Surrey Bend Regional Park Management Plan June 2010 July X, 2010 Dear Park Supporter: Re: Surrey Bend Regional Park Management Plan. The Surrey Bend Regional Park Management Plan was adopted by the Metro Vancouver Board and the City of Surrey Council in July X, 2010 and Y, 2010 respectively. On behalf of our organizations we are pleased to provide you with this document. The Management Plan outlines the vision that Metro Vancouver and the City of Surrey share for the long term public use and management of Surrey Bend Regional Park over the next decade. The plan promotes passive recreation, education and conservation program within this highly valued Fraser River floodplain landscape. Crafting a policy document like the Management Plan requires the participation of a large number and diverse range of people. Of particular note is the significant contribution provided by those members of the public who participated in the park planning process as members of the advisory committee. Others provided input at public open houses or written submissions. On behalf of Metro Vancouver and the City of Surrey we thank you for your interest and encourage you to stay engaged. Metro Vancouver and the City of Surrey operate numerous regional and municipal parks and recreation facilities for the benefit of all residents. Yours truly, Cllr. Gayle Martin, Chair Cllr. Mary Martin, Chair Metro Vancouver Parks Committee City of Surrey Parks and Community Services Committee JC/MD/lk JUNE 2010 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This Surrey Bend Regional Park Management Plan is a joint initiative of Metro Vancouver and the City of Surrey, BC. The plan was realized through the leadership, ideas and dedication provided by its many contributors. The project team would like to acknowledge the following Metro Vancouver and City of Surrey staff members for their significant contributions. Metro Vancouver • Paul Wilting, Senior Engineer, Civil, Mechanical Design & Construction Division • Frieda Schade, Central Area Manager Regional Parks • Craig Sobering, Senior Park System Planner • Alison Evely, Natural Resource Management Specialist • Greg Peters, Assistant Superintendent Water Supply and Waste Water Collection System Operations City of Surrey • Owen Croy, Manager of Parks • Tiina Mack, Manager of Parks Planning, Research and Design • Ted Uhrich, Parks Planner • Doug Merry, Parks Planning Technician Advisory Committee Organizations • Fraser Heights Community Association • Surrey Environmental Partners • Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition • Vancouver Natural History Society • Unaffiliated Paddling Sports Representative • Sur‐Del Power & Sail Squadron • Trails BC • BCIT Fish, Wildlife and Recreation Program We would also like to offer recognition to community organizations, additional local and regional government staff contributors, agencies and individual members of the public for their input and consideration of this plan. The firm of HB Lanarc Consultants Ltd. was retained as prime consultants to prepare the management plan report and supporting documents. Don Crockett and David Reid are the principals of record, with assistance from Anne‐Marie Whittaker and Andrea Tower. Ron Kistritz and Ken Summers were the consulting registered professional biologists responsible for preparing the ecological framework that is the basis for the park management plan. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City of Surrey and Metro Vancouver, with considerable assistance from the Province, commenced acquisition of land at Surrey Bend in 1995 and have jointly completed this plan. The site will be managed by Metro Vancouver as a Regional Park, but the City will remain involved in an advisory capacity and will participate in any future updates of the plan. Surrey Bend is a 348 hectare natural area of regional significance. The largest publicly owned natural area in the City of Surrey; it is part of a complex of parks and protected areas along the Fraser River. The Surrey Bend Management Plan outlines a vision for the future of Surrey Bend as a Regional Park with a strong conservation focus. Prepared with comprehensive public engagement, the plan preserves seventy five percent of Surrey Bend’s area in an undisturbed state. In addition to protecting two large blocks of bog, forest and shoreline habitats, the plan will also preserves the important natural hydrologic processes that created and support this special place. The plan proposes a modest trail network and entrance area with parking and basic facilities to enable people to enjoy the beautiful Fraser River location. Park facilities will be built in stages. There is a commitment to studying and documenting the site’s ecology and natural values. The park will offer educational opportunities to people of all ages and interests. Surrey Bend will be managed by Metro Vancouver Parks to ensure that people use the site safely and respectfully. The Province (Ministry of Agriculture and Lands) has confirmed its support for this plan in a letter which states that the plan is in alignment with the conservation goals for which the lands were acquired. Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 1. Purpose of the Management Plan ........................................................... 1 2. Metro Vancouver and City of Surrey Partnership...................................... 2 3. Metro Vancouver Context ...................................................................... 3 3.1 Sustainable Region Initiative .................................................................................. 4 3.2 Regional Parks and Greenways Plan ........................................................................ 4 3.3 Experience the Fraser Project ................................................................................. 5 3.4 Ecological Health Plan ........................................................................................... 5 4. City of Surrey Context............................................................................ 5 4.1 Sustainability Charter ............................................................................................ 6 4.2 Parks, Recreation and Culture Ten Year Strategic Plan ............................................. 6 4.3 Ecosystem Management Study (EMS) ..................................................................... 6 5. Planning Process and First Nations ......................................................... 7 SURREY BEND REGIONAL PARK UNIT 6. Planning Context...................................................................................9 6.1 Regional Context .................................................................................................. 9 6.2 Local Context and Adjacent Land Uses.................................................................. 10 6.3 Transportation, Access and Utilities.......................................................................12 6.4 Land Tenure ........................................................................................................15 6.5 Climate Change....................................................................................................17 6.6 Hydrology Overview............................................................................................ 18 6.7 Geophysical and Soil............................................................................................ 20 6.8 Ecosystems Overview...........................................................................................21 6.9 Heritage and Archaeological Resources..................................................................25 6.10 Current Use and Trends.......................................................................................27 6.11 Community, Stakeholder and Agency Feedback Overview .....................................27 7. Planning Analysis ................................................................................ 29 7.1 Habitat Sensitivity Analysis.................................................................................. 29 7.2 Park Classification and Zoning ...............................................................................31 7.3 Opportunities and Constraints ...............................................................................33 8. Management Plan ............................................................................... 42 8.1 Park Purpose....................................................................................................... 42 8.1.1 Vision.....................................................................................................................................42 8.1.2 Guiding Principles..................................................................................................................42 8.1.3 Goal....................................................................................................................................... 43 8.1.4 Objectives ............................................................................................................................. 43 8.2 Park Concept Plan ............................................................................................... 44 8.3 Park Program...................................................................................................... 49 8.3.1 Visitor Experience..................................................................................................................49 8.3.2 Universal Access ....................................................................................................................49