FMCBC E-news August 2023

The Federation of Mountain Clubs
of British Columbia

August 2023 NEWSLETTER

FMCBC News

Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services releases its Report on the Budget 2024 Consultation. FMCBC Director, Monika Bittel summarizes sections related to BC Parks and recreation sites.

UPDATE: UBC Varsity Outdoor Club moves forward with Brian Waddington Hut roof replacement thanks to FMCBC funding and the support of generous donors.

Mountain Matters

B.C. developing new outdoor recreation strategy

British Columbia's outdoor recreation scene thrives, engaging 70% of adults and pumping $15 billion into the economy annually. However, two decades of neglect have strained the sector amid climate shifts and surging demand. The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC's call for action gains momentum as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy spearheads a two-year project to forge a united vision for outdoor activities, encompassing public lands, conservation, and Indigenous collaboration.

Why Trails Matter: In Praise of Water Trails

Dive into the world of water trails and their ability to link us to nature, history, and communities. Discover their budget-friendly and inclusive appeal, alongside essential safety tips, and stories of cultural heritage.

Queen of Blowdown meets King of Trail Clearing

FMCBC Director, Dave King, battles a formidable foe on Sugarbowl trail.

Interested in using trekking poles to increase your power and efficiency? Watch this video for tips! Thanks to the Caledonia Ramblers for the link!

The Ozalenka Alpine Club (OAC) has just received news that The Ministry of Forests is planning to deactivate 2.1km of Forest Service Road on the South Dore River this August. The removal of this bridge will render the Avalanche Trail inaccessible for any future recreational opportunities. Sign now to ensure the bridge remains intact to access to the Avalanche Trail in the future.

As part of the Coalition for Wildlife Corridors' interview series on women working on connectivity conservation, Harshad Sambamurthy speaks with Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation (Y2Y) Initiative president and chief scientist, Dr. Jodi Hilty.

Dr. Hilty discusses her rewarding conservation journey, highlighting the growth of connectivity importance and advances in protected areas, while also addressing challenges faced as a woman in the field. She underscores the role of storytelling, successful wildlife crossings, and Indigenous collaboration in achieving effective conservation efforts.

The Forest Practices Board has created a technical bulletin as a companion to its report on Forest and Fire Management in BC, outlining six key principles for implementing Landscape Fire Management, and providing practical examples for land managers to integrate fire and forest management across the province.

Right to Roam news from the UK - Wild camping allowed on Dartmoor again after court appeal succeeds

Dartmoor National Park successfully overturns a landowner's attempt to ban wild camping, reaffirming that sleeping under the stars constitutes open-air recreation and preserving backpackers' right to enjoy the wilderness freely. This verdict sets a precedent for other areas, championing the freedom to camp under open skies.

Join Wildsight in Golden, BC for the Wild Bear Festival: Keeping bears wild. September 23, 2023.

In the News

B.C. may see $1.2 billion in conservation funding through nature agreement - The Narwhal (July 19, 2023)

Survey looking at recreation impacts on wary wildlife in Canmore - Rocky Mountain Outlook (July 7, 2023)

Hiker with dog who 'would not continue' rescued from North Shore trail - CTV News (August 14, 2023)

Hot week in B.C. starts with 3 high temperature records broken on Aug. 13 - CTV News (August 14, 2023)

Travel book focuses on Rockies' hikes and craft beers - Yahoo News (August 1, 2023)

It's Shuswap vs. Sproat in the championship match of the Search for B.C.'s Best Lake - CBC (August 2, 2023)

Top 10 Longest Hiking Trails in the World - MSN (August 6, 2023)

Visitors helped off Sulphur Mountain after power outage shuts down Banff Gondola - CTV News (August 8, 2023)

Grouse Grind closing for upgrade work starting Sept. 5 - Global News (August 10, 2023)

Coquitlam bans food at three Burke Mountain parks due to bear activity - Tricity News (August 15, 2023)

Join the FMCBC today!

Spring/Summer 2023

Cloudburst Magazine

In this issue:

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!

Cover photo of Elk River, BC

The Elk River is a 220-kilometre (140 mi) long river in the southeastern Kootenay district of British Columbia, near Fernie. Photo credit: Nalidsa Sukprasurt

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