BCSF Supporting Seymour Arm Snowmobile Club in Little Grace Permit Decision
The BC Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) is aware of the recent decision by the Province of British Columbia to deny the exemption permit for the Little Grace winter recreation area, which has historically provided managed snowmobile access for the Seymour Arm Snowmobile Club.
This is an evolving situation, and we recognize the impact this decision has on the club, its members, and the broader riding community.
The BCSF has been engaged throughout this process and is continuing to support the Seymour Arm Snowmobile Club as they prepare for and move forward with an appeal through the Environmental Appeal Board. We are committed to working alongside the club and advocating for a fair and informed path forward.
The appeal is focused on ensuring that discretionary permit decisions remain responsive to evolving wildlife data and strengthened mitigation measures. It recognizes the importance of caribou recovery while preserving a framework where annual review and adaptive management remain possible.
The Province’s decision is tied to broader caribou recovery efforts in the region. Southern mountain caribou are federally listed as Threatened and provincially Red-Listed, with the Columbia North herd currently estimated at approximately 185 animals. The Little Grace area falls within habitat that has been identified as important to the herd, and long-standing closures and permit conditions have been used to help manage disturbance in this landscape.
Understanding Exemption Permits
Situations like this highlight the importance of understanding how snowmobile access is managed in British Columbia.
Exemption permits are formal agreements between snowmobile clubs, and government that allow access to specific areas under defined conditions. These permits are not open access. They come with clear expectations and responsibilities for both clubs and riders.
These often include requirements to:
Post and maintain clear signage and boundaries
Communicate open and closed status of areas
Report wildlife sightings and monitor activity
Educate riders on access rules and expectations
Ensure riders carry valid membership and identification
Understand and respect permit boundaries and conditions
Respond to real-time conditions, including wildlife presence
These requirements are in place to support responsible recreation and to help maintain access in areas where environmental and wildlife considerations are a priority.
Our Role
Snowmobiling in British Columbia operates within a stewardship-based model. The BCSF works alongside member clubs, government, and First Nations to support responsible access, policy clarity, and long-term sustainability of managed recreation areas.
Understanding and respecting the conditions tied to these permits is essential. As riders and as a community, we all play a role in ensuring these areas are managed responsibly and remain available into the future.
Moving Forward
The BCSF will continue to support the Seymour Arm Snowmobile Club through the appeal process and in navigating next steps.
We encourage riders to remain informed and respectful of all closures and permit requirements across the province.
