Yoho National Park of Canada
Management Plan
10.0 Park Zoning
Lake O'Hara, Yoho National Park of Canada
© Parks Canada/YNP 23/242 |
10.1 National Park Zoning System
The zoning system classifies areas according to their need for protection. The suitability of areas for visitor activities is also a consideration in zoning decisions. The system’s five categories are described in Parks Canada: Guiding Principles and Operational Policies (Parks Canada, 1994).
Large tracts of protected wilderness are becoming a scarce and valuable resource. From an ecological perspective, their importance lies in their ability to support natural processes and to serve as benchmarks. They are critical for animal species with large home ranges and for migrating wildlife.
The National Parks Act provides for the designation, by regulation, of wilderness areas of the park. A high level of ecological integrity is synonymous with wilderness. The intent of the wilderness declaration is to assist in ensuring a high level of ecological integrity by preventing activities likely to impair wilderness character. The perpetuation of ecosystems with minimal human interference is the key consideration in maintaining wilderness character. Only development and activities required for essential services and the protection of the park resources will be permitted in designated wilderness areas. Declared wilderness is one of a range of tools which will be used to ensure the preservation of wilderness value. Human use levels in declared wilderness areas will be managed based on landscape management unit objectives and human use strategies.
Well over 90% of the park lands have beeen recommended for wilderness declaration. Wilderness areas are generally consisitent, but do not coincide exactly with the Zone II areas of the park. For example, utility and service corridors that cut through Zone II areas, and a small Zone II areas between transportation corridors, may not be declared. Appropriate Zone II, and Zone I areas identified in this plan will be declared.
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