Quad Squad bridges, not fences

Location(s)

Established and legislated in 1996, the Alexander Creek Access Management Area (AMA) is located in BC West of the BC-AB border, North of Hwy 3, East of Elk Valley Coal's Elkview mine. The AMA defines a region closed to motor vehicles except for the defined access routes. In the case of the Alexander AMA snowmobiles are not restricted. As well, some access is designated as seasonal (i.e. closed for periods of the year, see map to left). Of particular note to Alberta's ATV riders is that that during hunting season (Sept 1 to Nov 30) the Racehorse Pass is closed at the AB border. Also during hunting season, there is no legal route through the AMA to the North (Grave Creek) so anyone accessing this drainage from Alberta via North Fork Pass will need to turn back and come back into Alberta the way they went in. The CNP Quad Squad urges all motorized users to respect these seasonal closures. Failure to comply will almost certainly result in more restrictive closures, possibly including the entire valley! Also, the reputation of all ATV riders in other land-use negotiations depends on your actions. If you see anyone riding in a closed area, please be proactive and take the time to respectfully explain the rules.

Management Objective:

To maintain traditional access to this area, thus minimizing potential disturbance and harvest pressure on wildlife populations as a result of new road construction required for timber harvest.

Description:

The South third of the Alexander Creek drainage is privately owned by Tembec Inc. and the Upper 2/3 is crown land. Traditional access to the crown land has been via low order roads.

The area was scheduled for development by Tembec (formerly Crestbrook) commencing in 1996.

Local stakeholders including trappers, wildlife organizations, industry, S.U.P. holders and other recreational users raised concerns regarding increased access and possible impacts to wildlife and the valley compared to the historical use in the area.

This area is important for elk, sheep, mule deer, moose, black and grizzly bear and fur bearing species. The riparian zones along Alexander Creek provide moderate winter range for moose while the southern portion provides moderate winter range for elk and moose. Winter range for sheep is located on several high elevation, south facing side drainages of this valley. The entire area is used extensively as late fall, summer and early spring habitat for ungulates.

Elkview Coal Corporation's Balmer Ridge coal mine located to the west of this valley, has impacted historical class one and two winter ranges. Winter range on the proposed Bodie Creek dump will be temporarily lost before reclamation programs begin and it is anticipated wildlife populations will be displaced into southern portions of the Alexander Creek Valley.

A variety of stakeholder groups including Tembec, Elkview Coal Corporation, Alexander Logging Committee, the licensed trapper, Sparwood and District Fish and Wildlife Association, Elk Valley Mountaineers Snowmobile Club, and the Elk Valley ATV Club have worked closely with the Ministry of Environment in either the planning or review of the AMA to maintain a plan that addresses the issues of protecting the resource while maintaining recreational and industrial access.

The Wildlife Branch of the Ministry of Water Land and Air Protection (WLAP) agreed to pursue the option of implementing an Access Management Area as per the attached boundaries.

There was agreement with the parties involved that:

• All costs for signs, gates and other physical closures are to be born by Tembec.
• This project will be for a five year period. After one year this project will be reviewed or undertaken by Forest Renewal BC (FRBC) unless environmental problems become evident.
• The landowners (Elkview Coal Corporation, Tembec) agreeing in writing to the implementation and conditions of this closure where it applies to private land.

The stakeholders responsible for this AMA have subsequently reviewed it numerous times including a filed review with WLAP officials. Except for a few minor changes, the AMA received majority support to remain as is.

Alternatives Considered:

Physical closures under the Forest Practices Code.

Consequences of Proposed Action:

Current public access is maintained, including the use of snowmobiles.
The number of recreational users (berry pickers, hikers, fishermen, etc.) will be maintained at current levels due to the timing of the seasonal closures.

Consequences of No Action:

Improved access for industrial development into this drainage will result in dramatic increases in hunting pressure and wildlife harassment. This would be a significant change from traditional use of the area for the last 30-40 years.