6406136 Management Plan - Applications and Reasons for Decision

Transcription

May 2013
Guided Adventure Tourism Management Plan
Mechanized Ski Guiding Management Plan
File Number:
6406136
Management Plan
for
Last Frontier Heliskiing Ltd
This Management Plan has been
approved by:
__________________________
Franz Fux, Director of Operations
_____________________________
Land Tenure Specialist – Adventure
Tourism – Skeena Region
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural
Resource Operations
Date:_______________
Date:________________
1
May 2013
Table of Contents
1.0
INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………
4
1.1
4
4
5
5
1.2
2.0
3.0
General Overview of the Business Proposal…………………………
1.1.1 Nature and Type of Tenure……………………………………
Proponent…………………………………………………………………
1.2.1 Corporate Summary……………………………………………
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF OPERATING AREA……………….
7
2.1
2.2
7
9
9
9
10
12
12
12
13
13
13
14
14
Location, Access and Historical Perspective………………………..
Description of Operating Area and Zones………………………….
2.2.1 Description of Operating Area……………………………….
2.2.2 Biogeoclimatic Zones…………………………………………
2.2.3 Description of Operating Area Zones………………………
2.2.3.1 Zone 1 – Bell Irving………………………………….
2.2.3.2 Zone 2 – Delta Peak…………………………………
2.2.3.3 Zone 3 – Teigen Creek……………………………..
2.2.3.4 Zone 4 – Snowslide…………………………………
2.2.3.5 Zone 5 – Gilbert Lake……………………………….
2.2.3.6 Zone 6 – Bowser Lake………………………………
2.2.3.7 Zone 7 – Strata Range……………………………..
2.2.3.8 Zone 8 – South Town……………………………….
COMMERCIAL REC ACTIVITIES OFFERED ON CROWN LAND.
15
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
15
16
16
16
Description of Activities…………………………………………………
Improvements……………………………………………………………
Helicopter Staging Areas………………………………………………
Communication Sites……………………………………………………
4.0
INTENSIVE USE SITES………………………………………………
18
5.0
LEVELS OF USE………………………………………………………
20
Levels of Use – Client Days/ Year and Utilization / Ski Zone……
Responsible Use – Skier Runs / Zone – Historic and Projected..
21
21
5.1
5.2
HAZARDS AND SAFETY PLAN………………………………………..
6.0
6.1
7.0
2
Safety / Fuel Caches…………………………………………………
23
23
IMPACTS ON OTHER USERS………………………………………….
24
7.1
7.2
24
26
26
26
26
27
Public Use and Access………………………………………………
Resource and Industrial Interests…………………………………..
7.2.1 Timber Tenures and Forestry Management……………..
7.2.2 Mineral and Energy Tenures………………………………
7.2.3 Highways……………………………………………………
7.2.4 Guide Outfitters and Trappers……………………………
May 2013
7.3
7.4
8.0
Other Commercial or Public Recreation Interests………………
Existing Land Use Plans…………………………………………….
27
28
FISH, WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES ……………
31
8.1
31
Wildlife…………………………………………………………………
9.0
CULTURAL AND HERITAGE VALUES…………………..………
32
10.0
BUSINESS / MARKETING………………………………………………..
35
11.0
ECONOMIC BENEFITS…………………………...………………………
36
APPENDICES…………………………………………………..………………………
3
37
May 2013
1.0
Introduction
This Tenure Management Plan has been prepared by Last Frontier
Heliskiing Ltd (LFH) for submission to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and
Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO). This submission is part of
LFH’s requirements, pursuant to the Guided Adventure Tourism (GAT)
Policy and its existing License Agreement (#342579), to request a
replacement of its existing License, dated January 1, 2007 for a further 30
year term to operate a commercial mechanized ski guiding facility on
Crown land within the Nass River drainage, approximately 350 kms north
of Terrace, BC, in northwest British Columbia.
LFH is an existing heli ski operator and has been providing guided heli ski
tours since the 1997. The following management plan is an updated and
revised version of the company’s initial management plan, and outlines
LFH’s use of its license area, a description of the operating area and
recreation activities, historic and projected levels of use and an outline of
other resource, commercial recreation, public recreation and
environmental values and uses within LFH’s operating area license.
1.1
General Overview of the Business
LFH has been operating a heli ski facility on Crown land in the vicinity of
Stewart, BC, for close to 20 years and provides guided heli skiing
throughout the winter season of each year.
Skiing clients of LFH are generally flown to Smithers or Terrace (from
Vancouver), and then transported by coach to either Bell 2 Lodge or the
Ripley Creek Inn in Stewart. Private charter flights to Bob Quinn Lake
Airport (approximately 370 kms north of Smithers) and transportation from
there to the Bell 2 lodge, which is located approximately 40 kms south
east of the Bob Quinn Lake airport, can be arranged. . Guests stay in the
company’s lodge, which is located on a parcel of private land. The
company leases a second lodge facility (Ripley Creek Inn) based in
Stewart, BC, that allows for utilization of the tenure area south of Bowser
Lake.
1.1.1 Nature and Type of Tenure
LFH was originally granted a 20 year a license agreement in 1999. In
2007, the company applied for additional terrain, east of Stewart. This
area was added to the existing license agreement, with the expiry date
remaining at 2019. The company is now requesting a replacement tenure
for a further 30 year term over its existing operating area of 8900 sq kms
(890,000 ha). The purpose of this replacement GAT license is to conduct
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May 2013
a commercial mechanized ski guiding facility on Crown land during the
winter season from December 15th to April 30th of each year.
1.2
Proponent
LFH is a BC incorporated company and is based out of Vernon, BC. The
company is a regular member of HeliCat Canada Association (HCC) and
all of their lead guides meet the operational guidelines of HCC regulations
and requirements.
1.2.1 Corporate Summary
Incorporation Number
#BC0522474
Business Address
P.O. Box 1237, Stn Main
Vernon, BC V1T 6N6
Corporate Officers
George Rosset, President, General Manager and CEO
Franz Fux, Executive Officer and Director of Operations
Contact
[email protected]
www.lastfrontierheli.com
Telephone: 250 – 558 – 7980
Fax:
250 – 558 – 7981
George Rosset, President, General Manager and CEO
Joerg “George” Rosset was born in Biel, Switzerland on December 27,
1947. He graduated in 1967 from a 3 year course in Business
Administration in Biel. He lived for two years in the French speaking part of
Switzerland to learn the French language. This was followed by nine
months in Montreal to learn English. While in Switzerland, George worked
four years with IBM in Sales and Marketing and 17 years for 3M in
Marketing and Sales. During the last 10 years with 3M, George was a
Sales Manager for File Management Systems and for Engineering
Systems. George immigrated to Canada permanently in 1991 and founded
TLH Heliskiing Ltd. He established LFH in 1996, and has acted as
President and General Manager since that time.
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May 2013
Franz Fux, Executive Officer and Director of Operations
Franz Fux has been in the mechanized ski guiding business since 1978.
Since receiving his guide’s certificate in Switzerland in 1976, Franz worked
for Canadian Mountain Holidays for 19 years, 10 of them as manager of
different remote mountain lodges. As co-founder and part owner of Last
Frontier Heliskiing, Franz has been in charge of area development and
day-to-day operation. In recent years he has taken over the Position of
Director of Operation, leaving the day-to-day aspect to a designated
Operations Manager and concentrating more on the administrative aspect
of the business.
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May 2013
2.0
General Description of the Operating Area
2.1
Location, Access and Historical Perspective
LFH’s operating area encompasses 8900 sq kms (890,000 ha) of Crown
land within the Skeena Mountains, north of Terrace, BC (see Figure 2 – 1).
The western boundary of the tenure area is located east of the BC –
Alaska boundary (southern portion of the Alaska panhandle), with the
southern boundary located south of the Town of Stewart and south of
Highway 37, including Nelson, Del Norte, and Willoughby Creeks. The
Stewart – Cassiar Highway and the Bell - Irving River run through the
middle of the tenure area. The northern boundary of the tenure is located
just south of Bob Quinn Lake and the Ningunsaw River. The eastern
boundary includes Konigus and Muskaboo Creeks, and runs southeast
toward the Nass River Valley, south east of the Strata Mountain Range.
Access to the ski terrain is via helicopter.
Historic Perspective
LFH has been offering guided helicopter skiing service in its licensed area
since 1997. Since that time the mountains on either side of the StewartCassiar Highway, north of Meziadin, have been explored and more than
600 runs have been established. After initially operating with 8 clients and
expanding in 1998 to 15 clients, LFH has now reached its optimal size of
30 clients, which are served by 2 A- Star helicopters. This gives LFH the
possibility to ski with very small groups of 5 guests per group. It also gives
LFH the very important advantage to separate the two helicopters and fly
in different areas every day. LFH now has a very established international
clientele and is nearing its annual targeted skier days of about 4000 skier
days/season.
LFH has extensively renovated the existing facility at the Bell 2 Lodge, and
has added six new chalets, a sauna-massage building, as well as a RVpark and Campground. The company has also created a second lodge
facility, Ripley Creek Inn, based in Stewart. Based on these
improvements, LFH has created an exclusive helicopter skiing program
that provides a unique, intimate experience for clients. The A- Star and
Bell 407 helicopters are used to transport small groups of 5 skiers and on
guide, allowing them more freedom to ski in terrain suited to the client’s
needs and also to ensure more personal attention from the guide.
There are plans for a third operation situated at Meziadin Lake, and
utilizing the terrain to the north and south of this location. The timelines
for development of this facility have not been confirmed.
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May 2013
Figure 2 – 1:
8
General Location Map and Operating Area
Boundary
May 2013
2.2
Description of Operating Area and Zones
2.2.1 Description of Operating Area
The operating area is characterized by three (3) distinct physical zones –
glacier zones, open and mixed alpine/tree zones or only treed areas.
The licensed area serves two bases of operation - Bell2 Lodge and Ripley
Creek Inn (Stewart, BC), and is divided by Highway 37 North. To the east
of the highway are the Cassiar Mountains, with its characteristic open bowl
skiing and some glaciated terrain, all centered around Delta Peak. This
area is skied regularly on good weather days and used extensively in
periods of extended clear weather. It has limited tree skiing, except in the
area west of the Bell Irvine River.
The Coastal mountains are located to the west of Highway 37 North,
giving access to impressive landscapes of high mountains, extensive
glaciers and some tree skiing . The Coastal Mountains also contain some
of the longest runs of the tenure. Bowser Lake is generally accepted as
the boundary between the Stewart operation to the south and Bell2 Lodge
operation to the north.
2.2.2 Biogeoclimatic Zones
LFH’s tenure area is located in the heart of the Skeena Mountains, which
lie within the Western Skeena Mountains eco-section.
The eastern section of the tenure includes the Moist Cold Sub-Boreal
Spruce (SBSmc) biogeoclimatic zone at elevations between 600 and 1000
m and the Continental Northern Forested and Parkland Engelmann
Spruce Subalpine Fir (ESSFk) zone at elevations between 1000 and 1500
m. Alpine Tundra (AT) is found at elevations above the ESSFk zone.
The western component of the operating area replaces the ESSFK zone
with the Subcontinental Northern Forested and Parkland Engelmann
Spruce Subalpine Fir (ESSFi), and is found at elevations between 800 and
1500 m. The AT zone is found at elevations above the ESSFi zone.
The valley bottoms of the tenure area, along the Bell Irving River, and its
major tributaries, fall within the Moist Cold Interior Cedar Hemlock
(ICHmc2) zone.
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May 2013
2.2.3 Description of Operating Area Zones
LFH has created eight (8) distinct zones for the heli skiing activity (see
Figure 2 – 2)
Each zone has been described in terms of terrain characteristics, access
opportunities and skiing experience. There are numerous ski runs in each
zone with specific drop off and pick up locations. All of the ski runs have a
variety of different characteristics including snow depth, slope degree,
aspect, and terrain. Prior to each operating day, the ski zone and runs to
be used are selected based on snow conditions, wind, visibility and snow
pack stability (avalanche hazard potential).
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May 2013
Figure 2 – 2:
11
Operating Area Zones
May 2013
2.2.3.1
ZONE I – BELL IRVING
This zone is located at northern section of the tenure area, and east of
Ningunsaw Provincial Park. It is a mixed skiing zone, containing three
primary skiing areas.

Owl and Owlet Creek are primary bad weather ski areas used
mainly for tree skiing in adverse conditions. Frequently, those are
the only runs still available for skiing during times of low visibility.

The Eagle Ridge area contains about six glacier runs and open
bowls and is often used the first clear day after bad weather. It is
also often used as the first run in the morning due to its proximity to
the lodge. Due to its moderate terrain it offers relatively save open
skiing and it provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate the
existing snow conditions, without exposure any hazard.

The area to the north of Owl Creek offers a vast amount of skiing in
open bowls and on glaciers. It is often used in good weather and
regularly contains the best-preserved powder snow in this zone.
Due to the fact there are many individual smaller valleys protected
from the main influence of the western wind, the powder snow is
more preserved that in most other areas and it makes for good
skiing in mostly moderate terrain.
2.2.3.2
ZONE 2 – DELTA PEAK
This zone lies south-east of Zone 1, and Bell Irving Creek, and includes
the Delta Peak glacier runs. It has been significantly developed in the last
three seasons and many new runs have been skied here. It is an area of
open bowls and glaciated terrain and is useful mainly during good
weather. Two notable exceptions are the shoulders of Tarn and Skowill
Mountains, whose landings are often clear on cloudy days due to the
strong prevailing southerly winds, often permitting skiing when other areas
are clouded in.
The runs around Delta Peak are skied mainly in the later part of the
season when the snow pack has settled and skiing on glaciers becomes
more feasible.
2.2.3.3
ZONE 3 – TEIGEN CREEK
This zone lies directly south and west of Ningunsaw Provincial Park, and
is adjacent to the west boundary of Zone 1 and is considered a mixed
terrain area. Red Flat Creek contains a significant number of tree runs
which are heavily used and is classified as primary bad-weather skiing,
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May 2013
easily accessible even during low visibility. Red Flat Creek, which has
exceptionally good tree skiing, is essential to the operation of LFH, and
probably the single most important valley of the whole tenure. Most other
runs are open terrain and classified as primary good weather runs. The
runs on the northern border, including the newly established Ningunsaw
Provincial Park, are classified as secondary good weather runs, due to the
fact that some of them are a fair distance away.
A Park Use Permit (PUP) has been issued for those ski runs within
Ningunsaw Provincial Park.
2.2.3.4
ZONE 4 – SNOWSLIDE
Zone 4 is a relatively narrow zone, and is located immediately south of the
Teigen Creek Zone with the east boundary along the Bell Irving River.
This zone contains about 20 runs in the Snowslide Range, but more
importantly, the area to the west is used frequently in moderate weather
conditions. Teigen Ridge contains about seven moderate runs that can be
skied in almost any conditions. They are frequently used as jumping off
point for going into Treaty Creek and the glacier runs to the southwest.
Further to the west, there are many open glacier runs that offer very
impressive vistas and are skied in good weather conditions.
2.2.3.5
ZONE 5 – GILBERT LAKE
This zone is located immediately south of Zone 4 and has a variety of
good terrain which is considered both a primary good weather and a
secondary bad weather area. The southern boundary of this zone is along
the Bowser River and Bowser Lake. There are many picturesque runs
starting in the high alpine and leading through well-spaced trees to the
valley floor. It contains very long runs and has the highest concentration of
open bowls and glaciers, making this the most impressive zone of the
tenure area.
Anderson Ridge offers excellent runs on days when the operation is
staged from highway parking areas south of the lodge.
2.2.3.6
ZONE 6 – BOWSER LAKE
Zone 6 has an abundance of glacier and tree skiing and is considered a
primary bad weather area for the Stewart operation and secondary good
weather area if used from Bell 2 lodge. This zone includes terrain south of
Bowser Lake, and extends southward to the Bear River and Meziadin
Lake. Although the area has been explored from Bell 2 Lodge in the early
days of operation, mainly during excursions in the spring when longer
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May 2013
days makes traveling that far more feasible, it is now heavily used by the
Stewart operation.
It has excellent tree skiing that is accessible from Stewart and includes
many excellent glacier runs. This area has proven to be one of the main
areas used from Stewart, especially the runs in Surprise Creek, which are
skied mostly in inclement weather. Many new runs have been established
around the old Granduc Mine Site, containing our longest runs and many
open descents. The ridge south of Meziadin Lake contains enough runs to
ski for a whole day and the three valleys south of it offer excellent tree
skiing in steep terrain and those valleys are blessed with an abundance of
precipitation.
This zone also contains an area of high intensity snowmobile use between
Long Lake and Summit Lake, which is excluded from the tenure area and
covered by a Joint User Agreement between LFH and the Stewart
Snowmobile Club (see Figure 2 – 1)
2.2.3.7
ZONE 7 - STRATA RANGE
This zone is located in the southeast corner of the tenure area (east of
Meziadin Lake) and contains a mixture of glaciers and tree skiing and is
considered a secondary ski area, at this time. Due to the great distance
from Bell 2 Lodge, this zone has not been extensively explored.
Nevertheless, skiing does occur, but in less frequently. In the future, this
zone will be more accessible from Meziadin and utilization will increase at
that time.
2.2.3.8
ZONE 8 – SOUTH TOWN
This zone is located at the southern end of the tenure area and was added
to the tenure area in 2007. It now forms now an integral part of the
Stewart operation. It contains some of the most exiting tree skiing found
anywhere. The three valleys south of the highway, including the ridge
south of Meziadin Lake, offers excellent bad weather skiing. Its proximity
to the fuel cache at Surprise Creek makes this part of the zone very
economical. In addition, there are runs closer to Stewart that are
appropriate to skiing in afternoons when skiing is delayed due to poor
weather or when there is a limited time frame to ski elsewhere.
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May 2013
3.0
Commercial Recreation Activities Offered on Crown Land
3.1
Description of Activities
3.1.1
Heli skiing
LFH guests bound for Bell2 Lodge generally arrive in Smithers by
scheduled flight either the night before or on the early morning flight from
Vancouver. Transportation from Smithers to the Bell 2 Lodge is by charter
bus and takes about 4-6 hours, depending on road conditions. LFH
guests that have booked The Ripley Creek Inn package in Stewart, BC
generally fly to Terrace by scheduled flight and take the bus from there to
Stewart, which is about an hour shorter than the trip to the Bell2 Lodge
location.
LFH offers a standard seven (7) day package, including the return charter
flight from Vancouver, 7 night’s accommodation and meals, as well as
30,500 m (100,000 vertical feet) of skiing during their stay. The arrival day
(first day of the package) consists of guest safety briefing and training (heli
and avalanche equipment as well as rescue procedures) plus selection of
skis and information about the lodge. In recent seasons LFH has, besides
the 7 day packages, offered shorter trips of either 5 or 4 day packages.
The normal daily routine starts with morning stretching from 7:15 to 7:45,
followed by breakfast at 8:00, and a departure for skiing at approximately
9:00 am, weather permitting. Guests generally return to the lodge close to
5:00 pm, or 2 hours prior sunset, whichever is earlier.
During “down days”, when weather conditions do not allow for the
helicopters to fly, alternate activities for the guests are arranged. This
includes snow shoeing, cross –country skiing and ski touring. Various
indoor activities within the lodge are also available for guests.
Guides schedule: Guides and pilots have 2 meetings per day, 1 in the AM
6:45 to 8:00 am and a debriefing in the evening 5:00 to 6:30 pm.
3.1.2
Staffing
The Bell 2 Lodge has capacity for 30 guests, plus accommodation for 25
staff. The staff consists of 6 – 8 guides, 2 – 3 pilots, 1- 2 helicopter
engineers, 2 massage therapists, 1 ski shop technician, 3 chefs, 1
dishwasher, 2 servers, 3 housekeeping staff, 1 bartender, 2 front desk
staff and 2 maintenance staff. The lodge staff is supervised by a lodge
manager and the heliskiing operation is supervised by the LFH operations
manager.
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May 2013
3.2
Improvements
LFH has made limited improvements within the tenure area. The
company has two (2) radio repeater sites, and these are considered
permanent. The company also has two (2) fuel caches (one is located on
private land) in the southern portion of their tenure area, near Stewart.
Additional details on the radio repeater sites and the fuel caches are
provided in Section 4.0 – Intensive Use Sites.
The company has four (4) temporary rescue caches (equipment is
removed at the end of each operating season) in remote locations
including Gilbert Chutes, Canadian, Surprise Creek and Chicago.
The two lodges (Bell 2 and Ripley Creek Inn) are both located on private
property.
3.3
Helicopter Staging Areas
All guests are flown directly from the lodge sites to the skiing areas on
most days; however some staging areas are used, especially at the
Stewart area operation, where, in a multiple group situations, group two is
usually transported by coach to the Surprise Creek remote fuel cache area
which is also is used as a staging area.
3.4
Communication System
Regular communication between the helicopter pilots, guides and the
lodge is conducted throughout the day using hand held radios. Guides are
also provided satellite phones if radio contact is not possible.
Figure 3 – 1:
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Ripley Creek Inn
May 2013
Figure 3 – 2:
Bell 2 Lodge
Figure 3 – 3:
Overview of Bell 2 Lodge Site
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May 2013
4.0
Intensive Use Sites
LFH has three Intensive Use Sites, two of which are used as radio
repeater sites (4 sq m each), and the third is used as a fuel cache and
staging area.
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May 2013
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May 2013
5.0
Levels of Use
The GAT Policy requires that each operator provide information on the
number of “client days”, defined as each commercial recreation client who
the tenured operator guides onto Crown land in a particular day (up to 8
hours), and the time of year during which the activity takes place. The
company’s annual report, which is prepared at the conclusion of each
operating season, will reflect the total number of skiers, or client days,
taken to the operating area pursuant to the fee schedule requirement of
the GAT license agreement.
Utilization of the operating area is dependent on several factors, including:
Weather and snow conditions:



Avoiding locations with high wind or poor visibility
Avoiding slopes deemed to have poor snow stability and
high avalanche risk
Seeking slopes with the best snow quality



Skiing ability of clients
Expectations in terms of degree of skiing difficulty
Giving clients a variety of terrain and scenery

Avoiding wildlife, as per operational strategy. LFH is
committed to sound wildlife management strategies (see
Section 8.0) that may impact use of specific ski terrain areas.
Clients:
Other:
There are many factors that affect how intensively any given zone,
drainage or run is used. Safety of operations is the primary overriding
principle but there are many others. The obvious one is the number of
clients LFH hosts each year. Other, less obvious factors are skier ability
(good skiers ski more than weaker skiers) as well as difficult skiing
conditions that can severely limit amount of use. Poor flying conditions
is a big factor that can constrict use to specific areas suitable for safe
flying operations.
Snow stability is also of primary concern and can concentrate use to very
specific runs for long periods of time, sometimes an entire winter, when
the hazard rating (avalanche potential) is fair to poor. Specific winter
weather trends can also have a large impact, with some areas needing
deep snowpacks to cover hazards such as stumps, alder, logs, rocks,
crevasses, etc to even be skiable. In summary, all of these factors form
part of a complex set of issues that interact differently, day-to-day and
year-to-year, and govern where skiing occurs within the operating area
licence.
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May 2013
The following Levels of Use tables outlines the utilization for the operating
area, based on past historic use and projections over the next 5 years,
based on realistic growth rates for the company.
5.1
Levels of Use – Client Days/Year and Utilization/Ski Zone
Clients Day – Historic and Projected (both cat and heli skiing)
Year
Historic
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
3590
2877
2781
2810
3360
Projected
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
5.2
3500
3650
3860
4000
4200
Responsible Use – Utilization of Ski Zones/Year
Skier Runs / Zone – Historic
21
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Bell Irving
Delta Peak
Teigen Creek
Snowslide
Gilbert Lake
Bowser Lake
Strata Range
South Town
690
320
360
530
500
570
90
330
600
230
470
350
420
430
100
277
520
260
450
420
390
400
120
221
550
250
450
430
390
440
100
200
630
300
530
500
470
510
130
290
Total
3590
2877
2781
2810
3360
May 2013
Skiers Runs / Zone - Projected
22
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Bell Irving
Delta Peak
Teigen Creek
Snowslide
Gilbert Lake
Bowser Lake
Strata Range
South Town
665
315
560
525
520
525
90
300
695
328
584
543
540
530
100
308
735
347
617
580
560
575
110
336
760
360
640
600
580
600
125
335
800
378
672
630
615
628
135
342
Total
3500
3650
3860
4000
4200
May 2013
6.0
Hazards and Safety Plan
LFH operates in a manner that is in accordance with its operating
guidelines, as set out by HCC. Copies of the company’s waivers, safety
and rescue plans, as well as HCC Operations Guidelines are available
upon request. As well, LFH’s fuel storage and handling procedures are in
compliance with the Ministry of Environment’s A Field Guide to Fuel
Handling, Transportation and Storage.
LFH is registered with WorkSafe BC and its operations are in compliance
with WorkSafe BC regulations.
6.1
Safety/Fuel Caches
The fuel tanks at the two fuel caches (see Section 4- Intensive Use Sites),
one of which is located on private land, are refilled every fall before snow
closes the access roads. The tanks are monitored and checked on weekly
basis during the operating season. At the conclusion of the skiing season,
the tanks are locked up and decommissioned, but monitored on a regular
basis. Generally the tanks are considered empty during the off-season and
any remaining fuel in the tanks at the conclusion of the ski season is
pumped out and stored/used at the Bell 2 Lodge.
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May 2013
7.0
Impacts on Other Users
7.1
Public Use and Access
LFH’s ski zones are quite remote and few existing forestry roads provide
access into the high elevation zones. Accordingly, public use and access
(motorized – especially snowmobiles) during the winter period is restricted
and limited. Historically, the company has experienced little public use
(motorized and non-motorized) in its operating zones and continues to
work with local groups and clubs to avoid conflicts where potential overlap
of use may occur. Future road development by forest and/or mining
companies may alter this situation, and our operation will continue to work
closely with public users to ensure impacts, particularly safety related
issues, between the company’s commercial clients and public users are
minimized.
Recreational Ski Touring
LFH recognizes that areas accessible from the highway within the tenure
have been frequented by groups of touring skiers. One area of potential
conflict is the Red Flat Creek drainage which represents a significant
portion of the poor weather skiing available to LFH and is essential to the
viability of the company’s operation. During good weather, LFH skis in
areas not easily accessible from the highway. It is generally only during
periods of poor weather that LFH utilizes areas designated for poor
weather skiing. LFH has assigned Red Flat Creek as a primary poor
weather skiing zone and is of utmost importance to LFH, and during many
days in early winter this may be the only place to ski.
Generally the activities of Last Frontier Heliskiing will present minimal
conflict with public users, but in periods of poor weather when the number
of usable and accessible slopes becomes much more limited, the potential
for conflict increases. In resolution of this potential conflict, it should be
recognized that LFH is making every effort to avoid groups of ski tourers. It
may not be immediately possible to change skiing zones, however all
possible efforts will be made to provide ski tourers ample space to enjoy
the wilderness experience that they desire. In order to facilitate this
process and to avoid surprises for LFH and ski tourers, it is recommended
that groups contact the Operations Manager on site at the base lodge to
make their own plans known in advance.
Last Frontier Heliskiing will, as appropriate and reasonable, contact the
Smithers representatives for the Alpine Club of Canada, Prince George
Section (Shannon Finnegan), to adjust its heliskiing activity to
accommodate their needs.
24
May 2013
Ski Huts
Ski touring representatives have raised the matter of erecting wilderness
huts to improve their use of the area. LFH is not opposed to such plans
and is willing to meet with interested groups to share information and to
help coordinate the most suitable location, given both parties interests.
However we are not aware of any concrete plans to build a ski touring hut
within the tenured area at this time
Snowmobiling
Groups from Stewart frequent much of the GranDuc Mine site and
occasionally travel further afield on longer excursions. Snowmobile activity
takes place within the heliski licence area but mainly in locations not
required for helicopter skiing and at times when heliskiing no longer
occurs. Many of the areas suitable for helicopter skiing are not generally
available to snowmobiles since access to the alpine regions is very limited.
During the last several years of operations, LFH has experienced very
limited snowmobile use within its operating area tenure. However since
LFH has started to expand its operation and established an additional
base in Stewart, conflict situations may arise more often, especially in
areas around the GrandDuc mine site. It is understood that the LFH
operations manager at Stewart will be making every effort to open up
communications with the local snowmobile users to avoid any conflict with
snowmobile users as much as possible. Contact information (for LFH) will
be posted at the office of the District of Stewart, and has been forwarded
to the local snowmobile club.
It also has to be noted that any snowmobiler is welcome to visit us in our
office and get an update on the present snow and stability condition of the
area. LFH is also one of the first responders in case of an emergency and
has been called upon in the past on numerous occasions to evacuate
injured snowmobilers. LFH has an agreement in place with the local
snowmobile club that addresses areas of concern and LFH certainly will
not object to the recreational snowmobilers using any areas in the tenure.
At this time, LFH has entered a three-way Joint Use Agreement (JUA) with
the Snowmobile Club of Stewart and The District of Stewart. A copy of the
JUA document can be found in Appendix 1. To date, there have been no
issues between the Snowmobile Club of Stewart and LFH, as we have
cultivated a good relationship with the executive members of the club.
25
May 2013
7.2
Resource and Industrial Users
7.2.1 Timber Tenures and Forestry Management
LFH’s operating area lies within the Skeena Stikine Forest District. Timber
Baron Contracting Ltd operates within the tenure area and LFH has a
good working relationship with this forestry company and we will continue
to ensure that any issues and concerns are addressed and resolved in a
timely and appropriate manner. LFH does not foresee any conflicts in the
near future as Timber Baron’s short term plans do not indicate any logging
where existing runs are situated
LFH understands that if tree removal for gladding, improvements to
helicopter landing sites, etc, is planned, an Occupant License to Cut will
need to be applied for and approved.
7.2.2 Mineral and Energy Tenures
LFH is aware of mineral claims and tenures throughout their operating
area. Although several significant mineral properties have been
discovered in this area and the potential exists for a new mine, at this
time, there are no active mines in the tenure area (Eskay Creek Mine shut
down in 2008) and impacts on heli-skiing are expected to be minimal.
LFH is aware of different mining projects in the exploratory stage and
proposed new roads to be built as well as increased helicopter traffic that
supports mining exploration activity. Some of those development projects
may go past the exploratory stage in the future and LFH will adjust its
skiing program accordingly.
7.2.3 Highways
LFH has met with the Ministry of Transportation (MOT) to discuss the
sharing of information on snow stability and avalanche activity in the area.
MOT and LFH have entered an agreement during the last several
operating seasons to create an exchange of weather data from the Bell2
Lodge site and specific remote Ministry weather stations. LFH has also
have entered a contract to produce a daily weather forecast product for
this area and share the costs with the MOT. The MOT avalanche control
staff has been able to use our contracted helicopter at a discounted rate
for their work and some of their staff participates in the company’s guides
training at the beginning of each season.
26
May 2013
7.2.4 Guide Outfitters and Trappers
Licensed Guide Outfitters (hunting and fishing) operate primarily during
the spring, summer and fall of each year, therefore conflicts with heli skiing
are deemed to be minimal. However, should LFH consider offering helihiking programs in the future (summer months), further discussions with
the existing Guide Outfitters would be initiated.
The two outfitters in the area are:


Bob Milligan - Coast Mountain Outfitters of Port Alberni, tel:
250 723 2790, [email protected]
Clint Larson, Kispiox Valley Outfitters, Smithers, tel:
250 847 3480, [email protected]
No conflicts are expected between trapping and heli-skiing as trapping
occurs along the valley floors where roads and trails have been created to
access these areas.
LFH will continue to maintain contact, where possible, with the guide
outfitters and trappers, and ensure that if any concerns or issues emerge,
they are addressed in a timely manner.
7.3
Other Commercial or Public Recreation Interests
Bear Enterprises, based in Smithers, is the only Adventure Tourism
Operator that has a tenure within LFH’s operating area. This company
offers guided ski touring and related activities, but is not a frequent user of
the area. LFH has a good relationship with the company owner (Christoph
Dietzfelbinger) and LFH has requested that he regularly informs LFH of
any activities that may take place within the tenure area so that potential
impacts between heliskiing and ski touring can be minimized.
Several recreational tour operators in the Stewart area offer a variety of
outdoor experiences and LFH recognizes that any tenures (existing or
future) may be layered or overlap with LFH’s heliski tenure. As these
activities do not compete or conflict with LFH, minimal impacts between
these activities and companies are anticipated. LFH is prepared to meet
with these operators and discuss any potential issues or concerns that
may arise.
27
May 2013
7.4
Existing Land Use Plans
LFH’s operating area overlaps with two existing land use plans. The Nass
South Sustainable Resource Management Plan (Nass South SRMP) was
approved and implemented by the Province in June 2012, and
incorporates the southern portion of LFH’s tenure area (see Figure 7 – 1).
The Nass South SRMP allows for the development of facilities and
infrastructure for commercial recreation, including heli skiing. A review of
the Nass South SRMP does not reveal any conflicts between the
management direction of the plan and the activities of LFH.
A second land use plan, the Cassiar Iskut – Stikine Land and Resource
Management Plan (Cassiar Iskut – Stikine LRMP), overlaps a small
portion of the western section of LFH’s tenure area and includes the area
to the north west of Stewart and south of the Nunginsaw Provincial Park
(see Figure 7 – 2). This part of the LRMP has been designated as a
General Management Zone, and no conflicts or concerns have been noted
in terms of the management direction of the LRMP and LFH’s activities.
The balance of LFH’s operating area, north and east of Bowser Lake,
does not include any existing land use plans at this time.
28
May 2013
Figure 7 – 1:
29
Nass South SRMP
May 2013
Figure 7 – 2:
30
Cassiar Iskut – Stikine LRMP
May 2013
8.0
Fish, Wildlife and Environmental Values
8.1 Wildlife
LFH’s operating area contains significant wildlife values and habitat. LFH
is a member of HeliCat Canada Association and is in compliance with the
association’s best management practices for addressing wildlife
disturbance concerns (BCHSSOA 2003). The company is also familiar
and compliant with the Wildlife Guidelines For Backcountry
Tourism/Commercial Recreation in British Columbia (BCMOE 2006) and
the MFLNRO Skeena Region’s Commercial Recreation and Crown Land
Tenures Guidelines (Vanderstar 2012), and will adhere to the guidelines
(e.g., minimum default distances from known values) as part of their
operating procedures.
LFH believes that managed properly, their operation has a minimal impact
on wildlife values and habitat. LFH’s operations are helicopter-based and
occur during the winter months, generally from mid-December until the
end of April. Most of the operations are at higher elevations in the alpine
and subalpine, however there is some tree skiing at lower elevations.
Under these operational conditions, LFH is aware of the potential to effect
mountain goat habitat use and distributions during the winter, and has
retained the services of Laurence Turney, RP Bio, of Ardea Biological
Consulting Ltd., to prepare operational strategies to minimize impacts on
mountain goats within the company’s operating area. The strategies were
developed using available mountain goat habitat mapping and heli-ski
runs, as well as drop-off and pick-up points. Proximity analyses were
completed to identify and maximize the distance between helicopter
activities and known mountain goat habitats. Strategies to avoid occupied
mountain goat habitats and the development of travel routes between heliski runs were completed as part of the document. A commitment to
implement a monitoring plan which included annual training of pilots and
guides in the mitigation strategies as well as maintaining records of
mountain goat habitat use and proximity to heli-ski runs was also identified
within the document. A complete copy of the wildlife mitigation strategy is
provided in Appendix 2.
The company’s primary objectives, relative to wildlife values and habitat,
are strict adherence to government regulations and guidelines, and to
monitor and avoid disturbing wildlife values and habitat, wherever and
whenever possible.
31
May 2013
9.0
Cultural and Heritage Values
Cultural and heritage values represent the physical and spiritual remains
of activities that were, or are still, being practised for the purposes of ritual,
ceremonial, spiritual, economic and cultural well being of First Nations
traditions.
LFH’s operating area lies within the traditional territories of several First
Nations including the Tahltan, Nisga’a, Gitanyow (Wii Litsxw House) and
Skii km Lax ha (see Figures 9 – 1 & 9 – 2). The Nisga’a and Gitanyow
Traditional Territories are found in the southern portion of LFH’s tenure
area, whereas the Tahltan First Nation includes the northern section of
LFH’s operating area.
LFH understands the historic aboriginal rights that First Nations have with
the lands within their operating area, and is interested in working with First
Nations, as noted above, through a cooperative sense of sharing. The
company appreciates its use of the land is not exclusive and is keen to
work in a manner that benefits all parties that have an interest in using the
land.
LFH recognizes the First Nation peoples are interested in opportunities
arising from tourism and recreation developments within their Traditional
Territory, and to that end, it remains open and willing to develop
community protocols and agreements that outline how those opportunities
can be implemented in an effective and meaningful way.
32
May 2013
Figure 9 – 1:
33
May 2013
Figure 9 – 2:
34
May 2013
10.0 Business / Marketing Plan
LFH has operated for over 15 years and the company is in compliance
with its existing GAT License. Detailed financial statements are available
(for review only and must be returned to the operator) to ministry staff (on
a strictly confidential basis) only if the information contained in the financial
statements is required as part of a decision to provide a further 30 year
term of LFH’s existing license.
LFH purchases the vast majority of its food and other supplies locally in
Stewart, Terrace and Smithers. The majority of staff at the two lodges are
hired from the surrounding communities
35
May 2013
11.0 Economic Benefits
LFH is an existing heli ski operator that has been providing guided heli-ski
tours since the late 1990’s. The company has annual revenues of
approximately $ 6 million and provides employment for up to 40 individuals
including employees at the lodges and its office in Vernon. As well, the
heli-ski operation is responsible for 8 positions at both Access and
Kananaskis Mountain Helicopters companies.
LFH supports the local economy by buying supplies for its operations from
local companies and has provided employment for local people since it
began operations in the late 1900s. Annual purchases average $ 2 million
each year, including fuel, food and transportation of goods to the
operational bases. In addition, the company supports the local hotels in
Smithers and Terrace with about 600 room nights/year as well as the local
airlines. In recent years, LFH has given discounts to local travelers at the
gas pump at the Bell 2 lodge. Our guides and other staff, trained in first
aid, are often asked to respond to emergency calls, be it a highway
accident, snowmobile incident, avalanche emergency or other medical
emergency in one of the different industrial sites that have started up in
the vicinity of the Bell 2 Lodge.
36
May 2013
APPENDICES
Appendix 1
37
May 2013
38
May 2013
39
May 2013
40
May 2013
41
May 2013
Appendix 2
Strategies for Mountain Goats within the Last Frontier
Heliskiing Nass Operating Area
March 2009
42

6406136 Management Plan - Applications and Reasons for Decision

Transcription

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