Climbers will soon have a new set of rules to follow when developing new climbing routes in the Smoke Bluffs Park.
Earlier this month, District of Squamish officials adopted B.C. Parks's best practices guide on outlining route development in rock climbing in one of Squamish's most popular parks.
The document highlights principles regarding rock climbing route cleaning, including development of new climbing routes, and balances climbers' needs with protecting the environment and public safety, officials said. The creation of the document was a cooperative effort between B.C. Parks, climbers and access groups, Coun. Susan Chapelle said at the May 7 council meeting.
"It will probably set a standard for rock climbing worldwide," she said.
Adoption of the guidelines provides rules for rock climbing route development, municipal staff noted. Vegetation management in climbing areas was discussed at recent Smoke Bluffs Park Committee meeting, as were trail development and other park improvements. While the best practices touch on the topic of vegetation management, there's still a need for further vegetation management guidelines, a staff report to council stated.
District staff noted a need to address the changing face of Smoke Bluffs Park, as demand increases from recreational users and the community grows. The park currently boasts approximately 400 climbing routes. The area is also seeing a spike in mountain biking, hiking and trials motor biking.
In 2006, the municipality's development plan for the park recommended the district develop a Smoke Bluffs Park Management Plan.
"A management plan could ensure sustainable recreation development in the park and capture the evolving community vision for Squamish's flagship park," the council report stated.
