Blogs
BC Plans to Ban Sleds in the Backcountry
Submited By telemeister On 2007-10-15
The Province of BC is intending to adopt a Plan that will prohibit motorized use of the backcountry where historically this use has been enjoyed by many.
The LRMP (Land Resource Management Plan) process was initiated by the Province in 2002 to “ensure sustainability of the natural environment and the economy” in BC. This process looked at the backcountry, and proposed restrictions to usage that were considered appropriate. The final Plan that is now proposed for adoption for the Sea-to-Sky region severely prohibits motorized use in many areas, well beyond the 25% non-motorized areas that are already in place. It closes down many areas and corridors that have been historically enjoyed by motorized vehicle enthusiasts. In most every case, the prohibitions result not from real environmental concerns, but are there to benefit a few back-country skiers who come up from Vancouver once a winter to go ski around a cabin. Why should you, a local resident, be told that you can’t ride into an area any more because some selfish skier who is only up for the weekend doesn’t want to hear your snowmobile? The Plan however says it’ is okay for the skiers to ride up to their cabin in a helicopter!
Over the last 5-years, many people have worked tirelessly through the LRMP and Winter Backcountry Forum processes to try to keep unreasonable restrictions to motorized use of the backcountry from being implemented. It appears that all the input in this regard has been ignored by the LRMP. The current plan in fact has significantly further restricted motorized areas when compared to the previous plans presented during the public consultation process in 2002/2003.
Some of the areas that have been enjoyed by snowmobilers in the past and are now proposed for closure/restrictions are:
* Face Mountain
* Peterson Valley / Rhododendron
* Upper Lillooet River
* Pebble Glacier and North Creek
* Noel Creek and Hope Creek
* Upper Soo Valley
* Callaghan Valley, Rainbow
* Phelix Creek
* Elaho, Glendenning and Simms
* Meager Valley
The complete LRMP Plan can be viewed online at
http://ilmbwww.gov.bc.ca/lup/lrmp/coast/s2s/lrmpdocuments.htm
Map 6 at this website shows the areas with restrictions to motorized winter usage. The map is difficult to interpret, but, basically, anything that is not the yellow RA3 color has restrictions on motorized use. Plotted maps will be available for viewing at Valley Chainsaw and Vision Motorsports in Pemberton.
Without your support, this Plan will soon be implemented. If you want to continue to enjoy recreating in the backcountry, please let the Province know by sending a letter (by registered mail has the most effect – it forces them to respond) plus an e-mail to each of the following – LRMP, Minister of Agriculture and Lands, and Minister of Tourism. Sample letters are appended for your use if you are not able to prepare your own letters.
Thank you for your support. Please get all your friends who support keeping the backcountry open to EVERYONE to also send letters expressing their opinions to the Ministers and the LRMP. Watch for further information on how you can help at Vision Motorsports, Valley Chainsaw and on local bulletin boards.
If you have any questions or comments, or want to be apprised of further developments on this matter, please send an email to:
backcountryforall@gmail.com
Submited By telemeister On 2007-10-15
The Province of BC is intending to adopt a Plan that will prohibit motorized use of the backcountry where historically this use has been enjoyed by many.
The LRMP (Land Resource Management Plan) process was initiated by the Province in 2002 to “ensure sustainability of the natural environment and the economy” in BC. This process looked at the backcountry, and proposed restrictions to usage that were considered appropriate. The final Plan that is now proposed for adoption for the Sea-to-Sky region severely prohibits motorized use in many areas, well beyond the 25% non-motorized areas that are already in place. It closes down many areas and corridors that have been historically enjoyed by motorized vehicle enthusiasts. In most every case, the prohibitions result not from real environmental concerns, but are there to benefit a few back-country skiers who come up from Vancouver once a winter to go ski around a cabin. Why should you, a local resident, be told that you can’t ride into an area any more because some selfish skier who is only up for the weekend doesn’t want to hear your snowmobile? The Plan however says it’ is okay for the skiers to ride up to their cabin in a helicopter!
Over the last 5-years, many people have worked tirelessly through the LRMP and Winter Backcountry Forum processes to try to keep unreasonable restrictions to motorized use of the backcountry from being implemented. It appears that all the input in this regard has been ignored by the LRMP. The current plan in fact has significantly further restricted motorized areas when compared to the previous plans presented during the public consultation process in 2002/2003.
Some of the areas that have been enjoyed by snowmobilers in the past and are now proposed for closure/restrictions are:
* Face Mountain
* Peterson Valley / Rhododendron
* Upper Lillooet River
* Pebble Glacier and North Creek
* Noel Creek and Hope Creek
* Upper Soo Valley
* Callaghan Valley, Rainbow
* Phelix Creek
* Elaho, Glendenning and Simms
* Meager Valley
The complete LRMP Plan can be viewed online at
http://ilmbwww.gov.bc.ca/lup/lrmp/coast/s2s/lrmpdocuments.htm
Map 6 at this website shows the areas with restrictions to motorized winter usage. The map is difficult to interpret, but, basically, anything that is not the yellow RA3 color has restrictions on motorized use. Plotted maps will be available for viewing at Valley Chainsaw and Vision Motorsports in Pemberton.
Without your support, this Plan will soon be implemented. If you want to continue to enjoy recreating in the backcountry, please let the Province know by sending a letter (by registered mail has the most effect – it forces them to respond) plus an e-mail to each of the following – LRMP, Minister of Agriculture and Lands, and Minister of Tourism. Sample letters are appended for your use if you are not able to prepare your own letters.
Thank you for your support. Please get all your friends who support keeping the backcountry open to EVERYONE to also send letters expressing their opinions to the Ministers and the LRMP. Watch for further information on how you can help at Vision Motorsports, Valley Chainsaw and on local bulletin boards.
If you have any questions or comments, or want to be apprised of further developments on this matter, please send an email to:
backcountryforall@gmail.com
Found 9 Comments
by dirtycod on 2007-11-03 09:28:06
its not only sea to sky. the gvnt has it in the works to basically close the whole south west interior to sleds. ski skid this blog had nothing to do with the environment and everything to do with eletism and limitting local access so some rich pricks can shred in solitude.... fuck i hate the heli ski industry!
its not only sea to sky. the gvnt has it in the works to basically close the whole south west interior to sleds. ski skid this blog had nothing to do with the environment and everything to do with eletism and limitting local access so some rich pricks can shred in solitude.... fuck i hate the heli ski industry!
by markeed on 2007-11-01 11:23:02
I don't like the plan... Mostly because one of my favorite sled skiing spots is on that list (Noel/Hope). I don't feel any right to sled there but I'm wondering how many people posting comments here have actually looked at the maps and details on this proposal. Its amazing how much terrain have been set aside for Heli tenure (or catski tenure). Noel/Hope are being "rezoned" from sled access to heli/cat area. Keep ranting on the environment kick all you want but the bc gov't is limiting trying to outlaw access to areas that the local residents have been shredding for years just for the bennifit of a few elite (rich buggers that can afford to go up in the magic bird). If the plan to ban sleds for environmental concerns, fine we all need to change our outlook but handing over land for tenure is BS. No motorized at all or leave it the way it is... I probable use my sled and splitboard about equal time throughout the season but I will miss Noel alot if this passes.
I don't like the plan... Mostly because one of my favorite sled skiing spots is on that list (Noel/Hope). I don't feel any right to sled there but I'm wondering how many people posting comments here have actually looked at the maps and details on this proposal. Its amazing how much terrain have been set aside for Heli tenure (or catski tenure). Noel/Hope are being "rezoned" from sled access to heli/cat area. Keep ranting on the environment kick all you want but the bc gov't is limiting trying to outlaw access to areas that the local residents have been shredding for years just for the bennifit of a few elite (rich buggers that can afford to go up in the magic bird). If the plan to ban sleds for environmental concerns, fine we all need to change our outlook but handing over land for tenure is BS. No motorized at all or leave it the way it is... I probable use my sled and splitboard about equal time throughout the season but I will miss Noel alot if this passes.
by ptor on 2007-10-22 16:19:03
Although I must say that I personally minimalize sled use and definately do not idealize using a sled for skiing (nothing worse than ski-touring with that stench around), I do not agree with imposing legislative measures (laws) of any kind. Similarly, I hate smoking but oppose any laws against smoking. I would rather have a society where enlightened independance could fluorish and people could take conscious and mutualy thoughtful and caring responsibility for their actions and effects on others. So instead of having \"the right\" to do something, it would be better if people thought beyond their personal desires. In that sense the whole debate is an ego thing. And when it comes to skier/snowboarder sledders in the debate, they should really look at how much sledding versus riding is being done. Access is one thing, but highmarking around and cross countrying is another. All too often I hear of hardcore skiers that are now addicted to sledding which overshadows their shredding. There is a twisted pride wafting about these days in regards to getting access and turns glamourized by ski-media, just like the warped egos of heli brats. This debate should ultimately face the morality behind justifying buisnesses to have the right to operate motorized vehicles (helis/cats/snowmobiles), i.e. tenureship, versus the rights of individuals to access \"crown land\" . I believe in examining this aspect of the issue will bring to light the fact that we all live on \"reserves\" and Canada is nothing but a corporation in disguise.
Although I must say that I personally minimalize sled use and definately do not idealize using a sled for skiing (nothing worse than ski-touring with that stench around), I do not agree with imposing legislative measures (laws) of any kind. Similarly, I hate smoking but oppose any laws against smoking. I would rather have a society where enlightened independance could fluorish and people could take conscious and mutualy thoughtful and caring responsibility for their actions and effects on others. So instead of having \"the right\" to do something, it would be better if people thought beyond their personal desires. In that sense the whole debate is an ego thing. And when it comes to skier/snowboarder sledders in the debate, they should really look at how much sledding versus riding is being done. Access is one thing, but highmarking around and cross countrying is another. All too often I hear of hardcore skiers that are now addicted to sledding which overshadows their shredding. There is a twisted pride wafting about these days in regards to getting access and turns glamourized by ski-media, just like the warped egos of heli brats. This debate should ultimately face the morality behind justifying buisnesses to have the right to operate motorized vehicles (helis/cats/snowmobiles), i.e. tenureship, versus the rights of individuals to access \"crown land\" . I believe in examining this aspect of the issue will bring to light the fact that we all live on \"reserves\" and Canada is nothing but a corporation in disguise.
by matosan on 2007-10-20 15:29:56
I strongly believe that many areas should not allow sled use for a variety of reasons. I really think these proposed restrictions are a good idea.
I strongly believe that many areas should not allow sled use for a variety of reasons. I really think these proposed restrictions are a good idea.
by matosan on 2007-10-20 15:29:41
I strongly believe that many areas should not allow sled use for a variety of reasons. I really think these proposed restrictions are a good idea.
I strongly believe that many areas should not allow sled use for a variety of reasons. I really think these proposed restrictions are a good idea.
by bradd2 on 2007-10-19 09:01:12
We all have to learn to share! There is no green arguement for sleds! But I also believe there is no green arguement for ski resorts either! If mechanized use is going to be banned from certain areas then I hope its for the right reasons and not selfish ones that come from people not knowing what the other user groups are all about! We are going to lose a lot of riding areas, that is inevitable, but I hope its not just from some user groups not liking snowmobiles/snowmobilers.
We all have to learn to share! There is no green arguement for sleds! But I also believe there is no green arguement for ski resorts either! If mechanized use is going to be banned from certain areas then I hope its for the right reasons and not selfish ones that come from people not knowing what the other user groups are all about! We are going to lose a lot of riding areas, that is inevitable, but I hope its not just from some user groups not liking snowmobiles/snowmobilers.
by telemeister on 2007-10-19 00:13:11
Ski Skid- I just recieved this in my email and put it out there for you guys to see. I have no politic here. Just providing information.
Ski Skid- I just recieved this in my email and put it out there for you guys to see. I have no politic here. Just providing information.
by ski skid on 2007-10-16 17:36:08
Sorry Dude...I like the plan. I ride a dirtbike and have on occasion used a Heli as well as a sled. I am definately not some granola eating bc skier BUT...there are places that riding a sled is appropriate and places that it is NOT. Given the state of the environment and the ultimate impact our burning of dinos will have on our sports of skiing and boarding, it is pretty hypocritical to demand more...and more...and more. There is no God given right for us as individuals to burn gas wherever and whenever we want. Especially when the evidence is clear on many fronts that our felching has some really nasty negative long term effects (global warming, animals, heather, etc.). You have no idea how much impact the thousands of sledders have had in SWBC. So lighten up...you still have more terrain to access than almost anywhere in the world. You can still burn as many liters of fuel as you want at any time. The very simple fact is, the Sea to Sky corridor is not an endless wilderness for us to fuck up...if you want even more terrain move to a place with a lot less people competing with everyone and everything else for playspace and living space. Like the man said, skiing and boarding is going to be dead in our part of the world within a few generations unless ALL skiers and boarders become militant enviros....
Sorry Dude...I like the plan. I ride a dirtbike and have on occasion used a Heli as well as a sled. I am definately not some granola eating bc skier BUT...there are places that riding a sled is appropriate and places that it is NOT. Given the state of the environment and the ultimate impact our burning of dinos will have on our sports of skiing and boarding, it is pretty hypocritical to demand more...and more...and more. There is no God given right for us as individuals to burn gas wherever and whenever we want. Especially when the evidence is clear on many fronts that our felching has some really nasty negative long term effects (global warming, animals, heather, etc.). You have no idea how much impact the thousands of sledders have had in SWBC. So lighten up...you still have more terrain to access than almost anywhere in the world. You can still burn as many liters of fuel as you want at any time. The very simple fact is, the Sea to Sky corridor is not an endless wilderness for us to fuck up...if you want even more terrain move to a place with a lot less people competing with everyone and everything else for playspace and living space. Like the man said, skiing and boarding is going to be dead in our part of the world within a few generations unless ALL skiers and boarders become militant enviros....
by Peakz on 2007-10-16 10:38:43
lame, they had better ban helicopters too
lame, they had better ban helicopters too
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