P22 Adams Lake (Bush Creek) 32 C

ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY

The most beautiful places, the most diverse living landscapes, the most treasured ecosystems: this is what BC Parks has the privilege of caring for.

The focus for BC Parks over the past decade has been expanding our protected area system to what is more than 1,000 protected areas encompassing more than 14% of the province. Now that many regions of the province have protected areas representing the range of natural environments, we now have to look at a framework for managing those protected areas.

In 1999, the BC's Park Legacy Panel recommended that BC Parks adopt a new way of thinking about protected area management. This new framework is referred to as Ecological Integrity. Ecological integrity is a way of thinking and acting that makes the ecological needs of an area the primary responsibility of our agency while recognizing the diversity and range of natural, cultural and recreational values in the system. Ecological integrity is a way of managing that sees maintaining the wholeness of nature in our protected areas as a major priority.

Ecological integrity helps us to understand what we need to be aiming at throughout the protected area system. We will know we are successful when: • Protected ecosystems are unimpaired by stresses from human activity • Natural ecological processes are intact and self-sustaining • Protected ecosystems evolve naturally and their capacity for self-renewal is maintained, and • The biodiversity of protected ecosystem’s (variety of living things) is ensured

British Columbia has some of the world's most wonderful places. These are places of great beauty, of great diversity on our natural treasures. Together we must care for these places forever, ensuring that this generation passes along to the next, a system just as beautiful, just as diverse, just as undiminished. CAMPING ETHICS AND REGULATIONS: • Barbecues must be used on the ground unless barbecue attachments are provided on picnic tables. • Bears: To avoid problems with nuisance animals such as bears, lock your food in your vehicle at night. Be sure to use the garbage containers provided and maintain a clean campsite.

Never feed or approach bears. • Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings and may not be permitted in all parks. • Excessive noise is not permitted. Please remember that sound travels further in open air, especially generators, music and loud talking. Quiet time is from 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. • Liquor consumption and smoking (including cannabis and vaping) is prohibited anywhere in the park with the exception of your registered campsite. • Parking is permitted only in designated areas and on the gravel portion of campsites. Parking is not permitted on roadsides. • Pets must be on a leash while in the park and are not permitted in the day-use area or on the beach. • Swimming areas protect swimmers within marker buoys.

All watercraft and water-skiers must stay outside markers.

Lifeguards are not in attendance. • Tents and equipment must remain on the gravel portion of your campsite. • Trees and shrubs are easily damaged; do not use them for roasting sticks. Leave flowers and others plants to grow. Trails are planned to take you safely through the most interesting and beautiful parts of our parks without damaging plant life. • Vehicles used in parks must be licensed and operated by licensed drivers. • Visitors must leave by 11:00 p.m.

Only registered campers are allowed in the campsite after 11:00 p.m.

BC Parks is dedicated to preserving the natural state of parks while also providing recreational access. Park regulations and policies protect park values, ensuring a quality experience for all visitors, both today and in years to come.