Changes may be in store for a provincial park and that has Lumby politicians raising questions.
The Ministry of Environment is currently conducting a management plan process for Denison-Bonneau Provincial Park, a 376-hectare site above Creighton Valley.
“We want to find out more from the local wildlife club and the possible ramification of these changes,” said Kevin Acton, Lumby’s mayor.
Acton says the park plays a key role in the community’s tourism and recreational activities.
“It (changes) could impact our watershed,” he said.
One contentious issue could be possible restrictions on all-terrain vehicles.
“I am looking forward to hearing from the ATV people,” said Coun. Nick Hodge.
“They put a lot of work into building a trail so they can go camping and fishing.”
A ministry report states that high priority strategies for the park include deactivating roads once tree harvesting is completed.
It also states that an impact on ecological integrity is ATVs using trails leading to Bonneau Lake.
Other high priority strategies are discouraging cattle use in high-value habitat areas and developing two camping site.
The Ministry of Environment states that it wants to engage with First Nations in operational and management issues, and it may investigate a stewardship agreement with local groups for trail maintenance and park monitoring.
Council will discuss the provincial plan at its Oct. 15 meeting.
