[Maureen Benzon]

Parking fees are in effect year-round, between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Rates during the initial phase of the plan will be $3.75 per hour, plus taxes and processing fees.

Pity!!

[Kevin Amos]

If you are looking at BC Parks I have used there maps for Clearwater/Azure

https://nrs.objectstore.gov.bc.ca/kuwyyf/wells_gray_clearwater_azure_marine_map_f0ac0fd443.pdf

 

[Will Cullen]

Hi,

I’m looking for suggestions for hard-copy maps of lakes in BC – especially for the campgrounds and marine campgrounds, parking, and launch points (BCMT is fantastic for the coast stuff).

I realize there are many electronic options available, but I’ve a preference for hard-copy maps. Topo/hydrographic maps are great, but they’re not going to be up-to-date with campground, etc.

I’ve looked at the Backroad Maps (especially the fishing maps) and they seem to be excellent options.

I’m just wondering if there are better options available the BRM..?

Thanks!

[Cynthia Kennedy]

Gerald Island Volunteer Registration Open
April 11 @ 8:00 am – April 14 @ 5:00 pm

On the BC Marine Trails WEBSITE Gerald Island Volunteer Registration form is now open for April 11 – 14, 2024.

Gerald Island Invasive species removal has been ongoing for five years and once again the BC Marine Trails completed two invasive species removal cleanups in 2023.

Join us in the fight against invasive species! BC Marine Trails looks for passionate volunteers to help us remove English ivy on Gerald Island . Together, we can protect the island’s biodiversity and ensure a healthy environment for generations to come.

This is an ongoing project that we are excited to be working on in partnership with BC Parks. By volunteering with us on this project, you will be contributing to a larger effort to control and prevent the spread of invasive species in our parks and natural areas. This is an important initiative that will have a positive impact on the health and diversity of our ecosystem, and we are grateful for the support of our volunteers in this effort. Let’s work together to make a lasting difference on Gerald Island and beyond!

Gerald Island Park, an island located near Nanoose Bay, was established as the result of a private land acquisition.

The park is a good example of the rocky coastal bluff ecosystem rarely found undisturbed in the Coastal Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone in the southern Strait of Georgia. Northern and California sea-lions, bald eagles and various bird and marine species are found in the park.

No camping is usually allowed on Gerald Island.  I believe this BCMT conservation has an exception and you can stay on the island.

[Nick Heath]

Bob, I can’t answer the PIKA question, but several of us are members of both clubs, so perhaps one of them will let us know? I’ve attended some of their in-person meetings in past years (as a guest) and suspect that the rental paid for their Langley meeting hall is relatively modest.

Yes, we have substantial savings that we accumulated over the years from various sources (including, I am told, a federal government contract over-payment!). An ad hoc committee of the Exec/Board is currently analyzing our operating budget, which in recent years has been treated separately from savings.

Cheers/n

[Bob Maher]

Nick,

I received your email on how the Bluewater Cruising Assn. handles their meetings and that they are now charging members and guests for the In Person Meetings.

Just curious, how is PIKA handling their In Person meetings?

Does SKABC still have a high, five figure amount in the Bank?

Happy Valentins Day, Bob Maher    🙂

[Nick Heath]

Perhaps this topic is a bit stale, but I’m sure it is still relevant.

One gets a glimpse at how some other clubs have dealt with this issue in the following message taken from the Bluewater Cruising Assn, who have traditionally charged admission to their in-person meetings. This is what they say about hybrid meetings and how they cover the additional costs of that format. Note that they acknowledge that the dual format has reduced the in-person attendance.

Hybrid Meeting Format

In-Person Attendees: For those attending in-person, the format will be very much the same as “normal”. Doors open at 7:00 and meeting starts at 7:30. (held at a rented cultural centre in Vancouver)

Cost: $5/Members, $10/Non-Members, payable at the door only.

Virtual Attendees: Virtual club nights (via Zoom) have enabled BCA to continue our monthly meetings and presentations throughout the pandemic, with an added bonus of expanding our community to members and non-members across the globe.  With the return to in-person meetings BCA has continued to provide a virtual component to our club nights as it has significant benefits to our membership. This however comes at a cost for the purchase of cameras, audio equipment and the lost revenue due to a decrease of in-person attendance used to off-set venue costs.

Cost: Members – $5.00 per connected device; Non-Members, $10 per connected device, payable online (see link below).  Note: Due to the small cost of virtual tickets, and an equal or greater cost to BCA of issuing refunds, no refunds will be issued unless Vancouver Chapter is unable to deliver the Club Night via Zoom.

Zoom meeting invitation:  Click here to  register for and purchase your virtual meeting ticket and receive the Zoom meeting invitation.  Please note that you must be signed in to the BCA website to get the member price.

[Nick Heath]

Hi Maureen:

No camping in the Flat Tops, unfortunately.

I checked the Carlos I info a few years ago:

Carlos Island
Layer: Planning Layer
Site Type: Deleted Site
Coordinates: 49.15923, -123.69687
Land Tenure: Private
Tent Sites: n/a
Landing Comments  Easy on sand beach.

Camp Comments   semi exposed. Grassy area at top of island.

Other Comments Flat Top Islands. View.

BC Parks Fdn bought Saturnina a couple of years back but want no camping – however that could change although i understand that BC Parks do not want to make it a park either, so it likely will end up in some nature conservancy status.

Saturnina Island
Layer: Day Use
Site Type: Day Use
Coordinates: 49.14643, -123.67707
Land Tenure: Non profit society, public foreshore
Tent Sites: n/a

Landing Comments Moderate on rock shelf. Exposed to NW, SE. Easier on sand, gravel beach at high water.

Camp Comments Small undeveloped, semi-exposed rocky island.

Other Comments Seal colony nearby. Previously private, bought by BC Parks Foundation approx 2021. Planned use/status unknown.

[Maureen Benzon]

Does anyone know if camping is still allowed on Carlos Island. BCMT has no mention and I see that Saturnina is designated as day use only.

Thanks,

Maureen

[Nick Heath]

Registration is now open for the 22-24 Mar trip.

Pl sign up!

Any questions? – nheath (at) sfu.ca

[Kallie Cunningham]

Registration for 2024 training is beginning. Registration is now open for the following. Please note the process for registration required participants to avoid cancellation, and cancellation policies for these 3rd party provider courses:

1. Remote 1st Aid (May 31 – Jun 2)

2. Safe Surf Landing and Launching (Jun4-5) (mid-week; take advantage of fewer people on the water.

3. Safe Surf Landing and Launching (Jun 15-16).

 

Kallie Cunningham, Training Coordinator

[Nick Heath]

Check out the Feb 2024 Metro Vancouver Parks Newsletter for a brief item about the load of debris that volunteer SCUBA divers retrieved from the lake recently. Sorry, but I can’t find a link to the current newsletter – only to back issues. It is great when people take care of our beautiful parks and wild areas, even in places many of us will never see!

[Kevin Amos]

Hosted by City Of Mission (Clarke Theatre)
March 7 @ 7:30 PM
$15

The Paddling Film Festival has been showcasing the very best paddling films since 2006. Be inspired to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push extremes, appreciate wild places and fully embrace the paddling lifestyle. Join us at a World Tour theatre screening then, go paddling. We’re pretty sure you’ll want to.

2024 Paddling Film Festival World Tour – Hosted by City Of Mission (Clarke Theatre)

[Kevin Hall]

Dear Kayak Club Members and Nature Enthusiasts,

We are thrilled to invite you to a special presentation that promises to inspire and ignite our love for the natural world. Join us for an engaging evening with bestselling local author, J.B. MacKinnon, as he shares his visionary perspective on the future of nature.

📅 Date: Monday, February 5th
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM (PST)
📍 Where: Zoom Meeting (see details below)

In a time where reconnecting with nature is more crucial than ever, J.B. MacKinnon’s insights offer a beacon of hope. Through his renowned work, “The Once and Future World: Nature As It Was, As It Is, As It Could Be,” J.B. invites us to reimagine a world where wilderness thrives once again. From reflecting on nature’s past glory to envisioning a wilder future, his message resonates deeply with all who cherish the great outdoors.

About J.B. MacKinnon:
📚 Bestselling Author
🎓 Adjunct Professor of Journalism, UBC
🌱 Advocate for Rewilding and Environmental Restoration

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and be part of the discussion about shaping a more vibrant and sustainable future for our planet.

Zoom Meeting Details:
🔗 Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89383695876?pwd=utuC91FoxB1uAM2erX53hkM2sRbRwj.1
🆔 Meeting ID: 893 8369 5876
🔑 Passcode: 286187

All are welcome to attend, so feel free to share this invitation with friends, family, and fellow nature enthusiasts. Let’s come together to explore the wonders of the natural world and chart a course towards a brighter tomorrow.

This month, Safety Talks make a return, led by Bob Salo, with a follow-up discussion regarding cold-water safety that picks up on topics raised by Dr. Giesbrecht in his January presentation.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Warm regards,
Kevin Hall
SKABC – Programs Coordinator

[Nick Heath]

I asked when I was at the Vancouver Boat Show yesterday. One of the marine radio specialists there were from Calgary – Radioworldcentral.ca. They sell generic replacement antennas for 2m and marine VHF handheld radios- a common replacement/repair item.

[Author]

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