Birds Hill Park Management Plan

As cyclists we have a love-hate relationship with BHP. Not only is it part of the traditional Saturday morning FOG ride, but it is a safe reliable spot both for racing and recreational riding (both road and off road), not to mention other activities such a running, inline skating, and cross country skiing.

There are many competing interests in BHP. Most groups recognize and respect the needs of others. Interactions with the equestrian people have not always been positive experiences. Traffic is always a concern. BHP management have severely limited sporting use of the park during the summer season which they arbitrarily set based on when they feel the park will be busy. This year that meant that some races that had previously been approved had their permits later revoked when the park decided to open the camping grounds earlier.

There is a balance that needs to be struck in usage of the park. Safety always has to be a primary concern. Cycling has put a lot of effort into to developing a good relationship with BHP management. Management changes over time at the park. Some managers have been open to discussion, others not at all. When push comes to shove it seems that vehicle traffic prevails over sporting use. Should use of the park for sporting events be restricted or should there be more emphasis on educating the public about safety and targeting of unsafe practices by motorists? It is a park not a highway afterall.

Manitoba Conservation is preparing a management plan for Birds Hill Provincial Park to set long-term direction for the park. The public is invited to informal drop-in sessions June 19, 20 and July 17, 18.

Of course we can't have it all our way all of the time, but cyclists (and other sports) need to make their voices heard so sporting use is a formal part of the BHP plan. Other groups who would like to see less cycling/sports in the park no doubt will be there.
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News Release
June 11, 2010

MANAGEMENT PLAN TO FOCUS ON BIRDS HILL PROVINCIAL PARK
Manitoba Conservation advises it is preparing a management plan for Birds Hill Provincial Park to set long-term direction for the park including guidelines for environmental protection and recreational use.

The public is invited to informal drop-in sessions to discuss the park's future that will be held at the Overlook Viewpoint picnic area on North Drive in Birds Hill Provincial Park:
· June 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and
· July 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Birds Hill is one of Manitoba's busiest parks with almost one million visitors per year. Located just north of Winnipeg, Birds Hill Provincial Park is a popular area for camping, swimming, special events such as the
Winnipeg Folk Festival and sporting activities.

Birds Hill Provincial Park was officially opened in July 1967.

Details on the management planning process for Birds Hill Provincial Park
can be found at www.manitobaparks.com and public comments can be submitted
until Aug. 31. People can also contact:
Birds Hill Provincial Park Management Plan
Parks and Natural Areas Branch
Box 53, 200 Saulteaux Cres.
Winnipeg, MB R3J 3W3
Telephone: 945-6797 in Winnipeg or 1-800-214-6497 (toll-free).