ORV Trail Fund Powers Key BCSF Projects in 2025
The BC Snowmobile Federation is proud to announce that we’ve been awarded $25,000 from the 2025 Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Fund to support a series of high-impact provincial initiatives that directly benefit riders, clubs, and the broader backcountry community.
While projects like mapping upgrades or stewardship resources may not turn heads like new equipment or cabins, they are essential to the long-term health of our sport. These projects form the backbone of responsible snowmobiling; helping to keep trails open, protect the land we enjoy, and strengthen relationships with land managers and communities.
Our last formal stewardship guide was published in 2008. Since then, the landscape has changed dramatically. From the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to increased recreation and resource extraction pressure and shifting government management approaches, today’s challenges require more than trail work. They demand a coordinated, forward-thinking strategy.
This year’s ORV Trail Fund investment strengthens the foundation of the BCSF’s provincial stewardship program by delivering long-term tools and resources that empower clubs and help protect the future of snowmobiling across BC.
$10,000 for BC Provincial Snowmobile Trail Map Enhancements
The BC Snowmobile Trail Map is a cornerstone of the BCSF’s stewardship program. Accessed by more than 17,000 users each season, it’s become an essential tool for safe, informed, and compliant riding. Developed in partnership with LetsRideBC, the map brings together more than 100 complex data layers, including the Adaptive Management and Access Program polygons which use real-time wildlife collar data to open and close terrain.
In addition to helping riders with trip planning and navigating the various closures and permit zones, the map supports the BCSF, clubs, and government partners in cataloguing over 18,000 km of trail infrastructure.
Recent upgrades include the integration of ATES terrain layers in partnership with Avalanche Canada. Currently available on desktop and in-dash displays (BRP GO, Polaris Ride Command, Garmin), the next phase made possible through this funding includes:
Streamlined performance
Addition of BC Parks polygons to clarify riding zones
Launch of a long-awaited mobile app for broader accessibility
$10,000 for Stewardship Guide and Program Support
We’re giving our original 2008 BCSF Environmental Stewardship Guide a long-overdue overhaul.
This refreshed resource will serve as a foundational toolkit for member clubs, full of current best practices, success stories, and practical tools to support land stewardship and responsible riding. It’s designed to help clubs build stronger partnerships with land managers, improve trail operations, and promote a culture of respect and sustainability in BC’s sledding scene.
This funding will also support updates to our "Respect Where You Ride" campaign, with modernized, ready-to-use signage, templates, and digital content that clubs can deploy in their own regions.
$5,000 for Wildlife Closure Education
Closure zones and wildlife protection rules can vary widely across BC and confusion can lead to unintended harm or access issues.
That’s why we’re developing clear, consistent, and club-ready education materials: unified signage, print resources, and digital content to help snowmobilers understand and follow the rules - no matter where they ride. These tools will support club outreach efforts while helping build trust with land managers and environmental stakeholders.
Why This Matters
The BCSF’s role is to serve as the provincial backbone of organized snowmobiling in BC. That means tackling the big-picture work including frameworks, resources and policy that create a stronger, safer future for all of us.
Every club benefits. Every rider gains. These investments trickle down in the form of:
Better relationships with land managers
Stronger tools to manage trails and closures
Shared resources that lighten club workloads
A unified voice that protects our access and reputation
Thanks to the ORV Trail Fund and to every rider who registers their sled we’re building a smarter, more resilient snowmobiling community. Let’s keep the momentum going.
