~ A Vision For Kimberley Nature Park ~

This statement was accepted and approved by the membership at the general meeting of the Society, 30 September 1999

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The Kimberley Nature Park Society (KNPS) has been working since the mid 1980's towards the establishment of a Nature Park on a tract of land within the city boundaries. We envision the park as a 'Gateway to Nature' and have set as our goal ...'To provide a setting which will give a personal experience of respect for, and understanding of nature.'

We envision the park as a place where natural and cultural history is preserved and compatible educational and recreational activities take place. The park will provide significant environmental, economic, educational, and recreational benefits to the citizens of Kimberley and their visitors. Intrusive and extractive activities such as logging and mining will not be permitted.

We have invested a large amount of time and energy over the last decade maintaining, mapping and improving trails, installing signs, developing trail guides, hosting walks and special events, sponsoring research and working with local schools.

KNPS is currently working towards the finalization of park boundaries and some form of long-term legal designation that will protect the park's values. We are committed to developing and implementing a master plan for the area in consultation and cooperation with Crown agencies, the Ktunaxa people, the City of Kimberley, and other interested parties.

In preparation for the master planning process, KNPS has held a series of membership workshops to develop a more detailed vision for the park. This vision includes a number of general and specific recommendations that will help achieve the park's conservation, educational and recreational goals.

Conservation:

The conservation of the soils, waters, flora and fauna are our top priority. Ensuring the health of these systems provides a base upon which human activities can be planned and carried out. The park therefore should be retained largely in its natural state with only minor developments such as trails, bridges and signs to facilitate use. Such developments would be carefully planned and approved prior to installation. The impacts of human activity will be monitored on an ongoing basis and, if negative effects on the natural resources are identified, changes to those activities will be implemented.

A comprehensive inventory of natural and cultural features will be assembled as a base for educational programming and for conservation measures. Particular attention will be given to recording and understanding historical use by the Ktunaxa people and to the protection of their cultural history.

Fire, pest and noxious weed management plans for the area will be developed to protect the ecosystems, to ensure public safety, and out of consideration for the park's neighbours.

Education:

KNPS believes in the essential need to educate the public about the natural world, and envisions the park as an outdoor classroom and source of information for this purpose. Strong emphasis will be given to expanding the park's role in research and education programming and to further exploring partnerships with local schools and colleges as well as with the professional scientific community.

We will continue to work on creating an inventory of the natural and cultural features, and developing programs to share that knowledge with students, the community and with visitors. We will use a variety of methods (guidebooks, a website, natural history lectures and field trips, interpretive signs, and eventually a nature centre) to develop a respect for, and understanding of, natural processes and biodiversity.

Recreation:

Kimberley Nature Park will continue to provide a host of wonderful recreational opportunities. KNPS is committed to encouraging, organizing and promoting a wide range of activities which are compatible with our conservation focus.

Our hope is to create and maintain a trail network, with accurate information, that offers safe access for the general public, with consideration given to those with disabilities and special needs. Year round use for non-motorized forms of recreation will be encouraged. Efforts will be made to pack some trails by snowshoe to allow non-skiers to enjoy the park in the winter. Horse use will not be encouraged out of concern for trail damage and weed propagation. The public will be expected to keep dogs under control and to prevent the harassment of wildlife. Motorized recreation will not be permitted.

The park is small enough, and close enough to town to be considered a day-use area, therefore, overnight camping will be discouraged. The use of campfires will be governed by City bylaws.

Provincial regulations and community tradition both support fishing by young people at Eimer's Lake. KNPS will work with the Fish and Wildlife Branch to accommodate this activity as part of our efforts to encourage an appreciation of nature.

The Nature Park Society has received inquiries from businesses wishing to use the park for profit making ventures. The society may support such activities if they are compatible with the purpose of the park, if they respect ecological integrity and the needs of other users.

The impact of all recreational activities will be monitored over time to ensure that levels of human use do not degrade the cultural and natural resources, or the trails.

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Kimberley Nature Park Society envisions, and will work towards, a Nature Park which allows Kimberley residents and their visitors to enjoy many outdoor activities in an undisturbed natural setting adjacent to the community. The park will be a significant element of the Kimberley lifestyle for residents, and will be an attractive amenity for Kimberley visitors and employers.

September 1999