Advocacy and consultations
Destination BC | Andrew Strain photo
ORCBC speaks up for outdoor recreation in decisions affecting B.C.’s lands, waters and communities.
Working with our members and partners, we bring outdoor recreation perspectives to government, industry and planning processes. We advocate for better access, sustainable infrastructure, stronger community organizations and greater recognition of the contribution outdoor recreation makes to health, local economies and quality of life.
We also share opportunities for recreation organizations and the public to provide input on plans, policies and decisions that may affect outdoor recreation.
Our advocacy priorities
Invest in outdoor recreation
B.C.’s parks, trails, recreation sites and access routes need stable, long-term investment.
ORCBC advocates for adequate funding for BC Parks, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, community stewardship organizations and the infrastructure people rely on to access the outdoors.
Protect and improve public access
Access to trails, waterways, recreation sites and public lands is essential to outdoor recreation.
We advocate for proactive maintenance of important access routes, better coordination between agencies and greater transparency when roads, bridges, trails or recreation areas may be closed or affected.
Include recreation in planning and decision-making
Outdoor recreation needs to be considered alongside wildlife, water, ecosystems, cultural values, resource development and community needs.
ORCBC works to ensure recreation interests are included early and meaningfully in land-use planning, forest planning, park management and other decisions affecting outdoor places.
Strengthen community and volunteer organizations
Volunteer-led organizations maintain trails, restore waterways, manage recreation sites, educate outdoor users and create opportunities for people to participate.
We advocate for funding, training, practical support and simpler processes that help these organizations continue their work.
Build stronger partnerships
Many outdoor recreation challenges and opportunities cross organizational and jurisdictional boundaries.
ORCBC brings together recreation organizations, Indigenous communities, governments, conservation groups, industry and other partners to identify shared priorities and develop practical solutions.
Improve outdoor recreation data
Good decisions require a clearer understanding of where people recreate, the infrastructure they depend on and the social, environmental and economic value of outdoor recreation.
ORCBC supports better research, data collection and reporting to guide policy, planning and investment.
Current consultations and engagement opportunities
This page highlights major consultation and engagement opportunities relevant to B.C.’s outdoor recreation community.
ORCBC provides input into a number of consultations each year, but it is also important for individuals and organizations to participate directly. Local knowledge, practical experience and community perspectives can help decision-makers better understand how proposed plans and policies may affect outdoor recreation.
We encourage recreation groups and outdoor users to learn about the issues, share informed feedback and speak up for the interests of this diverse and important community.
If we have missed a significant consultation or engagement opportunity, please let us know.
Current opportunities
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Deadline: September 25, 2026
The Province is seeking input to help shape a Forest Landscape Plan for the Cranbrook Timber Supply Area.
Outdoor recreation groups are encouraged to identify important trails, recreation sites, access roads, waterways and scenic areas, as well as concerns about harvesting, road deactivation, connectivity and access.
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Deadline: August 22, 2026, at 4 p.m. PT
The Province is seeking input on the values, uses and priorities that should help shape a Forest Landscape Plan for the Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Area.
Why it matters to outdoor recreation
Forest Landscape Plans can affect resource roads, bridges, trails, recreation sites, access points, scenic areas and wildlife habitat. Recreation groups can help ensure that important recreation values and access needs are identified early in the planning process.
Region
Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Area in southeastern B.C.
ORCBC involvement
ORCBC is not preparing a submission. We are sharing this opportunity and resources to help recreation organizations identify and communicate important recreation values.
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Deadline: August 4, 2026, at 4 p.m.
The Gitanyow First Nation, Nisga’a Nation and Province of B.C. are seeking feedback on proposed expanded salmon habitat conservation measures in the Meziadin River watershed.
Why it matters to outdoor recreation
The proposed measures could influence how land and water are managed within the watershed. Recreation groups and users may have useful information about waterways, access routes, recreation activities and the relationship between public use and salmon habitat.
Region
Meziadin River watershed, Northwest B.C.
ORCBC involvement
ORCBC is not preparing a submission but is sharing this opportunity so recreation organizations and outdoor users can review the proposal and provide input directly.
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Deadline: August 4, 2026, at 4 p.m.
The Province and Tahltan Nation are seeking feedback on a proposed conservancy designation for the Klappan Sacred Headwaters and former Coal Licence Purchase Agreement area.
Why it matters to outdoor recreation
The Klappan Sacred Headwaters support recreation, tourism, hunting and fishing, as well as important ecological, cultural and spiritual values. The proposed designation and future management approach could influence recreation access, allowable activities, stewardship and long-term use of the area.
Region
Klappan Sacred Headwaters, Skeena region.
ORCBC involvement
ORCBC is not preparing a submission but is sharing this opportunity so recreation organizations and outdoor users can review the proposal and provide input directly.
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Deadline: August 4, 2026, at 4 p.m. PT
Kaska First Nations and the Province are seeking feedback on the proposed Dene K’éh Kusān conservation area and updates to the Dease–Liard Sustainable Resource Management Plan.
Why it matters to outdoor recreation
The planning area includes important rivers, trails, access routes, wildlife habitat and remote recreation landscapes. The proposed conservancy and updated land-use direction could affect recreation access, allowable activities, infrastructure, stewardship and how recreation is considered alongside cultural, ecological and economic values.
Region
Kaska Ancestral Territory in north-central and northern B.C., including Dene K’éh Kusān and the Dease–Liard planning area.
ORCBC involvement
ORCBC is not preparing a submission but is sharing this opportunity so recreation organizations and outdoor users can review the proposal and provide input directly.
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Deadline: September 18, 2026
BC Parks and Lheidli T’enneh First Nation are seeking feedback on a draft management plan for Ancient Forest / Chun T’oh Whudujut and Slim Creek Parks.
Why it matters to outdoor recreation
The plan will guide the long-term management of recreation, conservation and visitor use in the parks. It considers accessibility, hiking trails, wilderness camping, commercial recreation, future development and the relationship between recreation and conservation values.
Region
Along Highway 16 between Prince George and McBride, in the upper Fraser River area.
ORCBC involvement
ORCBC is not preparing a submission but is sharing this opportunity so recreation organizations and outdoor users can review the proposal and provide input directly.
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Deadline: July 24, 2026, at 4 p.m.
BC Parks is seeking feedback on a proposed long-term development plan for Mt Seymour Resorts in Mount Seymour Provincial Park. The plan outlines potential changes over the next 60 years, including expanded ski terrain and lifts, new summer recreation activities, additional accommodations and facilities, and changes to transportation and parking.
Why it matters to outdoor recreation
The proposal could significantly change recreation use within the park. It includes more year-round activities, accessible hiking trails, mountain biking, expanded ski terrain, new visitor facilities and increased resort capacity. It may also affect public access, congestion, transportation, trails, ecosystems and recreation outside the resort’s controlled area.Region
Mount Seymour Provincial Park, North Shore and Lower Mainland.ORCBC involvement
ORCBC is not preparing a submission but is sharing this opportunity so recreation organizations and outdoor users can review the proposal and provide input directly.
Other places to find consultations
Additional opportunities may be available through:
As a service to ORCBC member organizations, we also provide email notifications about selected commercial recreation and tourism tenure applications.
How to provide useful input
You do not need to be a policy expert to participate. Local knowledge and firsthand experience can help decision-makers understand how a proposal may affect outdoor recreation.
A useful submission generally explains:
Who you are and your connection to the area or issue
Which trails, roads, waterways, sites or activities may be affected
How the proposal could affect access, safety, stewardship or the recreation experience
Any maps, photographs, participation information or community examples that support your comments
The outcome or change you are requesting
Be specific, respectful and solution-focused wherever possible.
ORCBC submissions and letters
ORCBC regularly provides input on government budgets, legislation, land-use and resource-management decisions, access issues and other matters affecting outdoor recreation.
View our recent submissions, correspondence and recommendations on issues affecting the outdoor recreation sector.
Cam Dalinghaus and BC Marine Trails photo