The Federation of Mountain Clubs
of British Columbia

June 2019 NEWSLETTER

FMCBC News

FMCBC 2019 AGM

Thanks to everyone who came out to our AGM in Chilliwack this past weekend! Our staff, directors, club reps and members are scattered throughout the province, so it's always a special treat to meet in person, take care of business and have some fun. We've shared a few photos of the weekend on our Facebook page, and if you have any more we'd love to see them! A big thanks to the Chilliwack Outdoor Club for hosting.

And, we're pleased to announce our 2019-2020 Board of Directors!

Help preserve Princess Louisa Inlet!

Remember that 800-hectare piece of unspoiled wilderness for sale in Princess Louisa Inlet on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast? Well, we have some big news to share: The BC Parks Foundation is trying to raise a total of $3 million to buy the land and bundle it with an existing provincial park. The foundation has already raised $2 million of its goal, but needs to raise the final million by the end of August.

We’ve been involved in this process from the start. In February, we drafted a letter of support for the BC Parks Foundation in a mutual quest to acquire three key properties in Princess Louisa Inlet to append to Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park—an amazing part of the province!

Since then, we’ve had meetings with BC Parks Elder and former senior planner, Mel Turner, and Chief Warren Paull and Councillor Keith Julius of the Sechelt Nation regarding the land for sale. And, we continue to assist the BC Parks Foundation, Parks Elders, the federal government and private donors in their effort to obtain and append this large chunk of private land.

Want to support the efforts and help the BCPF reach their goal? Learn how.

Study on visitor management in BC parks and protected areas

Over the past year, we worked with Clayton Neufeldt, a Masters candidate at SFU who has undertaken a study on “Visitor Management in BC Parks and Protected Areas.” His final thesis contains a wealth of information, statistics and recommendations to address visitor management challenges and find a sustainable solution. Read the full thesis here.

FAQ - FrontCounter BC land act tenures

With so many commercial recreation tenure applications flooding the province recently, we thought we should reach out to FrontCounter BC in order to better understand the Crown land application referral process. They gave us some great answers, which we've posted on our blog!

Cloudburst - Spring/Summer 2019 is now out!

In case you missed it, the Spring/Summer 2019 issue of Cloudburst is now out!

And we're so pleased to unveil a brand-new format: cloudburst.mountainclubs.org.

This fresh, blog-style format makes it easier to share the articles, start conversations and spread the word about what the FMCBC and its members are up to! Take a moment to explore the latest issue, check out the archives, and learn how to subscribe and contribute to future issues.

And as always, you can enjoy Cloudburst in PDF and Issuu formats.

Mountain Matters

Public input wanted for improving Forest and Range Practices Act

British Columbians are invited to submit their comments on improving the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA)! FRPA governs on-the-ground forest and range activities on BC's public forests and rangelands and its framework defines how legislation, regulations and policy work together across the landscape. In other words, it's something that affects the interests and well-being of virtually all British Columbians!

A discussion paper and feedback form are available online. You have until July 15, 2019 at 4:00 pm to have your say!

Safety measures implemented at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park

In response to the growing number of visitors flocking to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, BC Parks is implementing measures to address pressing public safety concerns, recognize Indigenous values and improve the overall visitor experience. And yes, the measures include implementing a compliance plan and towing vehicles illegally parked on Highway 99! Read the full release here.

In the News

Backcountry safety organization redoubles efforts to reach ESL communities - Whistler Pique, June 5, 2019

How to get your kids off the screen and on the trail to embrace the great outdoors - CBC News, June 5, 2019

Environmental groups fight to prevent mine exploration on edge of Manning Park - Vancouver Sun, June 16, 2019

Why an international coalition is going all out to stop mining in B.C.’s Skagit headwaters - The Narwhal, June 17, 2019

Mining magnate Ross Beaty fights to preserve Princess Louisa Inlet - Vancouver Sun, June 21, 2019

The high cost of bucket-list tourism - and where you can go to get far from the madding crowd - Globe and Mail, June 24, 2019

Announcements

The Alpine Club of Canada has published the 2019 State of the Mountains Report, which gives readers the opportunity to hear the voices of people who have spent countless hours researching Canada's alpine environment.

Comments are being accepted until Aug. 23, 2019, on proposed resource objectives for Pipi7iyekw, an old-growth forest and sensitive area located in the shared territory of Lil’wat and St’at’imc Nations, in the Cascades Natural Resource District. The proposed area for protection totals 864 hectares and is located adjacent to the recently established Nlhaxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy.

BC Rivers Day will be taking place on Sept 22nd this year, coinciding with World Rivers Day. The Outdoor Recreation Council is inviting waterway enthusiasts from across BC to start planning events as part of this year's BC Rivers Day celebration.

Feature Photo Credit

This month's feature photo is of FMCBC staff, directors, club reps and club members at our AGM in Chilliwack on June 22nd, 2019.

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Get in touch with us

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fmcbc@mountainclubs.org

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