Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks of Canada and Rogers Pass National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan, 2022

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Foreword

From coast to coast to coast, national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas are a source of shared pride for Canadians. They reflect Canada’s natural and cultural heritage and tell stories of who we are, including the historic and contemporary contributions of Indigenous peoples.

These cherished places are a priority for the Government of Canada. We are committed to protecting natural and cultural heritage, expanding the system of protected places, and contributing to the recovery of species at risk.

At the same time, we continue to offer new and innovative visitor and outreach programs and activities to ensure that more Canadians can experience these iconic destinations and learn about history, culture and the environment.

In collaboration with Indigenous communities and key partners, Parks Canada conserves and protects national historic sites and national parks; enables people to discover and connect with history and nature; and helps sustain the economic value of these places for local and regional communities.

This new management plan for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks of Canada and Rogers Pass National Historic Site of Canada supports this vision.

Management plans are developed by a dedicated team at Parks Canada through extensive consultation and input from Indigenous partners, other partners and stakeholders, local communities, as well as visitors past and present. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this plan for their commitment and spirit of cooperation.

As the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, I applaud this collaborative effort and I am pleased to approve the Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks of Canada and Rogers Pass National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan.

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Recommendations

Recommended by:

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Executive summary

Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site lie at the heart of an ecological and cultural landscape that brings together wildlife, people and trade through the Columbia Mountains. Characterized by rugged wilderness, dense vegetation, steep mountains and extreme climatic conditions, the area has challenged and inspired generations. Indigenous peoples including the Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, Sinixt and Syilx Okanagan have lived in this area for millennia.

Managed together, these iconic places offer visitors a chance to connect with the natural and cultural environments of the Columbia Mountains. Currently, over 780,000 visitors enjoy the two national parks and the national historic site each year, whether driving through or venturing into the backcountry. Visitation has grown by 24% over the last five years, and Rogers Pass is one of Canada’s most visited national historic sites with more than 420,000 visitors per year.

This plan sets out the vision and management direction for these three significant and interconnected places. It fulfils obligations under the Canada National Parks Act, and replaces the 2010 management plan.

The four key strategies and three area management approaches of the 10-year plan are:

Key strategy 1: Conserving natural and cultural heritage for future Generations

The protection of natural and cultural resources and park landscapes are core to the purpose of the park’s existence, and maintaining and restoring ecological integrity is the first priority in park management. The intent of this key strategy is to identify the management direction that will best maintain and improve the ecological and cultural integrity of the parks and site. Priorities are to reduce wildlife mortality; focus on species at risk recovery; enhance habitat quality and connectivity through collaborative initiatives, active management and improved ecological monitoring and research; and ensure that the resources and landscapes that tell the story of this special place and its role in Canada’s history are preserved and shared.

Key strategy 2: True to place experiences

Managing expectations and defining appropriate activities, facilities and services will continue to be key considerations for managing visitor use in a responsible way while offering quality visitor experiences. With visitation trending upwards, the intent of this key strategy is to maintain high levels of visitor satisfaction while continuing to minimize and mitigate negative environmental impacts. Monitoring patterns of visitor use will inform management decisions for both front and backcountry planning. This will help to address key issues such as seasonal visitation trends, parking pressures in summer and winter, and to ensure that facilities meet visitor needs and reduce environmental impacts while improving visitor satisfaction.

Key strategy 3: Strengthening Indigenous relations

Parks Canada’s work with Indigenous communities whose traditionally used lands and waters include Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks also supports broader Government of Canada initiatives, such as implementation of recommendations by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and efforts toward the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This strategy recognizes the importance of improving relationships with Indigenous partners, supporting connections to the land and collaborating on park management.

Key strategy 4: Crossing the Columbias: Transportation, assets and infrastructure

Travel and transportation are integral themes woven throughout the history of Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site. Crossing the Columbia Mountains has always been a challenge due to the mountainous terrain, significant annual precipitation, and notable avalanche hazards. The goal of this key strategy is to continue to ask the question: how can we travel better, safer, and with less impact through this rugged mountain terrain? Visitor services and experiences, wildlife and aquatic connectivity, park operations, impacts of climate change, and the movement of people and goods through the mountains and along the national road and rail corridor are all intricately connected in managing these special places.

Area management

Area management focuses on specific areas of the national parks with complex management challenges, including important natural and/or cultural values, high visitation, public interest, significant infrastructure and multiple visitor experience opportunities. These areas often require careful consideration for maintenance of ecological integrity and to ensure high-quality visitor experiences. Three areas have been identified that require specific management objectives and targets in this management plan: Meadows in the Sky, Rogers Pass National Historic Site and the Beaver Valley area.

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1.0 Introduction

Parks Canada administers one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and historic places in the world. The Agency’s mandate is to protect and present these places for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. Future-oriented, strategic management of each national park, national marine conservation area, heritage canal and those national historic sites administered by Parks Canada supports the Agency’s vision:

Canada’s treasured natural and historic places will be a living legacy, connecting hearts and minds to a stronger, deeper understanding of the very essence of Canada.

The Canada National Parks Act and the Parks Canada Agency Act require Parks Canada to prepare a management plan for each national park. The Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks of Canada and Rogers Pass National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan, once approved by the Minister responsible for Parks Canada and tabled in Parliament, ensures Parks Canada’s accountability to Canadians, outlining how park management will achieve measurable results in support of the Agency’s mandate.

Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, partners and the Canadian public were involved in the preparation of the management plan, helping to shape the future direction of the national park. The plan sets clear, strategic direction for the management and operation of Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site by articulating a vision, key strategies and objectives. Parks Canada will report annually on progress toward achieving the plan objectives and will review the plan every 10 years or sooner if required.

This plan is not an end in and of itself. Parks Canada will maintain an open dialogue on the implementation of the management plan, to ensure that it remains relevant and meaningful. The plan will serve as the focus for ongoing engagement, and where appropriate, consultation, on the management of Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site in years to come.

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2.0 Three significant heritage places – one management plan

Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site lie at the heart of an ecological and cultural landscape that brings together wildlife, people and trade through the Columbia Mountains. Characterized by rugged wilderness, dense vegetation, steep mountains and extreme climatic conditions, the area has challenged and inspired generations. Indigenous peoples including the Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, Sinixt and Syilx Okanagan have lived in this area for millennia.

Glacier National Park and Mount Revelstoke National Park represent the Columbia Mountains Natural Region, distinguishing them from the other mountain national parks, all found in the Rocky Mountains. Located between the younger Rocky Mountains to the east and the Interior Dry Plateau to the west, the 180-million-year-old Columbia Mountains extend from central British Columbia into Idaho and Washington states. Narrow v-shaped valleys support lush interior cedar-hemlock rainforests that transition up the steep slopes to spruce, fir and endangered whitebark pine forests, before giving way to subalpine meadows, rock and tundra. Between the two parks, visitors can experience each of these unique landscapes in their own way, from extreme mountaineering to a short walk from their vehicle.

Climate is a defining factor in the natural character of this area, with warmer temperatures than the neighbouring Rockies and significantly more precipitation. Snowfall amounts averaging over 10 metres at treeline combined with the steep mountain slopes leave the landscape carved by countless avalanche paths. While rain, snow, steep terrain and avalanches have long challenged travellers, the area supports a wide variety of native plants—tree species alone outnumber those of any other region in British Columbia. An integral part of the Columbia Basin Watershed, spring run-off, rain and glacial melt in the parks combine to feed the countless creeks and rivers that flow into the mighty Columbia River.

Mount Revelstoke National Park

In 1908, locals blazed a trail to the summit of Mount Revelstoke. The community valued the area for its “glaciers, mountain peaks and waterfalls ... and potential as a scenic park” and petitioned members of Parliament for the creation of a national park. In 1914, the 260-square-kilometre Mount Revelstoke National Park was established. The Meadows in the Sky Parkway was completed in 1927 and attracts visitors from around the world to see the short but vibrant annual displays of subalpine wildflowers. At the base of the mountain, a ski jump attracted local and international athletes, and world records were once set on this slope. Ski jumping on Mount Revelstoke is now recognized as an event of national historic significance by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

Glacier National Park

Spanning 1350 square kilometres, Glacier National Park was established in 1886 to include the “best scenery in the neighbourhood” (Order in Council, October 10, 1886). The abundant glaciers, deep snow and challenging avalanche terrain have fueled stories of ingenuity, achievement, and tragedy. The birthplace of both mountaineering and glacier research in North America, the park still attracts extreme adventurers and researchers in both winter and summer. Keeping the national transportation corridor open and safe has been an ongoing battle. In 1910, 58 railway workers were killed in what is still one of North America’s worst avalanche disasters. Shortly after this, a feat of engineering saw the railway move underground through much of Rogers Pass.

For the Trans-Canada Highway, Parks Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces operate the world’s largest mobile avalanche control program, using live ammunition. This operation is also the longest running Canadian Armed Forces operation, both domestic and expeditionary. Parks Canada’s avalanche forecasting and control program continues to lead the way with innovative technology and techniques, improving the safety and reliability of the national transportation corridor. With glacial monitoring data dating back to the late 1800s, and comprehensive weather and snowpack data, Glacier National Park plays a significant role in understanding regional climate change.

Rogers Pass National Historic Site

Significant for its role in completing a national transportation route, Rogers Pass was the last link connecting Canada from coast to coast as a nation—twice. First, in 1885, the Canadian Pacific Railway was forged through the high mountain pass, and 77 years later, in 1962, the Trans-Canada Highway was completed through Rogers Pass. The pass, located in the heart of Glacier National Park, was designated a national historic site by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 1971.

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3.0 Planning context

This plan sets out the vision and management direction for three significant and interconnected places: Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site. It fulfils obligations under the Canada National Parks Act, and replaces the 2010 management plan. Management direction has been integrated and advanced through newly developed objectives and targets, and builds on previous achievements and ongoing considerations.

The lands where Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site are located have traditionally been used by the Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, Sinixt, and Syilx Okanagan peoples. This plan includes input from the Ktunaxa Nation Council, the Syilx Okanagan Nation, and five Secwépemc bands: Adams Lake, Little Shuswap Lake, Neskonlith, Shuswap, and Splatsin. It aims to continue to build relationships based on respect, cooperation and partnership, and to work with Indigenous peoples to advance priorities of common interest. Once established, agreements will provide a means to improve communication, understanding and the depth of working relationships. With the closest Indigenous communities 100 to 200 kilometres away, geographic distance presents challenges for broad community awareness of the national parks, reconciliation, capacity-building initiatives and participation in day-to-day operations of the parks.

Managed together, these iconic places offer visitors a chance to connect with the natural and cultural environments of the Columbia Mountains. Currently, over 780,000 visitors enjoy the two national parks and the national historic site each year, whether driving through or venturing into the backcountry. Visitation has grown by 24% over the last five years, and Rogers Pass is one of Canada’s most visited national historic sites with more than 420,000 visitors a year. Demand management and trip planning tools are working well to address visitation increases. Currently, park facilities are full at a small number of locations at predictable times of day during summer and winter peak seasons.

Mount Revelstoke National Park borders the City of Revelstoke, and Glacier National Park and Rogers Pass National Historic Site lie between Revelstoke and the Town of Golden (Map 1). Maintaining good working relationships with these local communities, as well as with other local and regional stakeholders, will support successful implementation of this plan. Expanding our reach into urban areas such as Kamloops and Kelowna, building on initiatives such as Learn-to Camp and outreach, will help increase awareness, encourage visitation and foster support for the national parks and national historic site.

Working with partners and stakeholders is also essential to advance common goals. Since 2013, partnering agreements have doubled, including initiatives to support conservation, raise awareness and advance key priorities for Parks Canada such as youth engagement and species at risk recovery. Strong partnerships with local destination marketing organizations in Revelstoke and Golden, as well as provincial ones, have aligned and strengthened regional tourism promotions, and support the delivery of key safety messages to park visitors prior to their arrival.

Since the 2010 management plan, Parks Canada’s Federal Infrastructure Initiative has invested 115 million dollars in improvements to highways, roads, day-use areas, facilities and trails in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site. Looking forward, this plan will continue to focus on improving visitor and operational infrastructure for safety, accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability, and to reduce environmental impacts. Combined with this focus is the need to ensure the following priorities are reflected in the management direction for the next 10 years:

Climate change is expected to play a role in driving environmental changes in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks over the next 10 years. Altered temperature and precipitation patterns impacting regional snow cover and rates of glacier melt, with impacts on downstream hydrology, vegetation community composition, and wildlife species distribution are anticipated to be visible in the national parks over the course of this planning period. Warmer temperatures are also anticipated to result in increased frequency and severity of forest fires and an increased susceptibility to insect outbreaks.

Collaboration with partners and neighbouring land managers will contribute to maintaining ecological integrity within Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. The parks alone do not contain enough continuous unaltered habitat to sustain wide-ranging species such as mountain caribou and grizzly bears over the long term. Habitat fragmentation, natural or human-caused disturbance, and invasive species within the parks and in the surrounding area result in cumulative landscape changes that can impact wildlife populations.

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4.0 Development of the management plan

This management plan has been developed through an extensive engagement process with Indigenous partners, stakeholders and the general public. It was developed concurrently with the other mountain parks (Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Jasper and Waterton Lakes), as these places share many of the same challenges, opportunities, stakeholders and visitors. Feedback strengthened the final plan and is reflected in the proposed vision, key strategies, objectives and targets.

Consultation with Indigenous partners, the public and stakeholders ran in parallel and used different approaches based on the different needs, interests and rights of diverse groups. In 2019, Parks Canada initiated Phase 1 of public engagement to determine the scope of the management plan, and in 2021, Phase 2 invited the public to review the draft plan. All of the mountain parks used the Let’s Talk Mountain Parks webpages as the backdrop for the two phases of public engagement.

Additional engagement activities specific to Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site included:

• Phase 1 (scoping) involved stakeholder open house events and workshops in Revelstoke and Golden, and outreach in Revelstoke, Golden, Vernon and Kelowna.
• Phase 2 (draft plan review) was largely online due to COVID-19 health and safety considerations, and included a virtual open house and several topic-specific virtual workshops.

In total, Parks Canada team members spoke directly with more than 650 people. During the two active engagement periods, the Mount Revelstoke and Glacier pages of Let’s Talk Mountain Parks were visited by over 8,700 Canadians and a total of 448 online submissions were received. A wide variety of ideas, issues and opportunities were shared both in person and online, ranging from broad landscape-level conservation to specific operational input. All feedback was considered in drafting, revising and completing the management plan for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site.

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5. Vision

This vision provides a picture of the desired future state of Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site, looking ahead 15–20 years.

The untamed wilderness and soaring peaks of the Columbia Mountains have long challenged and inspired travellers. In Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site, the protected landscapes continue to fuel adventure, creativity and innovation. Indigenous communities, who are intimately connected to these lands, actively support and contribute to decision making and park operations.

The parks sustain a thriving natural environment, protect cultural resources, feature exceptional visitor facilities and services, and are recognized for evidence-based management, grounded in scientific understanding and Indigenous knowledge. Whether in the parks, across Canada, or outside the country, the rich stories of local cultures, human perseverance and ingenuity, and the natural wonders of the Columbia Mountains, are accessible to all and inspire enduring support.

The birthplace of glaciology in North America, Glacier National Park is a hub for climate, avalanche, and natural science research, attracting academia, youth and others to explore and learn about issues of local and global significance.

The commemoration of travel and transportation in Rogers Pass National Historic Site merges past, present and future to showcase the evolution and diversity of human connections to these mountains.

True to its roots, Mount Revelstoke National Park is closely connected to the community of Revelstoke. Using innovative technology, sustainable travel options and environmental design, visitors experience the park in ways that respect wildlife and ecosystems.

Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks work together with Indigenous partners, partners and stakeholders across the region, and neighbouring land managers to protect and restore the diverse Columbia Mountain ecosystems. The distinctive valley bottom wetlands, inland temperate rainforest and vibrant subalpine meadows support natural biodiversity. Our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to experience wilderness and become stewards.

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6.0 Key strategies

Key strategies focus on achieving the vision, with detailed objectives and targets to guide park and site management and decision making over the next 10 years. Targets have been prioritized with specific dates where feasible. Where no dates have been referenced, the target will be achievable over the period of the plan. Achieving targets will be based on opportunities, agency priorities, resources and capacity of the national parks. Parks Canada is committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous Nations whose traditionally used lands and waters include Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks, recognizing that this work must consider the capacity, interests and protocols of the respective nations. Annual management plan updates will engage Indigenous and other partners, local communities, stakeholders and the general public in discussion on the status and implementation of the plan.

Four key strategies frame the management direction for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site. Elements of landscape-scale conservation and climate change are integrated throughout the key strategies and management areas with a focus on monitoring, mitigation and adaptation.

The mountain national parks will strive to contribute to landscape-scale conservation in Canada by being ecologically and socially connected across boundaries. Many aspects of park management such as ecological restoration, emergency preparedness, climate change adaptation, wildlife corridors, and tourism function over a broad region within and beyond park borders. Parks Canada will aim to maintain and expand regional collaboration to better monitor, understand and address these and other landscape-level issues.

The mountain national parks were established to protect and represent specific features of Canada’s natural heritage. They include some of Canada’s most significant landscapes and natural and cultural resources, which are being and will continue to be affected by climate change. As such, these parks offer excellent opportunities to contribute to an understanding of climate change and its impacts over time. Parks Canada is committed to protecting park ecosystems for future generations by demonstrating leadership in sustainable operations and adaptive management in response to climate change impacts. The mountain national parks will continue to collaborate with others on climate change research, monitoring and education.

The next 10 years will see Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site continue a proactive approach toward strengthening Indigenous relations, improving the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, maintaining high visitor satisfaction and enjoyment, and focusing on sustainable infrastructure investments. The national historic site will be positioned as a hub for visitor experiences, learning and scientific research on natural science, climate change, and the protection of species at risk, centred on the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre where the area’s history of innovation in transportation and snow science are celebrated.

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Key strategy 1:
Conserving natural and cultural heritage for future generations

The protection of natural and cultural resources and park landscapes are core to the purpose of the park’s existence, and maintaining and restoring ecological integrity ^{Footnote 1} is the first priority in park management. Parks Canada’s approach to conserving these important aspects will be guided by an understanding of and respect for significance of the place and its natural and cultural values. Knowing that uncertainties exist, Parks Canada’s ecosystem management, conservation and restoration initiatives will be built on the best available science and Indigenous knowledge, in support of a precautionary, adaptive approach that provides for evolution of management policies and practices based on the monitoring of outcomes.

In Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site, natural and cultural heritage features are greatly influenced by the impacts associated with the Trans-Canada Highway and rail corridor that transect the parks and site. Projected increases in highway traffic and park visitation will compound these impacts over the period of this management plan. The intent of this key strategy is to identify the management direction that will best maintain and improve the ecological and cultural integrity of the parks and site. Priorities are to reduce wildlife mortality, focus on species at risk recovery, enhance habitat quality and connectivity through collaborative initiatives, active management and focused attention on improved ecological monitoring and research; and to ensure that the resources and landscapes that tell the story of this special place, and its role in Canada’s history, are preserved and shared.

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Key strategy 2:
True to place experiences

National Parks and national historic sites provide exceptional opportunities for Canadians to develop a sense of connection to natural and cultural heritage. The opportunity to be immersed in nature, history and diverse cultures while surrounded by wilderness and mountain landscapes is truly distinctive. Maintaining the authenticity and quality of this experience while ensuring that visitors understand its uniqueness is central to Parks Canada’s mandate. Visitor opportunities will be characterized by sustainability and responsiveness to diverse visitor needs and expectations. Activities and communications will be designed to advance understanding and stewardship of natural and cultural resources, encouraging all to share the responsibility of conserving these special places.

Maintaining and improving ecological integrity is the first priority for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. Managing expectations and defining appropriate activities, facilities and services will continue to be key considerations to manage visitor use in a responsible way while offering quality visitor experiences. The stories and diverse cultures that shaped the area, and their connection to Canada’s history, will be celebrated and shared, inspiring national and international audiences.

With visitation trending upwards, the intent of this key strategy is to maintain high levels of visitor satisfaction while continuing to minimize and mitigate negative environmental impacts. Monitoring patterns of visitor use will inform management decisions for both front and backcountry planning. This will help to address key issues such as seasonal visitation trends, parking pressures in summer and winter, and to ensure that facilities meet visitor needs and reduce environmental impacts, while improving visitor satisfaction.

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Key strategy 3:
Strengthening Indigenous relations

The Government of Canada has committed to deepen and strengthen relationships with Indigenous peoples. Accordingly, many places administered by Parks Canada are managed through cooperative management bodies or advisory relationships with local Indigenous communities. These structures recognize the important and ongoing roles and responsibilities of Indigenous peoples as stewards of heritage places. With approaches founded in renewed relationships, respect and cooperation, the mountain national parks will continue to recognize Indigenous connections and work with Indigenous partners to advance priorities of mutual interest.

Parks Canada’s work with Indigenous communities whose traditionally used lands and waters include Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks also supports broader Government of Canada initiatives, such as implementation of recommendations by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and efforts toward the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This strategy recognizes the importance of improving relationships with Indigenous partners, supporting connections to the land and collaborating on park management.

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Key strategy 4:
Crossing the Columbias: transportation, assets and infrastructure

Travel and transportation are integral themes woven throughout the history of Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site. Crossing the Columbia Mountains has always been a challenge due to the mountainous terrain, significant annual precipitation, and notable avalanche hazards. The goal of this key strategy is to continue asking: how can we travel better, safer, and with less impact through this rugged mountain terrain? Visitor services and experiences, wildlife and aquatic connectivity, park operations, impacts of climate change, and the movement of people and goods through the mountains and along the national road and rail corridor are all intricately connected in managing these special places. Weather conditions are an ever-present challenge for park operations, and preparing for long-term climate change impacts on visitor infrastructure is a priority.

Federal and provincial investments continue to advance Trans-Canada Highway twinning between the Alberta border and Kamloops with a detailed impact assessment nearing conclusion for future twinning within Yoho National Park. While there are no fixed capital expansion plans set for the portions of the Trans-Canada Highway within Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks, this key strategy recognizes the importance of the trade corridor and the steady increase in traffic. Targets are identified to prepare for environmental, safety and visitor experience considerations for potential highway improvements.

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7.0 Management areas

Area management focuses on specific areas of the national parks that have complex management challenges, including important natural and/or cultural values, high visitation, public interest, significant infrastructure and multiple visitor experience opportunities. These areas often require careful consideration for maintenance of ecological integrity and to ensure high-quality visitor experiences. Three areas have been identified that require specific management objectives and targets in this management plan: Meadows in the Sky area from Columbia River Valley to alpine headwaters, Rogers Pass National Historic Site, and Beaver Valley.

Objectives and targets proposed for each of the three areas focus on visitor-use management and minimizing/mitigating impacts to ecological and cultural integrity. Potential impacts on fragile alpine environments, habitat security and connectivity, and new activities will be addressed through impact assessments, to evaluate potential cumulative impacts on valued components prior to implementation of new visitor offers.

Meadows in the Sky Area – From Columbia River Valley to Alpine Headwaters

The summit of Mount Revelstoke attracts visitors from around the world to see the stunning subalpine wildflower displays and mountain vistas, easily accessible from the 26-kilometre-long Meadows in the Sky Parkway. As a result of the 2010 park management plan and subsequent Meadows in the Sky Area Plan, new visitor experiences were implemented to engage visitors on a natural and cultural journey from the City of Revelstoke all the way to the summit. New interpretive offers and renewed trails immerse visitors in the evolving forest from top to bottom, guide them through the ski jumping history of Revelstoke, now an event of national historic significance, and help disperse visitors along the parkway. The new Snowforest Campground on the lower mountain encourages a shift from day-use visitation to multi-day visits. For a more immersive experience, alpine hiking trails and backcountry camping are offered at Eva Lake and Jade Lakes.

As visitation continues to increase, a proactive approach is required to manage capacity limits and provide visitor trip-planning tools that help minimize human–wildlife conflict concerns, congestion at the summit parking area, issues with dogs off leash, and protection of the sensitive subalpine meadow habitat.

The area plan for Meadows in the Sky builds on the previous decade of investments. With active involvement of Indigenous partners, the focus is on meeting the ecological integrity and operational needs for today and the coming years, while maintaining and improving visitor experiences and services. Creativity and innovation will continue to be at the forefront of sustainable visitation and park operations, and will inspire stewardship in and beyond park boundaries.

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Rogers Pass National Historic Site

In the heart of Glacier National Park, a narrow gap through the towering peaks of the Columbia Mountains is the setting for stories of travel and transportation, human perseverance, ingenuity and tragedy, and the ever-present power of nature. Rogers Pass National Historic site was designated in 1971 for its pivotal role in the development of Canada as a nation. Commemorated for early route-finding, the building of the railway, and the completion of the Trans-Canada Highway, the stories continue to unfold today. As yet untold is history of the Indigenous peoples who travelled this corridor long before the European explorers, and their connections to this place today.

Rogers Pass inspires adventure, creativity and innovation. It was the birthplace of mountaineering and glacier studies in North America, as well as being the home of Canada’s first major railway hotel and first mountain guides. Welcoming mountain tourists since the 1880s, it continues to be a destination for sightseeing, camping, hiking and mountaineering. In winter, snowfall amounts averaging around 10 metres at treeline make it a world-renowned backcountry ski-touring destination that continues to grow in popularity.

With more than 140 avalanche paths that can affect the transportation corridor through Glacier National Park, keeping this stretch open and safe has been an ongoing battle since the railway was completed in 1886. The avalanche control program in Rogers Pass is a wonder in itself, with comprehensive climate and snow science data, innovative technology, and the world’s largest and longest running mobile avalanche control operation, in partnership with Canadian Forces.

The stories of Rogers Pass continue to evolve and a vision for the area at its future best seamlessly weaves together the unique natural and cultural values, the front and backcountry opportunities and the transportation corridor. Visitors and through-travellers will experience the pass in ways that showcase its natural wonders and rich cultural history, and it will continue to inspire adventure, creativity and innovation into the future.

During the implementation of this management plan, opportunities for transformational redevelopment of Rogers Pass will be explored and advanced to create a destination with services and facilities for Indigenous peoples, visitors, partners and stakeholders, and to serve as a hub for science and innovation and contribute toward net-zero emissions. Building on feedback from consultations, Rogers Pass will continue to showcase the natural wonders and rich cultural history of the area, providing a range of services for through-travellers, cultural explorers and adventurers alike. Project proposals will be assessed through the planning-permit process with opportunities for further public engagement before final approvals are granted. Opportunities for potential commercial facility development in the park and historic site are limited to the former leasehold area in Rogers Pass.

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Beaver Valley Area

The Beaver River flows through the remote southeastern corner of Glacier National Park, dividing two of the Columbia Mountain ranges—the Purcells to the east and the Selkirks to the west. From the Trans-Canada Highway, the Beaver Valley Trail winds along the river through some of the oldest stands of western cedar and hemlock forest in the park. To the east, the park boundary follows the height of land along ridgelines and subalpine meadows, with unparalleled views of the glaciers and mountains beyond.

This area historically featured maintained trails used by hikers and horseback riders, connecting a series of backcountry campsites and cabins. In 2011, Parks Canada discontinued backcountry trail and campsite maintenance in this area. The Copperstain Pass Trail and campsite were decommissioned, and the Copperstain Bridge over upper Grizzly Creek was removed, but improvements were made recently to the Beaver River Trail for multi-use as far as the lower Grizzly Creek Bridge.

There continues to be visitor interest in multi-day backcountry options for Glacier National Park, and an opportunity exists for the Beaver Valley–Copperstain–Bald Hills route to be renewed. Increasing pressures along the park boundary are also of concern, including timber harvesting, snowmobiling in winter, mountain biking, heli-hiking and heli-skiing operations, as well as increasingly easy access into the park from the nearby provincial forestry roads.

A multi-day offer through inland temperate rainforest and seemingly endless subalpine meadows along the Beaver Valley–Copperstain–Bald Hills route has the potential to be a worthy addition to the list of iconic mountain park backcountry experiences. Working with partners and neighbouring land managers, the area would maintain its wild and remote characteristics while welcoming the bold and adventurous for generations to come.

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8.0 Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks zoning

Parks Canada’s national park zoning system is an integrated approach to the classification of land and water areas in a national park and designates where particular activities can occur on land or water based on the ability to support those uses. The zoning system has five categories:

• Zone I – Special Preservation
• Zone II – Wilderness
• Zone III – Natural Environment
• Zone IV – Outdoor Recreation
• Zone V – Park Services

The zoning maps (Maps 3–5) following this section illustrate the zone designations for both Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. The overall changes in area, from the 2010 management plan, in both national parks are:

• Zone I: 0.3% to 0.7%
• Zone II: 92.6% to 97.6%
• Zone III: 1.6% to 0.2%
• Zone IV: 4.7% to 1.6%
• Zone V: no change – 0.01%
• Environmentally Sensitive Areas: 0.2% to 0.5%

Amendments from the 2010 management plan are described within the respective zones.

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Zone I – Special Preservation (Less than 1%)

Zone I lands deserve special preservation because they contain or support unique, threatened or endangered natural or cultural features, or are among the best examples of the features that represent a natural region. Preservation is the key consideration. Motorized access and circulation are not permitted.

Caves in Glacier National Park – Nakimu and Raspberry Rising caves

The Nakimu Caves include over five kilometres of passages, and make up one of the most extensive cave systems known in British Columbia. Features inside the caves include waterfalls, plunge pools, stalactite grottoes, moonmilk and seasonal and permanent ice deposits. Surface vegetation near the caves is also of special interest due to the presence of calcicole (calcium-dependent) plant species. Calcicoles are rare in the Selkirk Mountains due to the limited amount of limestone and calcareous soils.

Zone I Amendments:

• The zone boundaries around the Nakimu Caves have been adjusted to better encompass their natural and cultural values without identifying location. Access to Nakimu Caves is restricted with no visitor access until further notice due to concerns with white nose syndrome and infection of bat populations within the cave system.
• Raspberry Rising has been amended from an environmentally significant site to a Zone I area. This cave system is less known but is growing in recognition as “one of Canada’s natural wonders.” Not only is it the most beautifully-decorated cave in the country, its unique biome is attracting interest from scientists in a range of disciplines, from climatology to medicine. Raspberry Rising is also restricted-access, although access for research is permitted on a case-by-case basis with an approved permit and safety plan.
• The Shaughnessy fen and marsh in Glacier National Park is a small representative wetland complex composed of a swamp, fen and marsh. The Zone I wetland complex supports rare plants and other ecological elements that are unique to the areas due to their associations with calcareous limestone.
• Giant Cedars: A Zone I representative area of inland temperate rain forest with an average age of dominant species exceeding 250 years is located adjacent to Giant Cedars Boardwalk and day-use area. Temperate rain forests are globally recognized as rare, originally comprising only 0.3% of the earth’s land base. Inland temperate rainforests are especially unique, comprising only 2% of the temperate rainforest area globally, with much of the area impacted by human disturbance and timber harvesting. Of the 15,528 hectares of ancient inland temperate rainforest in the national parks, 98% is within zones I and II. Even in the absence of direct disturbance, climate projections forecast that this ecosystem will be at risk due to changes and reductions in local precipitation.

Zone II – Wilderness (97%)

These extensive areas represent and conserve a portion of the Columbia Mountains Natural Region in a wilderness state. Protecting ecosystems where there is minimal human interference is the key consideration. Zone II areas offer opportunities for visitors to experience the parks’ ecological characteristics firsthand with few, if any, rudimentary services and facilities. Facilities are restricted to trails, backcountry campsites, alpine huts, trail shelters, warden patrol facilities, and descent assists on Mount Sir Donald. Public motorized access is not permitted. Approximately 97% of the parks will be managed as Zone II.

Zone II Amendments:

• Adjustment of the Zone IV corridor will result in an increase to Zone II areas adjacent to the Trans-Canada Highway corridor.
• Backcountry campsites and associated trails have been rezoned from Zone III to Zone II.

Zone III – Natural Environment (Less than 1%)

In Zone III areas, visitors discover the parks’ natural and cultural heritage through recreational activities that require only minimal services and facilities of a rustic nature. While motorized access may be allowed, it will be controlled. No motorized access is currently permitted in Zone III. Zone III applies to areas where visitor use and facilities exceed the acceptable standards for Zone II.

The Zone III areas in Mount Revelstoke National Park include the Mount Revelstoke summit trails and the day-use trail areas at Skunk Cabbage and Giant Cedars. Zone III areas in Glacier National Park include the series of hiking trails in the Illecillewaet Valley and Bear Creek Falls.

Zone III Amendments:

• Backcountry campsites and associated trails have been rezoned from Zone III to Zone II.
• Day-use trail areas with facilities and infrastructure have been rezoned from Zone IV to Zone III. This includes Skunk Cabbage, Giant Cedars, Mount Revelstoke Summit and Bear Creek Falls.

Zone IV – Outdoor Recreation (2%)

Outdoor recreation zones are limited areas capable of accommodating a range of opportunities for understanding, appreciating and respecting the parks’ heritage value. Appropriate opportunities and related essential services and facilities are provided in ways that impact the ecological integrity of the park to the smallest extent possible. Direct access by motorized vehicles is permitted.

In Mount Revelstoke National Park, the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, including the Snowforest Campground and day-use areas, are in Zone IV. The transportation corridor through Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park, including the many visitor facilities such as trailheads, day-use areas and viewpoints, and Canadian Pacific operational facilities are all included within Zone IV.

Zone IV Amendments:

• The Zone IV corridor along the Trans-Canada Highway and railway has been reviewed to ensure the width is appropriate for the types of activities permitted and for consistency with other mountain parks. The width has been adjusted to include a 100-metre buffer from the centre line and also to include day-use areas with direct motorized access adjacent to the highway.
• The Snowforest Campground at Mount Revelstoke has been included in Zone IV due to direct motorized access and level of infrastructure.

Zone V – Park Services (Less than 1%)

Park operations and administration, visitor services, and support facilities are concentrated in park service zones. In Mount Revelstoke National Park, the Zone V area includes the One Mile compound, residential area and associated facilities, which will be reduced in size over the life of this plan. In Glacier National Park, the Zone V area includes the Rogers Pass compound, the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, and the former site of Glacier Park Lodge and service station and associated facilities. Opportunities for potential commercial facility development in the parks and national historic site are limited to the former leasehold area in Rogers Pass.

Zone V Amendments:

• Minor boundary adjustments for the compound at Rogers Pass to include the water treatment plant, and boundary adjustments for One Mile compound at Mount Revelstoke.

Environmentally or Culturally Sensitive Areas (Less than 1%)

This designation applies to naturally or culturally significant or sensitive features, or areas that require special protection and visitor-access management to protect resources. Recognition as an ecologically or culturally sensitive area ensures that the values for which a site has been designated are protected and respected in any park management decisions or actions. Culturally sensitive areas are considered in all park management decisions, but have not been included on the zoning map as there are thousands of sites along the railway and highway corridor.

Wetland and old growth forest ecosystem complexes within or near the transportation corridor (Trans-Canada Highway and CP Rail) in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks have been designated as Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Approximately 4% (579 hectares) of the ancient inland temperate rainforest in Zones II and III is within the Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Protecting the unique environmental attributes of these areas requires special care and consideration given their importance to plants and wildlife, including species at risk, and their sensitivity to disturbance. While there are examples of these ecosystems in other areas of the parks, due to their location, the Environmentally Sensitive Areas are at higher risk of human-caused disturbance.

Amendments:

The following areas have been designated as Environmentally Sensitive Areas:

• All wetlands within or adjacent to the transportation corridor (within a 500 metre area).
• Flat Creek inland temperate rainforest.

Non-conforming uses

Some zones support uses or activities that do not conform to the spirit and intentions of the zone type. Non-conforming uses include weather stations and cell towers located in Zone II and a water intake in the Zone I Giant Cedars area.

Avalanche control operations, essential for park management and public safety, are located in all zones. Avalanche control infrastructure includes dikes, berms, dams, fences, nets, earthen mounds, mobile and static controls, and avalanche detection systems.

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9.0 Summary of strategic environmental assessment

All national park management plans are subject to a strategic environmental assessment to understand the potential for cumulative effects. This understanding contributes to evidence-based decision making that supports ecological integrity being maintained or restored over the life of the plan. The strategic environmental assessment of the management plan for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks considered the potential impacts of climate change, local and regional activities around the park, expected increase in visitation and proposals within the management plan.

The management plan will result in many positive impacts, including a greater understanding and consideration of climate change impacts, reduced operational greenhouse gas emissions, strategies to better understand patterns of visitor use and demand, and initiatives to protect habitat security and connectivity across the landscape with regional partners. In addition, proposed zoning changes will provide additional protection for sensitive wetlands and ancient inland temperate rainforests.

The strategic environmental assessment evaluated the potential impacts on different aspects of the ecosystem, including wetlands, freshwater quality and connectivity, forest health, carnivores, alpine environments, mountain goats, and caribou. All of these are expected to be impacted by climate change as temperatures increase and glaciers melt. The management plan identifies actions to adjust monitoring and operations to better incorporate climate change considerations. Local and regional activities are also expected to contribute to cumulative effects on wetlands, freshwater connectivity and wildlife populations. As a result, the management plan identifies targets to work with Indigenous partners and other partners on landscape-level connectivity goals. Collaborative initiatives are also outlined for caribou, species at risk, habitat security and habitat connectivity, reflecting the importance of working with neighbours to achieve mutually beneficial ecological goals.

Increasing visitation, work along the transportation corridor, and visitor offers proposed in the Beaver Valley Area Management Plan, Meadows in the Sky Area Management Plan and Rogers Pass backcountry areas could contribute to cumulative effects on wetlands, freshwater quality and connectivity, wildlife, and forest and alpine environments. The management plan identifies targets to assess proposals in the context of climate change, landscape connectivity, and external activities to support management decisions.

Indigenous partners, stakeholders and the public were consulted on the draft management plan and summary of the draft strategic environmental assessment. Feedback was considered and incorporated into the strategic environmental assessment and management plan as appropriate.

The strategic environmental assessment was conducted in accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (2010) and facilitates an evaluation of how the management plan contributes to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. Individual projects undertaken to implement management plan objectives at the site will be evaluated to determine if an impact assessment is required under the Impact Assessment Act, or successor legislation. The management plan supports a number of Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals, namely: Greening Government; Sustainably Managed Lands and Forests; Healthy Wildlife Populations; and Connecting Canadians with Nature.

Many positive environmental effects are expected and there are no important negative environmental effects anticipated from implementation of the Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks and Rogers Pass National Historic Site management plan.

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