LILLOOET LRMP
CONSERVATION, RECREATION, TOURISM AND COMMUNITY
FINAL OFFER
April 23, 2001
I) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This offer has been prepared by members of the Lillooet LRMP table representing tourism,
conservation, recreation, and community interests, including the Sierra Club of BC, the
Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC, the Southern
Chilcotin Mountains Wilderness Society, Federation of Cottage Owners (Gun Lake Ratepayers),
Chilcotin Holidays Guest Ranch and Guide Outfitters, and Bill Spencer and Mike Kennedy of the
Community Resources Board. We have been mindful of the variety of community and industrial
interests represented at the LRMP table and believe that this offer meets them in a way that
provides enhanced economic diversification opportunities, and maintains the nationally and
regionally significant environmental values of the Lillooet plan area. The key elements of this
offer are:

A protected areas package representing an additional 8.8% of the land base.

Habitat protection required for a comprehensive Grizzly Bear Recovery Strategy, as
recommended by Ministry of Environment, Lands and parks.

An allocation of Timber Harvesting Land Base to be used to accommodate critical habitat
required to maintain riparian forest cover needed to protect quality and function of fish
bearing streams in the region.

An allocation of Timber Harvesting Land Base to accommodate critical habitat required
to maintain Mule Deer winter range in the region.

An allocation of Timber Harvesting Land Base to accommodate critical habitat required
to maintain spotted owl in the region.

A short list of deferred areas within which management plans would be decided during
phase 2 expected to last one year.

Two longer-term deferral areas to maintain very high environmental values until
specific forestry and access planning requirements are met in adjacent lands.

Resource management zones where a level of management above current practices is
required for wildlife, recreation, tourism, and access.
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
A net increase in the timber harvesting land base from where it was at the start of the
planning process to its conclusion with this offer.

Proposed measures to support the opportunity to increase the actual harvest level by
at least 22% above current levels.

The maintenance of opportunities to generate economic benefits through development
and diversification of recreation and tourism businesses, based on the natural attributes of
the area.

Over 80% of the high value mineral potential land currently available for exploration
and development of mineral resources.
II) CONTEXT FOR THE OFFER
Land Base and Timber Supply
The impact analysis presented in this offer is based primarily on data from Timber Supply
Review documents recently released by the Ministry of Forests. Data necessary to understand
this offer are briefly outlined below1.
Land base
The total area of the TSA is 1,125,187 ha. Of this, 545,000 ha is forested, some of which is in
existing protected areas, primarily the Stein Valley. The timber harvesting land base (THLB) is
currently 296,311 ha, including the area of pulpwood agreement (PA) 16 which had been
previously excluded from the THLB. While the THLB was reduced by the creation of Stein
Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park and riparian reserves, the inclusion of PA 16 and terrain class
information2 resulted in a net increase of about 50,000 ha over the Timber Supply set in 1996.
There are seven biogeoclimatic zones, ranging from dry grassland valley bottoms and semi-arid
desert in the eastern part of the area, to coniferous forests in the middle to high elevations, and
alpine tundra on high ridges and mountaintops. The high biodiversity values in the plan area are
due to the varied ecological features and unique geological and biophysical nature of the area.
The AAC and Actual Forest Harvest:
The allowable annual cut (AAC) was set at 636,600 cubic metres per year, plus 25,000 from PA
16, in the previous AAC determination in 1996 for a total of 661,600. The long-term harvest
level for the area is 368,000 cubic metres per year. The actual cut has averaged 488,023 cubic
metres between 1996 and 19993.
Data and other information in Section II are from “Timber Supply Review: Lillooet Timber Supply Area Analysis
Report.” January 2001. BC Ministry of Forests.
2
Terrain stability mapping showed that some areas were suitable for logging operations that had previously been offlimits because they were thought to be too steep or unstable.
3
Timber interests cite many reasons for not reaching the cut level allowed, including First Nations blocks and
1
2
The chief forester said in his 1996 determination that the long-term harvest level was 330,000,
while the number in the 2001 analysis document is 368,000. This reflects the increase in the
THLB due to factors noted above.
About 6% of the stands in the TSA are on the ‘good’ class of site index, with 34% on medium,
and the majority 60% on ‘poor’ sites. Based on data in the MoF ‘Forest, Range and Recreation
Resource Analysis’ of 1994, this distribution is on the lower end of the scale for Interior BC.
Confidence in Desired Result
This package of protected areas, deferrals, resource management zones (RMZs), and general
management provisions give the conservation, recreation, tourism and community interests
supporting this offer a moderate degree of assurance that our interests in maintaining and
restoring natural values can be met. We believe that we have asked for the essential minimum,
and there is little extra for ‘insurance’. We note that even with the conservation measures
outlined in this offer, several fish and wildlife management professionals believe that this
offer represents a moderate to high risk to many species within the plan area.
Our original conservation plan proposed throughout the LRMP process would have reduced risk
significantly but we have revised our proposal in an attempt to reach an agreement on the land
use plan. This current offer is truly viewed by our constituents as a minimum required level of
protection to maintain environmental and aesthetic integrity in the region.
Further government funded research is required as part of an interim package decision to enable
LRMP participants to clarify whether or not the forest and land management prescriptions
proposed by the LRMP are adequate to prevent the decline of species abundance, or will need to
be adjusted during Phase 2 of the process.
III) RATIONALE FOR THIS OFFER
Accommodating Other Interests:
The organizations signed to this offer have been participating in the LRMP for several years and
have listened to and discussed the interests of other sectors very closely. We acknowledge that all
interests, including ours, will not be satisfied on all parts of the landscape, but we firmly believe
that our offer accommodates the diversity of interests over the plan area. The following
provides details on how we believe we have accommodated specific interests.
Fish and Wildlife
Fish and wildlife habitat has been compromised in this offer to accommodate other interests to
the point that professional biologists have assessed this offer as representing moderate to high
risk to a number of species. We have included recommendations for enhanced riparian
management, but know that water temperature in small streams in this hot, dry area, for example,
deferrals, expensive operating area, depressed markets, scattered economically viable timber, and others.
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is an important factor that will not be completely addressed by our recommendations.
The Stein-Nahatlatch grizzly bear population unit is threatened, and a recovery plan is needed to
guarantee its long-term survival. The Southern Chilcotin Mountains protected area may serve as
a core security area for other grizzly populations, but it is the only area in protected status that is
large enough for this purpose. The Bendor Range, also extremely important for grizzly, is a
resource management zone and we expect to develop detailed objectives and strategies in phase 2
that recognize the interest in maintaining habitat for bears. The Cayoosh RMZ is also important,
and particularly road density and access management will be addressed in phase 2 for this zone.
This offer specifically designates protected areas, management zones, deferrals and general
management THLB allocations to accommodate a grizzly recovery strategy.
Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
This offer provides mid and back country outdoor recreation and tourism interests with large,
roadless backcountry areas (an extremely important value in this TSA) in key areas, thereby
meeting one of the priority recreation interests in the plan area. The offer also recognizes the
importance of access management and front country tourism and recreation opportunities for
local residents and tourists alike.
We have proposed several resource management zones, thereby accommodating more open
access and opportunities for development of structures that may be required to accommodate
more intensive front and mid-country recreation and tourism. We are committed to developing
more detailed objectives and strategies in resource management zones during phase 2 to meet
further recreation and tourism interests in the mid and front country areas. We also believe that
our offer will result in a higher net abundance of fish and wildlife, thereby better
accommodating the hunting and fishing recreation and tourism interest in the long term.
We specifically support the continuation and renewal of permitted tourism operations in all plan
area designation including protected areas. We believe that tourism interests must be considered
with recreation and other interests in determining management plans for protected areas and
RMZs. We support the MOU between BC Parks and Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and
Culture which confirms historical rights within parks, and the contribution that tourism operators
offer to parks.
Motorized Recreation
The Lillooet Forest District is heavily developed with road networks that have been built to
accommodate forest harvesting, mining, and ranching activities. Many of these are still present
as historic trails and four wheel drive routes. While we do not believe that access should be
provided to all areas, we support a range of motorized recreational opportunities in appropriate
locations.
Community
It is our belief that improved economic conditions, for local communities, are not guaranteed by
a high AAC. Maintaining the status quo with respect to AAC and THLB does not guarantee
economic activity in Lillooet and it may well put non-timber values at risk, thereby restricting
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opportunities to diversify the economy over the long term. For example, while the actual forest
harvest has remained relatively constant over the past few years’ employment has steadily
declined. We would support consideration of opportunities to create community tenures. We
believe that we have been prudent when recommending withdrawals from the THLB so
that the communities retain the greatest number of options opportunities in a range of
economic sectors.
The communities of Goldbridge and Bralorne are interested in the benefits of a specific protected
area to their economy, and wanted a small park near their communities to act as a specific
attraction to tourists. The site, Gwyneth Lake, is included in this package specifically to support
the communities’ interests.
Established mid and back country tourism businesses that operate within the Southern Chilcotin
Mountains rely on the quality of the natural resources in the area. The long term sustainability of
these resources will be ensured by the establishment of Southern Chilcotin Mountains Park.
We are also advocating for a community trust to be established that would provide start-up
capital for developments that are seen by the communities as essential to their growth and
economic diversification objectives.
We have also dropped several protected area proposals, that we believe are required for
conservation of environmental values, specifically to maintain opportunities for short-term
employment in the forest sector. These areas include Tommy Creek, Applespring Valley,
Shulaps-Burkholder, Phair Creek, Upper Bridge River, South Seton Lake, Siwhe, and Siska.
Forestry
We believe that this package will help the timber and mineral interests by establishing certainty
about access to resources, which was expressed to us many times as a key interest of those
sectors. Taking into account the additions to the THLB attributed to the Pulpwood 16 agreement,
refinements to the terrain stability mapping, and deletions resulting from protected areas and
other values in this offer, there remains a net increase in the THLB at the end of the planning
process compared to that at the beginning. This means that there is opportunity to increase
the actual cut in the Lillooet plan area while accepting the package of protected areas set out in
this offer. In selecting Old Growth Management Areas, we have committed to locating them off
the THLB as much as possible.
Mining
Eighty one percent of the land base outside of protected areas would remain available to
mineral exploration and development, subject to the Mineral Exploration Code and other
applicable laws and processes that apply generally across the land base. In drawing boundaries
for protected areas, we have been mindful of existing mineral claims as well as high value
mineral lands and excluded them as much as possible. Access to land available for exploration
and mining is equally important to the industry, and we believe that their interests are fully
considered in the Access provisions of the general management text. The industry is particularly
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sensitive about the word ‘special’ when describing management zones, and it is therefore
intentionally not used in our offer.
Agriculture and Range
Agriculture and range depend on access to suitable land and water for their activities in this
district. Grazing, including horse tenures for tourism operators, would continue in protected
areas in accordance with current legislation and policy. There is a small parcel of potentially
arable land in the proposed French Bar Creek protected area that we recommend remain in the
park because of its very high value for representation of high quality, natural condition grasslands
and for its use by wildlife. Agricultural land adjacent to the proposed park may require access to
water for irrigation from French Bar Creek, and we have recommended that this be considered if
the actual need ever arises.
Throughout the remainder of the plan area we do not believe that we have caused a
negative impact to agricultural opportunities and understand that expanded development
in the agricultural sector is more dependent on economic conditions and markets rather
than access to land and water.
First Nations
We have acknowledged the First Nations Interests in the Siska watershed, which we originally
proposed as a protected area as they have indicated their interest is to develop a co-management
model for the area and have honoured their request for a Nxezumatkwa RMZ designation.
We have also tried to accommodate the interest of First Nations in the Intelpalm/ Sihwe and Lost
Valley areas by recommending deferrals to allow the First Nations and Government to come to
an agreement about the use and designation of these lands.
We are also recommending that community based tenures be considered by government to
provide First Nations with an economic opportunity on the lands that they claim title to but have
yet to be resolved through Treaty Negotiations.
IV) PROTECTED AREAS
1. Protected areas recommended in this offer are identified on the map attached as Schedule
“A” and described in Schedule “B”. These areas are listed in Table 1.
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Table 1: Recommended Protected Areas
Name of Unit
Antoine/Fred
Total Area (ha)
7,428
THLB (ha)
3,915
Key Value
Representation, intact watershed,
community water
Arthur Seat
2,341
820
Representation, grasslands
Bridge Delta
1,371
500
Representation, wildlife (See
Schedule B for detailed description),
wildlife viewing
Cerise Creek
1,378
148
Recreation, wildlife
Cayoosh Goats
3,515
5
Wildlife, recreation
French Bar Creek1
1,133
25
Representation, grasslands
143
90
Community development
opportunity, recreation, tourism
Marble Canyon
(addition to existing
PA)
2,254
580
Representation, recreation, tourism
Red Mountain
1,166
460
Representation, grassland, sheep
699
0
Representation, grasslands
360
0
Representation, recreation, river
access, tourism
Southern Chilcotin
Mountains
71,487
11,641
Representation, tourism (See
Schedule B for detailed description)
Swan Lake
1,200
700
Wildlife, recreation, Goal 2 PA
Yalakom Creek
5,045
2,789
Representation (See Schedule B for
detailed description)
Total Area (approx.)
99,520
21,673
Total Percentage
8.84%
7.32%
Gwyneth Lake
Shorthorn
2
3
Skihist Park Extension
(addition to existing
PA)
1
The Table recognizes the interest in maintaining the option of removing water from this unit to irrigate agricultural
lands adjacent to this unit. It may be necessary to allow this should this need arise in the future. This use must not
adversely affect the values for which the protected area was created or fish or fish habitat. The final decision
regarding this development rests with the appropriate authority within the Parks (e.g., District Manager or the
Minister). Access issues related to the construction and maintenance of any water improvements associated with this
use will be addressed through the approval process for this use and/or the management plan.
2
This unit is not included in the hectare totals.
The understanding is that the BC Assets and Land Corporation has a concern over gravel resources within this unit.
This unit would remain unless a suitable replacement can be found.
3
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V) DEFERRAL AREAS
a) The intent of deferrals is to develop, within the incremental THLB planning allowances
(described in Section E), objectives and strategies that accommodate the values that were
the basis for proposing these areas for protection. Although it is not the intent of deferrals
to create additional protected areas at the end of Phase 2, protection may be considered as
part of the prescription if the LRMP table believes it is the best alternative to maintain
values within the deferred area. [See Section F - Adaptive Management #3 (g) for
direction on the ‘trigger’ mechanism for re-visiting if suitable objectives and strategies
cannot be developed.]
b) Upon government approval of protected areas in Phase 1, existing Study Areas, excepting
Big Bar Badlands, will be maintained for those areas not selected for protected area in
Phase 1 until the end of Phase 2. The expectation is that when the objectives and
strategies have been developed, the land would be available to mineral and timber
interests.
c) Deferral areas recommended in this offer are as identified on the map attached as
Schedule “A”. The management regime described below will then apply over the deferral
areas. These areas are also listed and described below.
Category 1 deferrals
a) These units are to be deferred during Phase 2 pending development of (general
management or resource management zone) objectives and strategies.
b) The values listed below associated with each deferral area are not all inclusive. They are
not the only issues of concern and discussions should not be limited to these topics.
c) The Category 1 deferral units and issues or concerns are as follows.
i.) Bendors (polygons 1, 2, 5 and the northwest portion of polygon 3). Develop a resource
management plan that maintains the ‘primitive’ ROS recreation and tourism opportunities
and existing trails, protects grizzly bears, spotted owls, old-growth, fisheries, remote
lakes and view-scapes. This deferral requires resolution of short-term impacts to the
forest industry and emergency spotted owl surveys.
ii) Intlpam/Siwhe/Devil’s Lake (polygons 1, 2 and 3) - First Nations’ concerns,
community water supply, recreation trail issues, connectivity and adjacency to Stein
Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park. Government to work with First Nations to determine
the future management of this area during Phase 2.
iii) Pony Valley – this area has been identified as a critical moose wintering area and
contains a unique and rare plant community that qualifies it for protection as a goal 2
protected area. As there is a small business program forest development plan in the works
for the area we have proposed that this are be deferred during Phase 2 to allow time to
look for ways of moving cutting permits out of the area of sensitivity.
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Category 2 Deferrals
a) These units are to be deferred pending the completion of more detailed planning as
identified below. It is anticipated that this planning will not be completed within the
Phase 2 timeframe.
b) The values listed below associated with each deferral area are not all inclusive. They are
not the only issues of concern and discussions should not be limited to these topics.
c) The Category 2 units and issues or concerns are as follows.
i) Yalakom (polygons 2, 4, 5, 11, 12, as well as Upper Watson Bar and Upper South
French Bar areas, and Nine Mile Creek) - planning deferral pending ecosystem-based
spatial planning for the Yalakom RMZ. The values in this unit are biodiversity,
wildlife migration, wilderness recreation, and ungulate winter range.
ii) Upper Bridge (polygons 1, 5 and 6) – maintain values while developing access
management plans for the Upper Bridge RMZ.
First Nations Deferral
Lost Valley Creek
a) In view of the unresolved First Nations issues in Lost Valley Creek, this area has been
removed from the list of proposed protected areas, and is identified as a deferral.
Government to work with First Nations to determine the future of this area.
b) Forest development for this unit is to be deferred for 10 years to maintain the inherent
values and to allow for consultation with First Nations and other interested parties
concerning stewardship of its cultural and natural history and wilderness recreation and
tourism values. We recommend that no commercial tenures be issued in this area without
specific discussions with First Nations.
c) First Nations have expressed a desire that no development, particularly roads, take place
in Lost Valley. Mineral exploration that requires roads may have to be negotiated
separately with the appropriate First Nations. Applications for tourism tenures would
follow the usual consultation process.
VI) RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ZONES
1. These are areas or zones in which management for particular values is different than
management outside of these zones. Specifically, they are areas where it is agreed by LRMP
that the level of management for identified values must be higher and more specific than the
current management regime.
2. Recommended management emphasis, objectives and strategies for the zones will be
developed in Phase 2. The Phase 2 management direction will build on the details for each of
the RMZs as listed below.
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a) The RMZs being recommended in this offer are identified on the map attached as Schedule
“A”.
Upper Bridge RMZ (Unit 1)
 Key values/issues: access management, grizzly bear, biodiversity, wildlife, fish,
backcountry recreation and tourism, connector between South Chilcotins and wilderness
areas to the north, south, and west.
South Chilcotins/West Shulaps RMZ (Unit 2)
 Key values/issues: access management, water management, recreation, visual quality,
tourism, wildlife migration corridors, grizzly bear, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and
mule deer winter range.
 Covers access and visuals in lower Taylor, lower Cinnabar (lower Pearson Creek Road)
and Gun Creek road / trail to Jewel Bridge and lower Slim Creek.
Upper Relay RMZ (Unit 3)
 Excludes all industrial activities except mineral exploration and mining. Timber
harvesting is not allowed. Removal of trees is permitted only where required for
approved mining exploration and development purposes, including access, and for other
activities consistent with objectives and specific direction for management stated in each
of the planning units and sub-units.
 Only fly-in access or use of existing roads is permitted for the early stages of exploration.
 Ensure that all road access is temporary and that approvals include plans for closure,
deactivation, and/or rehabilitation, following cessation of activities at the end of the
development cycle.
 Ensure the proposed access roads are public reviewed prior to government approval.
 Upon cessation of tenure holder activities, return temporary secondary roads and access
routes to a state that re-establishes natural drainage patterns and which, over time, will
return the area to a vegetative state that approximates natural conditions.
 Use of motorized vehicles is only permitted by licensed/authorized industrial users and
for authorized research activities. Motorized vehicles can only be used for the purpose
for which the tenure, license or authorization was issued.
Lower Tyaughton/Bonanza RMZ (Unit 4)
 Excludes all industrial activities except mineral exploration and mining. Timber
harvesting is not allowed. Removal of trees is permitted only where required for
approved mining exploration and development purposes, including access, and for other
activities consistent with objectives and specific direction for management stated in each
of the planning units and sub-units.
 Only fly-in access or use of existing roads is permitted for the early stages of exploration.
 Ensure that all road access is temporary and that approvals include plans for closure,
deactivation, and/or rehabilitation, following cessation of activities at the end of the
development cycle.
 Ensure the proposed access roads are public reviewed prior to government approval.
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


Upon cessation of tenure holder activities, return temporary secondary roads and access
routes to a state that re-establishes natural drainage patterns and which, over time, will
return the area to a vegetative state that approximates natural conditions. All bridges to
be decommissioned, including any bridging of Tyaughton Creek.
Use of motorized vehicles is only permitted by licensed/authorized industrial users and
for authorized research activities. Motorized vehicles can only be used for the purpose
for which the tenure, license or authorization was issued.
We request that this RMZ be legislated.
Yalakom RMZ (Unit 5)
 Key values/issues: access, biodiversity, fish, recreation, tourism, wildlife (particularly
grizzly bear), wildlife corridors, enhanced community referral for industrial development
planning and development, partition cut (timber harvesting).
 This area will be a priority for ecosystem-based planning as presented to the LRMP table
by the Yalakom Community Council.
 Manage Burkholder, Retaskit, Midway, Serpentine and Peridotite lakes through the lake
classification process within the Yalakom RMZ plan.
East Camelsfoot RMZ (Unit 6)
 Key values/issues: grasslands, wildlife migration routes, and ungulate winter range.
Bendors RMZ (Unit 7)
 Key values/issues: primitive recreation and tourism, roadless management includes
Tommy Creek (specific planning ongoing in this area), ecosystem mapping, wildlife
inventories, manage for old growth, grizzly bears, primitive recreation opportunities,
remote lakes, trails and appropriate viewscapes in this area; MoF and forest industry to
explore options for access and timber harvesting that does not involve ‘mainline’ road
access (may involve changes in operating areas between the MoF SBFEP and industry).
 Managing visual landscape from Highway 40.
Cayoosh RMZ (Unit 8)
 Key values/issues: access planning, biodiversity, mountain goats, mule deer, tourism and
recreation, grizzly bear habitat and corridors, tourism, visual management, integration
with timber.
 We acknowledge that planning for Melvin Creek is a separate process and we have not
made specific recommendations about it. We would like it noted that the valley has very
high conservation values, especially for mountain goats and grizzly bears. If the Cayoosh
Resort development proceeds at Melvin Creek, strong measures to mitigate the negative
impacts of this development will be necessary. The proponents of the Melvin Creek
development have previously stated their support for the Cayoosh Goat protected area.
Intlpam/Siwhe RMZ (Unit 9)
 First Nations’ concerns, community water supply, recreation trail issues, connectivity and
adjacency to Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park.
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Kwoiek RMZ (Unit 10)
 Key values/issues: biodiversity, old-growth, spotted owls, recreation, tourism, access,
grizzly bear, fishing, high-elevation lakes.
Siska RMZ (Unit 11)
 See Siska First Nation Nxezumatkwu Traditional RMZ proposal submitted to Lillooet
LRMP table Sept 15 2000.
 Key values/issues: spiritual values, biodiversity, old-growth, drinking water, goats,
mountain beavers, grizzly bears, and tailed frogs.
VII) STRATEGIC LEVEL RECOMMENDATIONS ON GENERAL MANAGEMENT
AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ZONES
The strategic level recommendations on both general management (GM) and resource
management zones (RMZ) will be as listed in the ‘Phase 1 Framework Document’ as finalized by
the Table:
1. These reflect “higher level” recommendations on the understanding that more detailed
recommendations at the management objective and strategy level will be negotiated during
Phase 2 – this is dealt with under Section ‘E’ below.
2.
It is expressly recognized and agreed that all work of the table that has been undertaken to
date, but not used in the Phase 1 Framework agreement, will be dealt with and available for
use in Phase 2.
3. Outside of protected areas, mineral exploration and development can proceed consistent with
existing legislation, regulation and policies (including the LRMP).
VIII) FINALIZING GENERAL MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
ZONE OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES IN PHASE 2
Phase 1 will produce strategic level recommendations only, with detailed management objectives
and strategies to be developed in Phase 2. It appears that some of the Phase 1 strategic level
recommendations, if finalized in their current form, will set a management direction that exceeds
current policy. This creates a challenge from an industrial perspective in that the actual level of
impact represented by this “management direction” will not be known until Phase 2 and Phase 3.
Accordingly, the ability for industrial interests to “comfortably” agree to strategic level
recommendations that exceed existing policy requires a mechanism with detailed management
objectives and strategies to be developed within “impact parameters” agreed to within Phase 1.
This in turn creates a challenge for conservation interests in that until the detailed management
objectives and strategies are developed, conservation interests will not know if their interests can
be met within such “impact parameters”. With a view to ensuring that these “uncertainties” do
not impede Phase 1 agreement on strategic level recommendations, the parties agree as follows:
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1. During Phase 2, objectives and strategies will be developed in a manner that seeks to
integrate the achievement of the resource management objectives on the land base to the
greatest extent possible
2. In developing detailed management objectives and strategies for non-timber values within
Phase 2, we will do so within the Forest Practises Code plus the following additional
allowances:
Table 2: Incremental THLB Planning Allowances1
Resource Value
Enhanced riparian
(S5 and S6 steams only)
Mule deer
Grizzly bear
Spotted owls
Total
Hectares
4,0001
Percentage of THLB
1.35%
6,0003
8,0001,2
1,0001
2%
2.7%
0.35%
19,000
6.4%
1
This is an interim figure for the parties to work with and is subject to results of research projects. See the Species
at Risk – Grizzly Bear, Species at Risk – Spotted Owls and the Riparian sections in the Phase 1 Framework
Document for more information.
2
This applies only to the Stein/Nahatlatch Population Unit and those portions of the South Chilcotins Grizzly Bear
Population Unit where there are concerns.
3
MELP staff note some concerns that this number is on the ‘light’ side and may need to be revised upwards.
3. With respect to landscape level biodiversity, the following direction is provided:
a) Old growth management area (OGMA) candidates will be representative of subzone
variants and site series surrogates within landscape units and will be selected based on
ecological and biological criteria.
b) OGMA candidates will be assigned based on the following recruitment priorities:

Non-THLB

Constrained THLB

Partially constrained THLB (e.g., retention visuals, wildlife winter range, selection
harvesting areas, etc.)

THLB
c) There may be a reduction of OGMAs located on the THLB when equivalent areas (in
terms of representation) on the non-THLB become available on the non-THLB (e.g.,
stands reach a suitable age).
1
These are in addition to the 9% THLB impact identified in the base case (broken down as follows: 5.8% for stand
level biodiversity; 2.2% for FPC riparian management, including 200 ha for upgrading S4 to S3 management; and,
1% for the Identified Wildlife Management Strategy).
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4. The parties agree that the incremental THLB planning allowances will be
reviewed/reconsidered if it becomes apparent that the detailed management objectives and
strategies developed within Phase 2 and Phase 3 (implementation) will not adequately
address the full range of non-industrial interests.
IX) ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT – MAKING PLAN ADJUSTMENTS DURING
IMPLEMENTATION
It is essential that the table is able to review and modify aspects of the plan, including
consideration of changes to protection designations or additions to protection, through the
Implementation and Monitoring Committee when the following conditions arise:
1. If there is a lack of resources to implement Phase 2 and Phase 3.
2. For timber interests, this review mechanism could be triggered in circumstances where:
a) There is a demonstrated inability by the licensees to operationally access1 timber in the
short term.
b) There is a demonstrated inability to identify 20 years of available timber supply, based on
the volume of timber that flows from a timber supply analysis predicated upon the
outcome of the LRMP.
3. For conservation/environmental interests, this review mechanism could be triggered in
circumstances where:
a) Research and inventories demonstrate that threats to local fish and wildlife populations
are much greater than previously understood.
b) In circumstances where landscape level ecosystem representation in OGMAs cannot be
achieved or maintained as outlined in section E 3 & 4.
c) There is a demonstrated failure to meet expected population recovery (e.g., grizzly etc.).
d) It is demonstrated that conservation values such as habitat conditions, water quality and
species population levels do not meet LRMP objectives.
e) Access management planning has not been completed and implemented as defined in the
LRMP.
f) Local species are assessed and classified at increasing levels of risk (e.g. vulnerable,
threatened, endangered).
1
The inability to operationally access the post LRMP timber supply has to arise directly from the implementation of
the management objectives and strategies imbedded within the LRMP – it cannot be for reasons that are unrelated to
forest resource management (e.g. issues associated with aboriginal rights or title or market conditions). The review
can only be initiated after all reasonable efforts have been used by a licensee to operationally access its licensed
volume.
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g) Spatial plans indicate it is not possible to meet the full spectrum of resource management
objectives.
h) If the primary reasons for establishing a RMZ or deferral area in Phase 1 are not
accomplished.
i) If a decision is made not to develop Melvin Creek as a ski resort.
4. For tourism interests, this review mechanism could be triggered in circumstances where:
a) Access to and use of the land base (ie trails) for existing and new operators, is
unreasonably constrained.
b) Access to and use of the natural resources (ie range, fish, wildlife) for existing and new
operators is unreasonably constrained.
c) There is demonstrated inability for existing and new operators to secure tenures for
activities and infrastructure in a reasonable and acceptable time frame.
d) There is demonstrated inability for existing and new operators to secure tenures that are
long term, transferable, and secure.
e) The appropriate balance of tourism experiences of front, mid, and back country
experiences, as established in phase 2, is not achieved.
f) The sustainability of mid and back country tourism experiences and the natural resource
base on which they depend is threatened for reasons such as cumulative impacts.
g) The appropriate balance of users (recreation, tourism, other resource users) as established
in phase 2 is not achieved.
h) Reduction in existing levels of range use (i.e., decrease in AUMs for tenured tourism
operators on a “per-operator” basis.
5. For mineral interests, this review mechanism could be triggered in circumstances where:
a) Delays or prohibitions on permits result from unforeseen consequences of conditions in
the LRMP.
6.
Any review will be undertaken through the Implementation and Monitoring Committee
established as part of the final plan if:
a) The specific details of the review process need to be finalized within Phase 2;
b) The triggers for initiating a review need to be significant;
c) There needs to be a simple linear process, with clearly defined timelines, with a clearly
defined dispute resolution process and “final arbiter” to address circumstances where the
Implementation and Monitoring committee cannot decide how to address a request for
review;
d) A party initiating a review needs to provide in writing:
i) The specific nature of the issue giving rise to the request for review;
15
ii) A description of why the issue underlying the request cannot be addressed without a
review - i.e., why there are no options except a review and modification;
iii) Propose a solution that not only addresses the issue underlying the request, but also
does so in a manner that is respectful of others and addresses other interests.
X) ECONOMIC TRANSITION, MITIGATION, AND DIVERSIFICATION
We offer the following as support for economic transition measures. However, if this
section proves to cause particular difficulties for government, not adopting this section
WOULD NOT constitute not adopting this offer.
1. The overall goal is to reduce the cost of delivered timber.
2. Strategies to achieve cost reductions in the delivered costs of timber:
a) Reducing the costs of access/roads through:
i) Pursue external funding for access management and control beyond usual deactivation
responsibilities.
ii) Investigate using a longer term planning horizon when considering appropriate
deactivation levels and activities.
iii) Government commitment of funds to maintain forest service roads after logging for
non-timber resource use.
iv) Initiate a resource road strategy (long term) in Phase 2. This would occur within the
context of Access Management Planning as outlined in the Access section of the Phase 1
Framework Document.
b) Reducing costs through professional accountability by establishing a performance based
pilot area, considering the following:
i) Set objectives (e.g., silviculture free to grow) and monitor targets, not the steps along
the way.
ii) Appraisal simplification.
iii) Silviculture plan approval not required – professional to follow objectives defined
under the approved FDP. (DM approval of FDP and the objectives outlined in the
plan.)
iv) Forest Development Plan amendments designed to provide flexibility to the
professional to determine requirements (advertising, etc.).
v) Identify critical resource and management targets - allow licensees to manage to these
targets with “spot” audits by government.
vi) Respectful regard for other professionals should be included as part of this initiative.
c) Reducing the costs through an ‘Innovative First Nations Agreement’ (IFNA).
i) The goals of this initiative are to:
16
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Support efforts to address First Nations concerns regarding human resource
capacity building and economic development.

Free up portions of the cut that are presently tied up owing to FN issues.

Garner support from other agencies for this process.
ii) Government commitment in Phase 1 to fund items such as First Nations capacity
building, business development, forestry education.
iii) Joint Board (First Nations/industry)
d) Reducing costs through spatial planning.
i) Government to commit funding to undertake spatial planning for the TSA that would:

Produce harvest queues and wood flows over time under various scenarios.
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Produce a road network picture.

Show how the scenarios would meet the all interests.
e) Complete fish and fish habitat inventory and classification.
3. Government to commit funds and other resources to:
a) Community economic development - Money for local infrastructure and economic
development (see the Community Economic Development section in the Phase 1
Framework Plan Document).
b) Consider funds for upgrading the Lillooet airport.
c) Creating the Bridge River Lillooet Trust.
Consider inventory and development of tourism opportunities related to the mining history at
and around Bralorne. A mine heritage park in Bralorne, having a provincial heritage
attraction, would stimulate the economy.
XI) PHASE 1 CONDITIONS
1. Commitment by government to implement the final offer selected, including the Phase 1
Framework Document.
2. Explicit government endorsement of Phase 2 and 3 and commitment of adequate resources
(government staff and funding)
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SCHEDULE A: MAP OF PROTECTED AREAS,
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ZONES, and DEFERRAL AREAS
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map
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SCHEDULE B: PROTECTED AREAS DESCRIPTIONS
Antoine/Fred
The Antoine/Fred proposed protected area boasts a unique elevational sequence of rare dry forest
types ranging from high elevation Engelmann spruce subalpine forests to low elevation
Ponderosa pine forests. Fred Creek contains rare stands of Interior Douglas Fir (IDFdk1). This
area represents important California Bighorn Sheep and Mule Deer winter and spring ranges,
migration corridors and sensitive hygric areas. Downstream fisheries values include salmon
spawning grounds. The area includes many trails and numerous signs and artifacts of traditional
aboriginal use and residence: house pits, mat camps, cache pits and lithic points and tools.
Arthur Seat
Captures a large undisturbed area encompassing most of the largely undisturbed Skoonka Creek
watershed in the Scarped Range capturing a large elevational gradient from the Thompson River
to the high upland plateau. Stands of old growth in all ecological subzones make this a very
important protected area proposal. Arthur Seat provides very important habitat for California
bighorn sheep, bald eagle, Western rattlesnake, gopher snake and spotted bats. This proposal has
high recreation value and is a regionally significant area for First Nations for root gathering,
berry picking and hunting.
Bridge Delta
The Bridge Delta is a key springtime feeding ground for grizzly bears, and is also important
habitat for moose, mule deer, fisher, wolverine, waterfowl and raptors. The Bridge River Delta
PPA is the only representative sample of the broad valley bottom of the Bridge River system
remaining since the Bridge River Valley was dammed and flooded for hydroelectric power
generation. This glacially scoured valley bottom delta has intricately braided, glacier-fed
tributaries with extensive gravel bars, old growth Douglas fir forests, cottonwood stands and
riparian habitat. This Bridge Delta proposal also includes adjacent upland forested bench lands to
the north, critical for grizzly bear security.
Cerise Creek
Cerise Creek is an important "pocket wilderness" -- a heavily used mountaineering area, with a
mountain hut, contiguous with the established Joffre Lakes protected area. One of the most
popular trails in the Lillooet region used extensively in summer by hikers and in winter by skitourers.
Cayoosh Goats
High conservation and recreation value. The Cayoosh Goat proposal contains important grizzly
bear habitat and includes core habitat for provincially significant mountain goat populations.
Recreation values are also high, with extensive alpine ridges and basins offering wilderness
hiking and backpacking opportunities.
French Bar Creek Canyon
Representative of the rugged canyon and terraces of the Fraser River. Contains rare dry Douglas
fir ecosystems (IDFdk3) and grasslands. High value year round habitat for California bighorn
sheep and high value mule deer winter range and migration corridor. Contains historic sheep
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trails still in good condition.
Gwyneth Lake
Currently MoF Recreation site strategically located along the Hurley Pass Road. Potential site
for destination day-use facility serving visitors to the Goldbridge-Bralorne area. Offering fishing,
camping, and picnicking Gwyneth connects to hiking trails to nearby Green Mountain and Hurley
River waterfalls. There are natural attributes associated with lake and shoreline, including a
marsh on the west side of Gwyneth Lake.
Marble Canyon
This 2,300 ha. proposed addition to the protected area system includes spectacular limestone rock
faces, canyon and colored lakes of provincial significance. The limestone-derived soils contain
rare vascular plants, mosses and lichens. Pavilion Lake contains internationally significant
stromatolite formations. Recreation opportunities include rock climbing, ice climbing, fishing,
camping, hiking, boating and swimming. There are many archaeological sites, pictographs, and
traditional aboriginal trails.
Red Mountain
This official study area is proposed as an Ecological Reserve capturing important subalpine and
alpine grassland values. Red Mountain provides critical seasonal habitat and major migration
corridors for California bighorn sheep. Red Mountain is characterized by rolling subalpine/alpine terrain and First Nations consider Red Mountain a significant traditional area for
collection of food and medicinal plants.
Shorthorn
Representation of dry forest and grassland habitats along the Thompson River. Includes rare dry
Ponderosa pine and bunchgrass ecosystems. Geological landscape features, including unique
gravel terraces, of the Thompson River drainage are captured.
Skihist Park Extension
High conservation and cultural values. This addition would significantly enhance natural values
of the existing Skihist Park, representing steep north facing slopes and vegetation conditions
along the Thompson River, extending through Ponderosa pine, interior Douglas fir and
Engelmann spruce subalpine fir forests. This area is used extensively by elk and mule deer in the
winter. Includes a portion of the Cariboo Wagon Road.
South Chilcotin
See following description.
Swan Lake
Located in the East Camelsfoot Range, the Swan Lake proposed Protected Area captures Swan
Lake and its associated meadows and upland forests as well as a representative sample of the
unique riverine wetlands of Upper North French Bar Creek. This area provides critical habitat
for grizzly bear and moose, and is part of a key migration corridor linking the Fraser River
through to the South Chilcotins. This area contains highly used wildlife trails along the valley
bottom that connect through to the headwaters of Lone Cabin Creek in the Chilcotin.
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Yalakom Creek
Contained within Yalakom Cr/9Mile Ridge approved study area. Part of a much larger
contiguous area originally identified by RPAT as a protected area candidate for provincially
significant wildlife values. Provides representation of the Camelsfoot Range, including:
extensive elevational sequence of biogeoclimatic zones, old growth forest, mosaic of dry forests
and riparian forests, extensive alpine grassland areas. Critical California bighorn sheep, goat and
mule deer migration corridor. There are many trails throughout this area as well as First Nations
traditional use interests.
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SOUTH CHILCOTIN MOUNTAINS/SPRUCE LAKE
PROTECTED AREA PROPOSAL
"The South Chilcotin Mountains are the single most outstanding area of wilderness not
presently protected in the southern interior of B.C. The area has exceptional scenery and
unparalleled wilderness recreation potential.... and....would be one of the most valued
parks in the provincial park system." - B.C. Parks, 1990.
History:
1937
1975
1981
1987
1990
1999
Vancouver Natural History Society first advocated the designation of a Provincial Park here
making this B.C.’s longest running wilderness issue.
Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. submitted a study to ELUC recommending "establishment
of a Class A Park or wilderness area for the headwaters of Tyaughton, Relay and Big Creek that
would encompass Spruce Lake and Eldorado Basin to the east."
Completion of the Spruce Lake Integrated Resource Management Plan. No decisions on PA
came from this but while protection was being considered, lower Slim, and mid and lower Relay
were logged, along with some harvest in lower Gun and Taylor Basin.
Ministry of Forests promises wilderness area designation.
Government moratorium pending park status decision.
In the midst of the LRMP process Lower Tyaughton Creek was roaded (in part along traces of an
old mining road) for the purpose of timber harvest (no logging activity yet).
Conservation Values:
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The five major valleys of the PA lie parallel to one another in a south to north fashion, and thus are
unique in the way they represent the narrow transition zone between the granite and ice of the Coast
Range (Slim, Leckie and Gun Creeks) and the gentler lands of the Chilcotin Plateau( Gun, Tyaughton
and Relay Creeks). This ecological transition between coastal/interior and temperate/boreal habitats,
along with the wide diversity of topography and low rainfall, has resulted in rich biodiversity and
extremely high conservation values.
The large unroaded area provides habitat for grizzly bear, black bear, mule deer, California bighorn
sheep, goat, wolves, wolverine, cougar, marmot and a variety of bird life. The area is an extremely
important component of the provincial grizzly protection conservation plan.
Extensive areas of old growth fir, spruce, aspen, lodgepole, whitebark and Ponderosa pines.
An abundance of floral diversity unique in B.C. Mid elevation grasslands that are one of B.C.'s most
threatened landscapes.
Lakes and rivers with wild stocks of rainbow trout and Dolly Varden.
Diversity of geological formations gives rise to spectacular peaks: Cardtable, Castle, Relay and
Mount Sheba. Large fossil sites occur next to strong evidence of volcanic activity.
The Vancouver Natural History Society states "the area is unsurpassed in it's potential for outdoor
ecological education."
Parks as islands do not protect conservation values so it is very important that the 73, 000-hectare
South Chilcotin Park be created, which along with the adjacent Big Creek South Chilcotin Park
(66,600 hectares) will result in a viable 140, 000-hectare wilderness park. This has always been the
expectation.
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Mid and Back Country Recreation and Tourism Values
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Extremely high wilderness tourism and recreation values. The area is one of the most popular areas
for wilderness recreation and tourism in the province and is very close to the major population
centres (200 km from Vancouver and 100 km from Whistler). The PA's comparatively gentle terrain
and high elevation world class trails (used by indigenous people for centuries) are virtually unique in
southern B.C. and provide an attainable wilderness experience for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts
with kilometres of trails through open valleys and lush meadows rich in wild flowers, then up past
pristine lakes to the mountain passes.
The Lower Mainland has run out of accessible wilderness prompting Dr. J.P. Kimmins, Faculty of
Forestry, U.B.C., to say in a 1985 report that the South Chilcotin “has great merits for a resolution in
favour of parks and recreation and would complement Manning Park by providing an outstanding
wilderness facility.
The area is ideally suited to both summer and winter recreation and tourism, including hiking,
wildlife viewing, educational training programs, backpacking, horse packing, hunting, fishing,
camping, mountain biking, photography, ecological study, cross country skiing, ski-touring, heliskiing and snowmobiling.
Whistler recreation and tourism interests look upon the South Chilcotin as the place they have to go,
to get the wilderness experience that is no longer available in the immediate Whistler area. The area
is now being hailed as one of the finest places for backcountry mountain biking in North America.
Well established tourism businesses such as Tyax Mountain Lake Resort and Chilcotin Holidays
Guest Ranch and Guide Outfitters, operate both within and outside the proposed park. Quality mid
and back country experiences are provided for visitors from the Lower Mainland, throughtout BC
and Canada and from the United States and Europe. There are other backcountry tourism operators
locally and from Whistler and Vancouver that use the area extensively.
The Principal Valleys and Basins:
Gun Creek (5) and Tyaughton Creek (4,7,8,19,25)

These are the core valleys in the PA, with Gun containing the string of emerald lakes: Spruce,
Hummingbird, Trigger and Warner Lakes.
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Most of the high timber values in Gun Creek have been accessed over the last 60 years. The
remaining portion is included within the park boundary as the other values out weigh the
timber value as recognized by the timber industry

Gun Creek contains the main access trail into the PA and to Spruce Lake (6). Recreationally this is
the busiest area in the PA and is used as the main access point for the back country tourism operators.
Unique mid-elevation grassland in Gun and Tyaughton creeks, with bluebunch wheatgrass to over
1500 metres (one of B.C.'s most threatened landscapes).
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The high natural environment value is the transition in the terrain from the rugged coast range
into the Chilcotin Range. The biodiversity change is significant in this watershed. The
wildlife habitat differs from one side of the valley to the other. On the south side it is typical
rugged grizzly bear and goat habitat . On the north side it is hospitable glaciated sandy shale
terrain and high value, big horn sheep and mule deer habitat. This habitat is so valuable to the
mule deer and the sheep that the mule deer migrate over 150 km. from the east side of the
Fraser River to summer here. Some of the sheep herd in the Taseko Valley 50 km to the
north migrate south to summer here as well. The diversity of the plant community with over
100 species is because of this unique transition ecosystem.
The high social value for this area is highlighted by the three sub alpine lakes, Hummingbird,
Trigger, and Warner, and the low pass at the top end that connects with the Taseko Lake
24
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watershed to the north. This valley also contains Spruce Lake and Deer Pass which connects
Gun Valley to Tyaughton Valley. Mt. Sheba is the highest peak in the area at 9500 feet.
Access and use in Gun Creek valley includes horseback riding, hiking, floatplane, and
mountain biking. The park management plan is seen as the only tool capable of managing the
heavy and sometimes conflicting use. The park buffer RMZs for access control are seen as
essential to control trail heads and manage the number of people and type of activities
entering the park.
The high natural environment value is the transition zone between the Coast Range and the
Chilcotin plateau which creates a biodiverstiy of habitats, attracting a wide range of wildlife.
The predominant wildlife species are the three California big horn sheep populations. One
herd migrates 50 km to summer here and comes from the Taseko Lake area, another migrates
100 km from the Fraser River, and the third herd winters here. This last herd is unique in that
they have adapted to the wind swept mountain tops and winter at 2500 meters elevation. The
mule deer that summer in this area migrate up to 150 km, while another herd from the North
migrates over100 km from the Chilcotin River. Others come from the east, from both sides
of the Fraser River 150 km away. The herd from the South Carpenter Lake area migrate 30
km. It is thought that the attractions for both the sheep and the mule deer to the area are the
abundant mineral springs. The migration corridor conditions are critical to keep these sheep
and mule deer returning to this area. The park only preserves the Tyaughton Creek. Portions
of these long migration corridors in the RMZ east of the Fraser River is the other half of the
plan. That is needed to keep the sheep and deer population in the park viable. Grizzlies in this
valley are predominately with cubs. The most important fall feed for the Grizzly is the white
bark pine nuts and marmots; Both are plentiful in this area. The many miles of open side hills
at various elevations provide all the good habitat for the spring feed. These factors make this
area very important for Grizzly. Some Mt. Goat in habit this area as well as some black bears.
This large unit represative of the North/South biogeoclimatic transition. It straddles a
geological cross section from the edge of the pacific Ranges through the Chilcotin Ranges.
There are basalts and sedimentary formations and interesting landforms and mountain ie:
Cardtable Mountain, Mt. Sheba, Castle Peak. Some of the most unique grassland plant
associations include mid-elevation grasslands in Tyaughton and Gun Creek. The bluebunch
wheatgrass to over 2500 meters.
Leckie Creek (9) and upper Slim
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Leckie, called the most primitive valley in the Lillooet TSA by the Ministry of Forests (and the last
truly intact, unroaded valley in the PA), is integral to this PA being a grizzly protection area; also
important goat habitat (not found extensively in the rest of the PA), moose, wolf and wolverine
habitat.
Extensive environmentally sensitive wetlands and alpine lakes plateau.
Leckie connects the middle of the Gun Creek valley to the upper end of the Gun Creek valley via
Wolverine Pass. It also connects to upper Slim Creek and west to Nichols Creek, so it is an
important wildlife corridor. Industrial exploitation of Leckie, a natural connector lying parallel to the
Gun Creek valley, would change the complexion of the PA irrepairibly. It would open up the entire
PA to day hikes, diminishing the opportunities for the overnight camper, along with the severe loss of
conservation values. Spruce Lake could be a two-hour hike from the trailhead instead of six, and
upper Gun to the Taseko River valley, via Taylor Pass, might be three hours instead of three days
currently.
25
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With Leckie Creek the South Chilcotin PA maintains it's extremely high conservation values.
Without Leckie the PA's values become more for mid-country recreation and tourism, and not for
conservation and back country recreation and tourism.
Leckie Creek and upper Slim contain only 702 and 300 hectares of THLB respectively.
The conservation and back country recreation and tourism values of the South Chilcotins are
not available elsewhere, particularly when proximity to major population centres is taken into
account.
Has low mineral values and area is referred to as tombe stone. Consequently there is no
potential for a mine anywhere in the Slim Creek Valley. However there is a potential for a
mine over the mountain in Taseko Valley and if and when there is one on access road from
the south may be required. This access has been planned for by keeping the next valley to the
west (Nichols Creek) out of the park. It is recognized that cross region road development is
not popular.
All the highest natural environment values have been included with the park boundaries to
facilitate rest management. Wildlife migration corridors interconnect like spokes on a wheel
with the low pass at the back of Slim being the hub. The Valleys are Nichols, Granite,
Griswold, Taseko, Gun, Leckie, and Slim. The four main species that require this
connectivity are grizzly bears, mountain goats, wolverine and moose. Secondary species are
mule deer and black bear.
The high social value also lies in the high elevation interconnection between the seven
valleys. The main uses include hiking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling. The goal is to
retain the wilderness value and the access RMZ is viewed as the tool to manage trail heads
away from the park boundary the appropriate distance.
Leckie is the most rugged valley in the area and provides an experience not available in the rest of
the park.
Eldorado, Cinnabar and Taylor Basins (10,11,12,20,21and 22)
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Among the finest alpine basins in the province for accessible backcountry recreation, tourism and
conservation values.
The entire PA, and particularly these basins, is unique in B.C. for floral diversity. The Vancouver
Natural History Society has identified over 125 plant species in these basins alone.
Eldorado, Cinnabar and Taylor Basins contain only 921 hectares of THLB.
Relay Creek (1,2,3,14,15,16,17,18 and 23)
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Upper Relay is the top end of the northern most valley in the PA and completes the transition from
the coastal valleys (Slim and Leckie) to the Chilcotin plateau.
Rich in alpine meadows and biodiversity, upper Relay is the main connection to Big Creek for both
people and wildlife.
26