West Babine Sustainable Resource Management Plan

while an adequate amount of heli-ski terrain appears to exist, unless a helicopter is based fulltime
near or within the study area, this activity is not likely to be economically feasible;
limited high elevation road-access occurs for cat-skiing; however, the south Atnas are a
possible area for development. Currently, local snowmobilers use the south Atnas and there
is a cabin accommodating 8 - 10 people nearby. A more detailed investigation into current
snowmobile use is recommended as well as possible development opportunities linked to
future forest road development in the eastern Atnas;
lodge-based snowmobile touring could be a popular regional activity, since the area’s powder
snow conditions and high elevation features are attractive to coastal residents and those
living in more moderate terrain. However, the Monashee and Kootenay’s popularity for
sledding provides a high amount of product competition;
currently, commercial summer- and winter-based mountaineering lodges are limited in BC,
as such, this product could be feasible if equipped with professional guide expertise and
appropriate marketing ventures; 34 and
the close proximity of K’san First Nations Museum and Historic Totem Poles, combined
with the potential to develop Kisgegas village, lends itself well to use of the plan area for
aboriginal-themed activities – especially if combined with other education and recreationrelated
products.
A Tourism Opportunities Study (Meredith & Associates, 2002b) also identified Mt. Thomlinson
as an excellent location for mountaineering opportunities that are readily accessed from
population centres. Gunanoot Lake was identified as a recreationally significant lake for
canoeing and fishing in a remote, wilderness setting in addition to being a traditional Gitxsan use
area.
3.3.2.3 Contribution of the SRMP to economic development for tourism
The key marketable values of this area are an abundance of fish and wildlife in a remote
wilderness setting, and extensive First Nations cultural heritage features and values. Currently,
clients traveling to the Babine River pay a premium (approximately eight times the expenditures
per day compared to the provincial average) to experience high quality fishing in a wilderness
setting (BRF, 2002). They also are attracted to opportunities for wildlife viewing and hunting
and enjoying the Babine River from the water.
The West Babine SRMP will help to maintain tourism opportunities by:
applying visual quality objectives;
restricting industrial activity adjacent to the park (within the SMZ) during peak tourism
periods (August - October);
creating a remote experience by maintaining a single point for motorized access to the river
(from the weir located outside the plan area, downstream of Nilkitkwa Lake).
At this time the area outside of Babine River Corridor Provincial Park, especially north of the
river, is relatively remote and inaccessible and so receives low amounts of recreational use.
34 Dietzfelbinger, Christoph. Certified Alpine Mountain Guide. Personal communication. October 9, 2002. Smithers, BC.
Page 46 March 2004