These are our suggestions on the Revelstoke Forest District Land Use Plan

October 24, 1997

Revelstoke and Area Land-Use Planning Minister's Advisory Committee c/o City of Revelstoke Box 170 Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0

RE: Re: Draft Recommendations in Land-Use Plan

Dear MAC Representatives,

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this draft. While many of my questions and/or concerns had been addressed in the discussions of October 17, I ask that the MAC consider revising or clarifying the following issues:

1. Balance of Values - the following corrections or changes may provide a better balance of values:

• First Nations Interests. The Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council have identified Sites EiQo-1 and EiQ0-2, and have requested Archaeological study during a reservoir drawdown(see Lake Revelstoke Plan). These sites should also be recognized in the Polygon descriptions.
• Tourism Values: Highway 23S should be allocated Class 2 visuals. We have a responsibility to the West Kootenays, (our new partners in the tourism region), and to our area which must be recognized. This is a very important feeder route, with rubber tire trade coming to us from Spokane markets, and provided to the entire West Kootenays via the TCH. VQO's are not equivalent to Landscape Design - a higher level is required. Old growth has value as a Tourism product.
• Outdoor Recreation. In the Resource Management General Direction Section, (Page 16-34.3) the plan has recommended "Inoperable terrain below the sub-alpine will be managed to achieve an ROS classification of Semi Primitive". Why? An appropriate mosaic may include wilderness areas (such as old growth stands and/or non-sensitive wildlife viewing areas) which should be allocated in a Primitive category, or, at the other end of the spectrum, Roaded Resource, based on proximity to operable lands. This should provide for a full Recreation Opportunity Spectrum - not designated as Semi- Primitive, be it motorized or non (which are not clarified by this statement, either). If this is designated a higher level plan, statements such as these set an unmovable barrier to providing a recreation mosaic.
• Outdoor Recreation. (Page 16-35.2) Existing and new trails need to be connected, with possible recognition and linkage of non-threatened Heritage Sites, such as French Creek Townsite, the Mastodon Mine, etc. Perhaps the wording can reflect this.
• Grizzly Bears. In the Resource Management Guidelines Section (Page 18-22), I suggest we adjust a few of the recommendations. Under Foraging Habitats, and again under Attractant Management we have cited "where identified and mapped by BCE District Staff/should be reviewed by BCE staff", yet do not have the appropriate staffing levels to facilitate this. It would be appropriate to recommend staffing and/or funding to facilitate this mapping and review process, so that it does not get set aside. I am concerned that we have assumed that users will remove refuse - is there a way to include Ministry of Highways, as well as BCFS/FRBC to provide Bear Proof containers at the critical/high use recreation sites? This may avoid more significant attractant difficulties. Unorganized sites should also be signed to remove own waste. Under Recreational Development, we should add "attractant management plans" are required.

2. Impact Assessment - specific revisions(also includes Multiple Account Analysis):

• Economic Assessment does not outline significant reduction in accommodation sector occupancies in area - assumes an increase based on a boom year (1995) when there was a substantial reduction in revenues during 1996 and 1997 year to date. Data is available, and should be utilized.
• Impacts of Class 3 Visuals 23S on the West Kootenay tourism products, from Nakusp to Nelson/Castlegar are not recognized. Volume of travellers utilizing this route from US is not recognized. MOTH may have figures on increased use of Shelter Bay Ferry to more clearly identify this impact.
• Have we utilized FPC as written in the Analysis? Does this include 3 metre green up, and biodiversity at 10/45/45 as a comparative to the MAC plan? I am also concerned that Natural Processes have not been adequately accounted for. We are managing to a very fine line.
• Akolkolex is not cited as a private power project.
• Nora Beverage Plant operates year round - is cited as seasonal.
• Water quality also has bearing on developing brewery industry.

3. Reduction in Timber Supply

• Transition must commence immediately, while there are programs in place, and funds/training for impacted workers, with equal step down, or more reduction now.

4. What additional Economic and Resource-Based Initiatives ...

• We must focus on the ration of jobs per thousand cubic metres harvested, with more emphasis on Value-added capabilities. (The Jobs and Timber Accord cites a goal of 2.00 by 2000)
• Our water quality encouraged Columbia Brewing to start business here - is there added economic capability in this industry?
• Wildlife viewing capabilities, including birding, can offer economic generation/employment in tourism industry. Eco-tourism opportunities are abundant. Promotion of Historic Sites, signage, and circle route trail infrastructure offers extended length of visitor stay/expenditures. We should also emphasize the importance of the TCH, as a feeder route/information provider to the majority of the province.
• We need to be more assertive with reference to the need for purchase of essential habitat with FRBC funding. This should be clearly stated and emphasized in the executive summary.

5. What additional information or research is needed?

• Need accurate information on the value and impacts of tourism to the community; need accurate and updated room revenue statistics/assumptions.
• Need appropriate staffing levels within MOE to enable provision of critical assessments on wildlife habitat in operable terrain.
• Need Archaeological Surveys as requested by First Nations.
• Need accurate heritage site records, recognition, and signage - determination of routes utilized by David Thompson and early explorers; recognition of former town sites, such as French Creek; Historical recognition of the Big Bend Highway. Heritage Values should not be removed from Polygons so indicated until this has occurred. Site definition is required for: The Big Bend Brigade(1807-1842), the Big Bend Gold Rush (1860's), French Creek (1860's), David Thompson Expedition, and Historic tourism mapping (early 1900's, with trails still in use).
• Need enhanced visual design manuals - not visuals based on VQO's (outdated sources)

POLYGON COMMENTS:

16-3 - Recreation - Blanket Creek Provincial Park - is Class "A" Park, not UREP

16.8 - Page 22 - 1.2 - Mining OK on Mount Mackenzie? Recreation" Semi Primitive Non Motorized" = minimal to no site modification, per Recreation Opportunity Spectrum.

16.6 - Akolkolex - Should this polygon show Power Plant?

17.3N - Downie RV Facility should be recognized for Viewscape Management issues; Heritage: Downie Slide is included in this polygon Settlement: Recreational Settlement in this area is proposed through Lake Revelstoke Plan Recreation: Includes Downie UREP Land, held by BC Parks for future.

18.3 - Heritage - French Creek Townsite in this polygon? Mining - Settling ponds need work re: fisheries?

18.5N Heritage - David Thompson Route? Big Bend? Columbia River? Heritage designation should not be removed until heritage study has occurred.

18.6 - Heritage - unknown - Heritage designation should not be removed until heritage study has occurred. Believed to be Fur Brigade/Pack Train Routes/Gold Rush trails Viewscapes - Monashee Outfitting Lodge location - consultation should occur.

18.10 - Heritage - unknown - Heritage designation should not be removed until heritage study has occurred. Believed to be Fur Brigade/Pack Train Routes/Gold Rush trails

6. Do you agree the Community should continue to be involved in land use planning for the area? Absolutely. This community has committed to stewardship of the provincial and global resources in our care, and must continue to participate in the ongoing challenges this stewardship requires.

Sincerely,

Bobbi Fox, CHA

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