FAQ's

How were these parks created?

The creation of these protected areas was driven and supported by a local stakeholder committee representing a wide range of interests. The members of this committee, plus a few other interest groups, now make up the new Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Parks Council.

Parks Council Members include:

Why were a Provincial Park and a Provincial Recreation Area created?

The proposal for 'part of the area to be established as a Provincial Park and part as a Provincial Recreation Area' was submitted by the local stakeholder groups and reflects their vision for the area. It accommodates and balances the interests of local stakeholders involved.

Conflicts between motorized and non-motorized recreation activities, along with growing environmental impact, led local recreation organizations to seek a constructive new approach to land management. By creating two separate and different protected areas it was possible to accommodate both motorized and non-motorized recreation activities. For further information regarding the differences between the types of parks, please visit “Park Creation Process” page on our website.

What does it mean that these lands are established as a Provincial Park and a Provincial Recreation Area?

Prior to September 2007 this 56 square kilometers of the North Saskatchewan River Valley was the responsibility of the Department of Sustainable Resource Development and managed under the Public Lands Act for multiple use.

Under their new designation as parks, these lands will now be managed by the Department of Tourism, Parks and Recreation under the Provincial Parks Act. The long-term management focus will be to preserve the heritage values of the river valley while providing for a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities and activities, while accommodating existing industrial commitments.

Who will be managing the area?

The Parks Council is leading the planning, funding and management of these two new parks, with guidance from the Alberta Parks Division of the Department of Tourism, Parks and Recreation.

This arrangement is the first of its kind in the province and provides a strong voice for local community organizations and governments in the planning, development, operation and long-term management of the Eagle Point - Blue Rapids Park System.

How will the two parks be funded?

This was a locally driven initiative.

Local stakeholders proposed to develop and manage the parks using local resources and funding. Their proposal was supported by the Government of Alberta on that basis.

We are pleased to announce that the Rural Alberta Development Fund has signed, sealed and delivered a grant to the project to help realize the full potential of a community-led recreation, economic development and environmental protection initiative. For more information of the RADF Grant, please see the Media Release on the website's NEWS
section.

What existing facilities are available
in these parks?

The following recreation facilities existed prior to the designation of the park and recreation area and will be continuing to offer services to both their members and the public:

  • Willey West Campground
  • Pembina Nordic-Rotary Community Trails (hiking and biking)
  • Pembina Nordic Ski Trails
  • Brazeau Bowbenders Archery Club (some events)
  • Evergreen Shooting Club (shooting range)
  • ATV staging area (bordering the SW boundary of the park)

Where will the use of off-highway vehicles (quads, snowmobiles) be permitted?

Motorized recreation is no longer permitted within Eagle Point Provincial Park. Until designated trails are properly identified and developed in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area, off-highway vehicle users may continue to use existing access routes on the east side of the river.

Users should continue to use care and respect in their choice of routes to prevent negative impacts on the protected land.

Users are reminded that riding on private property is trespassing.

Where is the proposed location of the OHV area?

The proposed location for designated motorized recreation trails and supporting infrastructure (staging area, campground and motocross track) is an area at the northeast corner of Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area.

The area has a history of heavy OHV use that predates the park. Creating a designated trail system and supporting infrastructure will enable better management of the impact of this type of activity on the environment, and on local residents.

The exact location and number of trails, campsites and motocross track will be determined after further review and consideration of the input received in the management planning process.

What assessments to the proposed location of the OHV area will be done to ensure environmental stewardship?

A preliminary noise assessment was completed at this proposed location, and is available for review online as well as at the Parks Council office, downtown Drayton Valley. The company used (ACI Acoustical Consultants Inc.) for the assessment came recommended based on their experience. The Alberta Parks Division reviewed the methodology in advance of the sound testing and concluded that the work done to complete the study was professional and comprehensive.

Biological, cultural and other assessments and inventories will help determine the most appropriate locations for any of the proposed developments.

We encourage you to share your local knowledge with the Council. Sharing your local knowledge of the area will prove instrumental in the development of the draft management plan, and for the proper planning of the proposed activities and developments in these parks.

Will hunting be permitted?

Hunting is no longer permitted in Eagle Point Provincial Park. Alberta's Wildlife Act does not permit hunting in provincial parks.

Hunting will be allowed to continue in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area while the draft management plan is developed.
Hunting in the Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area will be reviewed further based on input received through the management planning process.

The management planning process will explore the issue of whether or not hunting in Blue Rapids should be continued for the long-term, restricted to certain parts of the recreation area or phased out over some period of time, once the management plan is approved.

The impacts of a decision related to continued hunting in the recreation area must consider any concerns raised through the management planning process (E.g. safety of other recreational users, quality of experience for the non-hunting users, access and infrastructure concerns, etc.).

Where can I camp in the two new parks?

Random camping is no longer permitted in Eagle Point or Blue Rapids.

The public are encouraged to camp at designated campsites i.e. Willey West Campground.

I feel that I was not consulted prior to the establishment of the park and recreation area.

This was a locally driven initiative that did include a broad range of local interest.

Anyone who did not feel that they had been consulted will have the opportunity to participate in the further consultations that will be completed as part of the management planning process.

Has there been Aboriginal Consultation?

Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation has been consulting with First Nations and local Métis representatives on Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area and will continue to involve them in the management planning process to ensure sites of significance to First Nations and Métis in Eagle Point and Blue Rapids are protected.

Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation has met with the local Drayton Valley Métis Association, O'Chiese First Nation, Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Sunchild First Nation, and Paul First Nation.

What is next?

The establishment of Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area is only the first step. The Parks Council will nowcollecting feedback on the draft Management Plan. Please see the "Draft Management Plan" section of our website for opportunities to comment.

What is in a Management Plan?

Management plans for provincial parks and provincial recreation areas look at things like:

  • Describing the park or recreation area and how they meet the needs of visitors and the surrounding communities;
  • Setting objectives on how natural and cultural heritage will be preserved;
  • Identifying goals for park or recreation area and outlining how these will be achieved; and
  • Detailing the type and extent of recreation and tourism opportunities that will be supported or provided.

The draft Management Plan addresses the current state of the natural landscape as it exists today and works to define future relationships between industry and recreational users throughout the area.

It illustrates a series of objectives that reflect the recreational and conservation interests of our community, industry representatives and the Government of Alberta.

It also serves to inspire the ethic in which the Eagle Point - Blue Rapids Parks System was created: innovative ideas, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration.

How can I have my say in the management plan?

Gathering input from Albertans is a critical part of managing Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area and the council is looking forward to working with adjacent landowners, interest groups, and the public on addressing issues and developing solutions that work.

By providing feedback on the draft Management Plan, Albertans have an opportunity to help shape the future direction of the Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Park System.

Please visit the "Public Consultation Process" page of our website.

 
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