Short-Term Riding Stability Secured in the South Peace

The BC Snowmobile Federation is pleased to share a positive land advocacy update for member clubs in the South Peace region.

Following ongoing work with government, Exemption Permits that expired in the 2024/25 season in the South Peace have been reissued for the 2025/26 season, extend riding opportunities for the Pine Valley Trailblazers (Chetwynd) and the Rocky Mountain Riders (MacKenzie) and have been renewed through April 30, 2026.

These Exemption Permits stem from the Adaptive Management Framework which support flexible, managed land use in areas where recreation and wildlife values overlap. This approach allows stewardship-based access rather than blanket closures that are difficult to reverse once implemented.

While this renewal is an important step in maintaining short-term stability for riders and clubs, it represents only one piece of the broader land-use planning discussions once again underway in the South Peace. These processes continue to carry the potential for further reductions in public recreation access across the region.

As shared in recent BCSF updates, a recent government consultation was recently open to public proposing changes to motorized access in the South Peace. While no new snowmobile access was introduced, the proposals included new permanent closures that could significantly impact long-term riding opportunities. The BCSF had provided background information to members to support informed and effective feedback on this complex process.

Although Exemption Permits were also issued to the Tumbler Ridge Riders this week, they more closely reflect the proposed seasonal closure model rather than the flexible, stewardship-based permitting approach that has been used to date. Within the same release, government has effectively aligned Tumblr riding areas with the permanent seasonal closures being considered through the consultation process. 

This area has been a key focus in the latest consultation, specifically the proposed new closure in the Bullmoose zone - a family-oriented recreation area that previously remained open under permit under the Adaptive Management Framework.

The BCSF remains actively engaged with government and regional partners to advocate for balanced, evidence-based land use planning that protects both conservation values and responsible public recreation.

Thank you to all clubs and riders who continue to stay informed and involved. Ongoing engagement plays a critical role in shaping the future of snowmobiling access in British Columbia.