Forest, Range & Recreation Resource Analysis Table of Contents
5.2 Recreation Inventory Maps
In 1984, when the last Resource Analysis was undertaken, the recreation inventory was still being developed for provincial forests. Therefore, no maps showing recreation resources were available (only two histogram-type maps could be shown). Over the last 10 years, recreation inventories have been completed for virtually all lands in provincial forests, but have only been digitized for approximately 45% of the province (see Section 5.2.1). As a result, this Resource Analysis can show many recreation and related resource themes.
The description of each map is found on its facing page.
5.2.1 Recreation Inventory Status Map
Figure 5.1 shows where the ministry’s recreation inventory has been digitized as part of the provincial forest inventory. Recreation inventory information for areas not digitized is available in paper map format from Ministry of Forests district offices.
Database
This map is based on records showing the areas for which recreation inventory information has been digitized in the provincial forest inventory. The map is considered to be highly reliable.
Provincial Coverage
This status map covers all of British Columbia. Recreation inventory is available in digital format for approximately 45% of the province.
Interpretation of Database
The map shows where a digitized recreation inventory exists for 50% or more of the area in each 2-kilometre grid. It portrays the status of the recreation inventory as of 1994.
Where recreation inventory information has been digitized, it can more readily be used for display and analysis in support of planning projects.
Comparison with 1984 FRRA
No 1984 map was produced — none of the recreation inventory was digitized at that time.
5.2.2 Recreation Features Significance Map
Recreation features include biophysical, visual and cultural heritage features. Figure 5.2 shows the presence of recreation features in provincial forests known to be of very high (provincial or national) or high (regional) significance.
Database
The recreation features significance map is based on two sources of information:
- Ministry of Forests recreation inventory, primarily done in the 1990s, where recreation features have been digitized as part of the provincial forest inventory
- older environmentally sensitive area (ESA) mapping for recreation (Er1 and Er2) done in the 1970s and 1980s.[70]
About one-half of the map is based on recreation inventory; the rest of the map (based on ESAs) is considered to be less reliable. Recreation inventories are required for tree farm licences, but this information is not yet part of the provincial forest inventory database and therefore has not been summarized.
Provincial Coverage
Figure 5.2 includes all Crown land except large protected areas and some TFLs. About one-half of this inventory coverage has not yet been digitized (thus the reliance on ESA mapping for this overview map). Non-digitized areas should be part of the digital provincial forest inventory within the next three years.
Interpretation of Database
Where the map is based on the recreation inventory, very high and high significance ratings are derived directly from the inventory itself. For areas covered by ESA mapping, Er1 was rated of very high significance and Er2 rated of high significance. The map is based on the presence, rather than dominance, of recreation features; the significance rating shown is the highest rating found anywhere in the evaluated grid cell. Areas in yellow and green show areas of moderate and low feature significance, respectively, where the inventory has been digitized. Areas not colored on the map are either known to be of moderate or low significance or are in areas where the inventory is out-of-date or not available.
Comparison with 1984 FRRA
No comparable map was done for the 1984 FRRA. The most similar map showed recreation values (based on feature sensitivity rather than significance) using bar graphs for each forest region.
5.2.3 Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Map
Figure 5.3 shows roadless and roaded areas in provincial forests. Roadless areas provide backcountry recreation opportunities and maintain wilderness conditions. They constitute essential habitat for many species of wildlife, help maintain biological diversity and contribute to other non-recreational uses such as scientific research of benchmark ecosystems. Roaded areas provide road-accessible recreation opportunities. They include a range of recreation settings, from slightly modified natural-appearing areas to areas more heavily modified by human use.
Database
The recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS) map is based on 1988 data from the ministry’s recreation inventory. The inventory, done by Ministry of Forests recreation staff using air photos and some ground checking, is considered moderately to highly reliable.
Provincial Coverage
The map includes all provincial forests. The recreation inventory will be completely digitized as part of the provincial forest inventory (over the next three years). In the interim, some forest regions have manually updated this 1988 provincial scale map to reflect 1994 conditions (these updates are not shown on this map, but are available by contacting regional offices).
Interpretation of Database
The six ROS classes were introduced in Table 5.1.
Comparison with 1984 FRRA
The 1984 FRRA included bar graphs showing “recreation accessibility by roads” which considered only primitive ROS areas. Roadless areas in Figure 5.3 include both primitive and semiprimitive ROS classes. The results are nevertheless very close: 48 million hectares were identified as being inaccessible (primitive) in the 1984 analysis and 51 million hectares are shown as roadless in the 1988 inventory. This is likely due to use of the broader definition of roadless areas in 1988 (to include semiprimitive ROS classes) and a refinement and improvement in inventory methods.
5.2.4 Visually Sensitive Areas Inventoried Map
Figure 5.4 shows visually sensitive areas inventoried in provincial forests.
Visually sensitive areas are visible from communities, public use areas, travel corridors (including roadways and waterways) and other identified viewpoints.[71] As access throughout the province increases, the amount of visually sensitive areas increases.
Database
This map is based on information provided by ministry visual landscape staff as of 1994. It is considered to be reliable for inventoried areas.
Provincial Coverage
This map covers all provincial forests, including TFLs. Some park areas are included.
Interpretation of Database
The map is based on a 1:2 million scale map which distinguishes among areas where the visual landscape inventory is complete, partially complete or still underway. Areas not coloured include areas considered to be not visually sensitive and areas that are sensitive, but not yet inventoried. (There is no way at present to distinguish between these two classes.)
About 30% of B.C. is considered “visually sensitive.” This map shows 11% of B.C. in visually sensitive areas that have been inventoried — about one-third of all visually sensitive areas.
Comparison with 1984 FRRA
In the 1984 FRRA, the extent of areas with special landscape values (based on the general recreation inventory) was described, but no map was provided. Very few areas had been inventoried for visual sensitivity in 1984.
5.2.5 Recreation Sites and Trails, Interpretive Forest Sites and Wilderness Areas Map
Figure 5.5 shows the location of active and inactive recreation sites and trails, interpretive forest sites and provincial forest wilderness areas. Active recreation sites and trails are established by map notation[72] and are maintained by the Ministry of Forests. Some of these sites and trails are cooperatively managed with non-government organizations. Inactive sites and trails are protected by map notation for possible future use, but are not actively maintained by the ministry. Currently, there are approximately 3150 sites and 690 trails (active and inactive) with map notations and reserves. There are also nearly 100 interpretive forest sites and tours in provincial forests.[73]
Wilderness areas are established in provincial forests by Orders-in-Council. There are currently four wilderness areas: Height of the Rockies, Upper Stein, Lower Stein and Swan Lake. Commercial logging is prohibited by law in wilderness areas, but subsurface resource use may be permitted. Wilderness areas are therefore considered only partially protected. All four are being reviewed under the Protected Areas Strategy to determine if they should be fully protected.
Database
The map depicts recreation site and trail information and is based on the ministry’s Recreation Use Statistics system, developed and maintained by recreation staff. It identifies sites and trails by latitude and longitude. The map is considered to be of moderate to high reliability since some sites and trails may not have been fully entered into the Recreation Use Statistics system.
Provincial Coverage
The map includes all Crown land except parks. The database will be updated each year.
Interpretation of Database
The map shows the presence of sites and trails based on their latitude and longitude. Due to the scale of mapping and symbol size, overlap occurs.
Comparison with 1984 FRRA
No map of this kind was produced in 1984; the data were not part of a computerized Recreation Use Statistics system at that time.
5.2.6 Protected Areas and Study Areas Map
Figure 5.6 shows, as of September 1993, large protected areas and related designations greater than 1000 hectares in size and large study areas approved by Cabinet as part of B.C.’s Protected Areas Strategy. The map does not show numerous smaller protected areas and study areas less than 1000 hectares in size.
Protected areas shown include areas formally designated as national and provincial parks and ecological reserves where logging, mining and other industrial resource extraction is prohibited and areas recently announced by government to be protected areas. Related designations include recreation areas and wilderness areas where logging is prohibited, but not subsurface resource use. These areas are being reviewed to determine if they should become protected areas. Study areas have been established by Cabinet through map notations, to ensure their values are maintained until it is determined whether they will become formally designated protected areas.
Database
Ministry of Forests Recreation and Timber Harvesting Branches and the Protected Areas Strategy office (now Land Use Coordination Office), mapped existing protected areas and approved study areas on a 1:2 million scale map. This map was based on more detailed maps, often at a scale of 1:50 000. The resulting map is considered highly reliable.
Provincial Coverage
This map includes all of British Columbia.
Comparison with 1984 FRRA
No map of protected areas was shown in the 1984 FRRA. In 1984, about 5 million hectares were in various protected areas and related designations in B.C. At that time, there were no study areas. In the last 10 years, protected areas and related designations have increased by about 50%. As of December 31, 1994, 8.2 million hectares (8.6% of the province) was in formally designated protected areas and related designations.
5.2.7 Undeveloped Watersheds Map
Figure 5.7 shows undeveloped watersheds greater than 5000 hectares in size (as of 1990). Undeveloped watersheds include watersheds in which no more than 2% of the area has been modified by human activities such as timber harvesting or road building; or, for watersheds larger than 10 000 ha, where less than 200 hectares have been modified. Undeveloped watersheds provide opportunities to preserve wilderness, maintain biological diversity and serve as potential benchmark areas for scientific research.
Database
The map is derived directly from a 1:2 million scale map produced in a study of undeveloped watersheds in B.C. and is primarily based on information provided by Ministry of Forests district staff.
The reliability of the map is variable. For Vancouver Island and the mainland coast reliability is considered high because a concurrent study of undeveloped watersheds for coastal B.C. by Earthlife Foundation (based partly on information from Ministry of Forests district staff) served to improve the accuracy of results.[74] For the southern Interior, where there are relatively few undeveloped watersheds, reliability is considered moderate to high. In northern B.C., where undeveloped watersheds are more numerous, reliability is considered moderate.
Provincial Coverage
The map covers all of British Columbia.
Interpretation of Database
No distinction is made on this overview map between watersheds that are either fully, partially or not in protected areas. This information is available on the original 1:2 million scale map and in the report accompanying the study on undeveloped watersheds.[75]
Comparison with 1984 FRRA
There is no comparable map in the 1984 report.
