Land Access in Action: SMA Renewal Updates Across BC
Access and stewardship go hand in hand in British Columbia, and over the past several months the BC Snowmobile Federation has been working closely with government to review, renew, and update Stewardship Management Agreements (SMAs) in several key riding regions across the province.
SMAs shape how managed snowmobiling and wildlife protection work together on the landscape. And while these agreements are developed at the regional level, their complexity and potential impact mean that Federation support is required to help ensure clubs, community-based species recovery groups, and government remain aligned throughout the process. This allows clubs to stay focused on their local operations while the BCSF manages the provincial-level coordination and policy work on behalf of riders.
Snowmobilers and the BCSF fully support wildlife and habitat protection where it is needed. Our goal is to ensure snowmobiling in BC remains sustainable, responsible, and accessible for the long term—balancing recreation with the stewardship values that define our community.
Mechanisms for Snowmobile Closures in BC
Motor Vehicle Closure Areas
Motor Vehicle Closure Areas are legal closures established under the Wildlife Act to protect sensitive habitat or specific wildlife values. These closures are enforceable by law and, because they are embedded in legislation, they are slow and difficult to change.
Stewardship Management Agreements (SMAs)
SMAs are memorandums of understanding between government and a snowmobile club, created as a mechanism that allows both parties to work together in areas where wildlife values and recreation overlap. Rather than defaulting to full closures, SMAs provide a structured way to keep areas open to managed snowmobiling through shared stewardship.
An SMA outlines roles and responsibilities in defined closure areas and open riding zones. These agreements typically include stewardship principles, operating practices, monitoring and inventory, adaptive management, research components, and outreach and education.
SMAs are reviewed on set terms using the best available data and values. This collaborative approach allows government, clubs, and species recovery groups to evaluate conditions, make adjustments where needed, and ensure that recreation and conservation remain balanced. While the purpose of SMAs is consistent across BC, their structure and language vary by region, and the BCSF continues to work with government toward greater consistency.
SMA Updates Across BC
Quesnel Highlands – Extended to Fall 2026
In the Quesnel Highlands region, we have supported the Mica Mountain Riders (100 Mile House), Williams Lake Powder Kings, and Wells Snowmobile Club, to successfully extended their SMA’s to fall 2026, providing stability during ongoing planning.
Central Selkirks – Renewed SMAs
The Arrow Lakes Ridge Riders (Nakusp) and Trout Lake Snowmobile Club continue to operate under an adaptive management and access model that is reviewed collaboratively each season. This approach has become a standout success for both recreation and species recovery, with stakeholders meeting regularly to assess conditions, share information, and adjust management as needed.
Valemount, Blue River, Clearwater – SMA Valid and Renewal Planning Underway
In Valemount, Blue River, and Clearwater the current SMA’s remains valid. The BCSF is supporting the Valemount & Area Recreation Development Association (VARDA), the Clearwater Sno-Drifters as well as Sled Blue River in preparing for their next renewal cycle, ensuring local priorities and updated information are reflected within the provincial process.
Sicamous - SMA Valid and Renewal Planning Underway
In Sicamous, the current SMA remains valid. The BCSF is working with the Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club to monitor conditions and prepare early for their upcoming renewal, ensuring local priorities and updated information are ready for the provincial review.
Cranbrook – SMA Valid and Ongoing Monitoring
In the Cranbrook area, the current SMA remains valid. The BCSF is supporting the local club through ongoing monitoring and information-sharing to ensure they are well positioned for future updates within the provincial process.
South Peace – First SMA Renewal and a More Complex Review
The South Peace, including the Tumbler Ridge Riders, Pine Valley Trailblazers (Chetwynd), and Rocky Mountain Riders (MacKenzie), is undergoing its first active management renewal. This review is more complex than in other regions due to the scale of proposed boundary changes and the number of values that must be considered. The BCSF is working with government to clearly understand the data, modelling, and rationale behind the proposals so they can be evaluated thoroughly and transparently. Because the outcomes of this review will shape both access and stewardship in the region for many years, it is essential that the process is collaborative, evidence-based, and grounded in accurate local knowledge.
Why This Work Matters
SMAs give clubs a meaningful opportunity to participate in decisions that shape land access in their own backyard. Through this work, the BCSF and local clubs represent rider interests while supporting wildlife and habitat protection where needed.
Snowmobilers take pride in being responsible caretakers of the environment. Respecting SMA boundaries and Motor Vehicle Closure Areas reflects the stewardship values that define our community and helps protect the places we ride for future generations. The BC Provincial Snowmobile Trail Map helps riders navigate these complex layers, bringing together more than 120 data sets into a clear, up-to-date resource.
Riders can support this work directly by purchasing a snowmobile club membership, or contributing to the RideOnBC Land Access Fund which helps ensure we can continue advocating for sustainable, responsible access across the province.
