Consultation on Snowmobile Use at Call Lake Provincial Park

Update: March 8th, 2022

BC Parks would like to thank everyone who provided feedback on snowmobile use within Call Lake Provincial Park. During the month-long consultation period, over 150 responses were collected. BC Parks staff has concluded and in-depth review of all response and have determined a plan for moving forward. Please see the Announcement of Changes to Snowmobile Use at Call Lake Provincial Park document (right hand side under "documents") to learn more about what was discovered, and our next steps.

Posted: November 1st, 2021

Why is BC Parks concerned about snowmobiling at Call Lake? 

Snowmobiling in Call Lake Provincial Park is quickly becoming more popular as the surrounding population grows. The relatively small lake, narrow trails, and sensitive ecosystem appear to be overwhelmed by the amount of snowmobile use. Furthermore, conflicts with other park visitors and neighbouring property owners have reached the point where snowmobiling may be incompatible with these other activities. BC Parks has three main concerns as outlined below:

1. Safety 
   1. The trails within Call Lake Park are narrow and do not provide sufficient room for snowmobiles to pass pedestrians safely, especially at high speeds.
   2. Snowmobilers are directed to stay off the outer 20 meters of lake to ensure there is room for other recreational activities. Evidence from tracks shows that snowmobiles regularly make use of the entire surface of the lake, leaving no undisturbed area for skiers and snowshoers to create trails and enjoy their activities unimpeded by snowmobiles as intended.

2. Ecological Impacts

1. Soil compaction and disturbance from snowmobiles can occur when snow levels are low. The wetland located at the north end of Call Lake is particularly vulnerable to soil disturbance as snowmobiles regularly travel through the wetland to access the lake and trail system.
2. Snowmobiles regularly travel off the ice surface and into the surrounding riparian area causing damage to vegetation. Growth of shrubs and small trees can be impacted by the main stem being broken or having leader tips and branches repeatedly broken off.
3. Moose and deer using the park throughout the winter can be disturbed by the noise and commotion associated with snowmobiles. This additional stress throughout the winter can be harmful to ungulate survival.
4. Small rodents that use the riparian area are impacted as their travel routes and subnivean^* corridors are disrupted by snowmobile tracks.

^*Subnivean refers to the area between the surface of ground and the bottom of the snowpack. Small mammals like moles, shrews and mice retreat here for protection from cold temperatures, winds, and predators.

3. User Conflicts 

1. Property development is expanding near Call Lake, creating a higher density of homes and an increase in locals using the park.
2. Accessing the park by trespassing through private property.
3. Decreased enjoyment of non-motorized activities, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Why does BC Parks want to consult public now?

Call Lake Provincial Park’s management direction states that:

Allow existing snowmobile use; monitor use; if safety issues, user conflicts, ecosystem impacts or increased levels of use warrant, snowmobile use may be prohibited in future.

Due to the increase in safety concerns, ecological impacts and user conflicts, BC Parks is following the current management direction and consulting with public about the possibility of prohibiting snowmobile use in the future.

You are able to review the current Management Direction Statement for Call Lake via the link below or in the attached document (Right side of the webpage) - https://bcparks.ca/planning/mgmtplns/call_lk/call_lk_mds.pdf?v=1633374390737

What is the expected timeline?

Public consultation will be open from November 1 – November 30, 2021.

Public can share their feedback via the survey below or by emailing or sending a letter to Babine Area Supervisor, Peter Crawford at:

Email: peter.crawford@gov.bc.ca

Address: 

Peter Crawford

Bag 5000

3726 Alfred Avenue

Smithers, BC V0J 2N0

All feedback will be reviewed and analyzed. A final decision is expected in the early new year and will be communicated to stakeholders and the general public via the BC Parks website, Bang the Table, email, social media, and signage at Call Lake Provincial Park.

Location and Park Map:

Call Lake Provincial Park covers 62 hectars around Call Lake and is approximately 5 km southeast of Smithers. The park lies within the asserted traditional territory of the Wet’suwet’en people. The park includes Call Lake and a diverse patchwork of young aspen stands, mixed forest and red-listed scrub-steppe ecosystems on a rolling, ridged landscape south of the lake. The scenic area attracts local residents for a variety of recreational activities, including mountain biking, hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing.

Trails to the south of the park begin at the ends of Van Gaalen and Mountainview Roads, running north of Highway 16.

To the northeast, trails continue through Crown Land. A Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA) has been established adjacent to the park and is identified in yellow. A series of trails within the WHMA connect to trails in Call Lake Park.

Private lots surround south, west, and north of Call Lake Park; many rural residential lots are developed, and development is increasing.

Follow this link for a larger Park Map or click on the map in the documents (right side of webpage) - https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/call_lk/calllake.pdf?v=1633731308328