Land-use Zoning

Zoning is an important tool in management planning. It allows specific areas in a site to be managed differently than the land base as a whole.

An activity that is allowed by a site's classification may not be appropriate across its entire land base.

Lands and waters in individual parks can be zoned to provide optimum preservation of natural heritage values. These areas exclude public access to protect fragile and vulnerable ecosystems and sensitive, rare and endangered species.
Other areas can accommodate and/or enhance heritage appreciation, outdoor recreation and heritage tourism opportunities and facilities.
Existing land-use commitments in a site can also be accounted for through zoning.

Seven land use zones are currently used in management planning for parks in Alberta.

Preservation Zone:

applied to landscapes where preservation of natural heritage values takes precedence over all other uses
lands and waters are managed so natural heritage values and ecological processes remain largely unaltered
often used in wildland provincial parks and provincial parks
example - restricted area in Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park where visitors can enter only when accompanied by staff

encompasses extensive natural landscapes capable of supporting wilderness recreation
preservation of natural heritage values is the main consideration
management guidelines focus on sustaining or enhancing wilderness recreation opportunities
resource management and controls on use are consistent with maintaining long-term ecological integrity
visitor numbers are regulated as required to meet management objectives
motorized use is prohibited
development is limited to primitive facilities appropriate to a wilderness experience (trails, backcountry campsites, etc)
education and interpretive programs are normally provided off-site

provides opportunities for appreciation and enjoyment of natural heritage values through outdoor recreation, education and interpretive opportunities/programs
activities that bring visitors into close contact with nature are encouraged (walk-in camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, nature appreciation programs, etc)
possible interpretation and education services include self-guided trails, displays and guided programs
provincial parks - much of the landbase zoned "natural environment"
wildland provincial parks - zone applied to areas where traditional grazing is part of ongoing management regime (reflecting emphasis on providing wildland recreation opportunities)

used in wildland provincial parks, heritage rangelands, natural areas and provincial parks to recognize lands and features that have significant historic, prehistoric or archaeological value
historical features and structures within this zone are frequently stabilized and/or restored
emphasis is on preservation

used in provincial parks and provincial recreation areas
may include facilities and visitor services that support both day use and overnight accommodation, including vehicle access campgrounds

provides safe and convenient access to outdoor recreation opportunities
accommodates major transportation routes through a site
may be applied to existing highway and pipeline corridors
possible facilities include major access routes, parking areas, small picnic facilities and small staging areas
staging areas for wildland provincial parks:
- may include vehicle access campgrounds (limited to basic facilities)
- size determined by the recreational opportunities available
applied in wildland provincial parks where motorized use is accommodated on designated routes
could include information, interpretation and education programs orienting the public to facilities, services, recreational opportunities and management objectives for a site

applied only in provincial recreation areas
includes lands in a provincial recreation area where activities such as improved grazing take place
petroleum and natural gas exploration and development are normally permitted
industrial activities are:
- carried out in accordance with defined management guidelines
- directed toward improving outdoor recreation opportunities where possible
recreational use is permitted if it does not conflict with resource industries
use of off-highway vehicles may be accommodated either randomly or on designated routes
education and interpretive programs may be provided to explain the effects of resource use on the environment
facilities are generally limited to trails and signs
not normally applied to individual oil and gas wells or small industrial installations (identified as non-conforming uses in other zones)