The Federation of Mountain Clubs
of British Columbia

May 2020 NEWSLETTER
 

FMCBC News

Tips & Resources for Outdoor Clubs to transition during COVID-19

Are you an outdoor recreation or backcountry group that’s seeking resources to transition during different reopening phases of COVID-19?

The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC has collaboratively put together some tips, guides, and protocols based on recommendations from health professionals, outdoor recreation organizations, and outdoor member clubs.

Visit the blog post on our website to find:
• Recommended actions to stay safe while restarting group hikes, backcountry trips, and club events
• Strategies in a visitor management toolbox to keep parks and trails partially, yet safely, open

Read more.

 

Regional District of Nanaimo inks 5-year partnership agreement with FMCBC to restore Mount Benson trail  

At the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) May 26th Board meeting, the Directors approved a five-year agreement that would continue trail restoration at Mount Benson Regional Park. 

The agreement specifies that work would include draining and hardening of muddy and boggy areas; grubbing rocks, roots and stumps; replenishing trail surface materials; and repairing trail surfaces and areas that have been washed out. In addition, the trail may be re-aligned to improve trail sustainability and avoid obstacles. Thanks to the Island Mountain Ramblers, a Federation club member, for engaging in the work and to the RDN for providing funding.

The RDN and the Federation of Mountain Clubs of B.C. embarked on a pilot project in 2018 that saw restoration and improvement of trails in the Witchcraft Lake and Mount Benson area to mitigate erosion and environmental damage from foot traffic.
 

We’re seeking photos from your past backcountry adventures

Our next Spring/Summer edition of Cloudburst will launch in June. We’ll share club members' stories, trip reports and reviews, plus articles, book reviews, and more. Look for the next edition in your inbox!

Did you hike, bike, or climb last fall or winter at a beautiful location in BC? We're looking for stories and photos for our 2020 fall/ winter edition of Cloudburst. Share your photos with us and make sure to include a brief description about your adventure. You can also submit an article or hiking story. We would love to feature picturesque trails and parks from across BC.

Submit your story or photos to chandra@mountainclubs.org by October 15.

 

Mountain Matters

BC Parks are essential; Tell Premier Horgan to invest in provincial parks

CPAWS BC has put together a campaign at standupforparks.ca to urge the B.C. Government to adequately invest into B.C. provincial parks. Unfortunately, the BC Parks budget was cut by 4% this year, which has put extra pressure on our parks while demand for outdoor recreation continues to surge. Read more. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that B.C. parks are essential for our physical and mental well-being and are critical in the economic recovery. Shortages of staff and consistent underfunding has resulted in deteriorated infrastructure and trails and partial or full closures at provincial parks during the pandemic. 

Send a tweet or email to Premier Horgan. 
 

Participate in two public consultations

  1. Sunshine Coast: Pedals & Paddles Adventure Sports is seeking the authorization to use 0.43 hectares Crown foreshore to provide kayak, canoe, paddleboard and zodiac rentals and nature tours. 
    Review the referral package and submit comments.
     
  2. Southern BC: The Province seeks feedback on proposed all-season recreation resort in B.C for hikers, mountain bikers, skiers, and snowboarders. In total, up to 1,750 guests and 1,550 skiers would be able to use the resort at any given time. The project still needs approval from the provincial government.
    Learn more and submit comments.
     

Welcome to New Associate Member, Trails BC

The Trails Society of BC assembles and preserves the British Columbian section of The Great Trail (renamed from the Trans Canada Trail) and advocates for the expansion, sustainability, and preservation of greenway trails in B.C.

What is an associate member with the FMCBC? Non-profit organizations and federal charities, whose mission/vision statements align closely with our own, can join the FMCBC for reasons of common interest. Learn more about associate and individual memberships.

Online Resources Launched for Non-Profits and Recreation Groups

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple resources have been created for non-profit organizations and outdoor recreation groups, including free webinars, online resources, and support from advisors. Browse these resources to receive assistance and guidance:

  • The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORC) plans to launch a series of webinars over the summer. Send them a note about potential topics or workshops. 
     
  • Register for one, two, or a series of spring webinars delivered by the Columbia Basin Trust. Some topics include recovery planning for non-profits, and managing communications and financial management in a crisis. 
     
  • The Columbia Basin Trust has posted informative COVID-19 resources and tools for non-profits from working remotely to creating virtual fundraisers to holding a virtual AGM. View all resources.
     
  • The Leave No Trace Centre conducted research with the Pennsylvania State University to understand how COVID19 is affecting how people recreate outdoors. Read the research findings. 
     

In the News

Feature Photo Credit

Thanks to Corby Martin for this month's feature photo of a view of Jumbo Pass  (Photo credit: Corby Martin) Learn more about the glaciers at Jumbo Pass Trail Recreation Site. 

Want to share your backcountry photos? Send them to chandra@mountainclubs.org 

Click here to view our Fall/Winter 2019 issue of Cloudburst.

Use our online form to report motorized recreation observed within BC Park boundaries.

Visit Canada Helps to make a donation to the FMCBC. All donations go towards our Member Club Grant Program. 

The FMCBC is always looking for volunteers. Find out how you can get involved.

 

The FMCBC is a proud member of:

The FMCBC would like to thank Taiga Works for supporting the FMCBC through their generous contribution of office space.

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