Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site
Gwaii Haanas Backcountry Management Plan
September, 1999
Table of Contents
Introduction
Evaluating the Appropriateness of New and Existing Visitor Activities in Gwaii Haanas
Overview
Management Actions
Defining Appropriate Visitor Use Limits
Overview
A. Determining an Appropriate Level of Use
B. Distributing Use Throughout the Season
C. Allocating Use to Different Groups
Management Actions
A. Appropriate Levels of Use
B. Distributing the Use Temporally
C. Allocating Use Among Different Groups
Determining Opportunities for Educational/Non-Profit Access
Overview
Management Actions
Maximizing the Effectiveness of the Visitor Orientation Program
Overview
Management Actions
A. Presenters
B. Presentation Format
C. Orientation for Repeat Visitors
D. Additional Interpretive Information
Improving Implementation of the Group Size Policy
Overview
Management Actions
Identifying Appropriate Levels of Infrastructure
Overview
A. Management Infrastructure
B. Cultural Infrastructure
C. Visitor Infrastructure
Management Actions
A. Management Infrastructure
B. Cultural Infrastructure
C. Visitor Infrastructure
Minimizing Camping Impacts
Overview
Management Actions
Defining Appropriate Flight Access
Overview
Management Actions
Providing Effective and Low-Impact Access at Burnaby Narrows
Overview
Management Actions
Developing Fair and Effective Strategies for Management of Commercial Activities
Overview
Management Actions
A. Redistribution of Unused Allocation Non-Haida 1.) Businesses
2.) Haida Businesses
B. How Changing Levels of Use Will Affect Allocations
C. Administration
Developing Appropriate Guide Standards for Gwaii Haanas
Overview
Management Actions
A. General Requirements
B. Boat Handling
C. Guide Orientation
D. Registration of Guides
E. Guides vs. Resource People
Implementation Timeline
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
This plan is the product of almost two years of discussions with stakeholders, interested members of the public, Gwaii Haanas staff, and researchers. The consultation component of the planning process was extensive, and the following people deserve special thanks for their help:
- Internet Consultation: Meredith Reeve, Sissy Ignas, Steve Lobay, Irene Mills
- Public and Stakeholder
- Meetings: Maggie Stronge, Judson Brown,
- Michael Nicholl Yahgulanaas, Sandra Hammond
The tour operators working in Gwaii Haanas invested considerable time and energy in the consultation process, and their efforts are appreciated. Thanks are also extended to all those who participated in local and Internet discussion groups, public meetings, as well as those who provided comments by mail. Their thoughtful comments and suggestions helped to foster more balanced solutions. Gwaii Haanas staff who reviewed earlier drafts are likewise thanked for their contributions.
Data from the campsite monitoring program have been critical to developing several of the management strategies identified in this plan. Dr. Jeffrey Marion and Tracy Farrell developed the monitoring protocol, and Grant Peregoodoff and Daryl Fedje modified it to include cultural aspects. Grant Peregoodoff, Daryl Fedje, Ian Sumpter, Judson Brown, Debby Gardiner, Sissy Ignas, Bev Haines, and Dorothy Garrett collected all the baseline data. Judson Brown continues to manage the project. Dr. David Cole provided valuable advise on analyses and management options.
Dr. Jerry Vaske, Dr. Maureen Donnelly, Dr. Wayne Freimund, and Theron Miller produced the 1995 Gwaii Haanas Visitor Survey, the results of which were very useful in setting standards for visitor experience.
Dr. Robert Manning's review of management standards is also greatly appreciated.
The Archipelago Managment Board has established the following links in order to facilitate those partnerships that contribute to the management of the protected area. These NGO's have been involved in the planning processes regarding the management of Gwaii Haanas.
Gwaii Haanas Tour Operators Association http://www.PlaceofWonder.com