Welcome to the summer edition of Cloudburst.
I’m sure everyone is eager to feel some warmth and get out on our trails and into the backcountry to enjoy non-motorized activity while respecting the health of our wilderness ecosystems. I’m delighted with the recent rain and cooler temperatures. Our province and the rest of Canada is so dry and much in need of moisture.
A recent survey undertaken by the Outdoor Recreation Council showed that a whopping 3.85 million BC residents actively enjoyed time outdoors in 2023. That’s a big increase over previous years. We at the Federation are seeing that increase in activity as well with more clubs joining us. Not only can the Federation provide much needed insurance for these clubs to enjoy safe, local outdoor recreation, it also gives the clubs the opportunity to put on exciting travel opportunities abroad.
The Federation hired a consulting firm in January of this year, to update its Strategic Plan with a focus on closer interaction between the Federation and clubs throughout BC. Our aim is to help clubs with succession planning as so many of the club executives are aging out. As well in the age of AI, we hope we can use technology to our advantage and help clubs update their Websites and transition from paper to electronic membership and Waiver signing?
Change is constant in our lives. As government land use decisions are pondered, one thing is certain; we are all in this learning together. It has never been more important to work collaboratively with our colleagues in outdoor recreation. I believe there is room for everyone as we enjoy the great outdoors. That is why I shared a booth with the Outdoor Recreation Council and the Four-Wheel Drive Association at the Outdoor Recreation Show March 2 and 3 at the Vancouver Convention Centre Outdoor recreation is a significant economic driver in BC. Not only does it benefit each and every corner of the province economically there is the additional bonus of increased mental and health benefits. The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC is proud to collaborate with all outdoor recreation groups. As we stand united with our colleagues we will remain the loud voice of non-motorized public access to our trails and backcountry.
If you have any topics you’d like to discuss I invite you to contact me through our main website at: mountainclubs.org/contact.
Stay safe out there.
Liz Bicknell, President of FMCBC
