Ross Lake engagement

December 6, 2023 - Update: BC Parks would like to thank everyone who provided feedback on the survey for recent changes to water levels at Ross Lake Provincial Park. Over the course of the summer, 24 responses were collected. BC Parks has concluded an in-depth review of all responses and below are some of the takeaways. Stay tuned for additional information, including some conceptual plans for a redesign of the day-use area and details on the ongoing amphibian monitoring program.

What We Heard: It was clearly heard that Ross Lake Provincial Park is an important recreational area for the surrounding communities. Families and individuals alike enjoy the beautiful setting and the access to nature that Ross Lake provides. In particular, it is an ideal place for people to gather and kids to play/learn how to swim. There are a variety of activities that people enjoy at the lake, from hiking, paddling and swimming, to picnicking and spending time with family and friends. Several improvements are needed at Ross Lake, particularly with regards to the beach and day-use area. Every respondent was interested in seeing some new facilities at Ross Lake. The top five facilities of interest included: a picnic shelter for gatherings, a bigger beach, more pit toilets, additional trails, and information about Gitxsan culture and territory.

Parks visitors have some concern over the current water levels. People noted they need to go further to find deeper water for swimming/paddling, and the beach is less inviting due to more exposed weeds, mucky ground, and goose scat. The water levels have not appeared to impact fishing or wildlife greatly; however an ongoing amphibian monitoring program is underway to determine habitat impacts.

View the infographic below or open in a separate window by clicking the link - What We Heard Infographic .

Previous info:

Share your voice! BC Parks wants your feedback about the recent changes to the water level in Ross Lake Provincial Park. Continue reading below to learn about the updates to Ross Lake’s water level and share your thoughts via the short survey. The survey includes 13 questions and is expected to take less than six minutes to complete.

Background:

What changes have occurred at Ross Lake Provincial Park?

• An earthen berm dam was built on the north end of Ross Lake in the early 1900s. After a wet summer and fall in 2020, the outlet plugged and the lake flooded, posing a threat to the Bulkley River downstream of the lake. After consulting with Gitxsan, Hazelton, and regulatory authorities, BC Parks commissioned extensive environmental and engineering studies to determine how to safely remediate the dam without harming the fish, birds and amphibians that call the park home. In the fall of 2022, a construction crew removed the earthen dam, and the lake is now approximately 30cm to 45cm (12” to 18”) lower.

Ross Lake water level after dam remediation on September 1, 2022. The blue line represents the approximate original water level.

What is the current status of Ross Lake?

• Ross Lake remains open to the public. In addition to more exposed beach in the day use area, the fishing pier and boat launch have become steeper than before. BC Parks is continuing amphibian monitoring studies to assess the impacts of the new lake level on wildlife.
• BC Parks wants to hear from park users to better understand if/how the changes may have impacted recreational values like fishing, swimming, and boating at Ross Lake. Staff will use your feedback to help guide future works so the park protects environmental values and remains a great place for people to enjoy. All feedback from this survey will be reviewed, analyzed, and incorporated into future plans for Ross Lake Provincial Park. Your personal information will not be collected.

Feedback period:

Public consultation will be open from May 24 to July 28, 2023

You can share your feedback via the survey below, by downloading the survey questions in the PDF on the right-hand side of this page and emailing or mailing them in, or by sending a letter to Babine Area Supervisor, David Innes-Wiens at:

David.Innes-Wiens@gov.bc.ca

David Innes-Wiens

BC Parks

Bag 5000

3726 Alfred Avenue

Smithers, BC

V0J 2N0

Ross Lake Provincial Park is located just east of New Hazelton off highway 16. This 307-hectare park offers excellent recreational opportunities for angling, paddling, swimming, and is a wonderful place for family picnics and walking the Rainmaker Trail.