BC Parks plans a positive first step but does little to resolve real issues, outdoor recreation group says

Destination BC | Albert Normandin

BC Parks released its plans this morning for how it will strike a balance between managing the increasing interest among British Columbians in enjoying BC’s parks this summer with coping with the environmental and cultural impacts.

The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC says that while they are pleased with some of the plans that were released today, including a much-needed education-focused park ambassador program, they are concerned that too little is being done to resolve the real systemic issues; a growing population that loves the outdoors and a chronic lack of investment in expanding and maintaining trails and outdoor recreation infrastructure in southwestern BC to make space for visitors.

Louise Pedersen, executive director of the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC, said: “We are pleased to see that BC Parks has listened to some of the concerns of the recreation advocacy groups who have spoken up against the day-use pass pilot. Two of the Lower Mainland’s most popular provincial parks, Seymour and Cypress, are not part of the day-use pass pilot this year, making absolute sense as both have well-developed trail networks and ample parking that accommodates many visitors. Last year, the closure of these two parks placed significantpressure on other trails in the North and West Vancouver areas.”
“With that being said, we do remain concerned about the day-use pass pilot and the role that it may play in BC Park’s future visitor management, and we encourage BC Parks to consult with key stakeholders and rely on research, best practices and a systems approach to guide visitor management planning.”

Pedersen continued: “After a long period of under-investment, it is obvious that the demand for access to trails in parts of BC is currently outstripping supply. The BC Government recently announced a historic increase in funding for BC Parks, which was very welcome news. It is important that the increased funding is used to help accommodate the growing number of park visitors so that the day pass program can be phased out in the coming years as trail and day-use area infrastructure catches up with demand."