In April 2024, we invited outdoor enthusiasts in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region to participate in a responsible recreation survey. We received more than 700 responses and 2,850 written comments, which exceeded expectations. Our research partner, Larose Research & Strategy has spent the summer analyzing these results and we've compiled our findings into an executive summary.
The results of this extensive research clearly demonstrate that outdoor recreation requires careful planning, management, and robust communications. Overall, these findings strongly suggest that more can and should be done to address these undesirable impacts of irresponsible outdoor recreation in the region. This will ensure that recreation can continue to be responsibly developed and managed so that its myriad benefits can be realized, for physical and mental health, community well-being, economic resilience, and environmental awareness.
It's important to note that while a thorough review of the report was undertaken by several specialists in recreation and tourism in the region, and many of these perspectives were generally confirmed as being valid, they nonetheless are the perceptions and opinions of individuals. Several of the impacts are well-known and are already being addressed by various organizations in the region, including the Don’t Love It To Death program managers.
Have a read through the report to see what we've learned!
Related Impacts
1 Garbage And Human Waste
The improper disposal of human waste and garbage is harmful to humans, the environment, and wildlife.
- Face masks collected by Vancouver plogger David Papineau
- 40,000
- Kilograms of trash removed by Divers for Cleaner Lakes and Oceans since 2013
- 27,954
2 Human-Wildlife Conflict
People and pets getting too close to wildlife can lead to conflict, injury, and death.
- Number of black bears euthanized in BC in 2023, up from 493 in 2022
- 603
- BC Parks reservations impacted by bear closures in 2022
- 814
3 Unsafe Behaviour, Lack Of Preparedness
Unprepared outdoor adventurists put themselves and others at risk of becoming a Search & Rescue or death statistic.
- Search and Rescue incidents per year in BC
- 1,750
- Volunteer hours spent annually on SAR call-outs, training, administration and SAR prevention in 2022
- 441,019
4 Lack of Respect - People & Environment
From trampling on trails to human-caused wildfires, disrespectful behaviour is creating conflict between user groups and damage to the environment and communities.
- Percentage of human-caused wildfires in BC
- 42%
5 Trespassing & Disrespectful Use
Disrespect for sensitive ecosystems, Indigenous land, cultural sites, and private property, is hurting communities, wildlife and the environment
6 Overcrowding, Overuse & Traffic
Increased visitation is causing traffic woes, parking issues, overcrowding, and overuse in recreational areas and urban environments.