News/Reports

Management Planning in BC Parks

Posted June 11, 2020 | Categories : 300,400,500,BC Parks,Management |

The members of the Board of Friends of Ecological reserves have recently done a survey of  Ecological reserves, examining which have Management plans.  We were concerned about whether management plans were live and active documents, and the issues that they portrayed.

 

The following is taken from the BC Parks website at:

http://bcparks.ca/planning/process/

Management Planning Process

What is a Management Plan?
A management plan is a document that outlines the vision and direction for a protected area. A management plan:

  • Situates the protected area within a landscape context, both geographically and as a part of the protected areas network, in short, where is it, and what is its role in BC Parks system.
  • Describes the key features and values of the protected area (such as natural, cultural and recreation values).
  • Identifies future appropriate management activities.
  • Determines the appropriate levels of use and development.
  • Establishes the long-term vision and management objectives to be met.
  • Responds to current and predicted future threats to the values and opportunities to enhance or change the values and uses of the area.

What is the Process Used to Prepare Management Plans?

Management Plan Process

The development of management plans is usually led by BC Parks. In many cases First Nations and/or other partners collaborate with BC Parks in the development of the management plan.

Pre-planning Pre-Planning. In this initial phase, all existing management commitments such as land use planning direction, government to government agreements, and previous management plans for a protected area are compiled. From there the regional planning staff determine where each potential management planning project fits within regional and provincial priorities.
Initial Planning Initial Planning. This stage involves reviewing existing information about the protected area’s values and potential management issues; determining how complex and in-depth the management planning process needs to be; confirming First Nations’, local communities, and public interests in the protected area; developing a process to address the identified interests and concerns; and establishing a management planning project team. The outcome of the initial planning stage is a project plan. The public is notified when the project plan is complete and the project is being initiated.
Draft Management Plan Draft Management Plan. During this stage, the planning team will identify the values, vision (the desired future condition) and principles that will guide future management of the protected area. Previously identified interests and issues are discussed, and appropriate management direction is developed in the form of a vision, management objectives and strategies, and a zoning plan. The draft management plan must be prepared using the established BC Parks management plan template. As per the BC Parks policy, there must be an opportunity for public review and comment on the draft plan.
Finalising Management Plan Final Management Plan. This stage involves the review of all submissions received during the public review period and the subsequent editing of the plan if and as required. Following the review and approval of the draft management plan by BC Parks decision makers, the management plan is finalised. At this stage, the final management plan may also require First Nations’ and/or other partners’ approval. The public is notified when the final management plan has been approved.
Implementation Implementation. The implementation of a finalised management plan is an ongoing process. BC Parks managers, operational staff and partners carry out the implementation of the strategies identified in the management plan.
Monitoring and Evaluation Monitoring and Evaluation. The effectiveness of the management activities and of the management plan itself must be assessed by BC Parks (and the collaborative partner(s) where relevant) on a regular basis. Based on the results of the evaluations, management direction may need to be adjusted, or modifications may need to be made to the management plan to adjust to any changes in societal, cultural or natural resource values associated with the protected area.

How can you be involved?

As per BC Parks policy, the public is provided the opportunity to review and provide comment on draft management plans. Depending on the project, there may be single or multiple opportunities for public feedback and review.

The level of public engagement and the type of public consultation required varies according to the specific circumstances of the protected area in question. However, all management planning processes will provide open and transparent access to background information, draft management planning documents, and the rationale behind management planning decisions.
At a minimum, public engagement will include:

  • A public web-based announcement that the project is being initiated;
  • A 30-day web-based public review period for the draft management plan; and
  • A public web-based announcement that the project is approved and complete.

Other public engagement opportunities (e.g., public forums, meetings) may be provided during individual management planning processes.

To find out about current formal opportunities for public comment visit the Active Management Planning Page. You will also find a link on the Active Management Planning Page to sign up to receive RSS Feeds with updates on all approved management plans and opportunities for public comment.

For more information

BC Parks has policies and guidelines and templates that guide the management planning program. Some of these items are listed below:

Policy

Guidelines

This link on BC Parks website shows management plans for the following Ecological reserves:

<trNechako River Ecological ReserveOminecaApproved PS 2003

Protected Area District Status
AlezaLake Ecological Reserve Omineca Approved PS 2003
Ambrose Lake Ecological Reserve Lower Mainland Approved PS 2003
Anne Vallee Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Baeria Rocks Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Ballingall Islet Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Baynes Island Ecological Reserve South Coast Approved MP 2012

Learn more about planning and management of this Protected Area

Bednesti Lake Ecological Reserve Omineca Approved PS 2003
Beresford Island Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Big Creek Ecological Reserve Cariboo Approved PS 2003
Big White Mountain Ecological Reserve Okanagan Approved PS 2007
Blackwater Creek Ecological Reserve Omineca Approved PS 2003
Blue / Dease Rivers EcologicalReserve Skeena Approved MDS2003
Bowen Island Ecological Reserve Lower Mainland Approved MS 1990
Bowser Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Browne Lake Ecological Reserve Okanagan Approved PS 2005
BrowneLake Okanagan Approved PSZP 2006
Burnt Cabin Bog Ecological Reserve Skeena Approved MDS 2000
Byers /Conroy /Harvey /Sinnett Ecological Reserve Cariboo Approved PS 2003
Campbell Brown Ecological Reserve Okanagan Approved PS 2005
Canoe Islets Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Cardiff Mountain Ecological Reserve Cariboo Approved PS 2003
Catherine Creek Ecological Reserve Skeena Approved MDS2003
Charlie Cole Creek EcologicalReserve Skeena ApprovedMDS 2003
Checleset Bay Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Chickens Neck Mountain Ecological Reserve Skeena ApprovedMDS 2003
Chilako River Ecological Reserve Omineca Approved PS 2003
Chilliwack River Ecological Reserve Lower Mainland Approved MP 2000
Cinema Bog Ecological Reserve Omineca Approved PS 2003
Clanninick Creek Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Claud Elliott Creek Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Cleland Island Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Columbia Lake Ecological Reserve Kootenay ApprovedMDS 2004
Comox Lake Bluffs Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Cougar Canyon Ecological Reserve Okanagan Approved PS 2005
Dewdney and Glide Islands Ecological Reserve Skeena Approved MDS2003
Doc English Ecological Reserve Cariboo Approved PS 2003
Drizzle Lake Ecological Reserve Skeena Approved MDS2004
Drywilliam Lake Ecological Reserve Omineca Approved PS 2003
Duke of Edinburgh Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
East Redonda Island Ecological Reserve Lower Mainland Approved PS 2003
Ellis Island Ecological Reserve Omineca Approved PS 2003
Evans Lake Ecological Reserve Kootenay Approved PS 2003
Field’sLease Ecological Reserve Okanagan Approved PS 2005
Fort Nelson River Ecological Reserve Peace Approved PS 2006
Francis Point Ecological Reserve Lower Mainland Approved MP 2008
Fraser River Ecological Reserve Lower Mainland Approved MS 1990
Galiano Island Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Gamble Creek Ecological Reserve Skeena Approved MDS2003
GilnockieCreek Ecological Reserve Kootenay ApprovedMDS 2004
Gingietl Creek Ecological Reserve Skeena Approved MDS2004
Gladys Lake Ecological Reserve Skeena Approved MP 2003
Goosegrass Ecological Reserve Kootenay Approved PS 2003
Haynes’Lease Ecological Reserve Okanagan Approved PS 2005
Honeymoon Bay Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Hudson Rocks Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Ilgachuz Range Ecological Reserve Cariboo Approved MP 2002
Itcha Ilgachuz Cariboo Approved MP 2002

Learn more about planning and management of this Protected Area

Katherine Tye Ecological Reserve Lower Mainland ApprovedMS 1990
KingfisherCreek Provincial Park and Ecological Reserve Okanagan Approved PSZP 2006
Klaskish River Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Klanawa River Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Kotcho Lake Ecological Reserve Peace Approved PSZP 2006
Lasqueti Island Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
LepasBay Ecological Reserve Skeena ApprovedMDS 2004
Lew Creek Ecological Reserve Kootenay Approved PS 2003
Liumchen Ecological Reserve Lower Mainland Approved MDS 2001
Mackinnon Esker Ecological Reserve Omineca Approved MP 2017
Mahoney EcologicalReserve Okanagan Approved PS 2006
Mara Meadows Ecological Reserve Okanagan Approved PS 2006
Mara Meadows Provincial Park Okanagan Approved MP 2018
McQueenCreek Ecological Reserve Thompson Approved MP 1996
Megin River Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Misty Lake Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Moore, McKenney and Whitmore Islands Ecological Reserve Cariboo Approved PS 2003
Morice River Ecological Reserve Skeena Approved MDS 2003
Mount Derby Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Mount Elliott Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Mount Elphinstone (Proposed ER) Lower Mainland Approved PSZP 2003
Mount Griffin EcologicalReserve Okanagan Approved PSZP 2006

Learn more about planning and management of this Ecological Reserve

Mount Maxwell Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved MP 2012

Learn more about planning and management of this Protected Area

Mount Tinsdale Ecological Reserve Cariboo Approved PS 2003
Mount Tuam Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved MP 2012

Learn more about planning and management of this Protected Area

Mount Tzuhalem Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Narcosli Lake Ecological Reserve Cariboo Approved PS 2003
Nimpkish River Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Ningunsaw Ecological Reserve Skeena ApprovedMDS 2003
Nitinat Lake Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Ospika Cones Ecological Reserve Omineca Approved PSZP 2005
Patsuk Creek Ecological Reserve Omineca Approved PS 2003
Pink Mountain (Proposed ER) Peace Approved PSZP 2006
Pitt Polder Ecological Reserve Lower Mainland Approved MS 1990
Portage Brule Rapids Ecological Reserve Peace Approved PSZP 2006
Race Rocks Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved MP 2002
Ram Creek Ecological Reserve Kootenay Approved MDS 2004
Raspberry Harbour Ecological Reserve Omineca Approved PSZP 2005
Roberts Creek Lower Mainland Approved MP 1982
Robson Bight Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Rose Islets Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Rose Spit Ecological Reserve Skeena Approved MP 1999
Ross Lake Ecological Reserve Lower Mainland Approved MS 1990
San Juan Ridge Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
San Juan River Estuary Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Sartine Island Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Satellite Channel Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Sikanni Chief River Ecological Reserve Peace Approved PS 2006
Skagit River Cottonwoods Ecological Reserve Lower Mainland Approved MS 1990
Skagit River Forest Ecological Reserve Lower Mainland Approved MS 1990
Skagit River Rhododendrons Ecological Reserve Lower Mainland Approved MS 1990
Skeena River Ecological Reserve Skeena Approved MDS2003
Skihist Ecological Reserve Thompson Approved MP 1996
Skwaha Lake Ecological Reserve Thompson Approved MP 1996
Smith River Ecological Reserve Peace Approved PS 2006
Soap Lake Ecological Reserve Thompson Approved MP 1996
Solander Island Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Sunbeam Creek Ecological Reserve Omineca Approved PS 2003
Sutton Pass Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
TacheedaLake Ecological Reserve Omineca Approved PSZP 2005
Tahsish River Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
TaklaLake Ecological Reserve Omineca Approved PSZP 2005
Ten Mile Point Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Tow Hill Ecological Reserve Skeena Approved MP 1999
Torkelson Lake Ecological Reserve Skeena Approved MDS 2003
Tranquille Ecological Reserve Thompson Approved MP 1996
Trial Islands Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Trout Creek Ecological Reserve Okanagan Approved

Learn more about planning and management of this protected area.

Tsitika Mountain Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Tsitika River Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
VladimirJ. Krajina Ecological Reserve Skeena ApprovedMDS 2004
Westwick Lake Ecological Reserve Cariboo Approved PS 2003
Whipsaw Creek Ecological Reserve Okanagan Approved PS 2007
Williams Creek Ecological Reserve Skeena Approved MDS2004
Woodley Range Ecological Reserve Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003
Wrinkly Face(proposed ER Okanagan Approved PSZP 2006
Yellowpoint Bog Ecological Reserve (previously known as Ladysmith) Vancouver Island Approved PS 2003

Learn more about planning and management of this Protected Area