Sustaining Healthy Grasslands Symposium: Mountain Biking in BC's Grasslands

Thompson Rivers University
Kamloops, British Columbia
June 17, 2005

The grasslands of British Columbia are rare and unique landscapes with an appealing climate, spectacular views and world-class recreation activities. Among the fastest growing of all these activities is mountain biking, and an increasing number of people are mountain biking in grasslands and their associated ecosystems. As a result, there is increased pressure on grasslands and a growing number of management issues.

Symposium Goal and Objectives

The 2005 Sustaining Healthy Grasslands Symposium will bring together members of the mountain biking community with other interest groups to share thoughts, concerns and ideas with respect to the management of mountain biking on grasslands. The goal of the symposium is to enable a commong understanding of grasslands-based mountain biking, grassland stewardship and the future of grassland recreation in BC. The symposium objectives are to:

• Bring together stakeholders in the mountain biking community, as well as land use planners, governemnts, the ranching community and conservation interests;
• Initiate dialogue surrounding the barriers to sustainable mountain biking in BC; and

• Reach consensus and commitment from stakeholders to move forward and begin working together to secure the future of sustainable mountain biking.

Partners

The GCC recognizes the importance of strong partnerships and collaboration. The following partners currently have representation on the symposium planning committee:

• Thompson Rivers University
• The City of Kamloops
• The Federation of BC Naturalists
• Recreational mountain bike interests

• South Thompson Sustainable Community Atlas

Photos: 
Karen Parker