The public will have a chance to discuss and provide feedback about recreation management in the Koocanusa area at four open houses and through an online survey this January and February.
The Koocanusa Recreation Steering Committee and the Koocanusa Recreation Public Advisory Group are hosting the open houses to gather feedback on management options, appropriate recreational uses and stewardship activities around the Koocanusa Reservoir. The Koocanusa area is an important tourism and recreation area, attracting outdoor enthusiasts for a wide range of activities. It is also an area of traditional use and interest for the Ktunaxa Nation.
The open houses are from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at:
• January 31 at the Cranbrook Heritage Inn
• February 1 at the Grasmere Pioneer Hall
• February 7 at the Fernie Family Centre
• February 8 at the Jaffray Community Hall
Those unable to attend an open house can review the Koocanusa Recreation Management
Options report at: www.koocanusarecreation.ca. The survey is available is also available online at www.koocanusarecreation.ca/survey.
Beginning January 23, copies of the report can be picked up, and completed surveys can be dropped off at:
• Baynes Lake – Baynes Lake General Store
• Cranbrook – Front Counter BC Office
• Elko – South Country Services
• Grasmere – Grasmere General Store
• Jaffray – Jaffray Post Office
• Tobacco Plains Indian Band Office
The management options aim to maintain the important recreation opportunities while reducing the issues arising from increased tourism and recreation on Crown land. These issues include degradation of sensitive grasslands and wildlife habitat, impacts on important cultural and archaeological resources, excessive litter and garbage in the backcountry, and growing public health and safety concerns.
Share your views by attending an open house, completing the survey, or submitting comments info@koocanusarecreation.ca or by mail to Koocanusa Recreation Management Options, 1902 Theatre Rd, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7G1.
All comments and surveys must be received by February 17, 2017.
The Koocanusa Recreation Steering Committee formed in 2014 to help address recreation issues on Crown lands around the reservoir. The group includes representatives from the BC government, Ktunaxa National Council,Tobacco Plains Indian Band, Regional District of East Kootenay and Columbia Basin Trust.
