Site-Specific Management Plans

Site-specific management plans set out objectives and strategies for conservation, development, interpretation and operations. A site management plan relies on current information about:

• natural values;
• cultural values;
• recreational opportunities; and
• resource activities occurring on surrounding lands.

A site-specific management plan:

• defines how a site will be managed to maintain ecological integrity and preserve key natural and cultural heritage values;
• describes the type and extent of outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities, facilities and services that will be permitted;
• describes the heritage appreciation programs, services and facilities that will be provided to enable visitors to explore and learn about a site's natural heritage values;
• identifies issues, concerns and conflicts, and recommends solutions;
• identifies upgrading and development requirements that will:
  • enhance outdoor recreation opportunities; and
  • ensure that recreational use occurs in appropriate locations and in environmentally acceptable ways;
• identifies boundary amendments, consolidations and reclassification if required; and
• recommends effective and efficient allocation and prioritization of fiscal and staff resources.

Site-specific management plans are usually developed for sites with:

• significant natural heritage values; and/or
• significant conflicts.

Management planning for these sites can be a time-consuming process given the complexity of management issues. The result provides a long-term and comprehensive guide for managing the site's natural and recreational values. 

Site-specific management plans vary considerably in length and sophistication, depending on:

• the size of a particular park;
• its classification;
• the complexity and significance of natural and cultural heritage values;
• outdoor recreation facilities, services and opportunities;
• existing uses; and
• land use issues.

Priority for Plan Development

Regional parks plans will be developed for each of the seven Land-use Framework planning regions in Alberta, based on direction from each Land-use Framework regional plan. Regional parks plans will provide direction for all parks within a region at a broad level. Priority sites requiring specific management plans are identified during development of regional plans.

With more than 470 parks in Alberta's system, it is necessary to set priorities for developing new plans and updating existing ones. To establish priorities, we consider the:

• significance of a site's natural and cultural heritage values;
• level and type of use; and
• extent of existing and potential land-use conflicts, especially where these conflicts threaten ecological integrity.

Management Planning Consultation

Park staff, volunteers and stakeholders (including partners and the public) work together to build a constituency of support for parks. We build a community of people connected to the natural world. We believe in a set of values that can be called stewardship. Stewardship involves knowledge, caring and actions that contribute to conservation and enjoyment of Alberta's natural and cultural heritage.

Public consultation is an important component of the park management planning process. Effective consultation takes time. It is an interactive process between Parks Division, the public and stakeholders. A project may require several periods of consultation involving various methods. Many factors determine the type and extent of public consultation that occurs at provincial, regional and local levels including:

• classification of the park;
• significance of natural heritage values;
• complexity and extent of management issues; and
• level of public interest and use.

Opportunities for public consultation and input follow our public consultation framework.