Vaseux–Bighorn National Wildlife Area Management Plan: chapter 5

5. Prohibited activities and entry

Human activities are minimized and controlled in NWAs through the implementation of the Wildlife Area Regulations. These regulations set out activities that are prohibited (subsection 3(1)), and provide mechanisms for the federal Minister of the Environment to allow for certain activities to take place in NWAs that are otherwise considered prohibited. They also provide the authority to the Minister to prohibit entry into NWAs.

Access to, and use of, the NWA is authorized only as and where notices have been posted or published. Unless posted or published, all activities listed in section 3 of the Wildlife Area Regulations are prohibited. A permit may be obtained from the Minister of the Environment authorizing certain activities to take place.

5.1 Authorizations

Under the Wildlife Area Regulations the Minister of the Environment may authorize an activity that is prohibited, through the issuance of permits and notices published in local newspapers or posted at the entrance of any wildlife area or on the boundary of any part thereof.

Authorizations may be issued only if the Minister is of the opinion that the activity is scientific research relating to wildlife or habitat conservation, benefits the wildlife and their habitats, will contribute to wildlife conservation, or is otherwise consistent with the criteria and purpose for which the NWA was established as stated in the management plan. These conditions must be met before the Minister will consider authorizing a prohibited activity.

Terms and conditions that the Minister considers necessary for protecting and minimizing the impact of an authorized activity on wildlife and their habitat may be added to authorizations.

All permit requests must be made (in writing) to:

Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment Canada
Pacific and Yukon Region
5421 Robertson Road, RR #1
Delta B.C. V4K 3Y3

Given the number and extent of species at risk in this NWA, it is probable that all or most of the NWA will be identified as critical habitat for one or more species at risk during the duration of this management plan. Species at Risk Act permits for activities affecting the individuals, residences or critical habitat of these species will, therefore, also likely be required.

5.2 Authorized activities

Except for use of the above-noted parking lot, boardwalk and viewing tower, all activities within Vaseux-Bighorn NWA require a permit.

Permits may be issued for activities that are required to implement this management plan and for research and monitoring as described in sections 5.5 and 5.6. Permits may also be issued for activities not required for implementation of the plan but that are otherwise consistent with its goals and objectives, such as allowing access for maintenance of utility rights-of-way.

Permits will be issued with terms and conditions to ensure that any potential damage to the NWA by permitted activities is avoided or mitigated to the extent possible.

5.3 Exceptions

The Wildlife Area Regulations allow for exceptions to the prohibited activities under the following circumstances:

• Activities related to public safety, health or national security, that are authorized by or under another Act of Parliament, or activities under the Health of Animals Actand the Plant Protection Act for the health of animals and plants
• Activities related to routine maintenance of NWAs, implementation of management plans, and enforcement activities conducted by an officer or employee of Environment Canada

5.4 Other federal and provincial puthorizations

Depending on the type of activity, other federal or provincial permits may be required to undertake an activity in Vaseux-Bighorn NWA.

5.5 Hunting

There is no hunting permitted within the NWA. First Nations traditional hunting and gathering may be occurring, however, but are not well documented for the NWA.

5.6 Wildlife viewing

Although the bulk of the NWA is closed to public access, a permit is not required for walking and non-motorized boat access to the adjacent Vaseux Lake MBS. However, the public is asked to remain on designated paths. A wildlife viewing platform is located within the North Wetlands Unit and the MBS’s North Wetlands Unit.

5.7 Forestry

Forestry operations within the NWA will only be permitted where they are deemed to be a benefit to wildlife and their associated habitats (i.e., as part of a habitat management or restoration project). Activities that enhance habitat within the NWA, such as prescribed burning, thinning of vegetation and general restoration, are also permissible through the issuance of permits.

5.8 Agriculture

Agricultural activities within the NWA will only be permitted where they are deemed to be a benefit to wildlife and their associated habitats.

5.9 Recreation

Except for use of the above-noted parking lot, boardwalk and viewing tower, all recreational activities within Vaseux-Bighorn NWA require a permit.