Running Head: IPD/DP CVWMA

Interpretive Program Design/Delivery Project ADN7141_310

Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area

Winter Activities, Trail Signs, and Trekking Turtles

Carla Ahern and Ian Pineau

Jason Chris, Carly Passant, and Robert Young

November 24, 2014

Table of Contents

Letter to CVWMA...... 7

Winter Travel/Survival Interpretive Programs...... 8

Travel/Program Activities...... 8

Survival/Interpretation Program...... 8

Winter Travel Program Summary...... 8

Audience Analysis...... 8

Potential Topics...... 8

Program Themes...... 9

Program Type Selected & Rational...... 9

Program Objectives...... 9

Key Points...... 9

Location...... 9

Interpretive Activity Planned...... 9

Map Reference...... 10

Nordic Skate Skiing...... 11

Purpose of Activity...... 11

Research; Resources and Materials Acquisition Costs ...... 11

Gear List...... 11

Nordic Skate Skiing Gear List...... 11

Personal Gear List...... 11

Risk to Audience...... 12

Risk to Site...... 12

Training & Advertising: Method; Layout and Costs...... 13

Day Layout...... 13

Cost Benefit Analysis to Operator...... 14

Nordic Classic Cross-Country Skiing...... 15

Purpose of Activity...... 15

Research; Resources and Materials Acquisition Costs ...... 15

Gear List...... 15

Nordic Classic Cross-Country Skiing Gear List...... 15

Personal Gear List...... 15

Risk to Audience...... 16

Risk to Site...... 16

Training & Advertising: Method; Layout and Costs...... 16

Day Layout...... 17

Cost Benefit Analysis to Operator...... 17

Show Shoeing...... 18

Purpose of Activity...... 18

Research; Resources and Materials Acquisition Costs ...... 18

Gear List...... 18

Snow Shoeing Gear List...... 18

Personal Gear List...... 18

Risk to Audience...... 19

Risk to Site...... 19

Training & Advertising: Method; Layout and Costs:...... 19

Day Layout...... 19

Cost Benefit Analysis to Operator...... 20

Tracks and Scat Interpretive Activities...... 21

Program Summary...... 21

Audience Analysis...... 21

Potential Topics; Topic Selected...... 21

Program Theme/Themes...... 21

Program Type Selected & Rational...... 22

Program Objectives...... 22

Key Points ...... 22

Location...... 22

Interpretive Activity Planned...... 22

Fill in Tracks...... 22

Scat Collection...... 23

Map Reference...... 23

Research; Resources and Materials Acquisition Costs ...... 23

Gear List...... 23

Fill in Tracks Gear List...... 23

Scat Collection Gear List...... 23

Risk to Audience...... 24

Risk to Site...... 24

Training & Advertising: Method; Layout and Costs...... 24

Day Layout...... 24

Evaluation...... 25

Cost Benefit Analysis to Operator...... 25

Overnight Adventure Winter Survival Two Week Program...... 26

Program Summary...... 26

Audience Analysis...... 26

Potential Topics; Topic Selected...... 26

Program Theme/Themes...... 26

Program Type Selected & Rational...... 26

Program Objectives...... 27

Key Points...... 27

Location...... 27

Interpretive Activity Planned...... 27

Building a Quincy...... 27

Map Reference...... 28

Research; Resources and Materials Acquisition Costs ...... 28

Gear List...... 28

Quincy Gear List...... 28

Personal Gear List...... 28

Group Gear List...... 29

Risk to Audience...... 29

Risk to Site...... 29

Training & Advertising: Method; Layout and Costs...... 30

Day Layout...... 30

Evaluation...... 30

Cost Benefit Analysis to Operator:...... 30

Trail Signs...... 31

Program Summary...... 31

Audience Analysis...... 31

Potential Topics; Topic Selected...... 31

Program Theme/Themes...... 32

Program Type Selected & Rational...... 32

Program Objectives...... 32

Key Points...... 32

Location...... 33

Interpretive Activity Planned...... 33

Map Reference...... 33

Panel Mock-Ups...... 33

Research; Resources and Materials Acquisition Costs ...... 33

Risk to Audience...... 34

Risk to Site...... 34

Training & Advertising: Method; Layout and Costs...... 34

Cost Benefit Analysis to Operator...... 35

Trekking Turtles...... 36

Program Summary...... 36

Audience Analysis...... 36

Potential Topics; Topic Selected...... 36

Program Theme/Themes...... 37

Program Type Selected & Rational...... 37

Program Objectives...... 37

Location...... 38

Interpretive Activity Planned...... 38

Day 1...... 38

Day 2...... 40

Day 3...... 41

Day 4...... 43

Day 5...... 44

Map Reference...... 44

Research; Resources and Materials Acquisition Costs ...... 44

Risk to Audience...... 45

Risk to Site...... 46

Training & Advertising: Method; Layout and Costs...... 46

Cost Benefit Analysis to Operator:...... 47

Figures...... 48

1...... 48

2...... 48

3...... 49

4...... 49

5...... 50

6...... 51

7...... 52

8...... 53

9...... 54

10...... 55

11...... 56

12...... 57

13...... 58

References...... 59

Letter to Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area

Dear Carla,

We are so pleased to have been able to work on this project for the benefit of your organization. We hope that our projects are what you were looking for and that you will use some or all of our suggestions in the future.

This project is split into three categories; Winter Activities, Trail Signs, and Trekking Turtles. This winter activity portion was completed by Jason Chris. He chose to create Travel Programs, focusing on winter travel activities; Nordic skate skiing, Nordic classic cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing. He also created two activities that can go hand in hand with the winter travel activities and those are animal tracking and winter survival.

Trail signs were complete by Robert Young and he has created five example trail signs. They are all different designs to choose from, with information and pictures. He was told that there aren’t many signs on the trails that give information on different animals. We learned about non-personal interpretation in school and thought that the trails were a great place to implement that.

Trekking Turtles was completed by Carly Passant because she worked with the Junior Naturalist program this past summer. The camps are always a big hit and are run very smoothly. Trekking Turtles is during the last week and for the older kids so it isn’t always as popular. She thought that she could use the knowledge she has obtained from school and work it into the Junior Naturalist program. The five day camp focuses on the seven Leave No Trace principles.

Thank-you for taking the time to read our project and for participating in this course with us. It took a lot of work and brainstorming, but we are very proud of the outcome.

Sincerely,

Jason Chris

Carly Passant

Robert Young

Winter Travel/Survival and Interpretive Programs

Travel Program Activities

Nordic Skate Skiing
Nordic Classic Cross-Country Skiing
Snow Shoeing

Survival/ Interpretation Program

Animal tracking program (One day)
Winter Survival (4 days, two weekends)

Winter Travel Program Summary

Winter travel and survival go hand in hand and are great complementary courses. The winter travel will focus on three ways of transportation in the winter; Nordic skate skiing, Nordic classic cross country skiing and snow shoeing. These are one to two day activities designed to get people moving and active in the winter time.

Audience Analysis

Mostly families and youth, possibly school programs would be attending. That being said you are dealing with mostly beginner to novice audience. Because of the low ability level there is a higher stress on safety. Less time travelling and more time learning about equipment and technique.

Potential Topics

History of travelling in the winter, animal tracking.

Program Themes

Winter travel, through Nordic skate skiing, Nordic classic cross country skiing, and snow shoeing.

Program Type Selected and Rational

Adventure travelling is the type we have selected. The rational is to make for a healthy active community in the winter. In other words, give people an excuse to get outside and teach them the technical skills they need to go do it on their own.

Program Objectives

To give customers a hands on technical skills in Nordic skate skiing, Nordic classic cross country skiing, snow shoeing and hopefully increases their comfort zone in winter. Humans are meant to be active throughout the winter. This program gives people the opportunity to get active outdoors in a safe environment.

Key Point

The key point is connecting people with nature. Creston offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature through beautiful scenery, frozen ponds, mountains, etc.

Location

See Figure 2.

Interpretive Activity Planned

Find some animal tracks in the snow, talk about hibernation, how to know which type of animal it is, etc.
Talk about history of travel in the winter. Maybe bring in native or traditional ways of travel (e.g. wooden snow shoes, dog sled) so the customers can interpret the history themselves.

Maps Reference

Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area

1760 West Creston Rd RR 7

Creston, BC V0B 1G7

See Figure 1.

Nordic Skate Skiing

Purpose of Activity

The purpose of this activity is to promote healthy exercise that is fun and easy to set up. Teaching hands-on, technical skills of skate skiing is a great way to interact with people in the community. Enjoying beautiful scenery and reconnecting with nature, while meeting new people and learning new skills.

Research; Resources and Materials Acquisition Costs

It’s expensive to buy and manage gear, but if done properly will profit in the end. Renting is a more affordable option at the start but will not increase in profits. This is a list of gear that would be needed and the prices of buying new. Again, renting is an option as well as donations.

Gear list.

Nordic skate skiing gear.

Skate skis, brand Salomon - $160.00
Ski boots, brand Techno Pro Ultra - $90.00

Poles, brand Techno Pro - $30.00
Bindings, brand Salomon - $80.00

Total per person, if needed for an extra set: $360.00 (MEC, 2014)

Personal gear list.

Every participant should come with the following gear for their safety.

Water bottle
Gloves
Eye wear, sunglasses
Hat
Winter coat
Snow pants or rain pants
Winter boots or waterproof footwear

Guides will cost approximately $15.00 per hour, based on what Algonquin College instructors are getting paid, so it can vary. 8-9 hours of work at the rate of $15.00/hour equals $90.00 - $105.00.

Risk to Audience

Customers could fall at higher speeds increasing the risk of injury. Having a waiver form to sign can protect CVWMA in case an injury happens on property. Staff should have current certification in first aid and CPR. Ensure all participants are aware of the risks from the beginning. Keeping the audience busy with activity and instruction will keep their blood flowing, and therefore, stay warm.

Risk to Site

The trails could widen with high use causing more land disturbance. Sustainable trail building and grooming of trails will reduce this risk. Checking snow conditions and maintaining trails (e.g. ice buildup) can prevent damage to the land.

Training & Advertising: Method; Layout and Costs

Cost for advertising can be cheap if advertising is on your website and Facebook page. Adding the activities to pamphlets or poster to stick around town is a great way to spread the word and of course, word of mouth. There is a possibility of advertising to the local schools too.

Day layout.

8:30: Start getting equipment ready and customers fit (if not pre ordered)

9:00: First briefing on gear and safety

9:15: Go over technical skills and practice them

10:15: Travel about 7 km or so depending on group skill and site location for lunch

12:00: Lunch, which can either be provided or brought by participants

1:00: Travel back to main building

2:45: Arrive back, depending on group skill and distance travelled

3:00: After gear is off offer some hot chocolate

Cost Benefit Analysis to Operator

This will only benefit the operator if a big investment is made in gear and staff to maintain trails and teach lessons. It will not pay off right away and will take time to cover initial cost of gear. Staff training is yearly cost.

Nordic Classic Cross-Country Skiing

Purpose of Activity

The purpose of this activity is to promote healthy exercise that is fun and easy to set up. Teaching hands-on, technical skills of classic cross-country skiing is a great way to interact with people in the community. Enjoying beautiful scenery and reconnecting with nature, while meeting new people and learning new skills.

Research; Resources and Materials Acquisition Costs

Gear list.

Nordic classic cross-country skiing gear.

Skate skis with bindings, brand Salomon Avg. - $250.00
Ski boots, brand Dalbello - $150.00
Poles, brand Royal Shaft Australian - $30.00

Total per person: $430.00 (Sport Chek, 2014)

Personal gear list.

Water bottle
Gloves
Eyewear, sunglasses
Hat
Winter coat
Snow pants or rain pants
Winter boots or other waterproof footwear

Guide: $15.00/hour for 8-9 hours of work equals $95.00-$105.00.

Risk to Audience

Risk to Site

Training & Advertising: Method; Layout and Costs

Training takes time and can be expensive, so hiring guides can be cheaper in the long run. If current staff are experienced in the winter travel portion then the money can be saved by having them teach the basics. Having a guide can help ensure the safety of participants, but the trails are fairly flat, so the risk of falling down hills is greatly decreased. Cost for advertising can be cheap if advertising is on your website and Facebook page. Adding the activities to pamphlets or poster to stick around town is a great way to spread the word and of course, word of mouth. There is a possibility of advertising to the local schools too.

Day layout.

8:30: Start getting equipment ready and customers fit (if not pre ordered)

9:00: First briefing on gear and safety

9:15: Go over technical skills and practice them

10:15: Travel about 7 km or so depending on group skill and camp site location for lunch

12:00: Lunch

1:00: Travel back to main building

2:45: Arrive back

3:00: After gear is off offer some hot Chocolate

Cost Benefit Analysis to Operator

Snow Shoeing

Purpose of Activity

Snow shoeing is safer and easier to learn than skate skiing and classic cross-country skiing. It’s great for all ages and allows room for more interpretation because it is a slower pace. Moving at a slower pace gives time to let the beautiful scenery to sink in and notice different things.

Research; Resources and Materials Acquisition Costs

Gear list.

Snow shoeing.

Snow shoes, brand Atlas - $150.00
Poles, brand Royal Shaft Australian - $30.00

Personal gear.

Every participant should come with the following gear for their safety.

Water bottle
Gloves
Eye wear, sunglasses
Hat
Winter coat
Snow pants or rain pants
Winter boots or waterproof footwear

Risk to Audience

Less risk due to slower speed however, customers can still fall and risk an injury. Having a waiver form to sign can protect CVWMA in case an injury happens on property. Staff should have current certification in first aid and CPR. Ensure all participants are aware of the risks from the beginning. Keeping the audience busy with activity and instruction will keep their blood flowing, and therefore, stay warm.

Risk to Site

Training & Advertising: Method; Layout and Costs

Not much training, if any is required, making this portion cheap. Advertising can be on the website and Facebook to keep it inexpensive. It’s free other than labor time to upload pictures and write description on the website.

Day layout.

8:30: Start getting equipment ready and customers fit (if not pre ordered)

9:00: First briefing on gear and safety. Give the history of snow shoeing and how natives made theirs.

9:45: Travel about 5 km or so depending on group skill and site location for lunch. Along the way be looking for some tracks or any teachable moments for interpretation.

12:00: Lunch

1:00: Travel back to main building

2:45: Arrive back

3:00: After gear is off offer some hot chocolate

Cost Benefit Analysis to Operator

This activity can be very beneficial because there is no training cost. This means that customers are paying for equipment rental and interpretation, which are both inexpensive. This means the company will see more profit.

Tracks and Scat Interpretative Activities

Program Summary

There are two activities for this portion. One is about tracking and people will be taught how to identify tracks, what to look for, and be able to make a print of some tracks. The other activity is about scat. People will learn how to identify scat, which is the best way to know if an animal has been in the area, and scat will be inspected. These activities get people up close and personal with animal signs.

Audience Analysis

This program is designed for elementary students ages 10-14, but can still be enjoyed by all ages. Especially scat collection requires sanitary attention that younger minds may have trouble with. The Fill in the Tracks portion is also geared to a younger audience, but can also be enjoyed by all ages.