Management Tools
The content of this page was
taken from the final project report submitted to the Real Estate
Foundation by the British Columbia Conservation Foundation.
Photopoint monitoring
Photopoint monitoring
is an effective management tool for monitoring change over time
at specific locations. The general concept is to take a photograph
of the exact same location at specific time intervals (e.g. every
March). Too often we become accustomed to change. The photographs
will serve as a permanent visual reference for park managers.
Last summer 15 permanent photopoints were installed in the park.
This summer the 15 sites were revisited and new photos were taken.
Access notes and original vegetation data can be obtained within
the 1999 final report.
Forest health
Last summer two infestations
of Mountain Pine Beetle were found within the park. Early this
spring, the infested trees were felled and burnt to prevent spread.
Other suitable plants for restoration
This summer a spread sheet
was made, compiling all suitable plant species for restoration
use in Kenna Cartwright Park.
Biocontrol of noxious weeds
The biological control
of weeds typically involves the local establishment of host-specific
organisms from other parts of the world to give continuing control
of weeds (Powell, 1994). In the Mount Dufferin area biological
control, or biocontrol, has been used since 1988 to control knapweed
and toadflax. The primary biocontrol insects used in the park
area are Agapeta zoegana, Cyphocleonus achates,
Larinus minutus, Metzneria janthinus, Sphenoptera
jugoslavica, and Urophora affinis. Each of these insects
attacks a different part of the plant, weakening its health, and
therefore its ability to spread. This summer, under the guidance
of the Thompson Nicola Regional District's Noxious Weed and Pest
Control Program, 24 original sites were visited and necessary
maintenance conducted, five new biorelease sites were installed,
and one large public information sign was installed.
Trail closures
Three trails were closed
this summer. Trail closures must be incorporated to divert the
recreational pressure to pre-determined "hardened" areas
within the park. Trail closures also make the general public aware
that the park is being managed and maintained.
Trail markers
More than 40 trail markers
were installed this summer. The trail markers were designed and
located last summer; the Bear Creek Correctional Centre constructed
the markers; and the Rayleigh Correctional Centre installed them
under the guidance of Tom Moore and the project coordinator.
Photo fuel plots
A field day was organized
with Ministry of Forests, Protection Division for the project
coordinator to learn how to establish photo fuel plots. A photo
fuel plot is used to determine the actual amount of fuel on the
ground at a given location (tonnes/hectare). Photo fuel plots
would be an excellent tool for establishing a fire hazard matrix
of Kenna Cartwright Park.
Dog droppings
A plastic bag dispenser
and bear proof garbage can were installed by the City of Kamloops
at the main parking lot entrance. Park users seem to be using
the bag dispenser as there is a noticeable decrease in dog droppings
along the trail edges.