Thompson-Nicola Regional District directors have voted to support designating Wells Gray Park and its volcanoes a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The motion was passed during the TNRD board meeting on Nov. 20, reports Wells Gray Country director Bert Walker.

Walker had earlier asked that regional district staff prepare a report on the implications of the designation.

According to that report, the primary purpose and benefit of World Heritage Site designation is the preservation of valuable cultural and/or natural sites.

The designation also can result in economic benefits through increased tourism, the report states. Many international travelers use the list of World Heritage Sites to plan their trips.

One concern at some sites has been the negative effect increased tourism and traffic can have on conservation efforts. TNRD staff did not feel this would be a problem with Wells Gray Park.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites remain under the jurisdiction of the member state or province having authority. If a site is considered threatened, UNESCO might lobby the federal or provincial government to take action.

Buck Hill, part of the proposed designated site, is located outside the park.

In order to extinguish

existing mineral claims on the hill there would need to be negotiations with the claims holders.

Ministry of Forests advised the regional district that there is sensitivity in regards to forest activity near Mount Robson Provincial Park (part of a World Heritage Site) but there does not appear to be any specific problems.

Local government could assist Wells Gray Park to get onto the Canadian Tentative List but the ultimate decision about World Heritage status would be up the UNESCO’s World Heritage committee.