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Letters to the editor for the week of January 2nd

Backcountry forum agreement group effort I wish to dispute the statements made by Mr. Ray Mason in (the "Letters to the Editor," Pique Dec.19, 2013).
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Backcountry forum agreement group effort

I wish to dispute the statements made by Mr. Ray Mason in (the "Letters to the Editor," Pique Dec.19, 2013).

The Winter Backcountry Forum held in 2001–2002 was initiated by a Crown corporation known as Land and Water BC (LWBC) in the spring of 2001. LWBC knew that problems were occurring in the backcountry between user groups and in a proactive manner decided that a forum of stakeholders would be the best route to go, including commercial tenure operators.

It was a meeting to provide guidance on how to manage the Sea to Sky backcountry, particularly in the winter. With the impending 2010 Olympics, the government thought it was wise to invest time and money in getting the participants together to advise the government on how to manage the backcountry prior to the onset of visitors in 2010.

LWBC decided to set up a core group of people in the summer of 2001 to set the ground rules, terms of reference, and code of conduct. LWBC approached two snowmobilers, Roger Stacey of Pemberton and Don Gamache of Whistler, who had attended one of LWBC's meetings to get their perspective on the idea.

Both Roger and Don had been pondering a similar approach and were enthusiastic about the process. The core group of people came from Outdoor Recreation Council, the BC Snowmobile Federation, the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC, S2S Commercial Backcountry Recreation Association, BC Heli and Snowcat Association, and government representatives from provincial agencies and local and regional governments.

On June 27, 2001, the core group met for the first time. The group included Roger Stacey (Pemberton Snowmobile Club), Don Gamache (Pemberton Snowmobile Club), Clayton Prince (E.D of BCSF), Norma Wilson (ORC), Al Colombo (LWBC), Jennifer Davis (MSRN), Pat Harrison (E.D of the FMCBC), Doug O'Mara (President of the Heli-Skiing and Snowcat Association and President of the S2S Commercial Backcountry Recreation Association) and David Reilley (LWBC).

In our first forum meeting on September 27, 2001, upwards of 50 people attended. Each person was asked what a perfect day in the backcountry would be.

This was the beginning of the process of listening to others who use the backcountry. It was determined that there wasn't an easy solution to managing the backcountry and thus a Backcountry Forum was initiated. In the end, a group of 25 to 30 people remained dedicated to the process as the weeks and months came and went. I agreed to be the first chair of the Backcountry Forum. We agreed that we would switch chairs every three months, but the group endorsed me as the permanent chair for the remainder of the Forum.

The group decided to hire a professional facilitator, Sue Ferguson of Whistler. In addition, it was decided that each association or federation would try to get eight representatives from their sector to attend the first meeting scheduled.

It was decided that the forum should not have more than 40 participants, otherwise the meetings would be too cumbersome to run. We were to include people from both within and outside our organizations.

These are the people who participated on a regular basis at the winter backcountry forum:

Commercial Operators:

Alberto Corso, Powder Mountain Snowcats (Snowcats/Downhill Skiing)

John Spencer-Nairn, Cougar Mountain Adventures (Snowmobiling, Cross-Country Skiing, Dog-sledding)

Kathy Milne, Backcountry Snowcats, Ltd (Snowcats)

Doug O'Mara, Whistler Heli-skiing (Heli-Skiing/Downhill Skiing)

Shawn Wilson, Blackcomb Snowmobiles (Snowmobiles)

Rob McCurdy, Whistler Alpine Guides (Mountaineering)

Brad Sills, Callaghan Country (Cross Country Skiing)

Public Snowmobilers:

Clayton Prince, BC Federation of Snowmobiles (has left the process)

Don Gamache, Pemberton Snowmobile Club

Nelson Bastien, Powder Mountain Snowmobile Club (replaces Clayton Prince)

Mike Blomfield, Blackcomb Snowmobile Club

Al Maten, Blackcomb Snowmobile Club

Barry Groundwater, Blackcomb Snowmobile Club

Peter de Haan, Pemberton Snowmobile Club

Public Skiers:

Pat Harrison, Valley Outdoor Association

Mike Feller, BC Mountaineering Club

Monika Bittel, Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC

Mary Henderson, Alpine Club of Canada, Vancouver Section

Mark Grist, Varsity Outdoor Club (replaced by Sandra Nicol, VOC)

Lesley Bohm, North Shore Hikers

Al Whitney, Federation of BC Naturalists

Norma Wilson, Outdoor Recreation Council of BC

Government Representatives:

Al Colombo, LWBC (replaced by Malcohm Leong, LWBC)

David Reilley, LWBC, subsequently MSRN

Bob Cunningworth, LWBC

Jennifer Davis, MSRN (replaced by Ross Kreye, MSRN)

Tom Bell, BC Parks

John Crooks, MOF

Keith Bennett, RMOW

Guy Patterson, SLRD

Facilitator: Sue Ferguson of Whistler

At the end of the forum in 2002, all of the above representatives with the exception of the government representatives (who did not vote) voted in favour of the winter backcountry forum agreement. I was just one of the above who voted in favour and contrary to Mr. Mason's accusations, I did not sign on behalf of the group. It was a group effort!

In 2009, the people who participated in the Sea to Sky process were honoured by the Fraser Basin Council for their sustainability efforts.

Pat Harrison, former chairperson Sea to Sky Winter Backcountry Recreation Forum

Time to enjoy area as it was intended

This letter is in response to Ray Mason's letter to the editor published in (Pique Dec.19).

I would like to correct some of the inaccuracies in Mr. Mason's letter.

On March 12, 2009 Gary Townsend, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Integrated Land Management Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands signed an "Amendment to the Sea-to-Sky Land and Resource Management Plan (CRMP) to Include Non-Commercial Winter Recreation Zones."

In this document it states: "These approved non-commercial winter recreation zones will serve as provincial policy." What could be clearer than that? It is neither voluntary nor is it a recommendation. There was also a map included with the document so that anyone with even rudimentary skills would know where the non-motorized areas are located.

In addition the LRMP "Detailed Management Direction" for the area is "to maintain the zone for quiet enjoyment by the public." Again this is very clear.

While "quiet enjoyment" encompasses many aspects of a backcountry experience, the most obvious is a lack of non-natural noise. It also includes the ability to enjoy your skiing or snowshoeing without fear of a high- marking sled, or a ghost rider sled hitting you. (Ghost riding sleds are when the rider pushes the unmanned snowmobile downhill and then skies or snowboards down after it). I have witnessed both of these events occurring in the Sproatt-Rainbow non-motorized zone on busy days.

There were several factors that contributed to the Sproatt-Rainbow Lake area being designated non-motorized. They include the two winter goat ranges in the area, the RMOW water supply, and the need for non-motorized users to have a safe place to enjoy the backcountry.

This is supported by Gordon Erlandson in his August 25, 2008 report, "Recommendations for the Management of Winter Backcountry Recreation in the Lillooet River Drainage and the Sea-to-Sky LRMP Area." On page 11 it states, "there would have had to be substantive understanding of the following: a recognition that motorized use can have an impact on the ability of non-motorized users to fulfill their recreational experiences in areas where both types of uses take place concurrently — and that non-motorized uses do not have the same potential impact on motorized user experiences."

Contrary to what Mr. Mason is suggesting, clearly all the non-motorized areas are open to everyone, you just can't take your snowmobile there for the same reason that you can't drive your car on a soccer field or Jet Ski on Lost Lake. It is for the safety of other users and to allow them to pursue their form of recreation without the negative impact of motorized users.

Mr. Mason is correct — some areas, such as Brandywine, the Squamish Cheakamus Divide, and the Pemberton Icecap, that were traditionally frequented by many backcountry ski tourers are now seeing reduced use by non-motorized skiers.

The reason for this is pretty clear: We are being bullied out of these areas due to the unpleasantness of "sharing" with hundreds of snowmobiles. Who wants to ski for several hours while breathing motor fumes only to find your powder destination all tracked out by snowmobiles?

It is a gross misrepresentation to say that non-motorized areas are "usually accessed by helicopter."

I personally have argued vehemently for a policy that bans helicopter access to any area that can be accessed in a day. I will leave it to the readers to determine if the average snowmobiler driving a truck with a sled in the back has a higher carbon footprint than my 50 miles per gallon Honda Fit that comfortably transports my family of four to the start of their skiing experience.

Any amount of garbage left by any user group is unacceptable. Personally I found one abandoned sled in the watershed. I have packed out several empty fuel containers, two snowmobile windshields, and numerous miscellaneous parts from various snowmobiling areas.

I was also with a group of hikers who removed four drive belts, five 20-litre fuel cans, two windshields, three gloves, two pairs of goggles, several straps, 10 water bottles, one sun cream container, and 58 empty beer cans from one popular snowmobiling destination. As a result my experience indicates that snowmobilers, like many other backcountry users, are not following the "leave nothing but footprints" philosophy.

The recent initiative by the B.C. Government at the direction of Steve Thomson, minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, to rigorously enforce the Sproatt-Rainbow Lake non-motorized zone indicates just how seriously the government takes this issue.

After being deprived of quiet enjoyment of this area for nearly five years I am cautiously optimistic that the public will be able to enjoy this non-motorized area as it was intended, for the enjoyment of all non-motorized users. After nearly 17 years since the concept of a Backcountry Sharing Accord was first initiated it will be a welcome accomplishment.

Bryce Leigh

Whistler

Health care help amazing

From my recent experience (I can say that) our health care system is excellent.

I was thought to be having a heart attack and 9-1-1 was called for assistance.

The crew arrived in a short time and the dispatcher stayed on the line for quite a while because I felt I was having an allergy attack and she wanted to know what I had taken that might cause it.

Upon arrival at Whistler (Health Care Centre) emergency (department), the only person on duty (it was 1 a.m.) was Dr. Moody. Due to the situation she had no nurse to assist, so the ambulance attendants (Ben Del Torre and Paul Willett) took control and did all the functions done by nurses.

When they think it is heart related there is a high sense of urgency. In a short while a nurse (Ingrid Treleavan) was on the scene and all went well.

I was forwarded to Lions Gate (Hospital) and cannot say enough about the excellent care I received at Whistler and at Lions Gate.

Nelson Bastien

Whistler

WFF thanks you Whistler!

On behalf of the Whistler Film Festival Society, we want to extend our sincere appreciation to all of our Whistler partners and attendees for your support of our 13th edition and for helping to make us Canada's coolest arts and cultural event.

WFF heated up in 2013 with more high profile talent, screenings and deals than ever before. We are delighted that audiences and critics alike responded extremely well to our incredible lineup of films, special events and industry summit. Thanks to you, WFF is emerging as a leading destination for film enthusiasts, filmmakers and dealmakers alike to experience the power of film.

We began this festival in 2001 with the goal to help put Whistler on the map for arts and culture. Thirteen years later, we stand proud knowing that our community has truly embraced the fest, and our mandate to further the art and business of film by providing programs that focus on the discovery, development and promotion of new talent culminating with a must-attend festival for artists, the industry and audiences in Whistler.

We could not have achieved the success that we have to date without Whistler's unwavering support.

And what a better way to end 2013 than with the honour of being named the "Best Arts and Cultural Event" in Pique's annual "Best of Whistler" vote (Pique, Dec.26, 2013). Wow!

We vow to continue to win your favour and keep the reels and good times rolling. Once our new advanced digital cinema system is installed in Whistler's soon-to-be refurbished Rainbow Theatre in 2014, you can count on us to continue to bring great films and filmmakers to Whistler as much as we can.

Here's to a bright new year!

Shauna Hardy Mishaw, founder and executive director, Whistler Film Festival Society, Whistler