Outdoor Recreation Council of BC

Funding Opportunity: the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream (CVRIS) supports the development of active transportation networks and infrastructure including: parks, trails, foot bridges, bike lanes, multi-use paths, parks and playgrounds. Apply before the deadline Jan 27, 2021 2pm PST https://bit.ly/3nBOUQq

"The rate of growth in backcountry use is not slowing downmechanized, self-propelled, summer, winter, you name it. With that growth comes responsibility from the average backcountry user. The heroes are doing their part. It’s time for the rest of us to hold our community to a higher standard."

Avalanche Canada has raised concerns about a complex snowpack with weak mid-pack layers buried by additional layers of snow and is encouraging backcountry recreationists to learn more about persistent slabs and how to identify and avoid them.

Is BC Parks finally listening to the local groups that live, work, and play near our provincial parks and who have pragmatic suggestions for how to improve park access? Might this mean that the new government, which now has a fresh new Parliamentary Secretary for Environment with specific responsibilities for improving access to our provincial parks, is planning to take a new approach to manage our parks and work with the community? This opinion piece suggests that there are ...reasons to be cautiously optimistic and we will certainly be asking for more transparency and consultation with the outdoor recreation community. The BC park system is vital for BC's tourism economy and the wellbeing of the residents in BC. In the light of the heightened importance of outdoor recreation, as has been seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and the critical role that BC Parks will play in our recovery, the 2021 BC budget must help ensure the long-term health of BC's environment, cultural and recreation assets within the parks system. The ORC and some of our members, including CPAWS-BC, Trails BC, IMBA Canada and Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC, asked the province during the June 2020 budget consultation to allocate an additional $60M to BC Parks in the 2021 budget, bringing it up to $100M. This is a funding level that is more adequate for the responsible management and maintenance of BC's provincial park system.

Great job alert!

Did you spend much more time outdoors this summer compared to previous years? We're encouraging you to keep it up! Temperatures are dropping, but that doesn't mean the outdoor fun has to end. Check out our blog post for info & ideas on how to get outside this winter: https://bit.ly/367nYkO

Parks in Metro Vancouver have recorded their largest ever single-year increase this year, largely influenced by the pandemic. As a way to accommodate the increasing demand, Pitt Meadows Mayor Bill Dingwall announced the addition of 160 acres to the Codd Wetland Ecological Conservancy Area. Once new trails and viewpoints are built, it will be a space for visitors to connect with nature. An example of how park use can contribute to conservation.

#ICYMI A two-day hearing is underway in the BC Court of Appeal between Douglas Lake Cattle Company and Nicola Valley Fish & Game Club with the BC Cattlemen's Association and the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC as intervenors. Good story here with updates from today's hearing.

There's no better time than now to remove the Enloe Dam. Watch ORC's River Chair Mark Angelo discuss our call to remove the Enloe Dam in Washington, just south of Osoyoos, BC. "If British Columbia as a province takes a strong stance and talks about it's interests in having this dam removed, I think that would carry a lot of influence." - Mark Angelo

The Douglas Lake Cattle Company vs. Nicola Valley Fish & Game Club hearing is underway right now at the Court of Appeal. The Outdoor Recreation Council was granted leave to intervene in the appeal on this specific issue: Whether the public is entitled to a common law right of access to water and fisheries that is paramount to private property rights. The ORC argues there is a common law right of access over private property that is pertinent to the rights of navigation and ...fishing. Read the detailed arguments in this factum: https://bit.ly/3mc687r We are exceptionally thankful to our capable and generous lawyer, Morgan Blakley of Columbia Valley Law Corporation, for going over and beyond what could be expected of him, and to West Coast Environmental Law for providing funding for legal aid through its Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund. Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC BC Federation of Fly Fishers BC Wildlife Federation

Over the past decade, the City of Quesnel has been in a precarious position with two mills closing and more than 350 jobs lost, but new trail development initiatives in collaboration with the Lhtako Dene Nation is forging a new way forward for the community of 10,000. Patrick Lucas, a co-founder and director of the BC Aboriginal Youth Mountain Biking Project has written a piece about his work with the city and the Lhtako Dene Nation to use trail development to encourage community development and foster reconciliation and relationship-building.

For years, access to Minnie Lake and Stoney Lake had been blocked by fences and locked gates. The lakes and a local road are surrounded by private ranch lands owned by the Douglas Lake Cattle Company, which is in turn owned by U.S. billionaire Stan Kroenke. In 2018, a ruling ordered those gates to be removed so the public could access the lakes. Douglas Lake Cattle Company, Canada's largest working cattle ranch, hopes to convince B.C.'s Court of Appeal to overturn the 2018 ruling this week.

Canada’s first ever 24-hour Movement Guidelines for Adults has just been released! Several groups, including the Public Health Agency of Canada and Participaction, have combined forces to share these guidelines highlighting the importance of getting enough sleep and exercise as COVID-19 upends daily routines, finances, social lives and individual health. Movement can look like a lot of things: walking to the grocery store instead of driving, or even joining an outdoor recreation club. Whether it’s walking, hiking, biking, rock climbing, kayaking or canoeing, adding movement throughout your day provides great physical and mental health benefits! For more information and tips visit: https://bit.ly/3dtmZPt

Wildlife watching is unique hobby in that it can happen almost anywhere. Your backyard, a nearby park, it can even be the inspiration behind an entire trip! Like this amazing capture by Rita Ivanauskas in Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park near Bella Coola. Last month I crossed one off of my bucket list and travelled to Bella Coola, BC to photograph grizzlies feeding on salmon. It was an amazing adventure and something I would like to make an annual event. This is an image taken while I was on a raft using a super telephoto lens. The female grizzly is biting into the salmon where the eggs are kept. Sometimes the grizzlies may just eat the roe and leave the rest of the salmon depending on how full they are. Check out the link for tips on wildlife watching in BC this season: https://bit.ly/2Flrf72

Grant Opportunity: Applications open October 21 for the Vancouver Foundation's LEVEL BIPOC Grants. This grant offers flexible, general operating grants of $50,000 for BIPOC-led organizations in BC to support their work in racial equity and racial justice. The outdoors is a space for all, but marginalized people, such as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, face barriers in accessing it and the recreation it offers. If you are a BIPOC-led organization please follow the link for more information on this grant opportunity, otherwise please share with others who may be interested!

A long-standing dispute between Douglas Lake Cattle Company and Nicola Valley Fish & Game Club will be heard at the BC Court of Appeal today and tomorrow, and the ORC will be intervening. The ruling can help confirm the fundamental right of outdoor recreationists to access public lakes enclosed by private property. Read more about the hearing or attend via zoom link by clicking the link below.... West Coast Environmental Law Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC BC Wildlife Federation BC Federation of Fly Fishers Four Wheel Drive Association of BC Quad Riders ATV Association of British Columbia - ATVBC Trails BC IMBA Canada

Banff Centre Mountain Film + Book Festival is virtual this year! Tune into the renowned festival from home October 31 - November 8. Check out the full line up: https://bit.ly/2IZzYgr

We have joined 188,000 members, over 54,000 supporters and over 750 businesses across British Columbia as part of a coalition that calls on the next BC Government to invest, conserve, protect and restore our landscapes and wildlife to stabilize and restore what makes the province special. This requires a commitment from the Province in partnership with First Nations, communities, and organizations to re-establish British Columbia as a world leader in fish, wildlife and habit...at management. Our partners in this coalition include BC Wildlife Federation, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia, CPAWS-BC, Wildsight, Wild Sheep Society of BC, Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC and others. Read more here: https://bit.ly/31acDii

The Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC & collaborators have reimagined their annual symposium as Watershed Moments, the Video Trilogy Series with modules being presented on actionable visions for reconnecting hydrology & ecology in an altered landscape. Modules include: Nov 19: BC’s Climate Reality, Inter-Regional Collaboration & Actionable Visions Nov 26: Natural Assets as Ecological Systems and Services... Dec 3: International Year of the Salmon - Will Lighting Strike Twice? Check it out and register: bit.ly/2H9wBmA See more

Your voice is important! Share it with Parks Canada before the roundtable closes Oct 30.

You know that feeling: you look out the window and you're pleasantly surprised by the lovely weather! What activity will we get up to outside today? How about some BC Nature Bingo from your pals at @CPAWS-BC? There's also a contest! Check it out NatureKids BC BC Wildlife Federation BC Nature

There are many ways to support BC’s outdoor recreation groups and clubs, such as signing up for a membership, making a donation or even purchasing a raffle ticket! Quad Riders ATV Association of British Columbia - ATVBC is hosting a raffle with amazing prizes! ATVBC provides leadership in sustainability, safety training and environmental awareness while advocating for responsibly used shared trails and collaboration with other groups. Help support their endeavours through purchase of a raffle ticket and get the chance to win a 2020 Polaris RZR Trail SxS or numerous cash prizes! Tickets can be purchased online via the link below or by phone by calling 250-554-7823. Raffle open to BC residents 19 years or older.

Tomorrow Oct 28th Avalanche Canada's webinar series will be looking at a case study of The Renshaw Avalanche Tragedy in McBride, BC. This story illustrates how quickly difficult and complex scenarios can arise in the backcountry, sometimes with tragic consequences. Follow the link to register

Throughout British Columbia, there are hundreds of trail clubs, user groups and communities involved in the development and maintenance of nature trails. ORC acknowledges that it is critical that we all work towards and foster authentic reconciliation and build healthy relationships with the Indigenous peoples who have been living on the land since time immemorial. Doing so will ensure the long-term sustainability of the trails and activities we love, and that these activities are undertaken in a good way. As an initial step, in 2019 the ORC published a guide for outdoor recreation groups on engaging and working more cooperatively with Indigenous communities on trails and outdoor recreation projects. Read ‘Working in a Good Way’ by clicking the link below.

One of the best ways that you can help create better outdoor recreation opportunities in British Columbia is by supporting the work of the organizations that are making a difference every day. If you care about active transportation and cycling, learn more about the British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) and consider joining their Board of Directors!

Are there multi-use pathways in your community? Check out this video on Pathway Etiquette from Cycling Canada Be aware of your surroundings Only pass when it’s safe to do so Be mindful of your speed... Enjoy the ride! See more

In it’s 50+ year history, the North Shore Rescue team has performed thousands of search and rescue operations throughout British Columbia and Washington State. In his new book Allen Billy recounts the oral history of the North Shore Rescue team. Featuring memories and stories from people involved with one of the most experienced volunteer search and rescue teams in the country. Selfless volunteers performing complex rescue operations, camaraderie under stressful conditions, lives saved, lives lost, as told by people involved. For more information or to purchase: https://bit.ly/37LWAvt

Want outdoor recreation news and updates delivered to your inbox every month? Sign up for our monthly newsletter the Outdoor Recreation Report: https://bit.ly/3jMktpQ Check out the October edition below for information on funding opportunities, ORC updates and advocacy news.

Seems like we're right in between fall and winter!

The mountains across BC are experiencing early winter conditions and it's critical to be properly prepared before heading out. Prepare yourself before you go and stay within your limits. Leave a trip plan. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring the 10 essentials, including a hardcopy map (in case your phone runs out of battery), a flashlight, a signalling device, an emergency blanket and extra clothing.... Lions Bay Search and Rescue BC AdventureSmart

Whether you're enjoying a filling meal, or spending some extra time outside, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! Photo: Autumn hike in Jumbo Pass. Destination BC/Ben Westerik

Where there's water, there's a risk. Whether you're fishing, paddling or walking, make sure you're prepared. Plan your route, check river conditions and weather forecasts to see if any safety advisories are in effect. River water quality can vary due to heavy rainfall and upstream sources. For current streamflow conditions and flood forecasts, visit the BC Gov: https://bit.ly/36TdOXb If you're on the river, make yourself familiar with the river’s course, safe put-in poi...nts, and known hazards. As part of your advance planning, participate in courses on river safety, fishing safety and boating safety in your area. Ensure you have the right gear including a properly fitted life jacket, whistle, bailing device, rope or towing line. Remember to tell someone responsible where you are going and when you expect to return.

Our commutes are looking different these days, maybe it's a good time to try it on two wheels?

Today is the World Health Organization (WHO)'s World Mental Health Day. It's widely recognized that spending time in nature can improve our mental health. Right now is a great time of year to get outside, experience the beauty and peace found in nature.

BC Parks simply needs to do better. For a long time now, we have observed damaged trails, neglected facilities and a lack of park management plans for key parks (eg. Pinecone Burke Provincial Park) that could help alleviate visitor pressures in neighbouring parks through the creation of new trails. BC Parks, which is responsible for managing the sixth largest park system in the world, ranks last on expenditure among the provinces, at just $2.80 per park hectare, compared to... $30 a hectare in Alberta. It's time for the new BC Government to take a fresh look at the value of our provincial park system and to fund it appropriately. The ORC along with organizations such as Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC and CPAWS-BC have advocated for increasing BC Parks funding by $60 million, which is only .1 percent of the government’s annual budget.

BC Centre for Disease Control - ImmunizeBC is warning people that the death cap mushroom, which can be fatal if ingested, is thriving in the current cool and wet conditions.

Everyone has a part to play in keeping our trails safe and clean! Check out this great workbook for kids from American Trails on how to be great trail stewards including: how to share trails, the Leave No Trace principle and why trails matter - https://bit.ly/34medj8

Pacific Salmon Foundation‘s Pacific Salmon Explorer online tool provides a data-driven look at Pacific salmon and their habitats, showing where salmon are returning to spawn in BC. The most recent update now shows data for southern BC salmon in addition to the North and Central Coast. Of special concern is the Fraser River as it’s projected to have one of its lowest sockeye salmon returns since. PSF recently announced funding for ORC to provide critical salmon habitat assessment through the ‘Heart of the Fraser’ study. Data collected will provide support for better management and protection of valuable salmon habitat in the Fraser River. Check out the Salmon Explorer online tool here: https://salmonexplorer.ca/#!

Check it out: We recently published our 2019-20 Impact Report. The last year has been a time of transition for the ORC, but we have still been hard at work: advocating for access to public lands and trails, bringing the outdoor recreation community together, and encouraging safe responsible use of the outdoors. These are just some of the highlights of the last twelve months. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3jk1MJa

Great job alert! BC AdventureSmart is seeking outreach educators for the winter 2020-21 season based in Revelstoke, B.C. More info at the link below

Avalanche Canada is launching a FREE weekly webinar series about all things avalanche safety! The first webinar is tonight at 7pm PST: Avalanche Canada: One-Stop-Shop and the Mountain Information Network Check out the link below to find out what they have scheduled - there's something for everyone!