Kootenay Region Recreation Access Plans

Over the past decade there has been a significant increase in backcountry recreation activities in the East Kootenay. New technology and the diversity of outdoor recreational pursuits have resulted in increased publicity of the region's wilderness attributes.

The area's proximity to major urban centres has resulted in demographic changes (i.e. influx of lifestyle migrants). The high scenic, conservation, and recreation values that contribute to a quality of life for residents are also spurring the current dramatic growth in tourism related industries.

The result is an increase of recreational use of Crown land in the region. As this trend continues into the foreseeable future, such growth offers significant economic opportunities through expansion of the recreation industry and related service sectors. It also creates increased conflicts among public and commercial recreation groups and between recreation users and industries that rely on Crown land resources.

To realize economic opportunities and to assist in addressing conflicts, Recreation Management Strategy (RMS) Plans were completed for the Cranbrook, Golden, and Southern Rocky Mountain (Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford) areas. These plans were developed through intensive consultation with multi-stakeholder groups considering economic, environmental and social values. They are implemented by government through stakeholder Advisory Committees.

Cranbrook West Recreation Management Strategy (CWRMS)

Golden Backcountry Recreation Access Plan (GBRAP)

Southern Rocky Mountain Management Plan (SRMMP)

The physiographic regions covered by the plans include the Rocky Mountains, the Rocky Mountain Trench, the Columbia Mountains, the Selkirk Mountain Range, the Purcell Mountain Range, the Lizard Range and the Flathead, Wigwam, Elk and Bull River drainages. The plans provide strategic direction for provincial Crown land; no Federal lands, private lands or protected areas are included. They were developed to address impacts and conflicts, protect resource values, and provide increased certainty for the public and commercial recreation sectors.

The intent of this website is to inform recreational users of winter and summer access designations for provincial Crown land in the 3 plan area. There are two types of designations: area designations and road designations. These designations provide direction for motorized and non-motorized access and may have seasonal and other restrictions.

Important Note: Direction for recreational access in each plan is provided for both Snow Free and Snow bound conditions. Please refer to the specific plan maps.

The following wildlife guidelines for backcountry tourism/commercial recreation were developed by stakeholders and government to ensure that backcountry recreation activities are conducted in a manner that does not compromise the current distribution of wildlife, the sustainability of their populations, or the integrity of their habitats.

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/twg/index.html

These guidelines are intended for use by commercial tourism operators tenured under the Land Act when conducting activities on Crown land, including water-based activities.

However, it is anticipated that the guidelines will provide useful guidance for all backcountry recreational users.