Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park

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1 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park June 2011

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3 Contents Background 3 Management Plan Direction for New Recreational Activities 3 Strategic Environmental Assessment Summary 3 Parameters to Achieve Management Plan Direction 4 Zoning and Declared Wilderness 4 Decisions on Activities in Banff National Park 5 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities 5 and Public Commenting New Recreational Activities: Descriptions, Opportunities, Challenges and Guidelines Mountain Biking 6 Guided, Interpretive Via Ferrata (cable-assisted hiking and climbing) and Aerial Parks 8 Hang Gliding and Paragliding 11 Traction Kiting 13 2 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park: June 2011

4 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park Background In September 2010, the federal government approved a list of recreational activities for national parks. National approval means that individual parks can proceed with local assessments, in consultation with the public, to determine whether the activities are suitable for their location. This announcement stemmed from a Parks Canada initiative to review and revitalize its current offer to ensure the Agency is meeting visitor needs and remains relevant to Canadians. The mountain national parks, including Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks, have reviewed the nationally announced activities and have embarked on a process to determine whether or not the approved recreational activities should be considered for their parks. Management Plan Direction for New Recreational Activities The management plans for all of the mountain national parks reference considering and assessing, with partners and stakeholders, new recreational activities and special events that: - Promote public understanding and appreciation of Rocky Mountain ecosystems and history and Parks Canada s mandate; - Involve a diverse range of the park s partners and stakeholders in their development and delivery; - Facilitate opportunities for outstanding visitor experience; - Align with the national park s character and area concepts; - Support relevant ecological and cultural resource protection goals; and - Provoke visitors in seasons and locations that have available capacity and sufficient ecological resilience. For Banff, there are additional considerations related to facilities and development. Proposals for new facilities may be considered, subject to assessment, under the following conditions: - Potential site-specific, park-scale or regional impacts must be mitigated (including conflicts between user groups); - Where feasible, development will use existing disturbed sites; and - There will be no net increase in landscape disturbance or wildlife displacement at a park scale. All activities will be reviewed for consistency with the area concept visions from the Banff National Park Management Plan. The park has been divided into nine distinct geographic area concepts which are clearly outlined in the management plan. New recreational activities will only be permitted in those areas where the activity supports achieving the vision. Strategic Environmental Assessment Summary A strategic environmental assessment (SEA) was applied consistent with Parks Canada Management Directive Impact Assessment in order to methodically evaluate the potential impact of new recreational activities on natural and cultural resource protection. The SEA concluded that: New recreation activities have potential to contribute to visitor experience in ways that are consistent with the character of place unique or representative of the mountain park natural and cultural environments; Site-specific impacts of new activities to vegetation, wildlife and visitor experience resources and values can be effectively dealt with through consideration of location, design, management and mitigation measures and visitor education; and Cumulative impacts of new recreational activities may be largely addressed through the application of management plan area concepts, park zoning systems and the mitigations of the SEA. These key aspects of managing potential impacts to wildlife and visitor experience are reflected in the activity guidelines. 3 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park: June 2011

5 Parameters to Achieve Management Plan Direction The following parameters stem from the strategic environmental assessment and are overarching direction for reviewing potential proposals. Visitor Experience Opportunities focus on and promote experiences and values that reflect the unique nature and history of the mountain national parks; and Values associated with existing visitor opportunities and experiences are maintained (including preservation of iconic viewscapes). Ecological Integrity Ecosystem composition and structure supporting rare and fragile vegetation species and communities is maintained; Vegetation composition and structure function as effective habitat for the expected range of native species; Development and use do not habituate or displace vulnerable or habitat-limited wildlife (including mountain caribou, grizzly bears, mountain goats, nesting eagles) from seasonally important habitat areas or features. Habitat security and effectiveness for wildlife species vulnerable to the potential impacts of new recreation activity development and use will be maintained or restored in accordance with Park Management or SARA Recovery Plan direction; and Daily and seasonal timing of operations facilitates wildlife lifecycle and movement requirements. Special Resources The integrity of special resources (i.e., fossils, iconic landform or den site) is conserved while allowing for suitable interpretive and experiential visitor opportunities. Cultural Resources Resources of potential cultural or historical significance or value are identified and assessed; and Cultural and historic values are maintained and respected. Zoning and Declared Wilderness The Banff National Park Management Plan also includes direction related to zoning and area concepts which chart the course for achieving a park s vision and key strategies (and are key aspects of considering recreational activities). Parks Canada s zoning framework includes five zones as described below. Zone Defining Features V: Park Facilities Communities, major park operations and administration. IV: Outdoor Recreation III: Natural Environment II: Wilderness Broad range of opportunities, services, facilities. Motorized access. Range of outdoor recreation activities requiring minimal services and facilities of a rustic nature. Motorized can be allowed (must be controlled) but public transit is preferred. Outdoor recreation activities dependent on and within the capacity of the ecosystems and requiring few, if any, rudimentary services and facilities. Activities cannot conflict with maintaining the wilderness itself. Motorized access is not allowed. I: Special Preservation Areas / features which deserve special preservation (contain or support unique, threatened or endangered natural or cultural features, or are among the best examples of a natural region). Preservation is a key consideration. Motorized access is not allowed. If resources are very fragile, there will be no access at all. In addition to zoning, Banff has formerly declared wilderness in regulation. Declared Wilderness is described in the Canada National Parks Act and is a legislative overlay over a park s zoning plan (includes most of the area that is Zoned I and II, 95.9 per cent of Banff National Park). The Minister may not authorize any activity within Declared Wilderness areas that is likely to impair wilderness character. 4 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park: June 2011

6 Decisions on activities in Banff National Park In fall 2010, Banff National Park began a process to create a new visitor experience direction, one that reflected the 2010 Banff National Park Management Plan s vision for visitors to the park to discover dynamic and healthy mountain ecosystems and enjoy memorable experiences shaped by the nature, beauty, culture and adventure of Canada s Rocky Mountains. The goal is to ensure that visitors to these places feel welcomed into experiences that exceed their expectations. At the same time, Banff National Park decided that it would consider the following activities for the park from the federally approved recreational activities list, and conduct a local assessment of them, guided by the new visitor experience direction: - Mountain biking - Guided, interpretive via ferrata (cable-assisted climbing and hiking) and aerial parks - Hang gliding and paragliding - Traction kiting In October 2010, Parks Canada conducted a via ferrata assessment for Banff and Yoho National Parks in the form of a workshop attended by local stakeholders. The event revealed that there were diverse views related to new activities; some supported them, others did not. It also highlighted that there was a need to consider all new activities collectively, rather than on an individual basis. The idea was that considering activities collectively improves the ability to understand proposed changes and cumulative effects. Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities and Public Commenting Banff National Park now has provisional guidelines that outline which recreational activities can be considered for the park, and under what conditions. A description of each activity follows, along with a list of opportunities and challenges, and guidelines. Note that: - Via ferrata can be considered in Banff National Park in Zones III and IV only. - Canopy tours (where participants travel along elevated walkways and bridges in the upper canopy of a forested environment) will not be considered in Banff National Park due to the lack of a forest canopy ecosystem and the inability of this activity to offer a unique opportunity. Zip lining as part of canopy tours will therefore not be considered. The public is invited to attend information sessions on Thursday, June 16 and speak with staff. Feedback may also be ed to opinion@pc.gc.ca. The deadline for submissions is Friday, July 8. After a review of all comments, Field Unit Superintendent Pam Veinotte will then finalize the Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park. 5 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park: June 2011

7 Mountain Biking Activity Description Opportunities Challenges Mountain Biking National guidelines indicate that cross- country riding will be the principle form of mountain biking offered in the parks. Cross-country riding is off-road cycling using specially adapted bikes, typically on dirt, gravel, or natural surface trails, from wide gravel roads to narrow single track paths. Other riding forms include downhill, free ride and bike parks. Note: Trails for mountain biking are often multiple-use, but increasingly, trails and trail features are specifically designed for mountain biking and may still occur as part of cross-country routes. To build on an already popular and established activity in most of the mountain national parks and a part of mountain community culture. To provide a chance to experience nature and landscapes, relax, and have fun doing a physically rewarding activity that provides a sense of growth and accomplishment. Impacts associated with vegetation and soils Wildlife security and visitor conflicts with other visitors on trails (i.e. hikers and horseback riders). Most mountain biking crosscountry trails are hiking trails. The planning and development of hiking/biking trails needs to be integrated and reflect the different user needs and respond to ecological concerns. Guidelines Cross-country mountain biking will continue to be allowed on designated trails within Banff National Park, consistent with Park Management Plan direction (to be confirmed through local/park-specific planning and consultation). Note that decisions related to recreational activities at ski areas will be made within ski area planning processes. Commercial proposals for learn-to mountain biking operations could be considered on a case-by-case basis. Cross country will be the principal form of mountain biking offered. Parks Canada will not offer downhill-specific trails for mountain biking due to visitor safety concerns and potential wildlife conflict. Mountain biking will only be offered on trails that have been approved and identified (by affirmative signage) by Parks Canada. Participants will respect any existing/new closures or restrictions. No new roads will be created to support mountain biking. Resource inventories, assessments and monitoring will inform trail selection and ongoing management of mountain biking as necessary. Costs for resource surveys, environmental assessments, ongoing monitoring and active management of special events or commercial operations will be the responsibility of the proponent/operator and will be based on terms of reference provided by Parks Canada. Mountain biking will not be allowed on trails where the increase in visitor activity would result in unacceptable impacts to important wildlife habitat areas (i.e., critical caribou habitat, core grizzly bear areas etc.). Trail development and improvements will be informed by an analysis of vulnerable species and seasonal habitat use and importance. Active restoration measures will be employed to prevent erosion and restore vegetation in areas affected by informal trail development activities. Safety, risk and liability will be considered throughout the ongoing management of the activity. Mountain biking will be practiced according to industry/association standards and rules. Heritage interpretation, educational messaging and etiquette and safety information will be incorporated into the mountain biking offer. Parks Canada will work with local bike organizations to help manage potential impacts associated with cross-country mountain biking, including: - Avoiding impacts to sensitive species and important resource values; - Avoiding impact to, or alteration of, cultural resources, - Discouraging the development of informal trails and reducing trail conflict. 6 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park: June 2011

8 Mountain biking can take place on approved, signed trails in Zone II / Declared Wilderness, Zone III, Zone IV and Zone V areas. Mountain biking cannot take place in Environmentally Significant Sites or Zone I areas. The development or construction of technical trail features (TTFs) 1 may be considered where impacts to sensitive vegetation or soils can be avoided or where technical features may be determined to provide more effective protection. TTFs will be designed in a way that respect the heritage area s character of place and will appeal to different skill levels. Technical trail features will be designed to facilitate the convenient passage by all trail users. TTFs can be created using existing natural features 2, enhanced natural features 3 or engineered / human-made structures 4 : - The use of existing natural features can occur in Zones II, III, IV and V. - The use of enhanced, natural features can only occur in Zones III, IV and V. - The use of engineered or human-made structures can only occur in bike parks and in Zones III, IV and V. Higher maintenance, cost and liability must be taken into account when considering their addition to a trail or bike park. The design, construction, operation and maintenance of TTFs must adhere to applicable industry standards and codes as necessary. Bike parks 5 can only occur in Zones IV and V. Priority will be given to locations with existing supporting infrastructure and to disturbed sites. Commercial operators will be well versed in Parks Canada s mandate. Guides/instructors must be certified by the Interpretive Guides Association (or equivalent) to provide heritage interpretation to participants. Commercial operations will make use of existing facilities (parking, toilets, trails etc.) with sufficient capacity as much as possible. Where supported by park management plan direction, new or modified staging areas could be considered for commercial mountain biking operations under license of occupation or other agreement. These would include only basic infrastructure (parking, picnic tables, and toilets). New or existing staging areas requiring modification will be funded and maintained by the proponent/operator. Other supporting facilities associated with commercial operations such as concession stands, ticketing will be managed off-site in areas already leased or licensed for commercial services. New or modified staging areas to support mountain biking can only occur in Zones III, IV and V. Special event proposals will go through normal park approval processes. Parks Canada will consider competitive biking events only on existing roads. 1 Technical Trail Features: are obstacles or design elements on a mountain biking trail that improve trail flow or add difficulty in order to challenge the skill of trail users. 2 Natural features already exist along a trail. Examples include the use of rock slabs, boulders, rock gardens, and fallen trees. 3 Enhanced natural features involve moving natural materials such as rocks, logs etc. to create drop-offs, rock gardens, boulder rides, log pyramids and log rides. 4 Engineered or Human-Made TTF are constructed structures, including ladder bridges, wooden ramps, teetertotters, etc. 5 Bike Parks are generally a variety of natural obstacles such as rocks and logs, constructed features such as ladder bridges, pumptracks and mounds of dirt for jumping over, all arranged in a controlled and defined area. Bike parks are designed to offer unique features that build skill and confidence and cater to a variety of styles and levels of ability of mountain biking. 7 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park: June 2011

9 Guided, Interpretive Via Ferrata (cable-assisted hiking and climbing) and Aerial Parks Activity Description Opportunities Challenges Guided, interpretive via ferrata (cable-assisted climbing and hiking) Note: In Banff National Park via ferrata can now be considered in Zones III and IV. An activity where participants travel along a mountain route/rock face that is permanently equipped with fixed cables and metal rungs, and may also include ladders, steps and bridges. Climbers wear a harness and remain attached to a cable at all times while making their way up/along the route. Activity is to be supported by interpretation of protected mountain landscapes and the history of Canadian alpinism To offer a unique opportunity to experience the vertical alpine environment for visitors who, for a variety of reasons, may not be able to develop the experience or skills to engage in mountaineering and rock climbing. To facilitate the physical and emotional sensations associated with mountaineering, including height, elevation and exposure, and the sights, sounds and tactile sensations unique to the vertical world. To provide opportunities for self growth and accomplishment. Potential impacts to sensitive vegetation, alpine wildlife, special resources (i.e., fossils), cultural resources (i.e., classic mountaineering routes), scenic views, visitor safety and existing use conflicts and displacement. Aerial Parks Participants travel along elevated walkways and bridges, within or outside a forested environment. Can include a number of challenge elements such as wobbly bridges and ropes. Note: Parks Canada may consider aerial park proposals only within existing leases provided that the tours are consistent with the management plan, are not stand alone attractions (i.e., are valueadded additions to existing opportunities), are small in scale, and are secondary/incidental to the existing operation. To encourage people to test their physical abilities. To enjoy an experience in a natural setting. Like playgrounds, can be very enjoyable to audiences including children. Limited opportunity to encourage connection to the unique landscapes and environments of the mountain national parks. Impacts to trees, treedependent vegetation, and wildlife. Visitor safety Guidelines Via Ferrata Proposals to create opportunities for visitors to experience alpine and cliff environments, supported by interpretation of protected mountain landscapes and the history of Canadian alpinism, by means of via ferrata tours, can be considered in Banff, consistent with the Management Plan direction. Note that decisions related to recreational activities at ski areas will be made within ski area planning processes. Aerial Parks Parks Canada will not consider aerial park tour proposals that require new leases or licenses of occupation because of the limited ability for these tours to connect visitors to the unique landscapes and environments of the mountain National Parks. Parks Canada may consider aerial park proposals within existing leases in the mountain National Parks provided that the tours are consistent with the management plan, are not stand alone attractions (i.e., are value-added additions to existing opportunities), are small in scale and are secondary/incidental to the existing operation. 8 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park: June 2011

10 Consistent with national direction, via ferrata and aerial parks will only be considered as part of guided, interpreted tours 6. The following guidelines are applicable to both activities. These guided, interpreted tours will focus on the opportunity to experience and learn about unique mountain national parks landscapes (such as dynamic alpine views, cordilleran geology, alpine environments and temperate rainforest canopies) and the history and culture of Canadian alpinism. (Infrastructure will not be the primary focus of the activity.) Infrastructure will be designed to facilitate these views and learning opportunities. Management of tours will be by a third party, who must obtain appropriate permits and licenses, and adequate liability insurance. Education related to park heritage values will be a core component of the experience. Guides will also teach best practices associated with low-impact travel. Commercial operators offering guided interpreted tours will be well versed in Parks Canada s mandate. Guides must be certified by the Interpretive Guides Association (or equivalent) to provide heritage interpretation to participants. Guides are also required to be certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides OR the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association as having adequate emergency first aid, technical, and mountain guiding skills. Access to these tours and associated facilities must be controlled. Design, construction and operation must adhere to applicable industry standards and engineering and other codes as necessary. Infrastructure will use materials and colours that blend with the natural environment and take advantage of existing landscape and topography to encourage authentic connection to the landscape and to minimize aesthetic impacts. Resource inventories, assessments and ongoing monitoring will inform the site selection and ongoing management as necessary. Costs for resource surveys, environmental assessments, ongoing monitoring and active management will be the responsibility of the proponent/operator and will be based on terms of reference provided by Parks Canada. Safety, risk and liability will be considered throughout ongoing management of guided interpreted tours that include these elements. Tours will only be considered in areas where the activity is consistent with the area management concepts and visitor experience and protection objectives as outlined in the park management plan. Tours will make use of existing facilities (parking, toilets, trails etc.) with sufficient capacity as much as possible. Where supported by park management plan direction, new or modified staging areas could be considered under license of occupation or other agreement. These would include only basic infrastructure (parking, picnic tables, and toilets). New or existing staging areas requiring modification will be funded, constructed and maintained by operators. Other supporting facilities and operations such as concession stands, ticketing will be managed off-site in areas already leased or licensed for commercial services. In Banff National Park, outside of existing leases, the disturbed footprint of development associated with any new licenses of occupation for commercial tours will be offset by at least an equal amount of rehabilitation of lands to a natural state elsewhere in the park. This will ensure no net increase in disturbed footprint. This will be managed and monitored by Parks Canada on a five year basis. Via ferrata sites and routes will: - Offer dramatic, iconic views (inspiring alpine vistas, temperate rainforests) for visitors and that provide educational opportunities of major heritage themes (mountaineering history, key ecological values of the immediate area, etc); - Avoid impact to sensitive species and important resource values; - Avoid direct disruption to areas known to be important to wildlife lifecycle, habitat and movement requirements (including grizzly bears, caribou, pine marten etc.); - Maintain appropriate distance buffers from wildlife; - Avoid impact to, or alteration of, special (i.e., fossils, iconic landform or den site) and cultural resources; and - Not physically displace or diminish the value of other established uses (this will include consideration of viewscapes and auditory impacts). Seasonal and daily timing of visitor activities will facilitate wildlife lifecycle requirements. 6 Elements of via ferrata can be considered outside of a guided interpreted and controlled tour in remote backcountry areas accessible only experienced climbers. 9 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park: June 2011

11 Site and route selection will be informed by a detailed survey of: - Sensitive vegetation species and communities and associated wildlife habitat values, including listed species at risk, rare and fragile vegetation; - Special resources (i.e., fossils, iconic landform or den site); - Cultural resources; and - Existing visitor activity and values (including viewscapes). Potential erosion will be monitored and mitigated on an ongoing basis. Active restoration measures will be employed to prevent erosion and restore vegetation affected by construction activities. No new roads will be created to support these types of tours. Operators will be encouraged to provide affordable opportunities for youth and families to participate. Via Ferrata Specific Guidelines Infrastructure elements that do not contribute to climbing but are designed solely to add an extra element of challenge or thrill (e.g. zip line) will not be permitted. Infrastructure will be kept to a minimum. Access and egress to the via ferrata from existing established infrastructure (i.e., roads, parking lots, ski lifts) will be by trail. Routes will avoid existing, established climbing routes and disruption of skylines, ridgelines and summits. Routes and rest areas will make use of durable surfaces. Via ferrata can be considered in Zone III and IV only. They will not be considered in Environmentally Significant Sites, Zone I and Zone II / Declared Wilderness in Banff National Park. Aerial Park Specific Guidelines No new leases or licenses of occupation will be created for aerial parks. Existing lease holders can submit proposals for aerial parks provided they are: - Consistent with OCA guidelines and other relevant policies; - Not stand-alone attractions; - Are incidental to the existing operation; and - Small in scale. Aerial parks can be considered in Zone III, IV and V areas. They will not be considered in Environmentally Significant Sites, Zone I, and Zone II / Declared Wilderness in Banff National Park. New or modified staging areas to support aerial tours can only occur in Zones III, IV and V. 10 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park: June 2011

12 Hang Gliding and Paragliding Activity Description Opportunities Challenges Non-motorized hang gliding and paragliding To see landscapes from an entirely different perspective. A form of free flight in which pilots catch rising currents of air with a glider. Can include recreational flying (launch and landing), acrobatic flying, and crosscountry flying over distances. Hang glider wings are heavier (and are made of rigid or semi-rigid materials). Para-gliders are slower, their wings are soft and lighter and thus much more portable. Two kinds of flights: -Structured flights: Involves launching and landing at designated sites, with infrastructure. -Unstructured flights: Usually involves launching at a designated site; landings, especially with cross-country flights, are more likely at unpredictable locations since they are dependent on wind conditions. To have a self-propelled silent flight over a valley at elevation provides a view and sensations that are not unlike those afforded by small aircraft or helicopters (without the engine and associated noise and pollution). To directly connect participants with their environment as flying involves considerable skill (similar to something like ice climbing), as well as significant preparation. To understand landscapes and landscape change. For personal growth and accomplishment. Potential impacts to fragile vegetation associated with alpine or rocky sites. Disturbances to sensitive species including mountain goats, eagles, grizzly bears and caribou. Visitor safety and conflicts. Guidelines Proposals for recreational non-motorized hang gliding and paragliding (structured and unstructured) can be considered Banff National Park consistent with park management plan direction, to be confirmed through local/park-specific planning and consultation. Decisions related to recreational activities at ski areas will be made within ski area planning processes. Commercial proposals for tandem operations could be considered on a case-by-case basis. (Note that Parks Canada s National Park Aircraft Access Regulations must be amended prior to hang gliding or paragliding being allowed in any national park. National guidelines and Banff National Park s guidelines for this activity will be approved when this occurs.) Only non-motorized forms of hang gliding and paragliding will be allowed (no motorized launches / towed launches). Parks Canada will work with the Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association of Canada and local flying clubs in order to: - Identify management approach (structured, unstructured); - Identify necessary safety measures; - Manage communications with pilots; and - Manage potential impacts, including to iconic viewscapes. Hang gliding and paragliding will be practiced according to industry/association standards and rules. Pilots are required to have proper certification and insurance 7. Participants will use existing trails and routes to access areas for hang gliding and paragliding and will respect any existing/new closures or restrictions. No new roads will be created to support hang gliding and paragliding. Safety, risk and liability will be considered throughout the ongoing management of the activity. 7 HPAC has secured the authority from Transport Canada to self-regulate its own hang gliding and paragliding activities, subject to Canadian Aviation Regulations. In Canada, all pilots need to be members of HPAC in order to have the applicable Limited Liability coverage or temporary membership based on International Pilot Proficiency Information cards (IPPI). 11 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park: June 2011

13 Unstructured and cross-country flights that involve launching, landings or close proximity to core grizzly bear areas, critical caribou habitat, eagle nest sites, important mountain goat habitat or other sensitive wildlife locations will not be permitted. Non-commercial structured hang gliding and paragliding launch and land sites must be approved by Parks Canada and will be managed by 3 rd parties (i.e., local flying clubs) through a license of occupation. Commercial tandem operations must obtain appropriate permits and licenses, and adequate liability insurance. Commercial operators offering tandem tours will be well versed in Parks Canada s mandate. Guides must be certified by the Interpretive Guides Association (or equivalent) to provide heritage interpretation to participants. In Banff National Park, outside of existing leases, the disturbed footprint of development associated with new licenses of occupation for commercial operations will be offset by at least an equal amount of rehabilitation of lands to a natural state elsewhere in the park. This will ensure no net increase in disturbed footprint. This will be managed and monitored by Parks Canada on a five year basis. In Banff National Park, no new licenses of occupation will be issued for commercial tandem launch sites. Resource inventories, assessments and monitoring will inform site selection and ongoing management as necessary. Costs for resource surveys, environmental assessments, ongoing monitoring and active management associated with structured launch/land locations will be the responsibility of the proponent/operator/club and will be based on terms of reference provided by Parks Canada. Structured launch/land sites will: - Be located on and make use of durable surfaces; - Will avoid direct disruption to areas known to be important to wildlife lifecycle requirements (including important mountain goat habitat) and maintain appropriate distance buffers; - Avoid impact to sensitive species and important resource values; - Avoid impact to, or alteration of, cultural resources; - Be located and designed in ways that are sympathetic to the values that connect other visitors to place, and which do not physically displace or diminish other established uses; and - Avoid disruption of iconic viewscapes. Structured launch/land sites will make use of existing facilities (parking, toilets, trails etc.) with sufficient capacity as much as possible. Where supported by park management plan direction, new or modified staging areas could be considered for structured launch and land sites under license of occupation or other agreement. These would include only basic infrastructure (parking, picnic tables, and toilets). New or existing staging areas requiring modification will be funded and maintained by 3 rd parties. Other supporting facilities associated with commercial operations, such as concession stand and ticketing, will be managed off-site in areas already leased or licensed for commercial services. Structured hang gliding and paragliding launch and land sites can occur in Zone III and IV areas. Unstructured hang gliding and paragliding can occur in Zone II / Declared Wilderness, III and IV areas. Take off and landings cannot occur in Environmentally Significant Sites or in Zone I areas. New or modified staging areas to support structured launch and land sites can only occur in Zones III, IV and V. Special event proposals will go through normal park approval processes. 12 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park: June 2011

14 Traction Kiting Activity Description Opportunities Challenges Traction kiting Activities where participants are pulled, using force generated by a large kite (i.e. power kite) across land, snow, ice or water. To experience and interact with the wind and natural terrain in a natural setting. Land-based participants stand on a buggy, skateboard, roller skates, etc. Water-based participants (kite surfers or kite boarders) are standing, strapped in, on a board that is similar to a wakeboard or surfboard. Traction kiting on frozen surfaces is commonly called kite skiing or snow kiting. Kiters use the power of a kite to glide over snow or ice while strapped to a snowboard, skis or skates. To travel significant distances, particularly over open water or over frozen lakes and snowfields. To build on traction kiting already occurring in many of the mountain national parks. To take advantage of accessible terrain, in the form of large lakes in winter and summer, that exists in Banff National Park. Minimal impact: The potential power, speed and energy of kites transferred to the land or water surface through the wheels, boards or blades that are being used, on water, ice or snow. More significant impact: The force generated and transferred to the ground to soils and vegetation from land-based traction kiting. Potential conflicts with overwintering ungulates in certain locations. Impacts on iconic viewscapes. Visitor safety in higher use areas. Guidelines Proposals for recreational traction kiting can be considered for Banff National Park consistent with park management plan direction (to be confirmed through local/park-specific planning and consultation). Commercial proposals for learn-to traction kite operations could be considered on a case-by-case basis. Participants will use existing trails and routes to access areas for traction kiting and will respect any existing/new closures or restrictions. No new roads will be created to support traction kiting. Kiting in any season will be limited to durable surfaces (i.e., snow, ice, water, gravel, sand, parking lots, playing fields in communities etc.), including the consideration of appropriate depth of snow/ice cover. Water based traction kiting will avoid direct disruption to areas known to be important to waterfowl lifecycle requirements. Appropriate distance buffers will be maintained. Winter kiting will avoid disturbance to important ungulate wintering and subnivean wildlife habitat, including consideration of adequate snow or ice cover. Safety, risk and liability will be considered throughout the ongoing management of the activity. Traction kiting will be practiced according to industry/association standards and rules. In areas that have high amounts of traction kiting, Parks Canada will work with local organizations in order to: - Manage communications with participants; and - Manage potential impacts of high-use traction kiting areas so that they: - Avoid impact to sensitive species and important resource values; - Avoid impact to, or alteration of, cultural resources; - Not physically displace or diminish the value of other established uses; and - Avoid disruption of iconic viewscapes. Commercial operations must obtain appropriate permits and licenses, and adequate liability insurance. Commercial operators will be well versed in Parks Canada s mandate. Guides/instructors must be certified by the Interpretive Guides Association (or equivalent) to provide heritage interpretation to participants. 13 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park: June 2011

15 Commercial operations will make use of existing facilities (parking, toilets, trails etc.) with sufficient capacity as much as possible. Where supported by park management plan direction, new or modified staging areas could be considered for commercial traction kiting operations under license of occupation or other agreement. These would include only basic infrastructure (parking, picnic tables, and toilets). New or existing staging areas requiring modification will be funded and maintained by the proponent/operator. Other supporting facilities associated with commercial operations such as concession stands, ticketing will be managed off-site in areas already leased or licensed for commercial services. Resource inventories, assessment and ongoing monitoring will inform ongoing management as necessary. Costs for resource surveys, environmental assessments, ongoing monitoring and active management of special events or commercial operations will be the responsibility of the proponent/operator and will be based on terms of reference provided by Parks Canada. Water and snow/ice based traction kiting can take place in Zone II / Declared Wilderness, III, IV and V areas. Land based traction kiting can take place in Zone III, IV and V areas. New or modified staging areas to support traction kiting can only occur in Zones III, IV and V. Traction kiting cannot take place in Environmentally Significant Sites or in Zone I areas. Special event proposals will go through normal park approval processes. 14 Provisional Guidelines for New Recreational Activities in Banff National Park: June 2011