ATVBC Newsletter January 2018

Volume 1 January 2018

January 2018 Newsletter & Updates

Skull Rock "somewhere" in Arizona

Editors Message

Well with the holiday season behind us I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable time.

As the winter weather continues to haunt us, it is time to start thinking of the upcoming summer, hopefully it wont be as dry as last summer so that we can enjoy riding throughout this wonderful province of ours.

A number of rides for 2018 have been in the planning stages already such as the Poker Ride in Logan Lake, the GPS ride in Revelstoke (always a favorite of mine), the Kootenay Rockies Poker Ride and then the AGM & Jamboree in Wells/Barkervile, for the dates and info on these rides, and more, check out the web site.

A recent article on Facebook was talking about the dwindling, or maybe a better word is, the declining membership of a lot of service clubs and organizations out there, and it is the same for our organization - we are slowly growing but we are not anywhere near the numbers of quads that are registered.

The numbers are out there, so why are they not joining the clubs and organizations? Is it because most of us are too busy to get involved, or is it they just want to ride and not have to worry as to how that trail gets there or is maintained?

There are around 150,000 or more Quads, Side by Sides, Snowmobiles, and Dirt Bikes out there and if you look at how many belong to clubs it is less then 4%.

If everyone just brought one person in to their club meeting or along on a ride and they joined up that would increase our numbers greatly, which would strengthen our position in discussions with government and other user groups as our strength is in our numbers.

So I guess where I'm going with this, is, if the numbers of the backcountry users gets too low we may not have a loud enough voice to be heard and start to lose riding areas and that I do not want to see happen! Quads In BC generate $502 million in annual revenue, and if you add that to what the dirt bikers and snowmobiles generate, it is over a billion dollars in economic impact for the Province each year, so it is important that we have strong numbers to have a voice in ensuring that government continues to support and invest in mixed use trails.

Ralph Matthews

CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT OUTDOOR RECREATION

AND SHARED TRAILS IN BC

PLEASE READ & TAKE ACTION

In 2017 the provincial elections resulted in major changes in government, and now the Minister’s that were making the decisions for many years, are no longer in power. New people, with new ideas and different points of view are now in place therefore it is more important than ever, that we speak up and let government know what is important to us, as outdoor enthusiasts and British Columbians.

The 2018 municipal and regional district elections also present an opportunity for local citizens to voice what’s important to them and ensure the leaders in the community represent their values when developing trails master plans, parks & recreational plans and official community plans.

At this pivotal time many groups and individuals are writing letters to elected officials so it is vital that you write YOUR letter, and ensure YOUR message is heard, to protect YOUR recreational interests. The more people that send the message, the louder the voice is! PLEASE DO NOT DELAY, WRITE YOUR LETTER TODAY . The future of your sport and access to riding areas depend on it!

WHY IS OUTDOOR RECREATION AND MIXED USE TRAILS IMPORTANT TO YOU?

WHAT DOES THE BACKCOUNTRY MEAN TO YOU?

In British Columbia trails are the primary means to access the backcountry for camping, fishing, hunting, ATVing, hiking, biking, and a myriad of other activities. Trails in BC are enjoyed by a diverse range of users with a diverse set of recreation values , accordingly, the Provincial Trails Strategy states that BC’s trail network must provide opportunities for all user groups.

This means that the citizens of BC have a responsibility to let government know what recreation values are important to them … how can we expect government to support our values if they don’t know what they are? By putting pen to paper, or more appropriately, fingers to keyboard, we can ensure that government and policy makers are aware of the recreation activities that are important to British Columbians.

Let them know that ATV/SxS recreation contributes $502 million to the BC economy annually, employs 6,000 people and generates $149 million in tax revenue per year, and that ORV tourism is a significant economic driver for rural economies.

It is up to every one of us, to write to our local politicians,

MLAs and Minister’s office to let them know why

outdoor recreation and mixed use trails are important to YOU!

NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

OUR STRENGTH IS IN OUR NUMBERS!

PLEASE WRITE YOUR LETTER TODAY

Elected Officials Contact List & Letter Writing Tips

Download and Share Call to Action Notice

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES COMING SOON!

INVESTING IN MIXED USE TRAILS ATVBC is currently working with Rec Sites & Trails BC and the other members of the Backcountry Powersports Coalition to develop the policy and guidelines for the ORV Trail Fund, which will be launched in 2018 therefore we encourage all clubs to have shovel ready projects.

Due to strong lobbying efforts for another round of NTC Funding (National Trails Coalition), it is possible that NTC Funding could be announced as well, and the annual ATVBC Trails Grant program will also be launching soon, therefore huge funding opportunities coming available!

PLEASE ENSURE YOU START WORKING NOW TO PREPARE FOR THE UPCOMING GRANTS meet with your club, identify trail repairs & projects, trail infrastructure such as bridges, culverts, safety shelters, signage, consider options for matching funds (partner with local community or other trail user groups), ensure authorizations are in place such as sec 57 or authorization letter from local rec officer.

BONUS ATVBC CLUB GRANT AVAILABLE NOW

ATVBC is offering each Club a one-time grant for the acquisition, repair, or maintenance of their personal or club-owned trail maintenance equipment, up to a maximum of $300 - grant application forms will be sent directly to each club!

PROUDLY SUPPORTING TRAILS IN BC

Download and Share Spring F2F 2018 Meeting Notice

Photo Credit: Dave Tolton Grandson & Jack Russell GPS System

Dome Mountain Trail, Smithers, BC (Jack Russell has a full body harness cannot fall out/off)

President's Blog

Ralph Matthews

With the festive season over it is time to get back to work. A number of things have come to our attention. The first one is...

Photo Credit: Martin Bennett

Overlooking Great Central Lake & Beaufort Mountains, Vancouver Island (Port Alberni)

Jamboree Update

Here it is! The time you have all been waiting for! You can now call to book your campsite for a "mining" good time at the AGM & Jamboree in Barkerville, BC. Please note the event dates have been confirmed for August 20th to 27th.

We will be using the Forest Rose Campground, the number to call is 1-888-994-3332 EXT 21 and ask for Lexie Radelet and she will take your booking. . After booking your campsite you will also need to register for the Jamboree. * Starting February 2018, you will be able to register and pay online for Jamboree.