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Survey considers recreation
SLIPP: Deadline for public submissions on Dec. 7. By Barb Brouwer
MARKET NEWS STAFF
Only one week remains to have your say in a recreation management plan for Shuswap, Mara and Adams lakes. The lake-based recreation plan is being developed by the Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process (SLIPP). One of the three goals of SLIPP’s 2008 strategic plan was to facilitate desirable recreation experiences that are safe and sustainable. Sydney Johnsen of Peak Planning Associates and John Hull, an associate professor at Thompson Rivers University, are leading the planning process. “The purpose of the recreation manage-
ment plan is to balance economic, environmental and social issues to address lakebased recreation conflicts, issues and uses,” says a SLIPP press release. Johnsen and Hull are seeking input from lake users through an online survey that pinpoints what time of day users are on or around the lake, what activities they enjoy and whether they are satisfied with current amenities. More than 700 respondents were surveyed at lake access points last summer. Preliminary results identify the top four recreational activities as swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and boating, and the majority of users as visitors as part of a group, who stayed between one
and four hours, and were between the ages of 20 and 50 years old. Ski/wake boats, houseboats and canoes/kayaks were the top three types of boats
“Preliminary results identify the top four recreational activities as swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and boating...”
used on the lakes with more than 55 per cent of boaters using public access boat launches. The majority of nonresidents were from B.C. and Alberta and 87 per cent of respondents stated that being
in a healthy environment was the most important aspect of their visit to the region. “Any strategic management recommendations will most likely require a monitoring program that identifies the impacts of recreational use on the larger environment to assist with long-term planning and sustainable development,” says Hull. The first draft of the plan will be available for public feedback in the spring of 2013. To learn about the plan or to complete the survey, visit www.slippbc.com. The survey closes for public submissions on Friday, Dec. 7.
Friday, November 30, 2012 Shuswap Market News
Do you want to practise forestry in BC? New forestry designation available now The Natural Resource Professional (or NRP) designation is new and recent grads from natural resources conservation programs at the University of BC, Thompson Rivers University and the University of Northern BC can apply today. The NRP designation will allow you to practise aspects of professional forestry in every corner of the province. You might find yourself working for government, consultants, industry, Aboriginal groups and more! For more information and to see which programs qualify, visit our website at www.abcfp.ca.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8th, 10AM, SALMAR GRAND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8th, 10AM, SALMAR GRAND
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Bring an unwrapped toy or gift and watch a classic Christmas movie at the Salmar Grand! All donations will be distributed through the Shuswap Family Resource Centre.
ADMiSsion: OnE tOY pER pERSon.