Sustainable management of backcountry trail networks in British Columbia: Tourism, technology and climate change

Sensitive backcountry environments are more accessible than ever before due to technological innovation, the effects of climate change, continued resource extraction and a growing tourism sector in Western Canada. Current regulations and management practices must be adapted to protect these ecologically sensitive areas. While existing academic literature discusses the ecological impacts of nature based tourism, there are limited resources available that provide insight into holistic land management solutions specific to remote backcountry trails in British Columbia (B.C.). This research examines the relevance of current industry standards, best practices and policies of trail management, design, construction and access and in their application to backcountry environments. A community-based participatory research (CPBR) methodology provided the foundation for this study. Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were completed between September 1st and December 13th, 2018 with key industry stakeholders who currently use or manage trails in backcountry environments. The interviews identified gaps in existing knowledge and assisted in the creation of an online survey tool used to gain insight from trail user communities. The survey was sent out using Survey Monkey to various social media platforms, primarily targeting backcountry recreation media outlets. In total, there were 400 survey respondents from across B.C. This research provides insight into the contemporary challenges trail managers face related to technological innovation and shifting environmental conditions. This study identifies opportunities for further trail user education and encourages a more collaborative land management strategy for summer use of sensitive backcountry environments. The multiple overlapping interests that compete for control of public land in B.C. adds a layer of complexity that is a critical aspect in discussions of backcountry recreation management. While focusing on sustainable management of a growing industry, this research provides additional insight to better understand the effects that climate change is having on tourism economies in Western Canada.