Managing Use

Albertans and tourists to the province want to experience and enjoy the natural world presented in Alberta Parks.  This means that we need to understand visitors’ and Albertans’ needs and interests.  This information is important in helping us plan and deliver visitor services and facilities that meet your needs.

Visitation
Every year, Alberta Parks collects statistics on visitation to parks. 

• Eight and a half million people visit Alberta's parks and protected areas each year.
• Seven million of these visitors are day users.  The rest are campers who stay over at least one night.

We produce an annual visitation statistics report which provides information on camping, day use and group use within provincial parks and recreation areas.  Trends can be identified by looking at changes over years. 

Visitation Statistics - Fiscal Year
2004/05	Download 84 pages - 1.7 mb
2003/04	Download 80 pages - 1.4 mb
2002/03	Download 83 pages - 1.0 mb
2001/02	Download 83 pages - 1.1 mb

For additional information about visitation statistics, please contact Roy Finzel.

Visitor Profiling
We try to better understand who our visitors are and what they want from their visits through profiling information.

• Most visitors to Alberta's provincial parks and protected areas are Albertans.  In 2007, the origin of campers was:
• 94% from Alberta
• 2% from British Columbia
• 4% from elsewhere
• 32% of Albertans visited a provincial park in the past year; more than 40% have visited in the past three years.
• The average camping party size is 3.2 campers.
• 69% of visitors travel with their family; 23% travel with friends.
• Albertans with higher education and higher incomes are more likely to use provincial parks.
• One third of provincial park users have increased their usage of parks over the past 5 years (usually due to children getting older or more leisure time).
• Camper profiles were done in 2006 based on Travel Alberta’s segmentation categories.
• 45% of campers were Comfort Seekers who have a strong preference for familiar locations and desire relaxation and strengthening family bonds.
• 42% of campers were Real Relaxers who desire tranquility, peace and quiet and who prefer to do nothing.
• Accomplishers accounted for 13%; they desire unfamiliar places to visit and new things to do.

• Most visits are:
• planned as opposed to spontaneous,
• the main destination, not a stopover on a trip.
• When choosing a provincial park as a place to visit, the most important reasons are: appreciation of nature, being with friends and family, relaxation, being in a wilderness setting, and safety and security.
• There is a high level of repeat visitation – most visitors have been to the same park repeatedly.
• In 2006, slightly more than half of campers had made a reservation in a provincial park atleast once.
• Campers usually stay 3 nights.
• The most frequent activities done by visitors in provincial parks are: photography, wildlife viewing, picknicking and hiking. 

Who is not visiting and why?

• Of those who don’t use Alberta’s provincial parks:
• 40% use other parks or recreations areas (e.g., national, municipal, private, other provinces)
• 30% are not interested in using parks
• 8% cite factors related to lack of opportunity (access, cost, travel distance, crowdedness).
• People who don’t visit provincial parks most commonly say it’s due to these “barriers”:
• Use of other parks or recreations areas (e.g., national, municipal, private)
• Factors relating to limited time or money (family/work commitments, cost of camping, equipment and transportation),
• Lack of awareness of opportunities in provincial parks
• 20% of provincial park users have decreased their usage of parks over the past 5 years (mostly due to having young children or poor health and loss of mobility).
• Park visits decline with age, particularly after 75 years old.

Visitor profiling data and information on visitor needs and priorities is gathered through a variety of sources including the surveys noted below.

Camper Satisfaction Survey
This survey includes a cross-section of 93 auto accessible provincial park or recreation area campgrounds.  The campgrounds are chosen to be representative of different levels of visitation, geographic locations, and operational type.   A random sample of adult campers is surveyed at approximately one quarter of these campgrounds per year on a four-year rotational cycle. 

Campers’ overall satisfaction is a performance measure for Alberta Parks, reported in the Tourism, Parks and Recreation Annual Report (78 pages | 5.64 mb).

The chart that follows is taken from the 2008 Camper Satisfaction Survey (49 pages | 307 kb). A more detailed chart can be found on page 6 of the report.

To see our response to the feedback we receive, please check Frequently Asked Questions.

The full provincial summary reports “How Are We Doing?” are available:

Visitor Satisfaction Surveys
2008 Camper Satisfaction Survey - Provincial Summary	Download 307 kb
2007 Camper Satisfaction Survey - Provincial Summary	Download 1.6 mb
2006 Camper Satisfaction Survey - Provincial Summary	Download 1.6 mb
2005 Camper Satisfaction Survey - Provincial Summary	Download 1.2 mb

For additional information about earlier Provincial Summaries, please contact Roy Finzel.

Public Feedback Program Summary

Alberta Parks implemented a formal public feedback program as part of a public responsiveness strategy.  It included postage-paid comment cards distributed in select provincial parks across the province and an on-line feedback form. 

• 406 public responses were received on about 90 parks.
• In total, there were over 1,300 separate comments.
• 42% of these comments were positive; the rest were negative comments or suggestions for improvements. 

All the feedback submitted was reviewed by Parks staff and the management team.  Feedback received about individual parks was addressed immediately on-site.  This helped us improve the quality of our services and facilities as the operating season progressed so that other visitors had a more positive experience. 

Examples of how we responded to feedback include:

• Passing on compliments about staff, volunteers and operators to recognize a job well done;
• Taking immediate maintenance action;
• Ensuring existing rules were implemented correctly and consistently;
• Clarifying policies or programs with an individual at a specific park or with the general public through our webpage;
• Using the input to plan or improve facilities, programs, services or policies.  An example of this is the development of our new online reservation service. 

The feedback we received was summarized in a report and submitted to the Deputy Minister and Minister of Alberta Tourism, Parks & Recreation. 

• Table of positive comments. 
• Table of table of negative comments.

To see what we’re doing to address what we heard, please check Frequently Asked Questions.

Public Opinion
“Priorities for Alberta’s Parks” Survey (2008)

In summer 2008, The Praxis Group was contracted to identify Albertans' perspective on future priorities for the provincial park system.  A province-wide telephone survey was used to gather feedback from visitors and non-visitors of Alberta’s parks.  1,208 telephone surveys were completed.  Additionally, people visiting a wide range of provincial parks were asked to participate in an on-line survey.  983 surveys were completed.

In addition to visitor profiling information, the report identifies respondents’ top priorities for improvement in the provincial parks system:

• Setting aside land in an undisturbed state, protecting the province’s environment and natural heritage
• Improving the quality and condition of existing facilities (e.g., electrified sites, showers/washrooms)
• Increasing enforcement (of rules within parks and rules related to environmental protection)
• Developing a centralized and improved reservation system
• Improving awareness of the parks and protected areas system
• Consulting with the public

(50 pages | 3.0 mb)

Formal Public Consultation
We also gather information through consultation processes where the public provides input into planning for specific parks and initiatives.  Check here for public consultation opportunities.

Special Permits
Special permits are required for the following activities in parks and protected areas:

• Special events (114 kb) (contact the park or protected area where the event is to be held)
• Research and collection activities
• Guiding and instruction (32 kb)
• Filming and photography (32 kb)

To apply for a permit for guiding and instruction or research and collection activities in Kananaskis Country, visit the Kananaskis Country web site.

For general permit information contact John Findlay, or contact the appropriate management area office.

Filming & Photography in Alberta's Parks & Protected Areas

Alberta’s parks provide excellent locations for filming and photography; however, it is important that filming and photography activities occur in such a way that the environmental integrity of protected areas and the regulations that govern them are respected.

Filming & Photography Permits
Filming and photography activities with specific requirements not normally extended to park visitors will require a permit in most cases.

Permits are required for filming and photography activities that:

• require access to restricted areas;
• require park staff supervision;
• have the potential to impact park resources in ways that are not consistent with traditional use;
• may interfere with other visitors' enjoyment of the park;
• require exclusive use of an area; or
• involve sets, props, models, etc.

Permit Exceptions

• Although acceptable in most parks and protected areas, filming and photography activities that require a permit will not normally be allowed in wilderness areas and ecological reserves unless they are consistent with site management plans.

Permit Exemptions

• Permits are not required for news media filming and photography related to reporting of news events.

Applying for a Permit

• When a permit is required, the application (32kb) must be received at least 5 days prior to scheduled project start-up. Large more complex projects will require more notice (up to 30 days).
• Submit a completed application form (32kb) or letter describing the activity to the appropriate Parks Division office (17kb).
• Liability (third party) insurance will be required if the activity has the potential to cause additional risk to other persons, the property of other persons, or park property.
• If liability insurance is required, the filming and photography permit will not be signed until proof of liability insurance is provided by the applicant. Applicants must have their insurance company complete the department’s standard certificate of insurance (30kb) or provide a valid insurance certificate and submit it to the department.
• Include safety/emergency response plans if applicable to the project.  

Application Requirements
Applications must explicitly describe & document plans to use:

• wild or domestic animals;
• non-native plant species;
• fire or explosives;
• chemicals;
• artificial snow;
• fog machines;
• firearms; or
• other potentially dangerous activities or materials.

Applications must also document plans to carry out:

• high-risk activities or stunts;
• facility modifications or construction;
• use off-highway vehicles; or
• similar activities.

Permit Fees (effective May 1/08)
NOTE:

• If on-site supervision by a Parks Division employee is required, costs associated with this supervision will be assessed by the department. Department costs associated with other activities (e.g. providing resource information, assisting with script or video editing) may also be charged to the permit holder, based on the hours and salaries of staff involved.

On-site supervision by a Parks Division employee not required:

• $50.00/hour of filming/photography to a maximum of $400.00/day

On-site supervision by a Parks Division employee required:

• $110.00/hour of filming/photography
• Total permit fee = daily permit fee x # of days filming/photography is carried out

Security Deposits
A security deposit or performance bond may be required in an amount sufficient to cover any damage resulting from the activity, including the cost of cleanup and reclamation.

Filming & Photography Guidelines
Filming and photography permit applicants must be familiar with the following guidelines and conditions:

1. Filming and photography activities with specific requirements require a valid permit specifying conditions of approval.
2. A filming and photography application form must be completed and written approval received before activities can commence; a detailed letter from the applicant may be accepted in lieu of an application. To determine if a letter is acceptable in your case, contact the appropriate parks division office (17kb).
3. Depending on the complexity of the activity, a department employee may be assigned to monitor filming/photography activities. The permit holder may be levied a fee for this service on a cost-recovery basis.
4. A security deposit of $1,000.00 may be required at the time the application is made to ensure site cleanup and restoration. If long-term reclamation is required, a letter of credit or letter of guarantee will be required that can be drawn upon if reclamation is not completed to the satisfaction of the department.
5. If liability insurance is a requirement of the permit, the permit holder must provide proof of coverage to a minimum level of $2,000,000.00/occurrence.
6. The permit holder must appoint a location manager, or designate an alternate, who will be responsible for all activities and be on-site at all times during filming/photography.
7. Filming and photography are not normally permitted on weekends and statutory holidays; if permitted the activity may be subject to additional restrictions to mitigate impacts on general public use of the area or facility.
8. Alberta Tourism, Parks & Recreation reserves the right to close an area at any time due to environmental sensitivity, wildlife, fire hazard or other public safety concern. The department will not accept responsibility for any costs incurred by the permit holder during the closure.
9. No animals or foreign plant material may be brought into a protected area without prior written approval, and then only under specific conditions.
10. Written approval must be obtained prior to the use of film stunts, special effects, chemicals, hazardous materials, explosives or other potentially dangerous activities or materials.
11. Permit holders may not destroy, remove or relocate any item within a park or protected area without written approval.
12. Construction of film sets and facility enhancements may not take place without written approval.
13. A minimum of five working days is normally required for review and issuance of a permit.
14. The department reserves the right to obtain (for internal use only) a full or partial copy of the permit holder’s final product. 
15. The department reserves the right to add other conditions as required.

These guidelines and conditions do not override the requirement to comply with the Provincial Parks Act and regulations, or other applicable provincial or federal legislation.

For more information
All enquiries related to your permit application should be directed to the Parks Division management area office (17kb) responsible for the location within which the activity is to be conducted. If you are unsure of the area within which your proposed activity will be carried out, contact the Parks Division headquarters office in Edmonton at 780-427-3582/1-866-427-3582.

Regulations - Download Regulations Brochure (854 kb)
Parks and protected areas regulations protect natural and cultural features; they also ensure that visitors to Alberta's parks and protected areas have an enjoyable stay. To view copies of legislation and regulations associated with parks and protected areas management, visit the Queen's Printer web site (catalogue search keywords "Provincial Parks Act", "Wilderness Areas, Ecological Reserves, Natural Areas and Heritage Rangelands Act" and "Willmore Wilderness Park Act").

Park Conservation Officers are Special Constables, which gives them the authority to enforce all regulations under the Provincial Parks Act, including issuing citations and penalties for offences.
 

Specified Penalties for Offences
Effective November 1, 2005, changes have been made to the specified penalties for offences under the Provincial Parks Act. Penalties range from $50 to $500 for more than 50 different infractions, including camping in non-designated areas, removing firewood from a park and pets off leash.

Penalties for violations have remained unchanged since the mid-‘80s and were no longer seen as a deterrent.

Most penalties are increasing to a more effective deterrent of $100, $150 and $250. Some examples include:

• Leaving a fire unattended increases from $50 to $250.
• Failing to extinguish a fire, coals, etc. before leaving increases from $50 to $250.
• Unauthorized operation of a motor vehicle/off-highway vehicle in a park/recreation area increases from $50 to $250.

These changes under the Provincial Offences Procedure Act also establish penalties for some offences that previously didn’t have a specified penalty. For example, a $250 penalty has been established for feeding wildlife in a park or recreation area.

After a comprehensive review, the penalties for violating parks regulations are now more equitable with penalties for offences under other Alberta statutes.

The increased penalties for infractions should help to deter actions that would violate those regulations and will result in greater public safety and enjoyment for many years to come.

View List of Specified Penalties for Offences under the Provincial Parks Act
 

Adobe® Acrobat® PDF files can be viewed with Adobe® Acrobat® Reader software - a free download from Adobe Systems Incorporated.

For more information about Managing the Network, contact Archie Landals.

A small percentage of lands added to the parks and protected areas network since 1995 includes existing commitments to petroleum and natural gas resources. The Government of Alberta honours existing mineral commitments as defined by any tenure, disposition, right, agreement or approval that existed before a protected area was established.

Exploration and working of minerals are precluded in wilderness areas, ecological reserves and Willmore Wilderness Park. For additional information about existing commitments within parks and protected areas, refer to Alberta Energy Information Letter 2003-25 (92 kb).

Legislated protected areas within which existing commitments are honoured include:

• Provincial Parks Act:
  • wildland provincial parks
  • provincial parks and
  • provincial recreation areas
    
    
• Wilderness Areas, Ecological Reserves, Natural Areas & Heritage Rangelands Act
  • natural areas and
  • heritage rangelands

Along with supplying industry with necessary approvals to access minerals, Parks also approves and manages certain recreational and other miscellaneous activities on lands that are within a Park or Protected area. Please refer to the Land Reference Manual website for maps and legal land descriptions of all current protected areas.

Where is your acticvity application for:
Provincial Parks Act Wildland Provincial Park Provincial Park Provncial Recreation Area	Public Lands Act Natural Areas Heritage Rangelands
Provincial Parks Act disposition application (1 page | 255 kb) Environmental Field Report (8 pages | 1.2 mb)	Application for surface dispositions Environmental Field Report

1. Surveyors must obtain consent from Tourism, Parks & Recreation for access to all lands within natural areas, heritage rangelands, wildland parks, provincial parks and provincial recreation areas. Legal surveys are not normally permitted until there is general agreement between the applicant and Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture regarding the location or route of the disposition being considered.
   
   
2. applicants must provide proof of ownership of an existing commitment purchased before the protected area was established.
   
   
3. Has a Biophysical Inventory been completed for the site you are considering?
   
   
4. For all new disturbances, a Rare Plant Survey may be required.

Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation
Parks & Protected Areas Division
Policy & Land Use Planning
2nd floor, Oxbridge Place
9820-106 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2J6

 

Hay Permit
	application fee	$25.00
	fee/ton	$15.00

Mineral Surface Lease
	application fee	$200.00
	new disposition*	$1500.00
	annual fee/acre/year	$1500.00
* A timber damage charge is added and applied to new dispositions; this charge is based on the estimated value of timber removed in connection with the disposition.

Pipeline
	application fee	$200.00
	installation fee (first pipeline)	$1500.00/acre
	installation fee (additional pipelinewithin same right-of-way)	$500.00/acre
* A timber damage charge is also levied, based on the estimated value of timber removed in connection with the disposition.

Utilities Disposition
	application fee	$50.00
	annual land rent	$50.00/acre

Miscellaneous Permit
	application fee	$50.00
Miscellaneous Lease
	application fee	$50.00

Licence of Occupation
	application fee	$50.00
	drainage/irrigation ditch per acre	$50.00
	commercial pier	$100.00
	non-commercial pier	$50.00
	commercial water line/acre*	$150.00
	roadway under 15 m	$10.00/km
	roadway 15-18 m	$15.00/km
	roadway 19-25 m	$20.00/km
	water intake	$50.00/intake site
* Additional $50 per acre for additional pipeline.

Easement
	application fee	$50.00
	annual fee/acre	$25.00

Assignments
	pipeline	$250.00
	quarter section*	$25.00
	mineral surface lease	$100.00
	any other disposition	$50.00
* Additional fee for each quarter section to which the assigned disposition relates.

Amendments

$50.00

Exploration Application (seismic)
	application fee	$375.00
	application amendment fee	$175.00

Trapper’s Cabins
	application fee	$25.00
	annual land use fee	$25.00

Disposition Inspection
	deficiency remediation follow-up fee	$250.00

Reclamation & Inspection Certificate
	inspection & certification fee	$300.00

• Amendment for Provincial Parks Act Dispositions (1 page | 236 kb)
• Application for Provincial Parks Act Dispositions (1 page | 255 kb)
• Assignment of Provincial Parks Act Dispositions (1 page | 230 kb)
• Assignment of Provincial Parks Act Dispositions Additional Assignees (1 page | 228 kb)
• Assignment of Provincial Parks Act Industrial Dispositions (1 page | 202 kb)
• ParksEnvironmental Field Report (8 pages | 1.2 mb)
  • Supplement A – Sites & Installations
  • Supplement B – Access
  • Supplement C – Pipeline
  • Supplement D – Easement
  • Supplement E – Miscellaneous Use

• Application for Surface Dispositions under the Public Lands Act
• Digital Integrated Dispositions
• Environmental Field Report
• Geophysical Field Report