Access and Trails

In this plan, access and Trails refers to entry onto Crown land, by ground, water or air. Access management is a term that describes how the different types of access can be used to meet a variety of goals.

The goals of access management include:

supporting responsible development of the area’s agricultural, mineral, range, timber, tourism and other resources;
contributing to healthy, local communities;
addressing the needs of fish and wildlife; and
providing opportunities for recreational use by residents and visitors.

This plan balances competing demands for access by managing:

development of trails
types of use (e.g., mechanized, non-mechanized, motorized, non-motorized);
areas of use;
seasons of use (spring, summer, winter, all-season); and
types of users (industrial, commercial, public, recreational).

Trails are connectors between humans and nature. The trail system of BC's goal is to link those two components together without harming one another. The goal of the BC Trails Strategy is to provide management and planning for the trail network in BC.

Throughout the province a survey was conducted including First Nations, tenure holders and other users. With information collected from this survey as well as several letters the trails system was created and completed.

The BC Trails Strategy's vision is:

A world-renowned, sustainable network of trails, with opportunities for all, which provides benefits for trails users, communities, and the province.

Due to BC's natural beauty the trail network will become world class, if managed sustainably.

Seven guiding principles ensure that the four corner stones remain as a base for the trail management. These four corner stones are First Nation involvement, tenure holders consultation, environmental stewardship and user safety.

Out of 30,000 km of trails in BC over 12,000 km are managed by Recreation Sites and Trails BC, 800 km are part of the Trans Canada Trail and 500 km are heritage trails and of First Nations.

Trails are important in many ways. They increase community quality of life, health and well-being, acknowledge First Nations and their history, raise environmental awareness and stewardship and provide a more sustainable form of transport.

Some issues connected with trails that need to be addressed are: the environmental damage they can cause if not managed properly; the safety of trail use through proper planning, more trail information such as maps, signs, brochures and maintenance; the insurance that the rules are followed and the four corner stones of safety, tenure holder consideration, environmental sustainability and First Nations involvement, aren't ignored and trail user conflicts that need to be resolved to ensure enjoyment.

Actions of the BC Trails Strategy include: to incorporate environmental actions and standards into the plan, increase environmental awareness; work collaboratively on the system to ensure safety, cultural and environmental values; to engage tenure holders, First Nations and other stakeholders; and include the transportation network system in trail planning.

In conclusion the BC Trails Strategy wants to ensure a safe trail system for everyone that doesn't damage the environment but rather raises awareness and includes First Nations and tenure holders in the decisions.

Source: Trails Strategy for British Columbia

Recreational mountain biking attracts a large quantity of tourists and is an important activity to the residents of British Columbia. The Forest Range and Practices Act authorizes the construction and modification of trails used by mountain bikers. This way interference with First Nations and tenure holders, environmental impacts of the proposed trail, safety and location can all be assessed first. However, there are too many trails throughout British Columbia which shows that unauthorized trail construction is happening. The aim of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO) is to examine unauthorized trails as well as to authorize new trails. It is important that the new authorized trails are safe, do not damage the environment, are properly located, do not result in user conflicts, are maintained with long-term management and they are reviewed with First Nations, tenure holders and other stakeholders before approval.

The MFLNRO has four main policy objectives of the screening process for mountain bike trail authorization. These four corner stones are that the environment cannot be damaged by the construction of new trails or the use of them by mountain bikes; there are no user conflicts over the area nor the trails (public safety has to be ensured and cannot be threatened by mountain biking); First Nations, tenure holders and stake holders are to be consulted prior to trail approval; and environmental impact and safety issues need to be assessed before a new trail gets approved or an old trail is modified. MFLNRO has the right to remove any trails or facilities that go against these policy aims.

In order to achieve these goals the MFLNRO wants to collaborate with mountain bike clubs and other local organizations.

Only a registered organization or a non-profit organization can apply for a construction or modification authorization. Trail development in areas where there are no trails yet is prohibited unless a local land and resource management plan states otherwise. The party that submits a proposal must have support from the trail community and acknowledge the responsibility of long-term trail management.

If there is an unauthorized trail the MFLNRO can officially register it if the list of the following criteria is met: It has to be an appropriate location, the trail must be popular with the recreational users, it cannot have any Technical Trail Features, it can't pose a threat to public safety or create user conflict, it can't be a jeopardy to First Nations or stakeholder land use, it must not damage the environment and it has to be manageable by BC Recreation Sites and Trails.

The Mountain Bike Policy was created to address the concerns regarding mountain bike activity in British Columbia. It will ensure the four significant factors are monitored. These factors are public safety and user conflicts; First Nations, tenure holders and stakeholders consultation; and environmental integrity.

Source: Mountain Bike Trails Policy

Issues:

Lack of access management planning, especially for undeveloped
Lack of a public process to define appropriate access management or to resolve conflicts. Access planning processes need to include the interests of First Nations, resource developers, user groups and the
Costs of road maintenance and access controls are not always borne by
Access restrictions can limit opportunities for resource
Access restrictions can have positive and negative impacts on recreation
Access controls do not replace adequate law enforcement, for example, against
Some access controls can only be effective if combined with other measures, such as
Unauthorized entry past locked gates can defeat their purpose
Important or historic trails and roads can be damaged by new road
The public seeks better access to lakes, rivers and reservoirs, including boat-launching
Helicopters and floatplanes can affect wildlife and wilderness values but open up more areas for
Specific areas urgently need access management measures, for example to help conserve wildlife or reduce overuse or
Trail development adds to road density and needs to be managed
Trail development and modification often does not abide by regulations of application process
There is little to no on-the-ground monitoring of new and modified trails
Money is given to the application proponent with no accountability
No high level management to oversee success of projects
Many areas have high trail density, contributing to an unsustainable road density

Goals:

A well-planned and carefully managed system of access that balances short and long-term economic, social, cultural and environmental
Trail development planning needs to meet stewardship guidelines
Have system in place where proponent for trail development signs contract regarding trail policy regulations
Rec Sites and Trails monitors each stage of application process with progress reports
Rec Sites and Trails provide leadership at all stages of process
Have Rec Sites and Trails chair meetings provide info to trail groups to fulfill stages of policy i.e. contact list for tenure holders, first nations, biologists and other users
Rec Sites and Trails provide maps at start with enough detail to do the trail review process
Trail density must reduce to maximum road density goal (0.6km/km²)
Train trail group in governance and review process
Train trail group in rec sites and trails policy and strategy and responsibilities of group before application contract is signed
Train trail proponent and all other overlapping agencies in their roles regarding policy and regulation
All trails identified by trail group as trail of interest must be approved by the 2016 Evergreen Stewardship Plan for the Lillooet Sub-Region
Short list any trail proposals to 3 or 4; refer to at starting process
Allow multi use trails only where there are no livestock, horses, cows, or range license tenures
Prohibit trails in Mule deer, sheep, and moose winter ranges and mountain goat, sheep and grizzly bear summer ranges
Prohibit motorized use of trails above 1500 meter elevation to prevent any risk of wildlife displacement

Objectives	Management Direction/Strategies	Measures of Success/Targets	Intent
Manage access to maintain identified values described in Table 1, priority Access Management Measures	Use a variety of access controls to minimize or mitigate impacts	Priority access management measure implemented
Manage access in accordance with seasonal access maps	See Table 2		See Table 2

Access Management Approach

The approach to access management is shown on four seasonal access maps (Spring Access, Summer Access, Winter Access and All-Season Access). The approach will be phased in over the life of the plan, as resources are available. Priority access management measures are shown in Table 1. Access management terms and management intent are explained in Table 2.

The management approach applies only to multiple-use areas (that is, Crown land outside parks and ecological reserves). Park plans determine access within protected areas. The approach provides information for statutory decision makers to consider along with the economic, technical and site-specific conditions of each proposal for development. As with the rest of the plan, access management will be implemented by regulatory agencies, resource developers, tenure holders and area users, as appropriate.

The access management approach focuses on ground-based access (roads, trails) since this is the most common means and because air and water navigation is primarily a federal responsibility. In certain cases, air and water access can be managed through conditions on tenures or business permits.

Climate and topography create many natural barriers to access. Snow pack and rock slides can create undisturbed habitat that benefits wildlife. The plan takes advantage of these natural barriers to regulate motor vehicle access without costly control measures such as gates.

Multiple-use areas are open to industrial and commercial users to carry on their businesses. In developing or using these areas, and roads within them, businesses may need to address other resources, values and uses (e.g., by restricting non-business use or modifying their own use).

All multiple-use areas are open to all users for non-motorized and non-mechanized access.

Access Management

Map Reference: Appendix III Map 14 Access Management

Cariboo-Chilcotin Land Use Plan Direction
Ninety-Day Implementation Process Final Report: Feb. 15, 1995

A. Section 3.8: Undeveloped Areas: Access Management, pages 25 and 26 (in part)

Background

Across the region are a number of areas, which are outside of established, and new Protected Areas and which are, as yet, undeveloped. These areas tend to be located within sub-units of the Special Resource Development Zone. They may contain important wildlife, recreation, and/or tourism values associated with undeveloped or backcountry areas. They may also contain significant mineral and timber resources.

The resource targets and sectoral strategies have been developed in recognition of these values and of the sensitivity of some of these areas to road access.

Action

Such unroaded areas are available for development. Proposals for access development within these areas will be planned and managed in the context of the resource targets, sectoral strategies, and any sub-regional plans that accommodate or are consistent with those targets and strategies.

For currently unroaded drainages, the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (Ministry of Energy and Mines) will encourage the mineral exploration industry to utilize low impact forms of access until there is sufficient evidence to warrant road construction. Where exploration roads are considered necessary, the Ministry will encourage the industry to participate in the restriction of public use of such roads and, where they are no longer necessary, the deactivation of such roads. The Ministry will make every reasonable effort to encourage the industry to avoid road development until ore bodies are sufficiently proven that the Ministry considers that road access for exploration or mine development is warranted.

The Ministry of Forests, in overseeing Forest Development Planning, will ensure that the development of currently unroaded areas is planned in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks and in consultation with the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (Ministry of Energy and Mines) and the Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture. The forest development or landscape unit plans for such areas will identify access management procedures that satisfy the interests of resource uses and values, consistent with the resource targets established by the Land Use Plan and the Ninety-day Implementation Process.

B. Appendix 3, Zonal and Sub-Unit Targets

South Chilcotin Special Resource Development Zone, pages 86 and 87

Overlaps: Access Management Planning will restrict permanent road access in 80% of this polygon.

Wildcraft: To maintain road access to 30% of the polygon. Access to the majority of the polygon will be walk-in off some permanent main roads. Coordinate the use of any temporary access from forest industry development or mineral exploration.

Recreation: Maintain 30% of the polygon in a backcountry condition. In order to be compatible with the timber targets this includes areas above 5000 feet, and is mainly located in the western portion of the polygon, adjacent to the Big Creek Protected Area.

Fish and Wildlife: Apply an access management strategy aimed at restricting the development of permanent access over approximately 50% of the polygon, in addition to the area to be managed for backcountry experience. (30%)

C. Appendix 3 Zonal and Sub-Unit Targets

Gaspard Enhanced Resource Development Zone, pages 130 and 131

Wildcraft: Maintain roaded access to 80% of the polygon. Access to rest of the polygon will be walk-in off permanent main roads, or temporary in conjunction with any forest industry development or mineral exploration.

Recreation: Maintain 2% of the polygon in backcountry condition.

Fish and Wildlife: Manage for access management restrictions in the areas adjacent to Special Resource Development Zones.

D. CCLUP : Other Management Strategies

Access Management

Develop an access strategy and appropriate planning processes. This will include specific backcountry access management strategy which will be designed maintain backcountry values within (primarily) the Special Resource Development Zone. This strategy will address road locations, physical and regulatory closure of roads (non-permanent roads should be considered in previously undeveloped areas), backcountry lake access, and ATV and snowmobile use. Planning will address the need to limit the potential for disturbance or poaching of vulnerable wildlife populations. The targets include provisions for “Modified Harvest” and “No Harvest” as a result of access management requirements and the requirements for management of Quality Lakes.

Outside these backcountry areas an effective planning process is required to manage access in order to protect environmental and other values. In all zones a priority is to limit disturbance and damage to sensitive habitats such as alpine, grasslands, wetlands as a result of motor vehicles. Moose calving areas and other important wildlife habitats also require access management. The targets include provisions for “Modified Harvest” and “No Harvest” as a result of access management requirements and requirements for management of Quality Lakes.

E. Zonal Management Strategies, page 162 and 163

Special Resource Development Zone

Manage access through a Backcountry Access Management strategy (see Regional description). This will apply throughout much of the zone, however, additional stratification is required: in the more developed portions of this zone the standard Regional Access Management strategy should apply.

Enhanced Development Zone

Apply the Regional Access Management strategy to manage access. The Backcountry Access Management Strategy will not apply in this zone; however, certain portions of it will receive a higher degree of access control under the regional strategy.

CCLUP Integration Report Direction

A. Section 5.3.8, Access Management, page 49

Appendix 3 of the CCLUP references access management under four resource targets:

Wildlife targets for maintenance of roaded access
Recreation targets of site-specific areas for access restrictions
Targets of site specific restriction on road development; and
Fish and wildlife targets for the application of an access management strategy

Sub-regional plans should address access management issues that include the specific targets above. This will require consideration of all forms of vehicle access.

SC Access Management Plan

The overall objectives of the Access Management Plan are:

Maintain functioning ecosystems over time by minimizing road density and ensuring permanent road development is reduced to only those roads required for ongoing industrial activities;
Maintain some of the natural attributes of the primary recreation area by limiting vehicular access, which tends to limit the number of users;
With the extensive trail network in SC Plan area, allow for a non-motorized recreational experience with opportunities for isolation and solitude, and the opportunity for experiencing independence and self-reliance associated with primitive recreation skills, and for experiencing some challenge and risk; and
Promote orderly development of extractive resources (e.g. timber and minerals) in a manner that maximizes economic benefits and minimizes negative impacts on environmental and recreational values (Appendix III Map 14 Access Management).

Table 2: Access Management Terms and Management Intent

Term	Description and Management Intent
Control point: A feature that controls access on a road; includes constructed features such as gates, ditches or berms as well as natural blockages	Use natural barriers (e.g., snow pack) as much as possible to meet environmental objectives but supplement them where necessary Shown on each access map
Areas managed by regulation: Areas established under legislation (e.g., Wildlife Act, Forest and Range Practices Act) to manage motor vehicles	The plan proposes no change to permit requirements for industrial or commercial users Areas include: year-round Wildlife Act restrictions at Red Mountain, China Head, French Bar, Nine Mile Ridge; June to November Wildlife Act restrictions at Spruce Lake; and year-round Forest and Range Practices Act restrictions on recreational use at Bonanza Creek These areas will be reviewed during plan implementation to ensure they complement the plan’s approach to access management Shown on each access map
Road density reduction areas: Areas with more roads than are needed to sustain resource development	Intent is to close or decommission roads that are inactive and costly to maintain or that pose a risk to public safety or the environment Closing or decommissioning roads is the responsibility of permit holders, resource developers or government agencies, as appropriate Shown on the All-Season Access map
Currently unroaded areas: Areas without roads	To maintain wildlife habitat and remoteness, new resource roads will be dedicated for industrial or commercial use only and closed when no longer needed Shown on the All-Season Access map
Seasonal access management areas: Areas that have premium habitat for certain vulnerable species, such as mule deer in the winter or grizzly bears in the spring	Intent is to reduce motorized vehicle traffic for part of the year to meet defined environmental objectives Limitations on access apply mainly to public and recreational users These areas may be used for industrial or commercial purposes but users may need to limit or prevent non-business traffic and mitigate their own access-related impacts Shown on the Spring Access, Summer Access, and Winter Access maps
Winter non-mechanized recreation: Areas that provide dedicated opportunities for backcountry skiers, other nonmotorised winter recreation use	Snowmobilers and other mechanized recreational users are encouraged to avoid them Open to industrial and commercial use, including new resource roads, but impacts to recreational users should be considered Shown on the Winter Access map

Objectives	Management Direction/Strategies
1. Aid in maintaining functioning ecosystems over time by minimizing road density and ensuring permanent road	1.1 Prevent loop routes or connections on new industrial roads between the Williams Lake Forest District and the Lillooet Forest District through the use of access control measures.
	1.2 Use provisions to manage access control such as road closures, temporary deactivation permanent deactivation, and in some instances, restriction to industrial users only.
2. Maintain traditional access.	2.1 Allow recreational users to travel on the industrial roads for short distances where they cross or overlap the existing nonstatus roads and trails.
	2.2 Leave existing non-status roads and trails open. No maintenance of non-status roads and trails will be provided by government agencies.
	2.3 Unless no other route is feasible, industrial roads will not overlay traditional access.
3. Maintain some of the natural attributes of the primary recreation area by limiting vehicular access, which tends to limit the number of users. 4. Manage access to limit impact on wildlife populations.	3.1/4.1 Enforce regulatory restrictions, British Columbia Hunting and Trapping Regulations, outlined below.
Details To Strategy 3.1 and 4.1 Enforce Regulatory Restrictions: British Columbia Hunting and Trapping Regulations The following summary from the “Synopsis” of the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations is not the law in its entirety and does not apply only to hunters and trappers. Regulations frequently change. Contact the BC Environment Regional Office in Williams Lake for detailed road access information. • The operation of ATVs (including motorcycles and snowmobiles) for the purpose of hunting, to transport wildlife, to transport equipment and supplies which are intended for or in support of hunting or to transport hunters to and from the location of wildlife is prohibited between the hours of 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. Snowmobiles are permitted during the period December 1 to May 1. This restriction applies to the entire SC Plan area. • The operation of all motor vehicles for the purpose of hunting, to transport wildlife, to transport equipment, firearms, or supplies which are intended for or in support of hunting or to transport hunters to and from the location of wildlife is prohibited on the following roads: a) Gaspard-West Churn Forest Service Road (3200) - south of the junction of this road and the Stobart Creek. (Bridge). b) Churn Creek Forest Service (2800) Road (including side roads) is restricted south of km. 35. • Gaspard-Churn Creek ATV restricted area. Situated in Management Unit 5-3, this area is mapped as Map E10 in the 1998/99 BC Environment Hunting Regulations Synopsis. The operation of ATV (including motorcycles) at any time is prohibited, except for commercial activities other than hunting. Use of snowmobiles is allowed December 1 to May 1. Red Mountain and French Mountain – The operation of all motor vehicles is prohibited year round above the 1920 metre elevation. A sign stands where the 1920 metre elevation intersects the road to Red Mountain, stating that there is no vehicle access beyond this point, the reason for this restriction and a reference to the Hunting Regulations. Motor vehicle use in alpine areas for industrial/commercial purpose is allowable with a valid permit.
5. Manage access to provide for protection of the sheep migration corridor.	5.1 Regulatory Restriction: Forest Practices Code Act (Forest Service Road Use Regulation)
	5.2 Restrictions for forestry activity requiring Gaspard-Red Mountain Forest Services Road access through the Sheep Corridor.
Details To Strategies 5.1 and 5.2 1. Regulatory Restriction: Forest Practices Code Act Gaspard-Red Mountain Forest Service Road is closed from May 1 to July 1 and from September 1 to November 15. Locked gates are situated at start of Gaspard-Red Mountain Forest Service Road (near Junction with 2800 Road) and at 9.5 km. The open period may be changed pending the results of the radio collar sheep study. Use of the Gaspard-Red Mountain Forest Service Road is restricted to industrial users from May 1 to December 1. Industrial users include forestry operations, local ranch employees, prospectors and miners, agency staff and contract consultants. Traffic control devices consist of signs posted at two locations stating the road use restriction and the penalty for contravention. 2. Restrictions for forestry activity requiring Gaspard-Red Mountain Forest Services Road access through the Sheep Corridor. Light industrial provisions also apply to the East Churn connector. Light industrial traffic will not be permitted through the sheep corridor during closed periods after the East Churn roads connect to Blackdome Road system. Light industrial activities discussed in this section are conducted outside of the sheep migration corridor periods whenever possible. Activities seasonally dependent on timeframes within the corridor closure times such as silviculture activities, surveys, inventories etc. are considered to be light industrial. Each spring and fall, prior to the migration period, the licensees will discuss the proposed light industrial activities with the Ministry of Forests and BC Environment to determine the best means of accommodating various interests Light industrial activities associated with Small Business sales are coordinated to occur at the same time as the activities associated with major licensee cutting permits. Forest licensees will cease light industrial activity during any peaks in migration, as determined by BC Environment. When light industrial traffic is deemed necessary, licensees will minimize daily traffic during the migration periods, and will try to concentrate the traffic to the same time of day. Silviculture activities in the vicinity of Red Mountain Meadows are completed in the shortest time period possible following harvesting, and then deactivation of the Gaspard-Red Mountain Forest Service Road south of the east Churn Junction will be addressed. Access through the sheep migration corridor associated with wildlife management, road building, archaeological surveys, timber cruising, silviculture prescriptions, site preparation, and mistletoe control are conducted outside of the sheep migration periods (i.e. July, August or winter). Exceptions are allowed on a site-specific basis, as determined by the District Manager in consultation with BC Environment and the licensees. Periodic maintenance checks on culverts and bridges are conducted during the migration period with the approval of Ministry of Forests and BC Environment.
6. Manage access to provide protection for identified moose habitat in Hungry Valley.	6.1 The Gaspard-West Churn Forest Service (3200) Road is closed south of the Stobart Creek Bridge at 5.7 km from September 15th to December 1st (barrier in place).
	6.2 Snowmobiles will be excluded from Hungry Valley wetlands from December 1 to March 31 to protect critical moose winter range. Snowmobile access to Hungry Mountains would be permitted on the trail at the east end of the Hungry Mountains. This restriction applies to everyone, not just recreational snowmobilers. Alternate access to areas in the vicinity of Hungry Valley will be available on operational roads, which will be constructed outside of the wetlands. This restriction does not apply to officers or employees of BC Environment.
7. Maintain recreational trail use at levels that avoid impacts on other resource values including wildlife and sensitive alpine habitat. 8. Provide for a range of recreational activities from 4WD to non-motorized access, and to minimize conflicts between users.	7.1/8.1 Backcountry Area Recreation Use Motorized Vehicles: Allowable Use Motorized Vehicles: Restricted Use
Details to Strategies 7.1 and 8.1: 1. Backcountry Area Recreation Use: Motorized Vehicles - Allowable Use The guidelines do not apply to snowmobiles unless they are specifically mentioned. • Subject to review at a future date if the levels of use result in unacceptable environmental impacts on other resources, ATV and motorcycles are permitted to use: a) The trail through Hungry valley to Big Creek Park. b) The trail to the east of Hungry valley to the Dash Valley (Lost Valley) cabins. c) The trail from Swartz Lake through Lone Valley to Prentice Lake. d) The trail from Lone Valley to dash Valley cabins. • Recognize existing trails in the backcountry. Do not construct new trails, unless relocation is necessary to prevent conflict with other values. New trails will result in unnecessary impact on a range of other resource values including wildlife and sensitive alpine habitat. • Signs are erected where the Prentice Lake trail enters the Williams Lake Forest District, and where the Lone Valley trail forks off of the Swartz Lake road. The signs advise that ATV and motorcycles must stay on the trails, and that the cutting of new trails is prohibited (Forest Practices Code Act Regulation). • The current motorized recreational use in Hungry Valley is resulting in localized degradation of the important wetland riparian habitats. • Regulation of motor vehicle use will contribute to the maintenance of a backcountry condition for recreation and tourism. A sign indicating the sensitivity of the Hungry Valley wetlands is in place at the fork in the road, which leads west to Mud Lake and Fish Lake. Section 102 of the Forest Practices Code Act, which deals with the protection of recreational resources, may be invoked if damage becomes excessive. 2. Backcountry Area Recreation Use: Motorized Vehicles: Restricted Use • To protect sensitive alpine habitat, ATV and motorcycles for recreational use are excluded from the alpine and alpine forest (above 6000 feet and 1830 metres) other than on specified trail connections. These guidelines also apply to alpine areas outside the Backcountry Area. • The traditional use on the trails listed below is horse pack trips. ATV access is difficult on these trails and ATV use is reported to be minimal. a) ATVs and Motorcycles are not allowed into the upper Dash Valley or on the trail connecting upper Dash to Fish Lake. b) The upper Lone Cabin Creek horse trail and the Swan Lake trail are in the Gaspard –Churn Creek ATV restricted area. (See current road and vehicle restrictions). All motorized vehicles are excluded from Big Basin because of its regional significance for non-motorized recreation use and winter habitat for ungulates. Access for mining is exempt from this restriction. Sign locations to be determined.
9. Promote orderly development of extractive resources (timber and minerals) in a manner that maximizes economic benefits and minimizes negative impacts on environmental and recreational values.	9.1 Access Management for Mining
	9.2 Access Management for Forest Harvesting
Details to Strategies 9.1 and 9.2 Access Management for Mining and Forest Harvesting 1. Access Management for Mining Access relates to physical access (roads, trails, helicopters etc.). It recognizes that deactivation measures may be appropriate. • Ensure that an appropriate level of access for exploration, development, production, and processing of geological resources are applied throughout the planning area. a) Include mineral industry (e.g. freehold miners and tenure holders) in access management planning including Watershed Restoration Projects, road deactivation etc. b) Motor vehicles, included ATVs, are allowed on mineral tenures, wherever situated, for the purpose of mineral exploration and development. Permits for use of motor vehicles (including ATVs) in areas with motor vehicle restrictions may be required. Permitting authorities will promptly issue the required permits. • Ensure that access management plans and regulatory controls on access reasonably accommodate present and future mineral exploration and development activities. a) This applies to all aspects of access. For greater certainty, the current system of notification for forest development planning (ads etc.) is adequate for new roads. The current, standard procedure for watershed restoration planning (WRP) includes notification of mineral tenure holders via the Ministry of Energy and Mines and an FRBC-funded contractor. For WRP, the intent is to ensure that all proponents of restoration projects follow these standard procedures. 2. Access Management for Forest Harvesting Industrial roads are kept as narrow as possible, recognizing that there are safety issues and specific standards under the Forest Practices Code Act. Logging and silviculture activities are completed as quickly as possible and temporary roads are deactivated at the earliest opportunity. • Permanent Road Access Provisions West side of the SC Plan area a) The extension of the 2800 road, south of Dash Creek is for industrial access only. East side of the SC Plan area b) The Red Mountain and the East Churn Connector are used as the permanent haul route for the entire area east of Churn Creek. c) An exception to hauling all the wood out through the Gaspard-Red Mountain Forest Service Road may be made to allow some hauling out through Empire Valley and Gang Ranch, if it becomes necessary to salvage beetle wood on the East side before linking roads are fully constructed. d) This new industrial road will be restricted year round to industrial use only from the junction with the Gaspard-Red Mountain Forest Service Road to Koster Lake. Industrial users include forestry operations, local ranch employees, prospectors and miners, agency staff and contract consultants. A gate is installed at an unnamed creek crossing approximately 2.25 km east of the sheep migration corridor. Signs advising of the road use restriction are posted at all intersections of existing roads with the new industrial road. These signs indicate that travel across the industrial road is permitted to get to the traditional road on the other side. • Permanent Road Access Provisions East side of the SC Plan area For the purposes of Hunting Regulations, this new industrial road is classified as a side road of the 2800 road, and the motor vehicle restriction for hunting purposes will apply. • Temporary Access Provisions a) Access off the 2800 road and up the valleys (Lone, Dash, and Hungry) is on a temporary basis. Current plans propose that first pass logging will be completed in each of these valleys over a two to three year period. During active logging and hauling (winter) these road will remain open. If logging takes place over two years, the access will be closed when operations are not active. Access control points will be located close to the main 2800 road in the most suitable terrain. b) Once logging and silviculture activities are completed, these roads will be deactivated in accordance with the deactivation operations prescribed in the Forest Development Plan and carried out in accordance with the Forest Road Regulation of the Forest Practices of British Columbia Code. c) Debris piles are normally pushed back onto the road following harvesting and are not burned until the following year. This restricts access for a period of one year after harvesting. d) Access closure is achieved through a variety of methods including physical barriers such as trenches, lock blocks, gates, rocks, and earth berms. e) All industrial side roads east of Churn Creek are deactivated in accordance with the deactivation operations described in the Forest Development Plan and carried out in accordance with the Forest Road Regulation of the Forest Practices of British Columbia Code. This is completed after logging is finished and silviculture responsibilities are fulfilled. f) The IAMC and the Cariboo Chilcotin RRB have directed the SC Planning Process to avoid the creation of an unintentional linkage (through intersection of forest development roads with non-status roads) with the Lillooet Forest District. g) The extension of the 2800 road across Mud Lakes road and into the southern tip of the Williams Lake Forest District requires special access control provisions in order to prevent a permanent road linkage with the Lillooet Forest District. h) There is only one crossing of the Mud Lakes road by an industrial resource extraction road. This crossing is located near where Swartz Creek enters Churn Creek in terrain that facilitates access control. A gate will be installed above Swartz Creek and is closed when there are no active industrial operations. i) The extension of the 2800 Road beyond Dash Creek is restricted year round to industrial users only for safety purposes, and the prevention of the establishment of a traditional pattern of use on this road while the Mud Lakes crossing is in use for industrial access. A sign is erected at the intersection of the Mud Lakes road and the 2800 Road advising of the industrial use restriction. j) Once the first pass logging and associated silviculture activities are completed in the southern tip of the district, the 2800 road will be deactivated back to the gate above Swartz Creek. This will be done in accordance with the deactivation operations described in the Forest Development Plan and carried out in accordance with the Forest Road Regulation of the Forest Practices of British Columbia Code. All new industrial roads west of the 2800 road are restricted year round to industrial use. The restriction applies to licensed motor vehicles as well as ATV and motorcycles. Sign locations will be determined.
10. Make users aware of access management controls and restrictions.	10.1 Erect signs publicizing access management controls and restrictions
Details to Strategy 10.1: Signs required for access management control. Alpine Areas. ATVs and motorcycles are excluded from the alpine and alpine forest (above 6000 feet/1830 metres elevation) other than on specified trail connections. Sign location and wording to be determined. Permits may be issued to allow industrial and commercial use. Red Mountain and French Mountain – The operation of all motor vehicles is prohibited year round above the 1920 metre elevation. A sign stands where the 1920 metre elevation intersects the road to Red Mountain, stating that there is no vehicle access beyond this point, the reason for this restriction and a reference to the Hunting Regulations. Industrial and commercial use is allowed with a valid permit. Gaspard-Red Mountain Forest Service Road is closed from May 1 to July 1 and from September 1 to November 15. Locked gates are situated at start of Gaspard-Red Mountain Forest Service Road (near Junction with 2800 Road) and at 9.5 km. The open period may be changed pending the results of the radio collar sheep study. Gaspard-Red Mountain Forest Service Road is restricted to industrial users from May 1 to December 1. Industrial users include forestry operations, local ranch employees, prospectors and miners, agency staff and contract consultants. Traffic control devices consist of signs posted at two locations stating the road use restriction and the penalty for contravention. The East Churn connector industrial road will have a year round industrial use only restriction from the junction with the Gaspard-Red Mountain road to Koster Lake. A gate will be installed at an unnamed creek crossing approximately 2.5 km east of the sheep migration corridor. This gate will be closed during the sheep migration period. Signs advising of the road use will be posted at all intersections of existing roads with the new industrial road. These signs will also indicate that travel across the industrial road is permitted to get to the traditional road on the other side. For the purposes of the Hunting Regulations, the East Churn connector industrial road will be classified as a side road of the 2800 road, and the motor vehicle restrictions for hunting purposes will apply. Where the Prentice Lake Trail enters the Williams Lake Forest District, and where the Lone Valley Trail forks off of the Swartz Lake road, signs are erected advising that ATV and motorcycles to stay on the trails, and that cutting new trails is prohibited. (Forest Practices Code Act: Section 102). At the fork in the road, which leads west to Mud Lake and Fish Lake, a sign indicating the sensitivity of the Hungry Valley wetlands is in place. Section 105 of the Forest Practices Code Act, which deals with the protection of recreational resources, may be invoked if damage becomes excessive. Snowmobiles are excluded from Hungry Valley wetlands from December 1 to March 31 to protect critical moose winter range. Determine location and wording of signs. Alternate access is permitted on the trail at the east end of Hungry Mountains. There is only one crossing of the Mud Lakes Road by an industrial resource extraction road. This crossing is located near where Swartz Creek enters Churn Creek in terrain that facilitates access control. A gate is installed above Swartz Creek and is closed when there are no active industrial operations. The extension of the 2800 Road beyond Dash Creek is restricted year round to industrial users only for safety purposes and the prevention of the establishment of a traditional pattern of use on this road while the Mud Lakes crossing is in use for industrial access. A sign is erected at the intersection of the Mud Lakes Road and the 2800 Road advising of the industrial use restriction. All motorized vehicles are excluded from Big Basin because of its regional significance for non-motorized recreation use and winter habitat for ungulates. Access for mining is exempt from this restriction. Sign locations to be determined. All new industrial roads west of the 2800 Road are restricted year round to industrial use. The restriction applies to licensed motor vehicles as well as ATVs and motorcycles. Sign locations will be determined.

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