Be sure to check out the latest research bulletin that highlights work completed at the Ancient Forest for the 2017 hiking season, including information about estimated trail visits, a new monitoring program for off-trail impacts, the ongoing biodiversity assessment, and more.
The deadline is approaching to nominate a BC river for the Endangered Rivers list. Created by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORC), the list increases awareness about the various threats that confront our waterways, while helping to profile important river issues. To nominate a river, please complete the online Endangered Rivers Survey by Monday, March 12, 2018, by 4:00 PM.
ORC is currently preparing a funding and grant list suitable for outdoor recreation groups, trail builders and managers, and environment groups in British Columbia. The project was initiated by the Provincial Trails Advisory Body, and is a work in progress that will be updated and improved over time, and eventually posted on ORC’s website. Here's a draft of the list so far. If you know of any additional funding/grant sources, please let ORC know.
The BC government released its 2018 Budget on February 20th. For BC’s parks, the budget includes expanding BC Parks campsites with $5 million over three years, and $9 million to cover operating pressure for conservation officer services. Read the Budget highlights here.
The deadline for the Wild Postcard Project is quickly approaching! Artwork entries for the 2018 BC competition must be postmarked March 1st at the latest.
Have you heard about the Federal/Provincial Government’s Carrot Rewards app? Earn points for the steps you take each day, including Scene, Aeroplan, More Rewards, and Petro Points. In other words, hiking = free stuff (and a healthier and happier you, of course!).
The ACC Vancouver Island section is hosting a slideshow on March 8th. In “Ethiopia Treasures & Challenges,” Tamara Plush will take you on a trip to Ethiopia – from Lalibela’s monolithic rock-cut churches to the Simien Mountains National Park to the outer reaches of the country in the Somali Region and Borana Zone. Slideshow starts at 7:30 pm at the Swan Lake Nature House in Victoria. Everyone welcome, including non-members.
The Strathcona Wilderness Institute is hosting a “A Year on Ice,” a presentation by Graema and Lynda Magor, who, along with their 2½ year old daughter and two other couples, spent a year aboard a ketch frozen in the ice on southern Ellesmere Island. The presentation is on March 2nd at 6:30 pm at the Stan Hagen Theater in Courtenay.