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WASKESIU RIVER RIFFLE
CPS has been working on the issue of the level of Waskesiu Lake for over two years. In 2004, CPS agreed with Parks Canada’s proposal to construct a fixed weir (a “Newbury Riffle”) near the current dam site but it is still unclear when construction will begin. Parks Canada says ithopes to build it in the fall of 2005. The uncertainty is due to talks between the Park and Aboriginal communities downstream about the effects of the riffle.
With timing of construction of the weir still up in the air, CPS is concerned about the Waskesiu Lake level dropping unchecked below levels needed for reasonable recreational access.
Parks Canada has agreed to use the existing dam to hold back as much water in Waskesiu Lake as allowed by Fisheries and Oceans guidelines. CPS will be monitoring the dam and lake levels to ensure enough water is retained to allow adequate recreational access.
CPS will also continue to encourage Parks Canada to build the promised riffle as soon as possible.
CPS PROVIDES LEADERSHIP ON NEXT MANAGEMENT PLAN
Parks Canada is again getting the planning process going. In recent months, CPS provided detailed comments on both the State of The Park Report and a “Scoping Document” setting out the issues to be discussed in the new management plan.
CPS has worked hard for over three years to ensure Parks Canada hears the voices of local stakeholders in park planning processes. When Parks Canada rolled out its last, major “consultation” process in 2000, it was seriously flawed - so much so that pressure from CPS and other stakeholders lead to Parks Canada abandoning it altogether and the appointment of a new superintendent.
Parks Canada recently proposed a new 2-year planning process involving issue papers, meetings and editing, leading to a new management plan by early 2007. CPS suggested this process could be shortened to six months by building on the hard work of CPS and other stakeholders during the 2002 consultations. This would involve reviewing and updating the 2002 draft plan rather than starting from scratch.
Parks Canada adopted this CPS idea and is currently rewriting the 2002 draft of the plan. It will then be sent to stakeholders in June 2005 for review. With a little luck, this will allow the majority of the plan to be in place by September when a new superintendent takes over in PANP.
Given the continual turnover of superintendents in PANP, it is of special importance to CPS that Parks Canada agree on a set of principles to govern PANP’s relationships with stakeholders, not only for this management plan but for all future dealings with the public and especially local stakeholders.
The 2002 draft of the plan already identified a number of these key principles such as stewardship based on sound science; integrity and common sense underlying all decisions; access to clear, timely, relevant, objective and accurate information; and adequate notice and time for public review.
CPS will continue to work with Parks Canada and other stakeholders to ensure that your voice is heard in development of the management plan.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The 2005 federal budget (if passed before the next election) will provide Parks Canada nationally with $209 million over the next five years and $75M per year thereafter “for the maintenance and acquisition of capital assets in national parks that mitigate the environmental impacts of daily park operations.” Long term annual funding will increase from $40M to $115M.
Parks Canada’s CEO acknowledges that the increased funding is largely due to extensive lobbying by the public, including groups such as CPS.
Many park facilities are in rough shape. In spite of PANP’s huge infrastructure deficit, it does not expect to see any increased capital funding before 2006 as water and sewer projects in other parks have been given higher priority by park management.
CPS will continue promoting:
1. The Kingsmere River launch access. Work is progressing to improve the road and grade down to the launch.
2. The Marina Breakwater. Rip- rap was added this winter along the outer face. PANP will also look into repairing the concrete.
3. The Crean Channel Access and Walkway. CPS is co-ordinating a volunteer-based project to remove rocks from the channel and add a 30m floating walkway. (The following photo of the channel was taken by Bill Rawlinson, CPS Director, in May 2005 on a sortie to assess the project requirements at close inspection.)
You can have your say on PANP priorities. What Park assets would you like to see improved? let CPS know by e-mail to ricklokken@cps-panp.ca or by mail at Box 399 Prince Albert, S6V 5R7. You can also contact PANP, or attend the public meetings to be held over the summer, including the CPS Annual General Meeting at 11 am on July 17 in Waskesiu. To represent your interests, we need your input!
SUPERINTENDENT LEAVING
Parks Canada has announced that PANP Superintendent Rod Blair is leaving in September 2005 to assume a similar position at Waterton Lakes National Park. While we congratulate Rod on his new appointment, we’re sorry to see him go. His determination upon arrival to workwith CPS and other stakeholders has proven to be effective leadership in difficult circumstances. A BIG thanks Rod!
HELP WANTED! CPS BOARD
The CPS Board needs some “new blood” in its veins. CPS has made great strides over the last few years to make sure your interests are represented to Parks Canada. Let’s build on this momentum! CPS has immediate openings on the Board and some committees for interested members. No experience necessary! Don’t wait – call Lyle now at 373-6599 (or any CPS director) if you are willing to pitch in. Or email the CPS Chairperson lylebolen@cps-panp.ca.
DID YOU KNOW..?
• That the main beach breakwater on Waskesiu Lake will eventually disappear? Given the estimated cost of repair or replacement, Parks Canada has determined it cannot afford to save it from collapsing. If this concerns you, let CPS and Parks Canada know.
• PANP could be at higher risk for large forest fires? The recent spruce budworm outbreak was left unchecked to ravage huge areas in PANP. When combined with the thick underbrush and old-growth trees left by years of fire suppression, this has potentially put much of the Park’s wildlife habitat and many backcountry facilities and trails at risk. What are your views on this issue? Let CPS and Parks Canada know.
• A recent study on Crean Lake suggests the lake trout may be making a comeback, although a very slow one. More study is planned for 2005. Parks Canada is looking for volunteers to help with ongoing research. If you’d like to help this project, contact Michael Fitzsimmons at PANP.
• Parks Canada has approved a CPS plan to remove rocks from Crean Channel this summer. If you want to volunteer to help, email ricklokken@cps-panp.ca. Donations to offset project costs will be welcomed!
is set for July 17 at 11 a.m. in the room behind the Waskesiu Library. Rod Blair will report on progress during his tenure. Plan to attend and say farewell to Rod!
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