Survey Question: The benefits of tourism in an around the RDEK outweigh the negative impacts:
The Area A / Elk Valley residents also provided comments on what types of benefits they observe or receive associated with recreation and tourism in the
DRAFT
area. The top responses were:
• Economic benefits – Small business sustainability, employment, general
• Improves physical and mental health
• Community benefits such as identity, bonding, vibrancy, culture, nightlife, dining, services
• Appreciation and awareness of nature / environment
The Area A / Elk Valley residents also provided comments on particular places within Area A front / backcountry where they felt there were needs and / or challenges / issues related to increased recreation and / or tourism activity. The top responses were:
• Area trails / trailheads( summer) related to amenities, garbage & human waste, maintenance, camping, parking, washrooms, access / roads, safety, wildlife pressure / conflicts, signage, education, enforcement: o Within RDEK Area A boundary: § Heiko’ s / 3 Sisters( also lies partially in Area C backcountry) § Ammonite Fossil / Coal Creek Drainage § Fairy Creek Falls( Fernie) § Pathway to Fernie Alpine Resort from town § Josephine Falls o Within RDEK Area B boundary: § Silver Springs
• Elk River, related to multi-use( fish, boat, paddle, tube): o Access improvements( launches, parking) o Amenity improvements( garbage, washrooms) o Education / Safety( signage, communications) o Additional boat launches
• Camping: o Lack of availability- everywhere o Illegal short-term and seasonal camping, including worker / non-tourism squatters
( Sparwood / Elkford / Coal Creek)
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