees. An operator
with tenures in more than one jurisdiction should pay only one fee as if the tenures were in only one
jurisdiction.

Pre-existing users that can prove by records or anecdotal evidence that they were well established at the
time of park designation but were not legally recognized by lease or license will be honoured. Existing
users will have 6 months from the official approval of the LRMP to signify their intent to make
applications covering confirmed activities and areas of use, and 1 year to substantially complete the
application process. Applications for any new tourism use or changes to existing operations will be
permitted if the scale, nature and type of tourism facilities and services proposed are:


In keeping with the purposes of the park and meet the provisions as set out in park
zoning and management directions.

Compatible with established tourism operators.

Compatible with the physical and social carrying capacity of the park.
Park Use Permits will be of sufficient length and security and transferable in order to meet normal
business financing requirements. Length of tenure will be based on level of investment, risk and
exclusivity. Tenures of 20 to 30 years may be appropriate for some businesses. Business rents and
fees will be set to stimulate business growth and to recognize the additional government revenue
generated by the tourism business.
Achieving balance between ecological integrity, tourism operators and public recreation:

Manage provincial parks to achieve a balance between ecological integrity, the type and distribution of
tourism opportunities, and between the clients of tourism operators and general park visitors. This will
require public input and coordination with the stakeholder to determine resource use capacity levels
that ensure environmental sustainability and the preservation of the experience.

Through Park Management planning processes, BC Parks in cooperation with tourism stakeholders and
recreation representatives will develop conservative resource capacity limits for various uses and
activities and distinguish these limits relative to tourism operators and general park users.

BC Parks will work with tourism operators to protect and manage conservation, and recreation values.
Tourism Access within Parks:

Access management concerns will be addressed through park management plans. Current methods of
access associated with existing tenures and uses of pre-existing and existing operators will continue.

In parks having existing or potential tourism operations, and where tourism is an acceptable use, an
appropriate local level plan will determine the desirability, necessity, location and type of access.

Park management and access management plans should address motorized and non-motorized use,
based on direction from the LRMP.
________________________________
_______________________________________
Dick Butler
Monty Downs
Director of Tourism, Policy and Land Use
Ministry of Small Business, Tourism
and Culture
District Manager, Thompson River District
BC Parks – Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks
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Schedule D:
Lillooet LRMP Grizzly Bear Critical Habitat Description
Note: This document is provided for information purposes only and has not been approved by the
Conservation, Recreation, Tourism and Community group, nor is government being asked to approve it
at this time. It is intended that further discussions regarding this document will occur in Phase 2and
that it will be finalized as part of the recommendations resulting from Phase 2.
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Lillooet LRMP
Grizzly Bear Critical Habitat Description
Note: This document was drafted by Tony Hamilton in November 2000 and circulated to the working group at that time. It was
revised by Tony in January 2001 and circulated to working group members assigned to work on this task. This version incorporates
revisions agreed to by Tony and Kevin Bracewell.
Description of Critical Grizzly Bear Habitats
Grizzly bears select habitats within watersheds for two main reasons:
1) generalized seasonal food and cover values associated with a certain type of habitat such as a particular
ecological unit; and
2) unique, place-specific habitats such as avalanche chutes or skunk cabbage swamps.
Critical grizzly bear habitats are areas that have high forage, priority bedding or proven denning value for
grizzly bears in situations where these habitats are in short supply.
Critical habitats often include a non-forested feeding habitat and adjacent forested and non-forested areas
used for bedding and visual cover. Most critical habitats in the plan area are associated with early and late
spring habitats, when suitable habitat is in short supply. The elevational range and seasonal timing of
critical habitats vary across the plan area, as ‘spring’ occurs at different times in the varied landscape of the
plan area. Summer habitat is seldom in short supply and thus is not usually considered ‘critical habitat’. In
some limited situations, fall habitats can be critical to weight gain and cub survival, but these habitats are
seldom in short supply in the plan area, and thus are not usually considered ‘critical habitat’ in this plan. A
situation where high value fall habitat may be classed ‘critical habitat’ would be high elevation berry
patches created by wildfires where this habitat is in short supply.
In the Lillooet LRMP area, high value habitat which may be ‘critical habitat’ include herb dominated
avalanche tracks, meadow/wetland complexes and seepage sites, glacier lily complexes, whitebark pine
stands, marmot digging areas, skunk cabbage swamps, den sites, concentrated bedding areas and burns
dominated by Vaccinium (blueberries). Specific riparian habitats (e.g. river deltas) can also be high value
habitat which are ‘critical habitat’ in some areas. The few salmon spawning areas in the plan area should
also be recognized as high value grizzly bear habitat that may be ‘critical habitat’ in some circumstances.
The habitat value of a particular area is influenced by the unique characteristics of the area (e.g. a greater
than average availability of preferred grizzly bear foods), its location in relation to other important grizzly
bear habitats (e.g. a linkage area in a pass between two valleys), and the landscape or home range context
(e.g. the total supply of an important type in a home range). If a particular type of high value habitat is
scarce within a particular area, patches of this type of habitat is likely to be ‘critical habitat’. Conversely, if
a particular type of high value habitat is common, it is less likely that patches of this habitat would be
classified as ‘critical habitat’
Critical habitat areas are typically 1 to 5 hectares in size and are defined at the “stand-level” (mappable at
1:20,000), although larger patches can occur in rare circumstances (e.g. wildfire burns up to 250 ha). There
is a high probability that a critical habitat area will get repeated and/or prolonged use by at least one bear.
Overall, these relatively small areas of habitat can contribute in a large way to the overall seasonal
requirements of a bear, and thus of a population.
Critical habitats are separated into class 1 and class 2 areas:

Class 1 areas are:
1) currently used by grizzly bears;
2) have obvious, easily recognizable, high forage, bedding or denning value; and
3) can be identified and recognized as critical by the presence of permanent or recent sign (dens,
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bedding, marking, feeding sign).

Class 2 areas are:
1) recognized for their inherent value to help support a recovering grizzly bear population and
therefore may not receive current use;
2) areas that offer significant grizzly bear forage, bedding or denning opportunity.
3) may be assigned critical status because of their landscape context, that is, a valuable forage unit
that is common in one landscape unit may be rare in another - it’s overall supply in the landscape
influences whether each area is critical; and
After field inspection and ground-truthing, most class 1 areas will be assigned critical habitat status. Only
some Class 2 areas warrant critical classification, based on ground-truthing and assessment of the supply
and distribution of this habitat in the landscape context. Some class 1 and class 2 critical habitat will require
restoration and protection, rather than protection alone (e.g. re-establishment of a forested buffer around a
feeding unit).
Management of Critical Habitats
Critical habitat will normally be deferred from development, including road construction and timber
harvesting. However, managers and planners must determine if there are: 1) historic rights and tenures of
human use on that area; or 2) if there are no practicable alternatives to development. If existing human use
takes precedent or there are no practicable alternatives, then the prescriptions should recognize the inherent
critical habitat status through application of appropriate mitigation and bear/human conflict prevention
measures.
The Challenges of Defining Critical Habitats in the Lillooet LRMP Area
Where there is a healthy grizzly bear population, critical habitats are often defined through a modelling
process that delineates the value of habitat in a specific type of area, which is then verified through ground
truthing to confirm the presence of permanent sign (bedding, marking, sightings, permanent feeding sign).
However, when a population is below what it could be, and in a recovery situation, critical habitats are
under-utilized, if used at all. In these circumstances, the habitat requirements of an expanding bear
population must be predicted. This is achieved by identifying potential critical habitat through standardized
procedures and restoring its effectiveness as required to meet population targets.
Ideally, and in the longer term, during forest development planning or normal referral of other types of
development, planners and managers will use a combination of resources to locate critical habitat and
develop appropriate prescriptions for the protection or restoration of these areas. These resources will
include predictive models, fully trained government and proponent staff, ground truthing and available
funding sources. Predictive models that define critical habitat are usually developed using both the results of
research using radio-collared bears and ecosystem mapping work. The research defines which areas bears
actually use as seasonal food sources, and other habitat choices. The ecosystem mapping defines critical
habitats based on the ecosystems the radio-collared bears have been using. In the Lillooet LRMP area,
neither research results from radio-collared bears nor ecosystem mapping is currently available.
Consequently, local knowledge, limited field work and extrapolation of research from elsewhere, must be
relied upon, at least in the short-term.
Interim approaches are required to implement mapping and management of critical habitat immediately
upon LRMP approval. The long-term priority must be to acquire the resources to fully implement the
critical habitat component of the LRMP (e.g. Predictive Ecosystem Mapping – PEM), and to conduct bear
research in the plan area. Full implementation will need to be phased in, including development of habitat
rating information and training of field staff.
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Recommended Practice
In the short-term, field identification, field location and prescriptions for the protection or restoration of
critical habitat can be achieved by field personnel (government staff and forest resource users) working with
grizzly bear biologists through all the following steps:
1.
In Phase 2, habitat rating tables would be developed – see First Approximation below. To be
completed by biologists and others familiar with grizzly habits in the local area
a)
Define (or classify) the different types of habitat within particular biogeoclimatic units (subzone
variants preferrably). See the first column in the Habitat Rating Table below.
b) Field evaluate the types of habitat within each biogeoclimatic unit to generally assess the value.
c)
Complete the habitat rating table for each biogeoclimatic unit, indicating the general value of each type
of habitat.
Grizzly Habitat Rating Table – FIRST APPROXIMATION
Biogeoclimatic variant:
SITE SERIES or
NON-FOREST TYPES
HABITAT SUITABILITY CLASS RATING
EARLY
SPRING
LATE
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
Wet Site Series (05-08)
Mesic Site Series (01, 04)
Dry Site Series (02-03)
Non-Forest:
- Wetlands (bogs)
- Wetlands (fens)
Avalanches
-
dry
-
rocky
-
wetter
-
richer
-
herbs
-
shrubs
Subalpine Meadows
Grasslands
Habitat value classes:
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3
Very high
High
Moderate
4
5
6
Moderate - low
Low
Nil
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2.
On an operational basis, critical habitats within specific landscapes would be defined during the
planning of resource development and use by operational field staff in the private sector and
government, with the advice of grizzly bear biologists.
a)
Prepare a preliminary map of class 1 and class 2 value habitats using available aerial photographs,
forest cover maps, etc.
b) Field examine the attributes of the mapped habitats in the field to ground truth the preliminary
classification by:

locating permanent and recent grizzly bear sign;

properly defining the boundaries of the patch including the associated bedding or cover areas; and

locating and evaluating patch-specific values that may not be apparent from air photo or map
interpretation.
Additional habitats that cannot be reflected in the habitat rating table, but which are critical in some
situations, would be mapped including:
 Areas with marmot populations
c)

Salmon feeding sites

Insect feeding sites
Examine the supply and distribution of high value habitats within a landscape context.
d) Identify the highest ranked patches (separating class 1 and 2) for designation as critical habitat based
on habitat value and the supply and distribution within the landscape; and
e)
Determine the management objective (maintenance of habitat conditions or restoration) for each patch,
and develop appropriate prescriptions, if any actions are needed.
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