Squamish Access Society’s 2016 Report and 2017 Agenda

Over the past few years, Squamish has seen a steady increase in visitors. Some are going for climbing, some paddling, some biking and some to just hike up The Chief. As a result, the Squamish Access Society has been working hard to meet the access demands of more users.

The 2016 annual report detailed 16 major things the access society were a part of in 2016 and outlined plans for 2017. In the report, Chris Small, president of the access society, said, “2016 was an extremely challenging year with numerous access issues threatening Squamish climbing resources and life in conjunction with exploding recreational use of all types and residential and commercial expansion in the corridor.

“We are entering a new period where our access struggles are going to be similar to those seen in the United States. The nature, number, and scope of these issues mean that Squamish climbers can no longer be complacent about the excellent access to climbing resources we currently enjoy. SAS is trying its best to maintain, steward, and grow the existing and future potential for climbing in the Sea to Sky corridor but are going to need the lobbying power and assistance of SAS members and the combined climbing community to achieve this.

“We are trying to form more cohesive partnerships with other climbing community and access groups and the outdoor industry, and government agencies to achieve these aims. We hope we can count on member support and lobbying when we ask for it.” To see the full report visit here. More about Squamish 2017 in the April/May Gripped magazine.

2017 Plans and Agenda According to 2016 Report:
1. Attend S2S Recreational Land Use Meeting mid-January to represent climbing interests in Corridor.
2. Continue working with FLNRO and BC Parks on designs for new campgrounds at Chief Campground and Cheakamus Canyon. Work with FLNRO on campground management format for Cheakamus Recreation Site. Continue lobbying BC Parks to maintain new price structure for campground and monitor how reservation system for Chief impacts climber access to this campground.
3. Conduct 7th Mank replacement project. Target routes – Genius Loci pitch 1,2. Area 44 anchor change over. Discuss with local Guides and consult with climbing public for additional projects. Consult with local route developers to set standard “Squamish anchor.”
4. Collaboration with BC Parks on Murrin Outhouse project.
5. Continued Collaboration with VCRG on Rampage Competition on mitigating impacts of competition.
6. Continued collaboration with FLNRO on potential Squamish area new campground.
7. Inform Climbing Public of access and safety protocols for 2017 harvesting affecting Chek climbing area.
8. Facilitate climber Assistance with falcon monitoring and closures on the Chief.
9. Continued lobbying to remove signage from Swamp Thing boulder.
10. Continued participation in 2017 Stawamus River Clean-up.
11. Continued Representation on Smoke Bluffs Committee: a. promote 2017 parking lot expansion capital project / b. Finish Smoke Bluffs Management Plan