FMCBC E-news May 2023

The Federation of Mountain Clubs
of British Columbia

May 2023 NEWSLETTER

FMCBC News

Come celebrate with us at our ~ 2023 Annual General Meeting ~

The FMCBC board of directors, staff, and member club representatives are invited to attend the FMCBC Annual General Meeting. This year – our 50th Anniversary – we will be meeting at the University of British Columbia (UBC), the location of the 1974 FMCBC inaugural major conference on access to the backcountry.

We look forward to special guests, partner presentations, and more!

Save-the-date of Saturday, October 21st, 2023. Stay tuned for more details!

In celebration of BC Trails Day on Saturday, June 3rd, the FMCBC Board of Directors and staff are planning to lace up and get out on the trails!

BC Trails Day brings together trail enthusiasts to participate in hikes, educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail work projects.

Check out the ORCBC BC Trails Day Host Guide for information on:

● BC Trails Day
● Resources
● Step-by-step guide to planning an event
● Event ideas

Let the FMCBC know what you are planning - send us your photos and plans for #BCTrails Day.

Together, we are stronger!

Mountain Matters

Calling for Hut Renovation Support

On March 18, 2023, the UBC Varsity Outdoor Club received word that part of the roof at its Brian Waddington Hut failed.

If you would like to donate directly to the Brian Waddington Hut repair, you can visit our donation page and select this project from the drop-down menu on the donation form. Thank you for your partnership!

New publication: trail guidelines to minimize disturbance to and conflict with large carnivores

The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC, with the support of McElhanney and Bear Safety and More, has created trail development guidelines to help recreation groups and land managers to minimize disturbance to and conflict with large carnivores.

CHANGES TO B.C. WILDFIRE REGULATION

Amendments to the B.C. Wildfire Regulation, a regulation under the Wildfire Act, were approved by the Province of British Columbia on April 24, 2023.

The changes clarify responsibilities related to high-risk activities and open fire use within provincial jurisdictions and help prevent human-caused wildfires. Category 1 campfires and category 4 resource management open fire have been renamed to match the existing wording in the Wildfire Regulation (there are no changes to the definition or size of any of these open fires).

BC Forest Practices Board releases new strategic plan

The BC Forest Practices Board has released its 2023-26 Strategic Plan, setting new priorities for advancing the public interest in forest and range practices in B.C.

Strategic priorities in the 2023-26 plan include:

encouraging forest and range policies and practices adapted to the effects of climate change and supporting ecological resilience, including conservation of biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
supporting the inclusion and engagement of Indigenous Peoples in forest and range stewardship;
growing and maintaining a professional team; and
increasing the awareness and impact of the Forest Practices Board’s work.

Dene K’éh Kusān: Always Will Be There | Film screening and discussion

When: Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mountain Time

Where: Online (Zoom webinar) Registration for this online event is free

Imagine a remarkable, intact wild place, abundant with grizzly bears, elk and caribou. A place where you can walk ancient Indigenous trails for weeks without meeting another soul. Somewhere both people and wildlife can thrive for generations to come.

Please join Y2Y and the Dena Kayeh Institute on Thursday, May 25 for a free, online screening of the film Dene K’éh Kusān: Always Will Be There, which shares this incredible vision for Kaska lands, people, culture and way of life through Dene K’éh Kusān — meaning 'The People's Way, Always.'

In the News

Black Ecologists Organize to Create Community and Elevate Research - Sierra (April 18, 2023)

Province enhances support for improved access to outdoor recreation - BC Government News (May 1, 2023)

B.C. promises $10M for outdoor recreation groups - CTV News (May 1, 2023)

Conservation officers busy with Okanagan bear calls as hibernation ends - Castanet (May 9, 2023)

Nature Trust of BC raises funds needed to protect land in Little Qualicum River - Parksville Qualicum Beach News (May 11, 2023)

City Receives Program Excellence Award from the BC Recreation and Parks Association - City of Kamloops (May 5, 2023)

This popular BC hiking trail is getting $1M-worth of upgrades - Daily Hive (May 11, 2023)

Hikers narrowly miss being hit by rockfall on popular B.C. trail - CBC News (April 19, 2023)

B.C. heat wave: Fort St. John prepares to evacuate | Squamish Valley wildfire grows | 31 temperature records broken - Vancouver Sun (May 10, 2023)

100-year mark: B.C. River Forecast Centre drops historic flood watch advisory on region - The Nelson Daily (May 3, 2023)

Scientists discover colossal underwater mountain off Vancouver Island - Times Colonist (May 11, 2023)

Mountaineering 101: Best Alpine Guides and Outfitters to Learn How to Climb - Men's Journal (May 4, 2023)

Here’s why BC's Penticton is an outdoor lover’s dream come true - Daily Hive (April 20, 2023)

What you should do during extreme heat events - Prince George Citizen (May 14, 2023)

Suzanne Simard Wants To Change The Way We Look At Trees - Chatelaine (April 20, 2023)

Caledonia Nordic Ski Club to receive $1 million from B.C. for paved trails - Prince George Post (May 4, 2023)

Fernie’s fight: controversial development one step closer to reality as regional government votes to rezone - The Narwhal (May 10, 2023)

Join the FMCBC today!

Step up to support outdoor recreation in BC!

We are seeking volunteers with expertise in insurance for our Risk Management Committee and general members for our Trails Committee.

Contact fmcbc@mountainclubs.org or fill out our online form to tell us about yourself.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Fall/Winter 2022

Cloudburst Magazine

In this issue:

• Biking Vancouver Island and the Kinsol Trestle •

• The historically notable Swiss Edelweiss Village •

• A tribute to Jay MacArthur – Outdoors advocate •

Want to share your adventure? Shed some light on a backcountry issue? Educate others? Show off your favourite photos? Tell others about that great book you read? We want to hear all about it!

The FMCBC is a proud member of:

Get in touch with us

mountainclubs.org
fmcbc@mountainclubs.org