Big Creek Park

Big Creek Park lies 80 kilometres west of Lillooet, 100 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake and about 180 kilometres north of Vancouver and is therefore situated in the southwestern part of British Columbia. It stretches over 67,918 hectares and contains high, rolling mountains, plateaus and wetlands. The Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan recommended Big Creek Park. It was approved in 1994 and established as a Class A park in 1995. Class A parks are Crown land and development is limited to protect the natural environment and only keep up the recreational values. The Park Act, the Park, Conservancy and Recreation Area Regulation, the management plan and procedures and policies of BC Parks are all part of management of Big Creek Park.

The park is very significant to the Provincial Protected Areas System. It has many topographical and climatic variations from glaciers to wetlands. It also supports a large predator/prey ecosystem. Most of the ecosystems in Big Creek park are protected; for example the Central Chilcotin Ranges Ecosection and the Chilcotin Plateau Ecosection. Wildlife species located in the park include the Grey Wolf, Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Mountain Goat and the Cougar. Big Creek Park lies within the territory of three First Nations and it has a long history of ranching, guide outfitting, tourism and hunting, giving the park cultural value. Its trail system provides the park with many tourism opportunities. Diversity of healthy ecosystems, a secure ecological integrity, wildlife populations that are in good conditions, secure areas for species at risk, experiencing a sense of wilderness and adventure while also taking part in conservational activities, a strong sense of stewardship and respect for not only the natural but also cultural heritage are all part of the vision for Big Creek Park.

To keep up the natural diversity of the park the development of invasive plants must be prevented and knowledge about the park's environment should be spread. A thriving and healthy wildlife population has to be ensured. First Nations will be consulted to find a common direction for the management of Big Creek Park. Inside the park a remote experience should be maintained and recreational activities can't damage the park's natural environment. As important as the safety of the environment is the safety of the users in the park. It's critical to ensure that the visitors are prepared for the backcountry experience, make the park boundaries and trails clearer and ensure that there are more rangers around. Tenure holders need to be consulted and their rights should be ensured.

In conclusion, the park's natural values can't be damaged by its recreational activities or development of such. First Nations, tenure holders and other users must be consulted and asked for their approval on important decisions. User safety is another important aspect of this plan, making sure the trails are safe and visitors are prepared for the wilderness.

Source: South Chilcotin and Big Creek Parks Draft Management Plan March 2016

Issues:

  • Incomplete management plan

Goals:

  • Complete and approve a management plan
  • Install park rangers
  • Charge access fee