FMCBC February 2020 e-news

The Federation of Mountain Clubs
of British Columbia

February 2020 NEWSLETTER

FMCBC News

Reminder: Public Engagement Opportunity - Trails Strategy

The provincial Trails Strategy provides the framework, principles, and guidance necessary to develop a world class trails system for BC. Overall, this framework establishes clear strategic direction for planning, developing, maintaining, managing, marketing and using an integrated network of trails in our province over the next 10 years.

Want to share your thoughts and help shape the Trails Strategy? You only have until Feb. 28th to have your say!

Thoughts on Budget 2020

The 2020 BC Budget that was unveiled on February 18th was yet another disappointment. BC Parks' budget has been reduced yet again, and that's on top of the reduction from the previous year.

Unfortunately, it's obvious we're going backwards. This is unacceptable news to those of us working to see our “world class” provincial parks system recover and backcountry access improved.

The government clearly has other priorities and all we can do is redouble our efforts to let our elected representatives—from the local to provincial level—know the harsh realities that now exist and what the future holds should this continue.

Check out Steve Jones' interesting overview. Although there are more options than those he proposes, his synopsis is stark!

2020 Member Club Grants

Our next round of Member Club Grants is just around the corner! The 2020 application window will open on April 1st.

Our annual Member Club Grants support club-initiated projects around the province including trail upgrades, backcountry huts, equipment, community events and so much more. Pictured here is the Hickory Wing Ski Touring Club, a 2018 Grant recipient, carrying out much-needed ditching and water bar improvements to their Troll Lake trail. (Photo: Norm Clark)

Want to donate to the Member Club Grant fund and have a direct, positive impact on the quality of outdoor recreation in BC? Unless specified, all donations made to the FMCBC go directly into the fund. The deadline for contributing to the 2020 Grants, which will be handed out at our AGM in May, is March 31st, 2020. You can make a donation on the Canada Helps website and a tax receipt will be automatically issued. Thanks for your support!

Cloudburst submissions wanted!

It's that time! We're on the hunt for submissions for our Spring/Summer 2020 issue of Cloudburst, our semi-annual publication that showcases all the fun, sweat, and challenges our clubs and our organization experience throughout BC and beyond.

We know you've been a busy bunch this winter and have had lots of adventures in the backcountry and issues to reflect upon. So, please send us your stories, articles, photos (including warm-weather cover photos), poems, musings, teachings, gear reviews, trip reports and whatever else you'd like to share with the world. We welcome submissions from both experienced and new writers, and if you need a little help getting started, our Communications and Admin Manager, Stacey Santos, is more than happy to help out.

Please send your submissions to stacey.santos@mountainclubs.org by April 15th.

Mountain Matters

Great Parks, Great People Summit

Save the date! The Great Parks Great People Summit is happening on October 16 - 18, 2020 in Vancouver. Join industry experts, professionals and peers who know the ins and outs of our parks in hands-on workshops and active discussions to map the future of B.C.’s protected areas. There will also be inspiring keynotes, collaborative sessions and a chance to get outside and explore local parks.

In the News

Proposed Squamish ski resort to ask for environmental extension - Vancouver Sun, Feb 1, 2020

Nearly 40 People Killed in Turkey Avalanches - Gripped Magazine, Feb 5, 2020

Why search and rescue is a free, non-judgemental service in B.C. - Infotel News, Feb 6, 2020

OPINION: BC Parks should be put in charge of province’s trails - Daily Courier, Feb 18, 2020

Is This Land Our Land? A BC Court Ruling May Change Backcountry Access as we Know it - Mountain Culture Group, Feb 24, 2020

A skier shares what happened the day he lost his wife to an avalanche - CBC News, Feb 24, 2020

Other News & Announcements

From the Alpine Club of Canada - Vancouver Island Section: insight into the naming of the first hut on Vancouver Island’s 5040 Peak. Read more.

The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC is creating a series of resources for BC's outdoor recreation community. First up: a backgrounder on amenity migration and the link to outdoor recreation and rural economic diversification. Check it out here.

From Parks Canada: "The Winter Permit System in Glacier National Park needs 100% compliance! Unfortunately, several people entered the Macdonald West Winter Prohibited Area recently. As a result a portion of the West Rogers Winter Restricted Area (previously the Avalanche WRA) will be closed until further notice." Read more.

Is your club considering a trip to east Africa? Len Vanderstar, in association with Dickson Wambugu of Adventure Africa Expedition, has assembled a Mt. Kenya ascent trek and safari packages that are reasonably priced and come highly recommended to us. Learn more and view the itineraries here (note: Word file will download).

Feature Photo Credit

Thanks to BC Whitewater for this month's feature photo of Nouria Newman airing it out on Rogers Creek, BC. Learn more about BC Whitewater on their website and in the most recent issue of Cloudburst! (Photo credit: Nick Gottlieb)

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. Click here to 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.

Get in touch with us

mountainclubs.org
fmcbc@mountainclubs.org