The State of BC’s Forests The Indicators Recreation — PDF print version

Indicator 16 – Recreation

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Note: This indicator will be addressed fully, with detailed information and an assessment, in a future edition of the report.

Why is this important?

British Columbia’s forest recreation opportunities are highly valued by both British Columbians and visitors from around the world.

Overview

• British Columbia’s forest landscapes and cultural heritage offer opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor recreation activities, such as scenic viewing, hiking, camping, biking, fishing, skiing and snowmobiling.
• Each year, B.C.’s outdoor recreation infrastructure is used by millions of residents and visitors.
• Outdoor recreation areas, trails and facilities exist throughout the province, although accessibility varies considerably.
• Road-building and other activities by the forest industry, construction and maintenance of facilities by volunteer groups, and government programs and facilities provide public access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Managing recreation helps to protect natural resource features and ecosystems; reduce wildfires and vandalism; avoid or minimize conflicts (e.g., between the forest and tourism industries, and between different recreation activities); and limit government’s liability.
• Demand for recreation opportunities and facilities changes with changes in population size, distribution and age.

Related indicators

• Forest ownership and timber harvesting affect access to recreation opportunities (see Ownership and management, Timber production forests).
• Nature-based tourism and recreation provide significant contributions to the economy (see Forest products, Jobs and communities). Some recreation activities cause soil degradation (see Soil), and some threaten forest-dependent species (see Species diversity, Ecosystem dynamics).
• Public consultation helps determine where recreational opportunities exist and how to manage them (see Public involvement, Protected forests).

Information

• Related international and national indicators: MP 6.2.a, 6.2.b, 6.2.c, 6.4.a; CCFM (none)