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April 2024 Newsletter

1. New Howe Sound infrastructure
2. SpencerCreo donation matching campaign
3. Site condition reporting (upcoming contest!)
4. Gerald Island recap
5. The 50/50 draw is almost over: 13 more days!
6. Coastal Café: Blissful Beaches
7. 2024 Vargas Island Debris Removal
8. Cultus Lake Paddle Expo (Back by popular demand!)
9. Get paid to give BC Parks your input!

New Howe Sound Infrastructure The BC Marine Trails Network continues to grow, thanks to the Destination Development Fund for 2023/24 and a supportive 30% matching grant from Trans Canada Trail! This support has enabled the installation of five new tent platforms and the upcoming replacement of steel food caches with new aluminum models — enhancing the sustainability and safety of our beloved Sea to Sky Marine Trail. Three new platforms and a picnic table at Thornborough Channel Recreation Site, plus two at Zorro Bay Recreation Site, promise an enhanced visitor experience. We look forward to continuing the advancement of accessible and environmentally responsible marine recreation in BC. The Destination Development Fund, from which we received a total grant amount of $26,136, is made possible through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

Double your impact with SpencerCreo

At the beginning of the month we launched a donation matching campaign with the SpencerCreo Foundation, who pledged to match up to $5000 of donations. In a few short days we met that goal — thanks to your support. In response to the enthusiasm, the SpencerCreo Foundation has generously increased their pledge to $7500 — can you help us get there? Every contribution counts, and with SpencerCreo's matching, your donation has double the impact!

Your donation to BCMT is fully tax deductible.​
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Double your donation today!

Site Condition Report Contest Our annual site condition report (SCR) contest begins on the first of May! Every SCR submitted until the end of September is an entry into a draw to win one of three prizes, generously provided by Mustang Survival — see below.

The BCMT site map is a community effort — a significant portion of our site condition data comes from reports submitted by you! Reports include location, maintenance needs, landing conditions, new hazards, site photos, etc. Reporting only takes ~10 minutes of your time. If you find value in the BCMT map, we encourage you to report on your next site visit! How can you submit a site condition report? 1) Collect relevant notes and photos in the field, and submit a report via our website upon your return. OR 2) Download the ArcGIS Survey123 app on your mobile device. Load the BCMT site condition report survey from our website, then, submit reports directly from the field! Find out more Looking to take your reporting one step further? Coastal Caretakers are dedicated to safeguarding the coastline — giving VOICE to the sites they visit. Making your next paddling adventure impactful is simpler than you think! Keen to find out how?

Gerald Island Recap!

It's National Volunteer Week! And what better way to ring it in than with the successful completion of our spring Gerald Island invasive species pull!

From April 11-14, a group of 24 dedicated BCMT volunteers continued our efforts to clear invasive English Ivy and blackberry. Over the four days, 670 volunteer hours were put towards the cause, removing and burning dozens and dozens of piles of invasive organisms. Since the project began in 2017, our frontline has extended an impressive 75 meters into the island.

We are incredibly grateful to those who have dedicated their time to the cause — although those who participate will confirm, it is just so satisfying! Stay tuned for the dates of our fall Gerald Island pull.

Time is almost up! The BCMT 50/50 draw is on April 30th — in only 13 days! Your purchase helps fund site maintenance and trails development, First Nations engagement, stewardship, and public education. Tickets $10, or $25 for three Get Your 50/50 Tickets

Want to help BCMT by promoting our 50/50 draw? Consider sharing this graphic on your personal social media, or, this ​clickable PDF directly with family and friends!

Blissful Beaches Discover the hidden gems of British Columbia's coastline with Blissful Beaches: A Guide to BC’s Best 5-Star Beaches for Sea Kayakers by Jerry & Julee Kaye. This captivating blog asks the question, what makes a good paddling beach great? The Kaye's 5-star ranking system considers breathtaking natural scenery, ease of access, camping amenities, solitude, cultural respect, wildlife encounters, safety, and more. From the Southern Gulf Islands to the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island and the pristine Central Coast, the Kayes share their four decades of coastal exploration, offering insights into their favourite beaches — and what makes them exceptional. Dive deeper into this immersive guide to unlock your own 5-star blissful beach experience! BC Marine Trails invites all paddlers to weigh in on their own favourite paddling beaches. Send us a short article, or a comment on the blog itself. Thanks for sharing! Read the full article

Seeking Vargas Island Volunteers

Where: Vargas Island, Clayoquot Sound (Launching from Tofino)

When: May 21-25

Join us for the annual Vargas Island marine debris cleanup! This collaborative effort between BC Marine Trails, Surfrider Pacific Rim, and the Ahousaht Outdoor Education School aims to remove marine debris from Vargas Island's beaches and shoreline. As a volunteer, you'll make a meaningful impact on the environment, learn about marine conservation, and connect with like-minded individuals. Please note that for safety purposes, volunteers must commit to all 5 days. A new acronym for you to use with your paddling friends: BYOKF (Bring your own kayak and food) — BCMT will provide 2 dinners and snacks. Protective gear is also provided.

This is an outdoor event in challenging waters and will involve physically demanding work. Volunteers should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain, lift and carry debris, and work in varying weather conditions. Additionally, volunteers should have previous experience performing surf landings and launches in a kayak.

​Sign up today! ​

Cultus Lake Paddle Expo

The first time an event of this size will take place since 2019, join the Paddle Expo at Cultus Lake on April 28th — hosted by Western Canoe Kayak. This event aims to provide beginner-to-experienced paddlers with an opportunity to try out paddlesports and see what its all about. Take advantage of the opportunity to meet industry professionals from top brands. Stop by the BCMT booth to learn more about our programs, discover ways to get involved, and even grab a sticker!

The expo will include lessons, seminars, demos, exhibitors, and more. This is a can't-miss-it event for paddlers — and, it is free!

Find out more

Get paid to give your input!

BC Parks is looking to speak with all types of overnight marine visitors, either those who sleep on their boat, or camp ashore. All skill levels are invited to respond — from novices to experts — and users of any vessel type, including kayaks, canoes, sailboats, and powerboats of all sizes. Hearing about a variety of experiences on the BC coast will help to improve BC Parks marine services, such as policies and digital tools, for a broad range of park visitors. Conversations will be held via Microsoft Teams, each lasting approximately one hour. Participants will receive a $25 gift card for their time.
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More information / Sign up today!

Find paddling charts, guide books, and more at Wild Coast Publishing. 15% off provided with BCMT membership — find the code on our members page!

A very warm welcome to our newest business member — Siiqaa Water Taxi. Planning a trip to Kyuquot Sound? They've got you covered! Read more in our Coastal Café water taxi article.