clp final summary report may 2012 w title pagebcparks.ca/bcparks100/clp-final-summary-2012.pdf ·...
TRANSCRIPT
2012
Summary Report
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BC Parks’ Community Legacy Program
Final Summary Report
April 30, 2012
Background:
The Community Legacy Program (CLP) was launched on May 3, 2011 in celebration of BC Parks’ 100th anniversary. BC Parks invited community groups to apply for funding to support projects in B.C.’s parks and protected areas across the province. Over 90 applications were received and once the adjudication process concluded, projects began in 27 BC Parks. To be eligible for funding, community groups were required to contribute to the project with financial and/or in‐kind contributions.
The tables below provide a summary of all the projects that were awarded CLP funding by region. The proceeding pages are summaries of the individual projects. For more information, BC Parks has detailed reports from all of the projects.
Summary of CLP projects (by region)
Project Title Park Name Applicant Amount spent
Amount leveraged
Total value
Volunteer hours
South CoastCypress Wetland Restoration
Cypress North Shore Wetlands
$11,037 $23,385 $34,422 749 Hours
Vegetative Baseline and Bog Mgmt
Pitt Polder Ecological Reserve
Ducks Unlimited $19,000 $13,320 $32,320 10 Hours
Knot this Giant Cypress, Seymour, Indian Arm
Greater Vancouver Invasive Plant
$19,000 $14,390 $33,390 64 hours
Accessible cabin restoration
Inland Lake Powell River Persons with Disabilities
$19,000 $26,042 $45,042 20 hours
Silver Lake Steelhead Spawning Gravel
Silver Lake PP BC Conservation Foundation
$10,102 $3,874 $13,976 10 hours
Subtotal (South Coast) $78,139 $81,011 $159,150 853 HoursNorthern
6 foot bridges replacement Ozalenka Trail
West Twin Fraser River Youth Society
$19,000 $7,637 $26,637 n/a
Ethnobotany in Eskers Park
Eskers School #57 PG Aboriginal Ed
$19,500 $7,756 $27,256 104
Subtotal (Northern) $38,500 $15,393 $53,893 104 Hours
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Project Title Park Name Applicant Amount spent
Amount leveraged
Total value
Volunteer hours
West CoastOur Canada: Celebrating Culture in Montague Park
Montague Harbour Marine
Galiano Conservancy
$17,000 $3,048 $20,048 125
Horne Lake Caves Horne Lake Canadian Cave Conservancy
$18,000 $25,200 $43,200 1,322 hours
Tow Hill Blowhole Boardwalk Naikoon
Old Massett Village Council
$19,000 $2,616 $21,616 43 hours
Place of Blue Grouse; Connecting to Place Gowlland Tod
SeaChange Marine Society
$15,000 $12,836 $27,836 196 hours
Interpretive signage for Mount Arrowsmith
various Vancouver Island
Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere
$10,700 $3,000 $13,700 n/a
Holly Removal in Helliwell Helliwell
Conservancy Hornby Island
$12,200 $3,175 $15,375 317 hours
Robson Bight Warden Camp Improve
Qwiquallaag/Boat Bay
Cetus Research Con. Society
$19,000 $6,499 $25,499 265 hours
Subtotals (West Coast) $110,900 $56,374 $167,274 2,268 HoursThompson/Cariboo
Design and Construction park Kiosk
Churn Creek Friends of Churn Creek
$17,900 $31,800 $49,700 872 hours
Eagle River Nature Trail Repair
Yard Creek Shuswap Hut & Trail Alliance
$12,000 $10,404 $22,404 41 hours
Cultural Heritage Education Program
Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux
Lytton First Nations
$19,000 $8,961 $27,961 n/a
Kootenay/Okanagan (Thompson/Cariboo) $48,900 $51,165 $100,065 913 Hours
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Project Title Park Name Applicant Amount spent
Amount leveraged
Total value
Volunteer hours
Kootenay/OkanaganWeb of Life; upgrades and displays
Kokanee Creek
West Kootenay EcoSociety
$19,000 $4,900 $23,900 200 hours
Enhancing Visitor Awareness Bird Areas
Vaseux Lake, South Okanagan Grasslands, Haynes Lease ER
Federation of BC Naturalists
$16,000 $16,402 $32,402 69 hours
The Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale
Kokanee, Stagleap, West Arm
Canadian Avalanche Centre
$18,581 $9,700 $28,281 n/a
Stopping spread of Invasive Plants
Kokanee Creek
Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Council
$10,000 $6,280 $16,280 84 hours
Elk Lakes Cabin Renovation
Elk Lakes The Alpine Club of Canada
$19,000 $26,594 $45,594 300 hours
Permanent Signage Upgrade & Installation
Silver Star Mountain Park
Sovereign Lake Nordic Club
$15,000 $29,646 $44,646 300 hours
Invasive Plant Management in South Okanagan Grasslands
SO Grasslands Protected Area
SOK Invasive Plant Society
$16,000 $4,600 $20,600 50 hours
To Restore Fintry Staff Building
Fintry Friends of Fintry Park
$19,000 $7,264 $26,264 585 hours
Subtotal (Kootenay/Okanagan) $132,581 $105,386 $237,967 1,588 HoursProvincial
Sustainable Remote Human Waste
Bugaboo, Garibaldi, Skaha, Cathedral, Assiniboine, Liard Hot Springs
Climbers Access Society
$13, 947 $8,000 $21,947 120 hours
Communication extension materials ER's
All Ecological Reserves
Friends of Ecological Reserves
$26, 932 $12, 795 $39,728 620 hours
Subtotal (Provincial) $40,879 $20,795 $61,675 740 Hours Grand Totals
$449,899 $330, 124 $780,023
6,466 Hours
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Completed Community Legacy Project Summaries
Table of Contents
1. CYPRESS PARK WETLAND RESTORATION PROJECT ...................................................................................... 6
2. VEGETATION BASELINE AND BOG MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................... 7
3. KNOT THIS GIANT CYPRESS, SEYMOUR AND INDIAN ARM PARKS ............................................................... 8
4. ACCESSIBLE CABIN RESTORATION AT INLAND LAKE .................................................................................... 9
5. SILVER LAKE SPAWNING GRAVEL RESTORATION ....................................................................................... 10
6. OZALENKA CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT, WEST TWIN PROVINCIAL PARK ................................................. 11
7. ETHNOBOTANY IN ESKERS PARK ............................................................................................................... 12
8. OUR CANADA; CELEBRATING CULTURE IN MONTAGUE PROVINCIAL PARK ................................................. 13
9. HORNE LAKE CAVES .................................................................................................................................. 14
10. TOWHILL BLOWHOLE BOARDWALK IN NAIKOON .................................................................................. 15
11. PLACE OF THE BLUE GROUSE; CONNECTING CULTURE TO PLACE IN GOWLLAND PROVINCIAL PARK ....... 16
12. INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE FOR MOUNT ARROWSMITH BIOSPHERE RESERVE CORE PROTECTED AREAS ..... 17
13. HOLLY REMOVAL IN HELLIWELL PARK ................................................................................................... 18
14. ROBSON BIGHT WARDEN CAMP IMPROVEMENTS ................................................................................. 19
15. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF PARK INFORMATION KIOSK IN CHURN CREEK PROTECTED AREA ........ 20
18. EAGLE RIVER NATURE TRAIL REPAIR ...................................................................................................... 21
19. STEIN VALLEY CULTURAL HERITAGE EDUCATION PROJECT ..................................................................... 22
20. WEB OF LIFE DISPLAYS FOR KOKANEE PARK VISITORS CENTRE .............................................................. 23
21. ENHANCING VISITOR AWARENESS AND CONSERVATION OF IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS .......................... 24
22. AVALANCHE TERRAIN EXPOSURE SCALE ................................................................................................ 25
23. STOPPING THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE PLANTS AT KOKANEE CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK ............................ 26
24. ELK LAKES CABIN RENOVATION (ALPINE CLUB OF CANADA) .................................................................. 27
25. PERMANENT SIGNAGE UPGRADE AND INSTALLATION AT SILVER STAR PROVINCIAL PARK ..................... 28
26. INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT IN THE SOUTH OKANAGAN ................................................................. 29
27. RESTORATION OF THE FINTRY STAFF QUARTERS BUILDING ................................................................... 30
28. SUSTAINABLE REMOTE HUMAN WASTE MANAGEMENT IN B.C. PROVINCIAL PARKS .............................. 31
29. ENHANCED COMMUNICATIONS EXTENSION MATERIALS FOR B.C.’S ECOLOGICAL RESERVES .................. 32
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1. Cypress Park Wetland Restoration Project Total CLP Funds Awarded: $11,037 Leveraged Funding: $23,385 Total Value: $34,422
Applicant: North Shore Wetland Partners Society Volunteer Hours: 749 Project Description A total of 270 feet of boardwalk was built which makes the trail easier to use and also keeps park users out of the surrounding wetland. Materials were delivered by helicopter saving time and labour for BC Parks staff and volunteers. Interpretive materials about the project and wetlands were provided on displays put up at the Gold Medal Café at Cypress Creek Lodge. Many park visitors visited the displays and appreciated the interpretive information provided. 110 meters of the old trail bed was broken up and an unsafe wooden bridge was removed from the area. The trail is now formally decommissioned and the area was restored with native plants. Invasive plants harmful to wetlands were identified. Some invasive plants were removed or will be shaded out over time.
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2. Vegetation Baseline and Bog Management Total CLP Funds Awarded: $19,000 Leveraged Funding: $13,320 Total Value: $32,320 Applicant: Ducks Unlimited Canada Volunteer Hours: 10 Project Description Vegetation monitoring is a key activity in ecological reserves for assessment of change and maintenance of ecosystems but this has not been updated in the Pitt Polder Ecological Reserve since 1983. Ducks Unlimited Canada worked with Raincoast Applied Ecology to complete a detailed vegetation assessment of the Ecological Reserve and to set up a permanent monitoring protocol that can be used by BC Parks to engage volunteers and the community in ongoing vegetation monitoring. This contractor conducted SEI mapping, plant community assessments and historical air photo reviews. It is estimated that the physical work to restore this marsh habitat will be over $300,000 and this will be undertaken by Ducks Unlimited Canada during 2012.
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3. Knot this Giant Cypress, Seymour and Indian Arm Parks Total CLP Funds Awarded: $19,000 Leveraged Funding: $14,390 Total Value: $33,390 Applicant: Greater Vancouver Invasive Plant Council Volunteer Hours: 64 Project Description The primary goal of “Knot This Giant” was for the Greater Vancouver Invasive Plant Council (GVIPC) to complete control efforts of the invasive plant species, Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and lower priority species (time permitting) within Mt. Seymour, Cypress, and Indian Arm Provincial Parks. These species were selected as they pose the greatest risk to park visitor safety, infrastructure and the surrounding ecosystems. The significant investment from this project helped to work toward restoring these rare, intact ecosystems within highly urbanized surroundings. GVIPC anticipates that only small amounts of monitoring and follow up treatments in the years to come will be necessary.
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4. Accessible Cabin Restoration at Inland Lake Total CLP Funds Awarded: $19,000 Leveraged Funding: $26,042 Total Value: $45,042 Applicant: Powell River Model Community Project for Persons with Disabilities Society
Volunteer Hours: 20 Project Description Two existing wheelchair‐ accessible log cabins in Inland Lake Park were refurbished. These structures are 30 years old and required extensive upgrades to make them habitable which included new roofs, foundation logs, window screen and doors plus clearing of forested areas around the cabins to improve access. The overall benefits of the project are twofold; firstly, the provincial park is once again a fully accessible facility and now its cabins are habitable for all users.
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5. Silver Lake Spawning Gravel Restoration Total CLP Funds Awarded: $10,102 Leveraged Funding: $3,874 Total Value: $13,976 Applicant: BC Conservation Foundation Volunteer Hours: 10 Project Description Restoration work was conducted to renew an existing gravel spawning platform constructed in 2005. Spawning gravel for the project was sourced within the watershed from a location that was previously utilized during the 2005 project. Since 2005, a large amount of local gravel has been deposited in the same location making the sourcing of the project easy. A local contractor supplied a mini excavator, bobcat front‐end loader, dump truck and large front‐end loader. Along with primary contractor’s machinery, a Spyder excavator was used for site preparation activities needed to access the localized gravels. Community based volunteers completed restoration and monitoring during the project. Now, 1,000 m2 of usable spawning gravel is available for Silverhope Creek watershed fish species. An educational sign was also produced that will assist in continued awareness of steelhead in Silver Lake.
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6. Ozalenka Creek Bridge Replacement, West Twin Provincial Park Total CLP Funds Awarded: $19,000 Leveraged Funding: $7,637 Total Value: $26,637 Applicant: Fraser River Youth Society Volunteer Hours: n/a
Project Description: The Ozalenka Hiking Trail was built in the late 1980’s. In 1989, the Ozalenka Alpine Club (OAC) constructed a cabin approximately 7 km up the trail. The area has been managed by the OAC and the BC Forest Service over the years. In 2008, the Ozalenka Hiking Trail became part of West Twin Provincial Park, and is now co‐managed by the Ozalenka Alpine Club, and BC Parks. The Ozalenka Trail is one of the premiere hiking trails in the valley with the cabin as a destination for visitors from Canada and abroad. Many of the bridges to access the area were quite old, and crossings on them were becoming risky due to their simple single log construction with narrow decking, and sub‐standard railings. Many thousands of visitors have visited the Ozalenka valley, and with the new bridges, many thousands more will benefit from the funding provided by the Community Legacy Program. The youth that participated in this project from the Robson Valley benefitted extensively from this project. They were involved in every aspect, from log acquisition to preparing the logs for chainsaw milling, to working with the bandsaw mill operator (milling decking and railing material), preparing the loads for helicopter deployment, bridge construction, trail construction and all associated activities (including safety meetings). This was a very rewarding project for the local valley youth. A total of 476.25 paid man hours were required to complete the project.
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7. Ethnobotany in Eskers Park Total CLP Funds Awarded: $ 19,500 Leveraged Funding: $7,756 Total Value: $27,256
Applicant: School District #57 Aboriginal Education Department Volunteer Hours: 104
Project Description
A series of 12 by 12 inch interpretive signs were erected along two trails in Eskers Park. The signs on the Circle Lake trail focus on food plants and how First Nations people used them. The signs along the trail to Camp Lake focus on medicine plants and their uses. Each sign has the name of the plant in English, Latin and Carrier, (Lheidli T’enneh dialect or Nak’azdli dialect) a picture of the plant and a description of how aboriginal people have used it. Four larger signs were also created for the information shelters at Eskers Park. These signs provide information about the Lheidli T’enneh people and traditional territories, traditional medicine and acknowledge the contributions of the elders. A brochure has been created and will be available at the trailhead and on the BC Parks website. A fieldtrip guide has been created and will be made available to teachers in School District #57 so that other classes can use the “outdoor classroom” created in the park. A group of Elders has been made familiar with the signs and are now trained to lead groups around the trail. School District #57 Aboriginal Education Department has provided a grant for several classes to take field trips to Eskers Park.
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8. Our Canada; Celebrating Culture in Montague Provincial Park
Total CLP Funds Awarded: $ 17,000 Leveraged Funding: $3,048 Total Value: $ 20,048
Applicant: Galliano Conservancy Association Volunteer hours: 125
Project description:
The Our Canada project included a Multicultural Celebration Day which marked the completion of the interpretive kiosk at Montague Provincial Park. The celebration included hosting 30 participants from the Victoria and Immigrant refugee Centre Society and 30 other volunteers and participants from the Galiano Community for a salmon lunch and an afternoon of traditional and ecological education on‐site at Montague Harbour. The project included preparing information for an interpretive sign at Montague Harbour. The next step will be to have the final version translated in the five languages and printed. This project involved creating stronger, positive relationships between cultures through sharing knowledge about and experiences on the land we share. Most importantly, the process built new connections between new immigrants, First Nations and other cultures, and reinforced cooperative partnerships. These positive connections help to bestow all involved with a stronger sense of belonging in Canada.
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9. Horne Lake Caves Total CLP Funds Awarded: $18,000 Leveraged Funding: $25,200 Total Value: $43,200
Applicant: Canadian Cave Conservancy Volunteer Hours: 1322
Project Description
The Horne Lake Caves Conservation and Education Project is the result of a collaboration of key partners outlined in a MOU signed in March 2011 between BC Parks, the Canadian Cave Conservancy, the Park Operator, the Vancouver Island Cave Exploration Group and the BC Speleological Federation. It represents the culmination of 40 years of volunteer and commercial investment into the protection and presentation of BC Parks’ unique cave resources, to the public. The results of this project include:
• Improved access to cave and surface geology features • Reduced operational and maintenance costs to the Province • Better educational opportunities for all park users • Reduced environmental impacts of park users on the associated facilities • Enhance the park’s ecological and recreational values • Provide a long‐term benefit to the park and the larger resource of caves and karst through
education
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10. TowHill Blowhole Boardwalk in Naikoon Total CLP Funds Awarded: $19,000 Leveraged Funding: $2,616 Total Value: $21,616
Applicant: Old Masset Village Council Volunteer Hours: 43
Project Description:
This project saw the added enhancement and benefit to the BC Parks facilities at the Tow Hill Day Use Area in Naikoon Provincial Park. Specifically, upgrading the aged and deteriorating infrastructure to meet BC Parks' standards around accessibility to the trail system and the replacement of facilities, including outhouses and picnic tables designed for disability access use at the start of the trail system. This project has been important to complement the work done previously on the Tow Hill Trail system, which has seen substantial upgrades for use by those with mobility issues. Further work continues to increase accessibility in this location.
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11. Place of the Blue Grouse; Connecting Culture to Place in Gowlland Provincial Park Total CLP Funds Awarded: $15,000 Leveraged Funding: $12,836 Total Value: $27,836 Applicant: SeaChange Marine Society Volunteer Hours: 196
Project Description Three days of events occurred in Gowlland Tod Park near Tod Inlet in the late summer and fall of 2011. Collectively they were part of a project designed to introduce more people to the exceptional cultural and natural characteristics of the area as well as to provide park users with the opportunity to assist in the continuing conservation efforts there. Community volunteers and Stelly’s Secondary School helped to plant native plants in restoration areas. The SENCOTEN name for the land in the vicinity of Tod Inlet translates into English as Place of the Blue Grouse.
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12. Interpretive Signage for Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserve Core Protected Areas Total CLP Funds Awarded: $10,700 Leveraged Funding: $3,000 Total Value: $13,700 Applicant: Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Foundation Volunteer Hours: n/a
The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Foundation Society (MABF) successfully designed and installed 5 interpretive signs at 5 provincial parks on mid‐Vancouver Island. These included Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, MacMillan Provincial Park and Spider Lake Provincial Park. A new Type II shelter was built to BC Parks' standards and installed at Spider Lake Provincial Park. This project was mostly funded through a BC Parks 100 year Community Legacy grant which was administered by British Columbia Conservation Foundation. This project was highlighted at the March 29th 2012 Brant Wildlife Festival opening night when 240 people witnessed the unveiling of the new Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park sign.
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13. Holly Removal in Helliwell Park Total CLP Funds Awarded: $12,200 Leveraged Funding: $3,175 Total Value: $15,375 Applicant: Association for Conservation of Hornby Island Volunteer Hours 317
Project Description At the beginning of 2005, the Hornby Island Provincial Parks Committee (HIPPC) began the battle of the holly. This fall (2011) about 6 Ha were cleared of holly, the last third of the total of dense thickets. Also, individual trees and shrubs were cut and treated in the areas close to the thickets. The benefit to the community is now becoming obvious, but as time progresses it will be even more so as park users find themselves walking in a restored Douglas fir ecosystem, rather than a dark holly monoculture. This grant allowed for the completion of the project so that endeavours and monies from previous years were not wasted. The outcome we anticipate is that volunteers will now be able to keep the holly under control allowing for the native understory plants to flourish.
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14. Robson Bight Warden Camp Improvements Total CLP Funds Awarded: $19,000 Leveraged Funding: $6,499 Total Value: $25,499 Applicant: Cetus Research and Conservation Society Volunteer Hours: 265 Project Summary: Within the Qwiquallaaq/Boat Bay Conservancy, a rustic Warden Camp at Boat Bay acts as a base for the Robson Bight Marine Warden Program. The camp was developed in the 1970’s. Since that time the camp has been used by various groups in various forms and the warden program, operated by Cetus, conducts 4 months of research and work from this camp every year. The Warden Camp benefitted from structural upgrades, including replacing existing tent pads, bridges, stairway/ladders, as well as installing windows and solid flooring in the existing Warden Station. To improve safety and accessibility to the replaced tent pads, footbridges and stairways were replaced. The walls of the Warden Station are solid on the bottom, but the top half is open for windows. The CLP funding allowed Cetus to purchase Lexan and second hand windows, which will work as a long‐term window solution, and plywood to cover the existing floor. This increased the warmth of the Warden Station, therefore allowing the staff, volunteers and visitors to the park that stay in tents to warm up and/or dry out wet clothing. These upgrades have not only increased the accommodation capacity but have also provided increased safety and accessibility to all park users. Having the Warden Camp within the Qwiquallaaq/Boat Bay Conservancy that can be used by campers, boaters, fishers and others provides a positive lasting legacy to the parks systems within B.C.
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15. Design and Construction of Park Information Kiosk in Churn Creek Protected Area Total CLP Funds Awarded: $17,900 Leveraged Funding: $31,800 Total Value: $49,700 Applicant: Friends of Churn Creek Protected Area Society Volunteer Hours: 872 Project Description The Friends of Churn Creek Protected Area Society (FCCPAS) designed and constructed an information kiosk in Churn Creek Protected Area. The goal of this Community Legacy Program project was to develop twelve new panels for the kiosk. The new kiosk is designed to replace a small four‐panel information kiosk. Additional partners in the project are Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, MoE Cariboo Region Protected Area Section (BC Parks Cariboo) and Canada Fisheries and Oceans.
The kiosk is a source of pride to members of the Northern Secwepemc First Nations and to citizens of Williams Lake and 100 Mile House. Many compliments have been received by members of FCCPAS and Cariboo Region BC Parks. The kiosk demonstrates that volunteer groups, First Nations communities, non‐native communities and others can work together to achieve a goal that no one single group could complete on their own.
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18. Eagle River Nature Trail Repair Total CLP Funds Awarded: $12,000 Leveraged Funding: $10,404 Total Value: $22,404 Applicant: Shuswap Hut and Trail Alliance Volunteer Hours: 41
Project Description The Shuswap Trail Alliance worked with BC Parks to bring together community partners to replace the collapsed foot deck with a new 25 foot clear span foot bridge with railing, as well as add a 70 metre raised boardwalk on either side of the bridge. The result is the elimination of the erosion problem caused due to trail users, a reactivation of the eastern trail system, and improved long‐term sustainability of the overall trail system. In addition to the trail upgrades, a series of natural interpretive signs created by local naturalists were replaced. The result is a 21 station interpretive sign system inviting a deeper awareness of the natural and cultural history of this important forest ecology.
An unanticipated extension of the project arose early in September with the opportunity to involve the new Job Creation Partnership (JCP) Winter Trails Team being run by the Shuswap Trail Alliance and the Ministry of Social Development. The 5 month work experience program allowed participants an opportunity to work on a variety of trail, conservation, and educational projects throughout the region. JCP participants added additional support to the Eagle River Trails project through enhanced corridor brushing and tread repair, and a more comprehensive review, research, and rewrite of the interpretive signs. While this meant an extension to the original project timeline, it also meant an increased engagement with regional partners, communities, and resident stewards.
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19. Stein Valley Cultural Heritage Education Project Total CLP Funds Awarded: $19,000 Leveraged Funding: $8,961 Total Value: $27,961
Applicant: Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Volunteer Hours: n/a
Project Description
The Community Legacy Program facilitated building a wonderful Arbour at the Trailhead to the Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park. It is a place that can be used for community/family gatherings. In addition to the arbour we also had three, 24 X 18” educational signs developed to explain the significance the valley, the natural resources that are still utilized by the local First Nations, as well as a piece on Sh.eeshtkn (pit houses), the pictographs, and the co‐management of the park between Lytton First Nation and BC Parks. An archaeological impact assessment at Stein Trailhead was conducted.
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20. Web of Life Displays for Kokanee Park Visitors Centre Total CLP Funds Awarded: $19,000 Leveraged Funding: $4,900 Total Value: $23,900
Applicant: West Kootenay EcoSociety Volunteer Hours 200
Project Description
Working with local contractor/builder/artist Brian McLachlan, the EcoSociety upgraded the displays and signage called the Web of Life, as the centerpiece would show the interconnectedness of the Kokanee salmon, the bear and the osprey, all local residents of the park, and inspire campers and residents to learn more and be stewards of this natural relationship. With these upgrades, visitors are offered a more contemporary and relevant environmental educational experience, hopefully one they will remember and incorporate in their own lifestyle as well.
The project has also connected to other valuable resources such as Touchstones Museum in Nelson, author Eilieen Delahanty Pearkes, Arrow Lakes Museum in Nakusp, Sinixt spokesperson Marilyn James, aboriginal educator Toni Appleby, various participating scientists such as osprey biologist Marlene Machmer, geologist Dr. Sheila Roberts, and ornithologist Dr. Joan Snyder. The project produced signs, a mural upgrade and the Web of Life centerpiece.
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21. Enhancing Visitor Awareness and Conservation of Important Bird Areas
Total CLP Funds Awarded: $16,000 Leveraged Funding: $16,402 Total Value: $32,402
Applicant: Federation of BC Naturalists Volunteer Hours: 69
Project Summary:
Three new interpretive signs were installed in Important Bird Areas (IBA) within BC Parks this fall. A new sign shelter and sign about Osoyoos Oxbows IBA was installed at Haynes Lease Ecological Reserve at the north end of Osoyoos Lake. A sign at the boardwalk trailhead in Vaseux Lake Provincial Park was replaced with a new sign about birds and the IBA program. The third sign was installed at Blue Lake in South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area. These signs will help visitors understand why these areas are particularly important for birds and what they can do to help protect bird habitat. All signs feature photos taken by local photographers. In addition to the three interpretive signs, seven IBA identification signs were installed at Osoyoos Oxbows, Vaseux Lake, Kilpoola Lake, White Lake and Chopaka Customs IBAs. These simple yet appealing 12"x18" signs were generously provided by Nature Canada. All signs installed feature QR codes (Quick Response), which link viewers with smartphones directly to the online site summary for each IBA. The online site summaries for the South Okanagan‐Similkameen IBAs were updated with several exciting new tools. For example, viewers can open a pdf map of the IBA to provide an overview of the area. Another button opens seasonal abundance graphs for birds found within the IBA, which provides visitors immediate access to a detailed bird list that is specific for the site. Also, the site summaries were updated to inform viewers of the important role that BC Parks and protected areas play in conserving IBAs. These features and updates were completed with assistance from our partner Bird Studies Canada. The strengthened partnerships developed through this project will continue to benefit the local community for years to come.
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22. Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale Total CLP Funds Awarded: $18,581 Leveraged Funding: $9,700 Total Value: $28,281 Applicant: Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) Volunteer hours: n/a
Project Description Popular access routes, trails, and ski areas in Kokanee Glacier, West Arm, and Stagleap Provincial Parks were rated using the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES). Visual maps of the ATES ratings were developed for use on trailhead signs. In addition, interactive digital maps were made available online for park visitors. The following outcomes also resulted from this project:
1. Avalanche Terrain ratings for popular winter recreation areas in digital format (Google Earth compatible files) for21,000 ha of avalanche terrain1.
2. Integration with the CAC’s Online Trip Planner. 3. GIS based maps for each park showing avalanche terrain, popular routes and destinations, and
other area information. 4. One printed standardized terrain information sign for each rated park (or discrete park area),
framed and ready for mounting at appropriate location.
The overriding goal of these maps and trip planning resources is to aid backcountry recreationists in making better decisions that lead to a reduction in avalanche incidents. They provide recreationists with valuable information and guidance for planning winter backcountry trips into the parks. They also serve as an effective educational tool for understanding the nature of avalanche terrain and appropriate avalanche conditions for different levels of exposure.
1 This is 5,000 ha more than originally estimated in the letter of agreement. When delineating the draft boundaries an emphasis was put on encompassing all current or potential future recreational hot spots to help ensure longevity of the final trailhead signs. Furthermore, it is crucial that no piece of high‐use terrain is missed. Mapping the additional 5,000 ha didn’t have a major impact on the project resources.
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23. Stopping the Spread of Invasive Plants at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park Total CLP Funds Awarded: $10,000 Leveraged Funding: $6,280 Total Value: $16,280 Applicant: Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Council Volunteer Hours: 84
Project Summary This project successfully addressed invasive plants in Kokanee Creek Provincial Park by conducting an inventory of high priority invasive plants, coordinating one large community “Broom Bash” event, mechanically treating priority invasive plants, and developing interpretive signs. All activities were coordinated by Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee (CKIPC) and completed in communication with key BC Parks personnel. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations personnel were also consulted throughout the project. The Columbia Basin Trust, dedicated volunteers, and Regional District of Central Kootenay further supported project activities. All inventory and treatment data will be entered into the provincial Invasive Alien Plant Program in early 2012.
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24. Elk Lakes Cabin Renovation (Alpine Club of Canada) Total CLP Funds Awarded: $19, 000 Leveraged funding: $26,594 Total Value: $45,594
Applicant: The Alpine Club of Canada Volunteer hours: 300
Project Summary
The Elk Lakes Cabin renovation project involved over twenty‐five days of labour, which took place over a one‐month period from September 13 to November 7. The crew consisted of four members from the Alpine Club of Canada maintenance team and six volunteers. Approximately 300 volunteer hours were contributed during construction. Over 8000 lbs of material and tools were driven in two vehicles with trailers through Elkford and 68 km of logging road to the cabin construction site. The project succeeded in its goal to have a more useable interior space in the cabin. By increasing the capacity of the facility, more people will get to enjoy Elk Lakes Provincial Park.
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25. Permanent Signage Upgrade and Installation at Silver Star Provincial Park Total CLP Funds Awarded: $15,000 Leveraged funding: $29,646 Total Value: $44,646 Applicant: Sovereign Lake Nordic Club Volunteer Hours: 300
Project Description The outcome of the project has been tremendous for the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and for Silver Star Provincial Park. The new signage system, including almost 100 signs, has been very well received by park visitors and the Clubs’ membership (1700).
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26. Invasive Plant Management in the South Okanagan Total CLP Funds Awarded: $16,000 Leveraged funding: $4,600 Total Value: $20,600 Applicant: South Okanagan Invasive Plant Society Volunteer hours 50 Project Description The South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area (SOGPA) was surveyed for invasive plant infestations. In total, 39 non‐native plant species that could be classified as invasive or nuisance weeds were identified within the SOGPA. Of these, twelve priority species were identified, documented and mapped; data was entered into the provincial database (Invasive Alien Plant Program application) and the results and recommendations for the long‐term prevention and control of the invasive plants were compiled in a management plan. Overall, implementation of the invasive plant management plan will assist with long term conservation and enhancement of one of B.C.’s southernmost protected areas, which represents one of the four most endangered ecosystems in Canada. Invasive plant management, especially when focused on prevention, will minimize the work needed in the future as spread and establishment of invasive plants to new areas is reduced and/or prevented. By managing the invasive plants now, there is a chance to reduce or prevent the infestations from spreading to additional habitats within this protected area for future generations
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27. Restoration of the Fintry Staff Quarters Building
Total CLP Funds Awarded: $19,000 Leveraged funding: $7,264 Total Value: $26,264 Applicant: Friends of Fintry (FoF) Park Volunteer Hours: 585
Project Description The restoration of the Fintry Staff Quarters Building (FSQB) is a 3‐phase project: the FoF cleaned up the 100‐year old FSQB and replaced the leaking roof, the exterior of the building has been restored, and in Phase 3 (2012) the interior will be finished and exhibits developed and installed to illustrate the original use of the building. The exterior of the building is now restored to the form and style of c. 1910. It has been dramatically transformed from a dilapidated structure to a worthy complement to the manor house that was itself transformed by a new veranda in the spring of 2011. The exterior restoration has been completed by TKI Construction on time, budget and as envisaged in the plans, thanks to the funding provided by the Community Legacy Program.
When the interior of the Staff Quarters Building is completed next year, it will show the living conditions and provide insight into the work undertaken by Chinese house staff on the Fintry Estate in the early 20th century. This will significantly enhance the heritage experience for the over 50,000 visitors that BC Parks estimates to visit Fintry Provincial Park each year.
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28. Sustainable Remote Human Waste Management in B.C. Provincial Parks Total CLP Funds Awarded: $13,947 Leveraged funding: $8,000 Total Value $21,947 Applicant: Climbers Access Society Volunteer Hours: 120 Project Description This project assessed human waste management to help inform current methods in BC Parks through the development of new best practices that reduce operating costs, environmental contamination, water pollution, operator hazards, and future capital expenditures. These suggested upgrades help to mitigate impacts of current park use. Work was conducted in Cathedral, Assiniboine, Liard Hot Springs, Bugaboo, Garibaldi and Skaha Parks.
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29. Enhanced communications extension materials for B.C.’s Ecological Reserves Total CLP Funds Awarded: $26,932 Leveraged funding: $12, 795 Total Value: $39,627 Applicant: Friends of Ecological Reserves (FER) Volunteer Hours: 620 Project Description Six Ecological Reserve (ER) legacy products were produced;
• a banner display, images and maps of ERs suitable for open houses and park events,
• a public extension map of the ER system ,
• an up‐dated FER webpage to allow easier volunteer use and communication,
• interviews with ER elders who pioneered the ER system (transcripts are on the FER web page at http://ecoreserves.bc.ca/?=elders), and
• the written history of ERs.
Pictures are available on the new (thanks to the CLP) FER website: http://ecoreserves.bc.ca/