Park management plan

Management plans are strategic tools that guide how Parks Canada protects natural and cultural resources, supports visitor experiences, and fosters public understanding. For Riding Mountain National Park, this process will help set clear priorities for the next decade—ensuring ecological integrity, strengthening relationships, and enhancing experiences for all who visit or call the area home.

1. Legally Mandated and Publicly Accountable
   Management plans are required under federal legislation and must be tabled in Parliament. They are reviewed every ten years to ensure transparency and responsiveness to evolving priorities.
2. Ecological Integrity Comes First
   The protection of natural ecosystems is the top priority. All planning decisions are guided by the principle of maintaining or restoring ecological integrity.
3. Inclusive Engagement Is Essential
   Parks Canada works closely with Indigenous partners, stakeholders, and the public to shape each plan. This collaborative approach ensures diverse voices are reflected in the vision and strategies.
4. Strategic Vision for the Next Decade
   Each plan outlines a clear direction for the next 10–15 years, setting measurable goals that guide conservation, visitor experience, and education efforts.
5. Balancing Protection, Experience, and Learning
   Management plans integrate Parks Canada’s mandate to protect heritage places, provide meaningful visitor experiences, and foster public understanding and appreciation.

All feedback will be reviewed by Parks Canada and will be considered in the development of the new management plan. A “What We Heard” report will summarize key themes and show how input informed the draft management plan.

The planning process also recognizes the need to balance diverse interests—from ecological protection and Indigenous stewardship to visitor experience and local economic activity. By listening to a wide range of perspectives, Parks Canada aims to develop a plan that reflects shared priorities and supports the long-term sustainability of Riding Mountain National Park.

A Parks Canada management plan, prepared in consultation with Canadians, is the main public accountability document for national historic sites, national parks, and national marine consultation areas.

Parks Canada is committed to undertaking meaningful, accessible consultation for each management planning process and strives to ensure Indigenous peoples, partners, stakeholders, and the public, including racialized people and other diverse communities who have been historically excluded, have opportunities to provide input and contribute to Parks Canada’s management direction.

Indigenous consultation provides an opportunity to increase the Indigenous voice in all aspects of heritage place management. Parks Canada consults on new plans or amendments to existing plans, with Indigenous peoples who may be affected by and are interested in decisions or activities arising from the management of the heritage place. Parks Canada works with Indigenous partners across Canada to conserve, restore, and present natural and cultural heritage in Canada.

Consultation is a legal and policy requirement that must be undertaken as part of management planning. Parks Canada communicates in several ways to help Canadians participate in consultations related to the development of management plans. This includes the Parks Canada website, the Government of Canada’s Consulting with Canadians website, and other media as appropriate. The scope and scale of public consultation will vary by site as is appropriate to the circumstances of the heritage place.