Bridge River Delta Park

This 1,000 hectare park is located approximately 80 kilometers west of Lillooet. It is representative of the broad valley, glacial-fed, braided stream complex that remains in a natural condition within the Bridge River system. This ecosystem type of large Douglas-fir and valley bottom riparian conditions is rare in the area.

This park represents a benchmark for understanding and research of natural processes and is and provides an opportunity to compare with similar ecosystems that have been modified by human disturbance.

Healthy  wildlife  populations  continue  to  thrive  in  and  around  Bridge  River Delta  Park,  using  it  as  a  core  area  where  wildlife  are    largely  undisturbed.  The park  continues  as  an  important  spring  feeding  area  and  habitat  connection for  Grizzly  Bear  that  draws  bears  from  the  surrounding  landscape.  The  section of  the  Bridge  River  that  flows  within  the  park  remains  an  unimpaired  example of a braided river system with associated riparian values.
~ Park Management Vision

The Bridge River Delta Park has a natural biodiversity that is being protected and conserved through many strategies. Strategies were reviewed by the open public and the First Nations to gain effect and success in their implementations. The first objective is to increase Grizzly Bear habitat, conserve and protect the population and identify and protect their migratory routes. This will be done by collaborating with neighbouring land managers and various agencies to limit disturbances in the park. This relates to the next objective that is to limit the impact of recreational activities in the park, have only day time visitors , and deny access to motorized vehicles. Therefore, the park is supporting  the Wildlife Act Motor Vehicle even in the surrounding areas of the park. The other objective is to secure the park for wildlife and to maintain a high level of protection in order to maintain the natural diversity of the park. This will be implemented by monitoring recreational activities, wildlife population and habitat in order to identify the requirements needed to keep a high maintenance level. Moreover, there will be a public awareness program so that when upon entering the park the public can respect it and continue enjoying a natural wilderness setting. Finally, each of those strategies will be evaluated and prioritized to implement a program on a first-need basis.

Source: Bridge River Delta Park

Issues:

  • Conservation of grizzly bear habitat and populations at risk in face of use of area

Goals:

  • Maintain natural environment and continued use of habitat by wildlife
  • Maintain natural gene pool of species in the area
  • Provide long term opportunity for research activities and ecological education that do not impact natural qualities
  • Coordinate management plans with grizzly bear management in this unit and surrounding area
  • Consider negotiating the removal of all non-conforming rights and activities
  • Consider development of fire and forest pest management plans
  • Limit recreational activities to non-consumptive and of low intensity and impact