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Protecting the fragile soils and vegetation in the sub-alpine and alpine is critical to maintaining the local environment. The resort has instituted numerous construction and operational practices to minimize damage.
Controlled On-Mountain
Vehicle Traffic |
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Only resort vehicles are allowed on the mountain itself, and then only on designated trails. Recreational off-road vehicles are not permitted within the controlled recreation area.
The resort has been selectively logging against pine beetle and other beetle affected timber proactively since 1995. Areas of beetle affected timber are considered when determining where to cut new ski runs, for example the Orient Ridge.
Currently there are three beetle species affecting the local forests. Please click on the following links to learn more:
For information on Sun Peaks Resort Beetle Management Program click here.
Erosion Measures
Where ever possible bioengineering methods (willows, hay, and coco matting) are used in slope stabilization. Outside of the ski area, erosion and sediment control measures are mandatory on all construction sites. For more information on how willows are used to prevent erosion click here.
Fertilizers, Pesticides
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All fertilizer and pesticide usage falls under Integrated Pest Management (User License # 13702). Integrated Pest Management is a provincial program whose goal is to eliminate unnecessary pesticide use.
Although fertilizers, pesticides, and soil amendments are used on the Sun Peaks Resort Golf Course, a variety of techniques are used to minimize the impact on the eco-system.
- Soil tests are conducted to pinpoint a precise fertility program thereby decreasing unnecessary use of pesticides and fertilizers.
- No spray zones are established within 15 metres of riparian zones.
- All fertilizers used on the golf course are an organic and synthetic combination to decrease the amount of synthetic products used.
- When applying herbicides spot treatments are employed versus broad applications.
- Grass clippings are mowed back into the turf as a way to decrease the amount of topical nitrogen used on the golf course.
- Soil amendments are used to improve the soil’s physical properties such as water retention, permeability, water infiltration, drainage, aeration, and structure with the goal of providing a better environment for roots. With increased health of the root system, less fertilizers are required.
- Cultural and mechanical methods such as verticutting and aeration are used to reduce the population density of turf to open the canopy for better growth resulting in increased plant health to better protect against infection and disease. This equates to the use of less pesticides and fertilizers.
| Sustainable Marketing Collateral |
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Sun Peaks Resort Brochures and Trail Maps are printed on paper made from 10 percent post-consumer recycled content and is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. The FSC logo is our assurance that the paper is sourced from suppliers that support the growth of responsible forest management.
Printing on eco-friendly paper saved 25 trees, 17 million BTU’s of energy, generated 8,936 gallons less waste water, and 1,479 fewer pounds of solid waste.
- 100% office paper recycling at Sun Peaks Resort Corporation and Tourism Sun Peaks.
- 100% recycling of all e-waste including computers, monitors, mobile phones, printers, and fax machines. This is made possible through the efforts of the Stop Computer Land Fill Society, based out of Vernon, BC.
Here are some ways to help minimize your environmental impact at the office.
- Re-use non-confidential paper to print unofficial documents; two sides are better than one. Click here for more information.
- Don’t print emails unless you really need to. Be part of the solution by copying and pasting this into your email signature:
Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to!
- Use fax post-its rather than cover pages.
- Reduce paper usage by switching to electronic filing, and e-newsletters.
- Turn off lights and computers when not in use.
- Recycle office e-waste.
- Recycling all aluminium, steel, tires, engine oil, antifreeze, varsol, contaminated fuel, oil and fuel filters, hydraulic fluid, and industrial containers.
- Instituted and operates a resort wide bottle and can recycling program.
| Grease Usage and Waste Reduction at the Sunburst Restaurant |
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Grease is considered a hazardous waste under ISO 14001. In an effort to reduce the amount of deep fryer grease used in the resort the Sunburst Mid-Mountain Restaurant has eliminated the use of deep fryers, and has implemented a healthier menu. As a further step to do their part, the Sunburst Restaurant will implement the use of reusable dishes and cutlery. |
