|
|
 |
Managing the Natural Resources
  Updated: April 20, 2006 |
| Managing the Natural
Resources "PURPOSE OF MANAGEMENT PLANS Management plans provide the overall direction for the programming, development,
maintenance and protection of a park. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS The Fish Creek Provincial Park Management Plan was developed with extensive
public involvement and consultation process. Common areas of concern included
wildlife safety, conflicts among recreational users, and trail etiquette.
The importance of protecting natural features in the park was an issue
that was consistently mentioned. FISH CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK VISION STATEMENT A vision statement was prepared to guide future management of the park:
"Alberta's Fish Creek Provincial Park is a natural landscape in an evolving urban setting where the needs of wildlife and natural systems are balanced with outdoor leisure and environmental education opportunities."Specific objectives outline management directions for the park: Preservation Objectives General management guidelines provide direction on common issues found throughout the park. The general guidelines will be applied throughout all areas of the park. Vegetation: Natural processes will be generally allowed to occur with a minimum of interference except in facility areas. Wildlife: Management of wildlife will reflect the important balance between maintaining healthy natural systems with providing leisure opportunities for park visitors. Water Resources: Focus will be on maintaining water quality, quantity and preserving the aesthetic value of the Fish Creek and the Bow River. Cultural Resources: Cultural, historical and archaeological features will be monitored and protected within the park. Traffic Corridors: Park supports the City of Calgary GoPlan and will not support extension of traffic routes through the park. Park will work with City to ensure that if traffic corridors are developed or improved they will be sensitive to the park's ecosystem. Trails: Existing system of shale and paved trails will be maintained but no major expansion of trails is proposed. Shared use of trails will be improved through a comprehensive trail etiquette and education program. Within the park, trail cycling and mountain biking will not be for intensive sport or competition-based activities. Dirt track mountain biking within the park will be addressed with consideration for the policy being formulated by the City of Calgary. Public equestrian use has been discontinued owing to a lack of adequate space, and conflict with other uses within a limited land base. Security: Conservation officers will maintain security in the park with an emphasis on personal public contact. The Park Watch program will be promoted. Volunteers: The park will actively encourage volunteer stewardship and promote partnerships. A Volunteer Management Strategy will be prepared to coordinate these activities. Special Events: will be permitted if they are consistent with the vision statement and park objectives and do not significantly restrict leisure opportunities, damage the natural features of the park or place exceptional demands upon its resources. Commercial: No new commercial concessions will be considered except those associated with the Sikome Lake site. ZONING AND DETAILED MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Fish Creek Provincial Park has been divided into seven management areas. Within each area, management zones have been identified to explain appropriate uses with detailed management guidelines. Detailed management guidelines outline management that is specific to a particular management area. In some instances, exceptions to the general management guidelines are identified. The management areas are:
Deer Run LAND DISPOSITIONS Existing dispositions provide easements for utility lines, storm and sanitary sewers and gas pipelines. Management of existing and future dispositions will preserve the aesthetics of the park and minimize impact on natural resources. LAND EXPANSION Expansion of Fish Creek Provincial Park will be considered where the additional lands will assist in achieving the park's established vision and objectives. Land expansion may involve partnerships with other levels of government or private groups. REGIONAL INTEGRATION AND COORDINATION Regional integration refers to management efforts to work with surrounding landowners and government agencies. Good communication and cooperative efforts will be the key to regional integration. The intent of these affiliations will be to ensure compatible activities occur on adjacent lands to minimize negative impacts on the park. Coordination relates to the cooperative management undertaken with partners
inside the park. The successful implementation of many park management
guidelines will be contingent upon cooperative management. IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW The implementation of the plan by Alberta Comunity Development will be
the responsibility of Fish Creek Provincial Park. All implementation
will occur as budget allocations allow. Open house meetings will be held
each year for the public to review the previous year's activities and
to assist in the developing priorities for the next year. FURTHER INFORMATION Further information about the park's management plan can be obtained by contacting the main office of the park. Fish Creek Provincial Park |
For more information regarding Fish Creek Provincial Park, please contact Park Office. |
