Access Management Plan for Murphy Watershed

Engagement Summary

In efforts to protect critical moose habitat and to restore moose populations in the Murphy Watershed near Lac La Hache, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is proposing an access management plan, which includes blocking and deactivating select roads in the watershed.
 
There are approximately 80 location proposals and stakeholder and public feedback will help determine the preferred options for blocking or deactivating.
 
Public consultation was required to be completed by June 30, 2017 in order for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations to put the contract out to tender, select a successful bidder, and for the six to seven weeks it will take to complete the work before fall hunting season.
 

Timeframe: 

June 5 – June 30, 2017
 

Input received:

The ministry received written comments from the Canim Lake Indian Band. The Band was concerned about connector roads and loop roads which increase the effectiveness of road hunting. They specifically identified connections between the Williams Lake District and the Murphy watershed as well as a connection between Peach Lake and Rail lake.
 
A local trapper had initial concerns over what roads were being deactivated but once he was able to better understand exactly what roads were being closed he supported the plan. The trapper also identified an area within his trapline where he has often observed moose and recommended that we consider some access management in that area.
 
Several people telephoned and visited the 100 Mile House Natural Resouce District Office to asking questions about the plan, but did not express specific concerns. Generally people wanted to know more information on exactly where the blockages were going to occur.
 

Input leads to action:

Additional blockages were installed to eliminate connections and loop roads to address the Canim Lake Indian Band’s concern. Two additional blockages were added to eliminate connections from the Murphy Watershed to the Williams Lake District as well as an additional blockage was proposed to eliminate the connection between Peach and Rail Lakes. An additional blockage was also proposed in the area where the trapper had frequently observed moose.