Garibaldi Park

UPDATED TO REFLECT RECENT DISCUSSIONS

Management Plan Amendment DRAFT NOT FOR REVIEW-STILL BEING for the Spearhead Area DRAFT

October 2012

Cover photo:

Kendra Wood.

Garibaldi Park Management Plan Amendment for the Spearhead Area

DRAFT

Table of Contents
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1 Context .................................................................................................................... 1 Scope and Study Area ............................................................................................. 2 Public Engagement Process .................................................................................... 3 Analysis and Recommendations ............................................................................. 4 Section 5.2.1LAND MANAGEMENT ......................................................................... 4 Section 5.3CULTURAL RESOURCES .......................................................................... 6 Section 6.2.1HIKING/BACKPACKING ....................................................................... 8 Section 6.2.3MOUNTAIN BIKING........................................................................... 10 Section 6.2.4WINTER RECREATION [BACKCOUNTRY HUTS] ................................. 12 Section 6.2.5COMMERCIAL RECREATION SERVICESHELI-SKIING ...................... 14

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1. Introduction
In January 2012 BC Parks initiated a management plan amendment process for Garibaldi Park. The management plan amendment is focussed on what is referred to here as the Spearhead Area of Garibaldi Park. The Spearhead Area encompasses the Spearhead and Fitzsimmons mountain ranges which together form a horseshoe of mountains connecting Blackcomb Mountain to Whistler Mountain (Figure 1). The purpose of the plan amendment process is to revisit the management direction in the 1990 Garibaldi Park Master Plan and provide supplemental direction required to address management issues specifically affecting the Spearhead Area. This report summarises the results of the initial phase of consultation (January to April 2012) and presents the new draft management plan amendment direction for public review and comment.

2. Context
The 1990 Garibaldi Park Master Plan was the result of an extensive public consultation process completed during the late 1980s. Overall, the 1990 Master Plan is a good, solid plan and the management direction for most of the park is still considered valid today. The Garibaldi Park management plan amendment is driven by a number of emerging issues specifically affecting the Spearhead Area of Garibaldi Park, which has triggered the need to revisit the management direction for this area. The process allows for updated public, stakeholder, and First Nations input into the key issues below. a) Public access and trail connections. There is a need to improve public access, including vehicle access to trailheads and hiking trail connections to the Singing Pass and Cheakamus Lake. There are several new trail connections proposed to improve the visitor experience. b) First Nations involvement. The Spearhead Area of Garibaldi Park is situated in the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation and the Lilwat Nation. Since the 1990 Master Plan, the Province has completed the Sea to Sky Land and Resource Management Plan which identified areas of cultural significance to First Nations. This includes the Squamish Nation Wild Spirit Place which encompasses the Cheakamus watershed, a portion of which is within the study area. In 2007, BC Parks entered into a collaborative management agreement with Squamish Nation. BC Parks is committed to working collaboratively with Squamish Nation and the Lilwat Nation in the management of the Spearhead Area of Garibaldi Park. There are known archaeological sites and features within the study area that require specific management direction.

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c) Increasing use. Summer and winter use in the Spearhead Area is increasing. The management plan amendment will develop direction to support increased levels of use, including modest trail and facility development. d) Mountain biking. The Whistler area has emerged as a popular destination for mountain biking. Mountain biking is currently limited to the Diamond Head area (from the parking lot to the Elfin Lakes campground) and the Cheakamus River Trail. The management plan amendment process explores whether the plan should be updated to include mountain bike access in the Spearhead Area. e) Hut-supported route through the Spearhead Range. The 1990 Master Plan recommends studying a hut-supported ski-touring route through the Spearhead Area, but does not provide specific direction as to whether huts are appropriate in this area. As there is renewed interest in developing this opportunity, BC Parks is seeking input regarding the appropriateness of huts in the study area. f) Heli-skiing. The 1990 Master Plan allows for heli-skiing access into the Spearhead Area of the park. Whistler Heli Skiing Limited holds a park use permit to provide commercial heli-skiing in this area of the park. In 2011 the permit was renewed for a period of five years. BC Parks is seeking input on long-term direction regarding heli-ski access in the Spearhead Area.

3. Scope and Study Area

The management plan amendment will focus on the following six sections of the 1990 Garibaldi Park Master Plan: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) Land Management, Section 5.2.1 Cultural Resources, Section 5.3 Hiking/Backpacking, Section 6.2.1 Mountain Biking, Section 6.2.3 Winter Recreation, Section 6.2.4 Commercial Recreation Services, Section 6.2.5

The Spearhead Area of the park lies directly east of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, adjacent to Whistler Blackcomb's Controlled Recreation Area (CRA). This part of Garibaldi Park is a popular backcountry ski destination in winter and a popular backcountry hiking and mountaineering destination during the summer months.

Garibaldi Park Management Plan Amendment for the Spearhead Area DRAFT

Figure 1. Study Area for the Garibaldi Park Management Plan Amendment.

4. Public Engagement Process

The Garibaldi Park management plan amendment process has six steps: Step 1: Engage stakeholders and First Nations (March 2012) Step 2: Initial public input (March 2012) Step 3: Develop draft management plan amendment (July 2012) Step 4: Draft management plan amendment for comment (October 2012) Step 5: Open houses (November 2012) Step 6: Management plan amendment update and approvals (March 2013) A series of workshops, stakeholder meetings and online public comment forms were used to solicit input at the initial phases of the management plan amendment process (Steps 1 and 2). This report summarizes the comments received, and makes recommendations for proposed amendments to the 1990 Master Plan.

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As part of Step 1, two stakeholder workshops were held on March 9 and 10, 2012 in Squamish and Whistler. These workshops were attended by 19 representatives of key stakeholder groups. Comments were solicited via a facilitated two-hour session, through map notations, and written and verbal contributions. Step 2 of the management plan amendment process involved the online solicitation of public input on the amendment process through information and a questionnaire posted on the BC Parks' website. During 45 days between February and March, 945 respondents filled out the questionnaire. Of the respondents, 85% were from the Lower Mainland, 50% of which were from the Sea to Sky region. During this same time, over 25 written submissions were received from various stakeholder groups. The draft management plan amendment is being posted online for public comment in the fall of 2012. Public open houses will be held in Whistler and Vancouver to solicit comment on the new draft management direction and concepts.

5. Analysis and Recommendations

Section 5.2.1LAND MANAGEMENT Management Issue There are the three main access points to the study area - 1) the Singing Pass Trail, 2) through the Controlled Recreation Area (CRA), and 3) via the Cheakamus Lake Forest Service Road. There are challenges associated with each of these access points that present barriers to public access to the park. 1) In recent years a slope failure has eliminated all vehicle access to the former Singing Pass Trailhead (situated outside the park). As a result, park visitors have an additional 4 kilometre hike on a rough road to join up with the existing trail inside the park. 2) Park visitors may also travel through the CRA to access the park, either by way of the chairlift or by hiking (or skiing) through the CRA via routes connecting into the park. Some of these connections through the CRA are not well defined or signed. 3) The forest service road into the Cheakamus Lake Trailhead is rough and needs to be better signed and upgraded to improve visitor experience. Summary of Comments Received Online comments received from the public expressed strong support for improved access to the Spearhead Area of the park. Two main areas of concern were raised: 1) access via the Singing Pass Trail and, 2) access through the CRA.
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In the case of the Singing Pass Trail, comments underscored the need for repair or replacement of the existing access road and trailhead. A key suggestion for improving access included the installation of a new trailhead and footbridge at the existing power house on Fitzsimmons Creek to facilitate access to Singing Pass. There was strong support for improving public access to the park through the CRA, including the need for clear routes and signage, particularly at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Respondents also suggested reducing the cost of backcountry passes to provide more affordable backcountry access, and raised concerns that controls on winter access (e.g., restrictions on access due to avalanche control) presented significant barriers to backcountry trips and trip planning. Many also expressed the concern that lift hours limit day trip options. Several stakeholders raised the need for year-round overnight parking for park visitors, which would increase in demand if a system of huts is developed in the Spearhead Area. First Nations raised concerns around improved access resulting in increased use in the Spearhead Area, and the potential for impacts to cultural sites and use. Analysis BC Parks needs to work with adjacent land managers, including Whistler Blackcomb, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the Whistler Sliding Centre, to improve public access to the park. This should include improved access to the Singing Pass Trail, with a new vehicle-accessible trailhead, and well-defined access through the CRA, both in summer and winter. BC Parks needs to engage with the appropriate agencies to develop designated overnight and day use parking for park visitors, and to improve access and signage to the Cheakamus Lake trailhead. Recommended Management Plan Amendment The following new objective and associated actions are proposed to be added to section 5.2.1: Objective: To work with adjacent land managers to provide appropriate public access to the Spearhead Area of the park. Actions: Work with adjacent land managers to establish a new vehicle-accessible trailhead on the north side of Fitzsimmons Creek to provide summer access to the Singing Pass Trail.

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- Connect the new trailhead to the existing Singing Pass Trail by way of a new trail, including a footbridge, over Fitzsimmons Creek. - Explore the establishment of a trail from the trailhead to connect into the park on the Blackcomb Mountain side. Work with Whistler Blackcomb to improve the park visitors experience through the Controlled Recreation Area and provide appropriate all-season public access to the park. This includes working together to develop clearly demarcated trails with signage, and exploring measures to reduce other barriers to park access in summer and winter. Work with the Resort Municipality of Whistler to designate year-round parking in Whistler Village for both day use and overnight park visitors. Work with appropriate provincial ministries and the Resort Municipality of Whistler to improve access and signage to the Cheakamus Lake trailhead.

Section 5.3CULTURAL RESOURCES Management Issue The Spearhead Area of Garibaldi Park is situated in the traditional territory of the Lilwat Nation and the Squamish Nation. The Spearhead Area has been used by First Nations for hunting, trapping, fishing, gathering, ceremonies, and travel routes. The 1990 Master Plan does not provide management direction regarding First Nations cultural values in the park. Since the Garibaldi Master Plan was completed in 1990, the Province completed the Sea to Sky Land and Resource Management Plan which identified areas of cultural importance to First Nations. This includes the Squamish Nation Wild Spirit Place which encompasses the Cheakamus watershed, a portion of which is within the study area. In 2007, BC Parks entered into a collaborative management agreement with Squamish Nation. BC Parks is committed to working collaboratively with Squamish Nation and Lilwat Nation, and wants to acknowledge this in the plan. Also, there are known archaeological sites and features within the study area that require specific management direction. Summary of Comments Received Stakeholders and members of the public noted the cultural value associated with the experience of recreating in a wilderness setting. The Spearhead Area is recognized as an important place where British Columbians and other visitors can access alpine landscapes, and experience wilderness and solitude. The importance of the mountaineering history associated with the Spearhead Area and the Russet (Himmelsbach) Hut was emphasised in several comments. Many respondents also underscored the need to protect archaeological sites and First Nations values, and the

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need to provide interpretive themes and education on First Nations cultural history and traditional uses. Lilwat Nation completed a study looking at the cultural and archaeological values in the Spearhead Area and made specific recommendations with respect to the management plan amendment that are reflected in the management strategies below. Further input from First Nations will be sought through this planning process, which may result in additional management objectives and actions. Analysis The management plan needs to acknowledge that the study area is within the traditional territory of Squamish Nation and Lilwat Nation. The plan also needs to recognise First Nations cultural values and should include strategies to protect archaeological sites and traditional uses in the study area. The plan should also include strategies around developing interpretive themes and signage which focus on the First Nations and mountaineering histories associated with the park. Recommended Management Plan Amendment The following changes are proposed to section 5.3: Rename section 5.3 from Cultural Resources to Cultural Values. Include the following text as preamble to the objectives section: The Spearhead Area of Garibaldi Park is within the traditional territory of the Lilwat Nation and the Squamish Nation. BC Parks is committed to working collaboratively with First Nations through the implementation of formal agreements including the Collaborative Management Agreement between the Province and the Squamish Nation and the Sea to Sky Land and Resource Management Plan. Add the following objective and actions to section 5.3: Objective: Recognise and protect First Nations cultural values and traditional uses. Promote and enable the practice of First Nations traditional use and activities in the Spearhead Area, including hunting, trapping, fishing, gathering, and social and ceremonial practices. Work with Lilwat Nation and Squamish Nation, and other partners to develop signage to educate the public about First Nations history, place names, and traditional use in the area. Recognise and protect the Squamish Nations cultural values associated with the Cheakamus Wild Spirit Place.

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Develop site-specific strategies to protect archaeological sites around park facilities including huts, trails, and campsites. Register the known pictograph located between Billy Goat Creek and Wedge Creek with the Heritage Branch. Confirm the location and condition of the aboriginal trail from Billy Goat Creek to Wedge Creek Pass.

Objective: Develop interpretive themes focussed on the mountaineering history of the park. Recognise Garibaldi Parks mountaineering pioneers and history in interpretive signage.

Section 6.2.1HIKING/BACKPACKING Management Issue Summer visitation to the Whistler area is increasing, accompanied by a strong demand for nature-based activities including hiking. According to a Tourism Whistler survey, hiking is cited by visitors as the most important summer activity for guests visiting Whistler, with over 30% of visitors engaging in hiking during their stay. Summer lift access and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola bring many of these visitors to both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, from where they have ready access to the spectacular alpine meadows and vistas in the Spearhead Area of the park. As a result, the Spearhead Area is becoming an increasingly popular summer destination. This increase in use will need to be managed using appropriate facilities, including trails, signage, and campsites. The plan amendment considers expanding the network of trails in the Spearhead Area to improve the range of hiking opportunities available to park visitors. Summary of Comments Received There was support for improving and maintaining existing facilities within the study area, including trails, the replacement or repair of the existing Russet (Himmelsbach) Hut, improved waste management, and development of campsites for overnight park users. There was strong support for expanding hiking opportunities and developing new loop trail options, especially in the Russet Lake area. Comments also confirmed support for the development of a linkage to the Singing Pass area from Cheakamus Lake as recommended in the 1990 plan. There was a high degree of interest in a trail through the Spearhead Area with associated facilities to focus user impacts, minimize environmental damage, and provide waste management facilities and improved safety. Whistler Blackcomb is interested in
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developing a trail from the Flute Summit along the Flute ridge to the Singing Pass Trail which - while mostly within the Controlled Recreation Area - would cross over into the park boundary in some locations. This would provide an alternate trail loop connecting to Whistler Village via the Singing Pass trail. Respondents to the online questionnaire noted the need for easier, more affordable, and earlier summer access to the Spearhead Range through the Controlled Recreation Area, as covered in the Land Management section. Feedback also supported improved signage within the park for existing - and new - trails and facilities. Many of the comments emphasised the importance of ensuring that park and facility development is within the capacity of BC Parks to manage, and the need to respect the ecological and cultural values in the park. Analysis Summer visitation to the Whistler area is increasing, accompanied by a strong demand for nature-based activities including hiking. There is strong support for improved hiking trails and supporting facilities within the study area to control and focus visitor impacts and enhance the recreational opportunities available in the park. Recommended Management Plan Amendment Delete the following action item: A high route trail in the Spearhead range linking the Blackcomb ski area and the Whistler ski area will be studied in detail. Included in the study will be an assessment of impacts to Mountain Goats.

Replace with the following action item: Explore opportunities to develop an alpine hiking trail linking Blackcomb Mountain to Whistler Mountain. Any trail concept will need to ensure the trail provides a high-quality, safe hiking experience for a range of abilities, and will be designed to minimise long-term maintenance requirements and costs. The trail design will include basic facilities where appropriate, including campsites, pit toilets, and food caches.

The following new actions are proposed to be added to section 6.2.1: Work with Whistler Blackcomb to develop a trail connecting from the Flute Summit to the Singing Pass Trail. Hiking trails and any associated facilities will be designed to minimise impacts to sensitive ecosystems and wildlife. Ecosystem values of particular concern include Mountain Goats and alpine meadow vegetation.

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The plan amendment confirms support for the implementation of the following two actions from section 6.2.1: Develop a trail from Cheakamus Lake to Singing Pass. Develop a loop trail linking Russet Lake and Adit Lake.

Section 6.2.3MOUNTAIN BIKING Management Issue Since the drafting of the 1990 Master Plan, mountain biking has emerged as one of the most popular summer activities in the Whistler area and has significant benefit to the local economy 1. The 1990 Master Plan provides for limited mountain biking opportunities in Garibaldi Park at Cheakamus Lake and Diamond Head (Elphin Lakes). There is a strong demand for new mountain biking opportunities in the Whistler area, in particular in alpine areas, as there are few alpine bike trails in the Sea to Sky corridor. Some mountain bikers are making their way from the Singing Pass Trail and the CRA into the Spearhead Area of the park. This access is not permitted, and, if unmanaged, could result in damage to fragile alpine ecosystems. Summary of Comments Received Approximately 50% of the public who commented through the questionnaire indicated they are supportive of mountain biking in the park. Another 35% were supportive of mountain biking provided there were some conditions placed on how this activity is managed. The remaining 15% were not supportive of mountain biking in the park. The primary concerns raised were around the potential for user conflicts, damage to the sensitive alpine ecosystems, wildlife conflicts, and the expense of maintaining a multiuse trail system in an alpine area. Several stakeholders expressed an interest in seeing an expansion in alpine crosscountry biking trails, and felt this would be an asset to tourism in the Whistler area. These stakeholders felt impacts could be mitigated through careful trail management and design. There were stakeholders who did not support mountain biking in the Spearhead Area, citing concerns around erosion and user conflicts. At the stakeholder workshops concerns centered around conflicts between users, however, there were examples provided of where these have been well managed through trail design. A distinction was made between cross-country and downhill riding; the latter being seen as having more damaging impacts and being less compatible with the park experience.

The Western Canada Mountain Bike Tourism Association conducted an economic impact study for communities in the Sea to Sky corridor and showed that public mountain biking trails in the Whistler area generated $6.6 million in economic activity over a period from June - September 2006.

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Another concern was the expense of building, maintaining and monitoring bike trails in an alpine environment, and the strain this may place on BC Parks resources. First Nations questioned the compatibility and acceptability of this activity within this area of the park and expressed concerns around damage to ecological values caused by unregulated and increased use. Analysis There are significant challenges associated with managing mountain biking in the alpine areas, where there is the potential for off-trail use which may result in unacceptable environmental impacts to fragile alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems. Through the plan amendment process concerns have been raised about the compatibility of mountain biking in this sensitive area of the park and the potential for conflicts between hiking and mountain biking. BC Parks is concerned that opening this area up to mountain biking would detract from a high-quality hiking experience. Furthermore, to minimise unauthorised off-trail use and conflicts between users, welldefined, dedicated bike trails and associated infrastructure would be required, which are costly to implement and maintain, and result in cumulative impacts to the alpine ecosystem and wildlife. There are other areas in the region where mountain biking trails would be more appropriate. The growing demand for alpine mountain biking experiences can be addressed by exploring the development of new alpine bike trails outside of Garibaldi Park. Recommended Management Plan Amendment The plan amendment proposes no expansion of mountain biking in the study area, and therefore the direction with respect to mountain biking in the 1990 Master Plan will not be amended. There will be no change the objective in section 6.2.3: Objective: Encourage mountain bike access to park trailhead parking areas but limit cycling to two areas: the Red Heather Ridge trail up to the Elfin Shelter and the proposed south Cheakamus River Trail.

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Section 6.2.4WINTER RECREATION [BACKCOUNTRY HUTS] Management Issue The 1990 Master Plan provides direction to study the concept of a hut-supported winter ski-touring route. BC Parks has recently been approached with a proposal to develop a system of huts in the Spearhead Area, and is studying the feasibility of such a concept, including the appropriateness of huts in this area. Summary of Comments Received Through the online comment form, the public respondents came out strongly in favour of a hut system (93% in support) feeling that it would provide a high value recreational asset in the park. Many felt the huts and associated facilities provide a way to focus and manage visitor impacts and use. There were some concerns around public safety due to the complexity of the terrain, the need to limit commercial use of the huts, and the need to mitigate environmental impacts, in particular impacts to sensitive alpine habitats and wildlife movements. Respondents considered a range of scales of development - from those preferring rustic huts to those interested in seeing more intensively developed huts modeled after the Haute Route in the Alps. Overall, the preference was for modest huts, and not lodges. Comments also emphasised the need for careful visitor management to avoid huts exceeding their capacity, and the need to provide waste facilities. Respondents also emphasised the importance of maintaining affordable access for the public, as well as the need for provision of public amenities at the huts including campsites, pit toilets, and cooking and emergency shelters. A number of stakeholders came out in general support for the huts concept, with some raising concerns about increased public use in the more remote areas of the park, safety issues, particularly in inclement weather, and ensuring the design and location of the huts minimise impacts to the viewscapes and alpine ecosystems. Whistler Search and Rescue underscored the pressures a hut system could place on volunteer emergency responders, and emphasised the need for a safety plan. They also emphasised the importance of the heli-ski operators presence in providing a measure of public safety and assistance with emergency response. There were some concerns expressed around the potential for overlaps in usage areas with the existing heli-ski tenure, in particular in the vicinity of the Trorey Glacier. Analysis Given widespread indications of support for the hut concept, it is recommended that the management plan be amended to provide clear direction to allow huts, with
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provisions including a safety plan, careful siting and phasing, and a model which ensures the huts are affordable and accessible for all park visitors. Recommended Plan Amendment The following changes are proposed to section 6.2.4: Delete the following action: Study in detail the high route trail in the Spearhead Range linking the Blackcomb ski area and the Whistler ski area as a possible ski tour route supported by a hut system. Included in the study will be an assessment of impact on Mountain Goats.

Replace with the following actions: Backcountry huts are acceptable in the Spearhead Area if the following conditions are adequately addressed: - Huts will be accessible to the public at an affordable cost. - Huts will provide comfortable accommodation with minimal facilities to support self-sufficient users. - Huts will be designed to accommodate winter and summer use. - Huts, and access to the huts, will be located in areas where impacts to alpine ecosystems and wildlife, including Mountain Goats, are minimised. Huts will not be located in Mountain Goat winter range, and huts will avoid alpine forage habitat adjacent to Mountain Goat winter range. - Any hut proposal will seek to minimise the number of huts. - Any hut proposal will need to describe how water usage and waste management will be addressed, including developing an operational plan which minimises any air access required for servicing the huts. Hut users will be encouraged to pack out their waste. - Any hut proposal will need to include a health and safety plan to address public health and safety associated with both the access to, and use of, the huts. - Any hut proposal will need to include a wildfire plan to address wildfire risk.

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Section 6.2.5COMMERCIAL RECREATION SERVICESHELI-SKIING Management Issue In 2011, BC Parks renewed Whistler Heli Skiing Limiteds park use permit for heli-skiing for a period of five years. This has allowed BC Parks to seek input from the public, stakeholders, and First Nations to develop management direction on the future of heliskiing in the park. In the 1990 Master Plan, Whistler Heli Skiing was allowed to continue their heli-skiing operations in the Spearhead Area. In 1990, the public generally supported the phasing out of heli-skiing, however a decision was made to allow heliskiing to continue, citing its importance to tourism and the ability to effectively manage user conflicts. Summary of Comments Received Based on the public comments submitted via the questionnaire, 68% of respondents are not in favour of heli-skiing continuing in the park. Reasons cited include: inconsistency with the parks non-motorised vision, conflicts with backcountry skiers, noise, emissions, carbon footprint, impacts to wildlife, and diminishing the sense of park solitude. Approximately 32% of the respondents supported heli-skiing, citing its importance to Whistlers economy, tourism, and a history of effectively managing recreational conflicts. Feedback from stakeholders was mixed. Some stakeholders opposed heli-skiing for many of the same reasons cited by members of the public. A number of stakeholders expressed support for heli-skiing, citing its importance to tourism and in enhancing public safety in the park with minimal direct impacts to the park. A number of organisations, including tourism operators, local businesses, and heli-ski/cat companies, wrote letters in support of heli-skiing in the park. Analysis Based on the feedback received to date, most respondents were not in support of heliskiing in the park. However, the ongoing operation of Whistler Heli Skiing is important to Whistlers economy and contributes to the diversity of the recreational opportunities offered in the park. Furthermore, the presence of the heli-ski operator in the park provides an important measure of public safety. A 2012 survey of Mountain Goats indicates that the sub-populations in the Spearhead Area are healthy. This suggests that under the current management regime, heli-skiing operations do not appear to be having a negative effect on Mountain Goat populations in the park, possibly because helicopter access routes avoid goat winter range. However, the 2012 survey was the first survey in the area since 2000, so it is unknown if the population has increased or decreased in recent years. Mountain Goat is an easily stressed species and human use, in particular helicopter use, is known to cause distress
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and habitat avoidance in Mountain Goats. Wolverine is another species that occurs in the park and is known to be negatively affected by helicopters and human use. Any helicopter access to the park will need to be carefully managed to minimise impacts to Mountain Goats and Wolverines. This will require further assessment and monitoring of the use of the two species in this area of the park. Should huts be developed in the park, the continued presence of heli-skiing could be a benefit to the hut system through the provision of support services and public safety and emergency response. There is some potential for conflict where the areas of usage may overlap. However, conflicts can be mitigated through appropriate hut siting, and careful management of the heli-skiing tenure, including possibly limiting usage during peak periods. The heli-ski operator has indicated a willingness to explore measures to address these interests. Recommended Management Plan Amendment The plan amendment proposes to allow heli-skiing to continue in the Spearhead Area of the park. Maintain the following action with respect to heli-skiing in section 6.2.5: The heli-skiing opportunities will continue to be a recreation service offered in the park. However, no new areas will be considered within the park for additional heli-skiing.

Add the following action: BC Parks will work with the heli-ski operator to add value for other park user groups and develop a permit management plan which includes restrictions on usage as required to minimise user conflicts and minimise impacts to Mountain Goats and other wildlife.

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