Regional Parks Annual Report. Capital Regional District Parks and Environmental Services

Transcription

1 Regional Parks 2012 Annual Report Capital Regional District Parks and Environmental Services Babbington Hill, East Sooke Regional Park Photo Mary Sanseverino

2 Contents i Regional Parks & Trails Overview Map 1 Message from the Chair 2 Strategic Priorities 3 Land Acquisitions 4 Land Acquisitions Map 5 Park Operations Services 7 Planning, Resource Management & Development 9 Visitor Services & Community Development 11 Community Partnerships Regional Parks Budget Printed on 100% recycled paper

3 Canada U.S.A Ca p it al Re g i on al D i st r i ct Re g io na l Park s a nd Trail s Regional Park Regional District Boundary Regional Trail (Complete) Municipal Boundary Regional Trail (Proposed) Lake / Reservoir First Nations Reserve. Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator. Zone 10, North. North American Datum Kilometres Map Document: RP_Parks_Trails_Overview_8.5x11_AnnualReport.mxd May 2013 Vancouver DISCLAIMER This map is for general information only and may contain inaccuracies. Island Capital Regional District Regional Parks and Trails 28. Sooke Hills Wilderness Park Reserve 29. Sooke Potholes 30. Thetis Lake 31. Witty's Lagoon 19. Matheson Lake 20. Matthews Point Park Reserve 21. Mill Farm Park Reserve 10. Francis/King 11. Galloping Goose Trail 32. Trans Canada Trail* *temporary name, not constructed 22. Mill Hill 23. Mount Parke 24. Mount Wells 25. Mount Work 26. Roche Cove 27. Sea to Sea Park Reserve 12. Gonzales Hill 13. Horth Hill 14. Island View Beach 33. E & N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector 15. Jordan River 16. Kapoor 17. Lochside Trail 18. Lone Tree Hill 1. Albert Head Lagoon 2. Ayum Creek Park Reserve 3. Bear Hill 4. Brooks Point 5. Coles Bay 6. Devonian 7. East Point 8. East Sooke 9. Elk/Beaver Lake

4 Message from the Chair 2012 was a landmark year for Regional Parks. The Regional Parks Strategic Plan was completed. It provides the long-term vision and the shortterm priorities for regional parks and trails spanning southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. It confirmed that CRD Regional Parks is on the right track and that nature protection is our top priority. It s crucial given the expectation for significant population growth in the region over the next three decades. We also celebrated 30 years of volunteers in parks and a new Legacy Program was launched. More parkland was acquired and improvements made to existing parks and trails. In addition, Regional Parks staff continued to protect and manage more than 13,000 hectares of natural areas in 33 regional parks and trails that represent and help maintain the diverse range of natural environments in the district. On behalf of the CRD Regional Parks Committee, we thank everyone who played a role in our accomplishments. Together we are protecting vital natural areas that add to the region s quality of life, to the long-term health of the local environment and to the people who live here. Sincerely, Susan Brice Chair, Regional Parks Committee Regional Parks Committee Chair Susan Brice 2012 Regional Parks Committee Chair: Susan Brice Ted Daly Mike Hicks Dave Howe Ben Isitt Jane Mendum Lanny Seaton Leif Wergeland Regional Parks is a division of the Parks and Environmental Services Department of the Capital Regional District. 1

5 Wood ducks by Mary Sanseverino Strategic Priorities The key business and strategic priorities for 2012 included: Completion of the Regional Parks Strategic Plan and 2012 to 2016 Financial Program to Implement the Regional Parks Strategic Plan. Continued construction on phase 1 of the E&N Rail Trail-Humpback Connector. Completed the Jordan River Regional Park land transfer and held pubic meetings to set the park boundary. Revamped and launched the Legacy Program. Continued construction of rest stations along the Galloping Goose and Lochside regional trails through a Legacy Program donation. The key business and strategic priorities for 2013 include: Complete construction on Phase 1 of the E&N Rail Trail-Humpback Connector. Continue the planning process for the Island View Beach Regional Park Management Plan. Undertake site improvements to Jordan River Regional Park campground. Initiate phase 1 of the Southern Gulf Islands Cycling & Pedestrian Trail Plan. Undertake a Regional Trails Survey to gather information on trail use, experiences and management. Publish a Guide to User-Friendly Trails in partnership with Intermunicipal Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (IACDI) and West Shore Parks & Recreation. Install three water fountains and complete rest stations at six sites along the Galloping Goose and Lochside regional trails through Legacy Program donations. 2

6 Regional Parks Land Acquisitions Jordan River Regional Park Reserve by Mary Sanseverino In 2012, 57 hectares of land in Jordan River were transferred to CRD Regional Parks from Western Forest Products. The transfer concluded the 2010 agreement for the purchase of lands in the Jordan River, Sooke Potholes and Weeks Lake areas for recreation, conservation and watershed protection. The Regional Park Land Acquisition Fund was established to purchase land for regional parks and trails that contribute to the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the region. The fund levied taxes at a rate of $16 per average residential household assessment in 2012 and generated $7,659,175. The fund was established in 2000 for a ten year period at a rate of $10 per average residential household assessment. In 2010, the fund was extended for another ten years at a rate of $12 per average residential household assessment, increasing by $2 per year to a maximum of $20 in 2014, and then remaining at this rate until Land Acquisitions Since 2000 Total land acquired to date: 4,485 hectares Total value: $48,018,264 Funds generated 2012: $7,659,175 Cost of fund per average household: $51.19 With the latest acquisitions of land adjacent to Island View Beach Regional Park in 2009, at Brooks Point in 2010, and at Jordan River, Regional Parks has committed revenue in the land acquisition fund until

7 Canada U.S.A. Southern Gulf Island Electoral Area Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Galiano Island Mayne Island Salt Spring Island North Pender Island Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Highlands Langford Metchosin #* #* North Saanich Colwood Central Saanich View Royal Sidney Saanich Esquimalt Capital Regional District Regional Parks Land Acquisitions Acquisitions Phase 2 ( ) Phase 1 ( ) #* 2010 #* 2011 #* 2012 Victoria 2005 Haro Strait Oak Bay 2001 Juan de Fuca Strait 2007 South Pender Island 2002 Strait of Georgia Saturna Island #* 4 First Nations Reserve Municipal/Electoral Boundary Regional Park and Trail Regional Trail (Proposed) Vancouver Islan d Kilometres Map Document: RP_AR_Acq_2000_2012_AnnualReport.mxd (May 2013) Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator. Zone 10, North. North American Datum. DISCLAIMER This map is for general information only and may contain inaccuracies. Capital Regional District Juan de Fuca #* Electoral Area #* #* #* #* U.S.A. Canada Sooke Juan de Fuca Electoral Area

8 Park Operations Services Bylaw Enforcement Park Operations staff are responsible for the daily operations and maintenance of regional parks and trails. They attend to nature centres, washrooms, trails, beaches, picnic areas, parking lots, bridges, kiosks and signs. They carry out restoration projects, and oversee park safety and security, including bylaw enforcement and fire management. Annual operating plans guide the maintenance of all regional parks and trails. Bylaw Enforcement The Regional Parks Bylaw Enforcement Program provides regulation enforcement to ensure safe and enjoyable visits to regional parks. In 2012, Regional Parks contracted CRD Bylaw Enforcement Services to provide 652 Bylaw Officer patrol hours (two officers per hour of patrol). Staff focused the Bylaw Officer patrols on areas where increased regulatory violations, primarily liquor related, typically occur, and on strategic days in the summer months. CRD Bylaw Officers issued 133 written warnings, 27 Municipal Ticket Information or Fines, and 253 evictions. Bylaw Enforcement at a Glance Total Violations Elk/Beaver Lake 442 Island View Beach 290 Matheson Lake 93 Durrance Lake (Mt Work) 360 Sooke Potholes 711 Thetis Lake 1,429 Witty s Lagoon 53 Regional Parks staff continued to work closely with area RCMP detachments to coordinate joint CRD-RCMP park patrols, address more serious incidents or issues within regional parks, and to increase the overall enforcement presence in regional parks and meet the enforcement demands created by peak seasonal visitation. Two auxiliary Park Officer positions were created for the summer of They patrolled the remote areas of the park system to increase the presence of Regional Parks, gather information, and address regulatory violations. The 2012 Bylaw Enforcement Program core budget was $103,320. 5

9 Park Officers Jordan River campground Atkins Road water fountain Fire Program Regional Parks Fire crews liase with local Fire Departments, Ministry of Natural Resources, CRD Protective Services and Integrated Water Services for fire suppression. 16 seasonal and 15 regular staff are trained to Ministry of Forests standards. Regional Parks staff responded to 27 fire incidents in This included five fires that were less than 0.5 hectare and 22 nuisance fires (illegal campfires). The fires were at Thetis Lake, Jordan River, Sea to Sea, Elk/Beaver Lake and along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. Operations and Maintenance Initiatives 2012 saw many achievements: Removed broom from Mill Hill with spring and fall programs. Undertook demolition and remediation of buildings in Jordan River Regional Park. Began refurbishing Jordan River campground. Completed preliminary trails and drainage work in the Sea to Sea lands. Constructed Durrance Lake accessible fishing float. Installed a new aluminum pedestrian bridge at the control dam on lower Thetis Lake. Completed three rest stations on the Galloping Goose and Lochside regional trails at Marwood Avenue, Mount Newton X-Road and Tsehum Harbour. Installed a water fountain on the Galloping Goose at Atkins Road. Paved 379 metres of the Galloping Goose from Talcott to Erskine Lane. Resurfaced the Galloping Goose from Marwood Avenue to Sooke Road. Installed jersey barriers along the E&N in Langford. Made repairs to the Selkirk Trestle on the Galloping Goose. Completed trail assessments for a user-friendly trail project. Thetis bridge replacement 6

10 Planning, Resource Management & Development REGIONAL PARKS STRATEGIC PLAN APRIL 2012 CRD Regional Parks prepares plans, manages natural and cultural resources and infrastructure to ensure effective and efficient decision making. Staff collaborate and consult with various partners to implement the division s Strategic Plan, park and trail management plans, business plan, oversee land acquisitions, and undertake scientific and technical work related to environmental management, conservation and restoration. Regional Parks Strategic Plan On June 15, 2012 the Capital Regional District Board approved the new Regional Parks Strategic Plan which sets the direction for regional parks and trails over the next decade. It also reviewed a complementary Financial Program, which provides the fiscal road map to implement the strategic priorities identified in the plan. The Strategic Plan provides the long term vision and the short-term priorities for regional parks and trails spanning southern Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands. E&N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector Phase 1 construction of the E&N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector continued throughout It included construction and paving of approximately 2km of trail between Admirals Road and Wilson Street and tendering plans for trail construction from Admirals Road to Maplebank Road and Hallowell Road to Island Highway. The E&N Rail Trail is a new cycling and pedestrian trail being constructed largely within the E&N rail corridor. Construction began in Once complete, this newest addition to the trail system will provide an important link between Victoria and the West Shore. Phase 1 includes construction of 6.6 kilometres of new rail trail along the E&N railway corridor and paving 2.5 kilometres of the Galloping Goose (a section that also serves as part of the E&N Rail Trail route). Parks Visits at a Glance Albert Head Lagoon 60,769 Brooks Point 4,803 Coles Bay 30,274 Devonian 44,610 East Sooke 123,483 Elk/Beaver Lake 1,444,711 Francis/King 90,042 Galloping Goose 1,675,954 Gonzales Hill 42,075 Horth Hill 63,659 Island View Beach 317,748 Lochside 1,001,246 Lone Tree Hill 7,128 Matheson Lake 48,564 Mill Hill 30,595 Mount Parke 5,518 Mount Wells 25,243 Mount Work 146,764 Jordan River Reserve (Sandcut Beach) 6,084 Sea to Sea 27,068 Sooke Potholes 99,192 Thetis Lake 411,143 Witty s Lagoon 73,826 Total 5,780,499 7

11 Invasive Species Management Japanese knotweed removal Auxiliary staff at Mill Hill Management planning Regional Parks continued a strategic management focus on priority species that pose ecological or human health risks, and species new to the region that still have the potential to be eradicated. Invasive species were also targeted at sites with extremely high ecological or recreational values. The restoration volunteer program continued to expand in Over 20 species were managed at about 24 sites by staff and volunteers. Mill Hill Restoration Mill Hill Regional Park has one of the highest concentrations of rare plants in the province. The Mill Hill Restoration Project entered its eleventh year with maintenance of areas cleared of invasive shrubs in previous years. In 2012 an auxiliary staff crew cleared 1.4 hectares. The annual volunteer Broom Sweep treated 0.6 hectares. Overall, 2.4 metric tonnes of invasive plant biomass were sent to a facility for use as a biofuel. Monitoring of rare plants and overall habitat continued, documenting increases in some rare plants. Island View Beach Management Plan A park management planning process for Island View Beach Regional Park was started in early 2011 and put on hold to give park managers time to resolve issues related to mosquito control, the drainage system, the coastal berm, and protection of ecosystems and species at risk. In July 2012 the Regional Parks Committee resumed the planning process and provided clear policy direction around the issues; the draft interim park management plan will be developed in Jordan River Regional Park Reserve Boundary Public consultations on the Jordan River park boundary which will protect land critical for the regional park took place in Consultations included public meetings and discussions with the Pacheedaht and T Sou-ke First Nations. Some lands were deemed surplus to regional park needs. These lands will be offered for sale to the Pacheedaht and T Sou-ke First Nations. The Jordan River Regional Park Reserve was established in 2010 when the CRD acquired land from Western Forest Products between 2010 to Jordan River public meetings 8

12 Visitor Services & Community Development Marine Day Connecting people with the natural environment, providing volunteer opportunities for residents to be involved in park stewardship and cultivating community partnerships are the cornerstones of Visitor Services and Community Development. Staff provide opportunities for park visitors of all ages to learn more about their natural and cultural heritage through guided hikes, walks, school programs and special events throughout the year. Staff also provide information and publications to the public about regional parks and trails, issue park use permits for group picnic shelters and special events and provide administrative and financial support to the division. Environmental Interpretation Services Environmental interpretation offers a diversity of information and education services to communities, including school field trips, public programs, and community events. In 2012, 34,250 people attended these programs. Public programs include guided nature walks, adult hikes, canoe trips, roving interpreters and special events. They provide community members with opportunities for outdoor experiences in the region s natural environments while learning more about our natural and cultural heritage. 14, 050 people participated in 243 public programs. Regional Parks interpreters attended 13 community events reaching a total of 5,340 people. The dedicated volunteer naturalists at the three nature centres (Witty s Lagoon, Elk/Beaver Lake and Francis/King regional parks) assisted 9,030 park visitors over 275 days. Nature Programs at a Glance 34,250 people attended public and school programs 243 public programs reached 14,050 participants 13 community events reached 5,340 visitors 17,000 nature program brochures distributed 14,449 nature program brochures downloaded 14,839 visits to the nature programs calendar of events web page Staff delivered 191 school programs and 8,056 students, teachers and parents participated. School field trips and in-class presentations focused on hands-on, minds-on learning activities and provided direct experiences with the natural world. 9

13 [Enjoyed] the views, the information, speed/pace of the walk, the friendly atmosphere, increasing local knowledge and more outdoor activities for us! Nature Program participant Cadet volunteers Thetis Relay photo Anna Billo A Drop in the Bucket campaign Volunteers in Parks In 2012 CRD celebrated 30 years of volunteers in parks. Over the years it has grown to include a diversity of opportunities for residents to be involved in the preservation and stewardship of regional parks. The volunteers share their natural and cultural knowledge and their experience of hiking within regional parks. Volunteers also help with restoration projects and initiatives. In 2012, more than 1093 volunteers contributed 5609 hours pursuing their passion for parks. That included the greatly expanded restoration volunteer program. 684 volunteers gave 2196 hours of their time removing invasive plants, such as broom and knotweed, from parks and trails. Park Use Permits The park use permit system manages special uses to minimize the impact on the natural environment, park visitors and facilities. A park use permit is required for special use, which includes any commercial or non-commercial service, activity or event that attracts participants or spectators, and includes a festival, competition, tournament, show or outdoor ceremony. In 2012 park use permit revenue was $8, permits were issued which attracted more than 42,713 participants and spectators to regional parks. Legacy Program Regional Parks launched a new Legacy Program that is flexible and responsive to the community. It offers one time gifts options, an avenue for self directed individual donations to current initiatives, and planned giving possibilities. The program objectives are to: provide diverse opportunities directed towards stewardship initiatives and increased development; inspire collaborative engagement and involve the current needs and the strategic direction of Regional Parks. 10

14 Community Partnerships Youth in Parks Regional Parks partners with community organizations, volunteer groups, First Nations and governments in environmental stewardship, volunteer, education, recreation and tourism activities. BC Parks Boys & Girls Club Capital Region Invasive Species Partnership, a subcommittee of the Coastal Invasive Species Committee Elk/Beaver Lake Equestrian Society Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team Habitat Acquisition Trust Intermunicipal Advisory Committee on Disability Issues International Mountain Biking Association Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society Living Rivers Program of the BC Conservation Foundation, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Esquimalt Anglers Metchosin BioBlitz Committee Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Park Watch Patrol Pender Islands Conservancy Association Power to Be Adventure Therapy Society Regional Goose Management Strategy (municipalities, wildlife provincial authorities, Victoria Airport Authority, stakeholders and farmers in the Saanich Peninsula and Metchosin) Rocky Point Bird Observatory Royal Roads University Sangster Elementary Nature Kindergarten Regional Parks Website at a Glance Overall Visits 465,740 Top parks viewed: Elk/Beaver Lake 20,197 Thetis Lake 19,431 Galloping Goose 19,388 Lochside 13,155 Mt. Work 11,983 Popular Map Downloads: Brochures 38,913 Maps 98,537 11

15 Accessible fishing pier at Durrance Lake Partnerships continued Sidney, Sooke and Westshore RCMP South Island Mountain Bike Society The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) Tsawout First Nation Vancouver Island Retriever Club Victoria Natural History Society Victoria Rowing Society West-Mont Montessori School West Shore Parks & Recreation Society Donors to Regional Parks Many thanks to the following organizations and individuals, whose generous donations totalling $154,890 helped CRD Regional Parks acquire additional parkland and complete important projects in 2012: The TD Bank Group donated $250, over three years for the Regional Trails Sustainable Tourism Project to enhance and promote the Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails as key tourism travel corridors. A Drop in the Bucket Campaign Committee raised $29, totalling $54, in community donations over two years for the addition of water fountains on regional trails. Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC donated $20,000 toward a new accessible fishing pier at Durrance Lake in Mount Work Regional Park. The Pender Islands Conservancy Association donated $19, to the Land Acquisition Fund. 12

16 Trail assessment and information system workshop Donors to Regional Parks continued Ann Gibson donated $1, to the Land Acquisition Fund. Nancy Turner donated $ to the Land Acquisition Fund. Mary Sanseverino, Phil Petersen, Bev Hall and Fred Lang offered extended use of their nature photographs in various promotions of Regional Parks. Grant Funding Many thanks to the following organizations for financial support in 2012: The Mill Hill Restoration Project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Department of the Environment, with $40,000 from the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk. The Province of British Columbia provided $20, in funds administered through the Union of BC Municipalities for a Trail Assessment and Information System that focused on recreation needs of seniors. The BC Agriculture, Environment and Wildlife Fund contributed $40,000 towards the first phase of preparing a Regional Canada Goose Management Strategy. Partners in the Regional Canada Goose Management Strategy including municipalities, wildlife provincial authorities, Victoria Airport Authority, stakeholders and farmers in the Saanich Peninsula and Metchosin contributed $51,800 towards the second phase. Bike BC, through the Provincial Cycling Infrastructure Program, provided a grant of $450,000 toward the Phase 1 development of the E&N Rail Trail Humpback Connector. The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) contribution of $11.3 million for Phase 1 of the E&N Rail Trail. 13

17 2012 Regional Parks Budget Expenditure Budget 2012 (Board approved) Total: $10,014,290 Cost per Average Household Assessment: $51.19 Cost per $100,000 of Converted Assessments: $9.48 5% 29% 1% 65% CRD Regional Parks Operations $6,543,050 Capital - Projects and Equipment $489,330 Capital - Land Acquisition $2,911,640 Debt Services on Acquisitions Prior to 2000 $70,270 14

18 Capital Regional District Parks and Environmental Services Mary Sanseverino Babbington Hill, East Sooke Regional Park Photo Mary Sanseverino Regional Parks T: Atkins Avenue, 4Victoria, BC, V9B 2Z8