News & features.
Elkford Trails Alliance photo
Forget Tired Stereotypes: Dirtbikers are Actually Environmentalists
Dirt bikers in B.C. are transforming their reputation from rugged thrill-seekers to environmental stewards. By investing in sustainable trail practices and collaborating with local groups, they’ve reduced erosion, improved trail safety, and enhanced community relations. Today, these riders balance recreation with conservation, reshaping perceptions of motorized outdoor activities.
Recreation on the Ballot: Where the Political Parties Stand in BC’s Election
British Columbians will elect a new provincial government on October 19. We asked the political parties three pointed questions about recreation policy and direction.
Future of Recreation: The Problem with Rogue Trail Building
The rules for creating a trail from scratch vary depending on jurisdiction and land ownership, but almost everywhere there is a process for doing it legally. For a variety of reasons – everything from ignorance to rebellion – many trail builders don’t bother.
Future of Recreation: Navigating the planning path
In recent years, the provincial government has rolled out a bewildering alphabet soup of agreements, frameworks and policies: land, water and marine planning, cumulative effects assessments, old growth reviews, managing for ecosystem health, biodiversity commitments, tripartite cooperation, conservation finance, plus so many acronyms (UNDRIP, MLUP, IPCAs, FRPA). It’s all part of a dramatic shift in how lands and waters are managed in B.C.
Future of Recreation: Volunteer crisis or crossroads?
“Critical lack of volunteers…” “Not-for-profit struggling to recruit…” “Fewer people giving money and time.” It’s a trend mirrored by what the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC hears from many of its members. It’s why we hosted a webinar in December focused on recruiting and retaining volunteers. But the webinar’s three panellists had an alternative take on the crisis.
Future of Recreation: The great and future potential
2023 was a landmark year for recreation in B.C. The provincial government enabled a $10-million Outdoor Recreation Fund, managed by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC. Recreation Sites and Trails BC was moved into the same ministry as BC Parks. The provincial budget included $71-million in funding for recreation infrastructure, including $3.6 million in accessibility projects.
Future of Recreation: Recreation in the driver seat
The law of the forest is changing and, when it comes to recreation, it’s for the better. Rather than forestry companies at the steering wheel, the provincial government has amended the Forests and Range Practices Act to better reflect the interests of nearby communities.
The Future of Recreation: A force for good
“Don’t love it to death.” It is a rallying cry echoing across B.C. that translates to a realization that the way we attract visitors and steer their behaviour needs to change. In the Sea to Sky Region, the call for a paradigm shift is literal.
ORCBC Story Series
From access to nature to apps and AI, the evolution of trail construction to electric power, this story series looks at how recreation will change and evolve over the short and long term.
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This story series explores the connection between climate change and recreation. Through conversations with scientists, advocates, land managers, recreationists, and more, we look at how a warming world and more extreme weather is impacting the activities we love. But more than glum news, we’re interested in how the recreation industry is already hard at work preparing for change, reducing the impacts, and actively trying to slow global warming.
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In this story series, we feature recreation organizations that are advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through trail and outdoor recreation projects. We hope these stories inspire other community groups to contribute to advancing reconciliation in a meaningful and positive way, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability of the outdoor recreation activities we love.
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In a time when trails, roads, campgrounds, rivers and lakes are busier than ever, it’s important to remember that it takes a community to make fun possible. This story series profiles the people who work behind the scenes in B.C., so you can have that special moment today.