This is an example of a power point presentation I did for BC.

1. The World of British Columbia Services and Expeditions Travelling through British Columbia’s Wilderness 1

3. Regions of BC

4. Safety Out in the Wilderness

5. Wildfires

6. Wildlife

7. Parks

8. Activities in the Wilderness

9. Final thoughts?2

10. Introduction to BC Monte Lake near Kamloops BC 3

11. British Columbia Approximately 645 parks in BC, about 5-10% of those parks are either protected or restricted areas, meaning that you’re going to have to get special permission to access those park. There are several of different regions within the province, which include Metro Vancouver area, Thompson Okanagan, Kootenays and Rockies, Cariboo and Chilcotin, Vancouver Island, Bulkley/Skeena, and Peace River are the most common areas, and then there are other regions as well, but these are the most common. 4

12. British Columbia Northwest, Northeast, Kootenay/Rockies, and Cariboo/Chilcotin area account for most of the wilderness areas, there are some in the other areas, but these are some of the areas where there are the largest parks. British Columbia is fortunate to have so many pretty landscapes such as thundering waterfalls, glaciated lakes, hills, mountains, old growth trees including birch and red cedars. In along a lot of these beautiful landscapes comes varying amounts of dangers including avalanches, landslides, forest fires, encounters with wildlife, cliffs, and other dangers that you can come against. 5

13. Regions of BC Vancouver Island and Coast Vancouver and Metropolitan Area Thompson/Okanagan Kootenays/ Rockies Cariboo North Coast Nechako North East Credit goes to http://www.welcomebc.ca/shared/images/map.jpg 6

15. Gulf Islands are scattered on the Georgia Strait between Mainland and Island.

16. The climate around here tends to be quite temperate, but can fluctuate significantly depending on the season, and the time of year.

17. Victoria, BC’s capital is located on the Island.

18. Port Hardy is also the hub for departure for the ever popular Discovery Coast Ferry, as well as the Inside Passage.

19. Logging, Fishing are the two industries mainly on the IslandClaqyuot Sound near Tofino BC 7

21. One of the important entrance ways into the interior, either through the Sea to Sky Corridor, or Fraser Valley to Highway 3, Hope/Princeton Highway, or Coquihalla Highway, or Fraser Canyon.

22. A multicultural blend of people

23. Climate is so temperate that snow at certain times of the year is a real treat when we receive it.Near Lions Gate Bridge on North Shore (North Vancouver) 8

25. Valuable Agricultural Land

26. Wineries are common in this area

27. There are a couple of areas within this region, called the Similkameen, and Nicola area. The Similkameen area includes Princeton, Osoyoos, and then the Nicola area includes Kamloops, Blue River, Clearwater etc.Taken from Mount Lolo 9

29. Closest to Alberta

30. Forestry and Logging are still keep concepts in this area.

31. Wildlife is abundant in this areaA picture of Deer near Panorama Mountain Village 10

33. Has some of the largest parks in this area including portions of Tweedsmuir Park, Wells Grey Park, Junction Sheep, and Farwell Canyon and the Bowron Lake Park.

34. Wildlife is abundant in this area.

35. Most areas in this region are desolate and remote areas, and should be attempted by people that have had experience in this area, or by a guide.Fraser River at Junction on Cariboo/Chilotin Highway 20. 11

37. Also, the aboriginal groups in these areas still do the usual practices that they have done for several of years.

38. One of the rainiest areas in the province.

39. Like Vancouver Island, there are an amazing amount of islands and inlets in this area as well.

40. This area also includes Skeena River, and Queen Charlotte IslandsLonghouse picture at Klemtu 12

42. Vast amount of wilderness in this area

43. Wide amount of recreation is also present and available in this area too.

44. Mining, agricultural and logging are some of the primary industries in this area.

45. Abundant amount of wildlife in this area as well.Deer, one type of wildlife in this area 13

47. Vast amounts of pure wilderness

48. Abundant Wildlife

49. Endless outdoor recreation opportunities

50. Gas and Oil Exploration

51. Has one of the largest manmade, drivable dams in the province, WAC Bennett Dam located in Hudson Hope.Peace River Dam 14

52. Safety out in the WIlderness Your safety is the number one priority when you go out into the wilderness! If you do NOT feel safe doing something, do NOT do it. It is not worth making an unpleasant experience. Too many times, people, take way too many chances, and some of the people land up hurt, or even close to dying form their injuries. Do Not be one of those people! Be sure to leave an itinerary with your family or a responsible adult. Your itinerary should have number and description of each person in your party, vehicle information, your departure and arrival date, and any other information that you feel would help people find you if you have an issue. 15

53. Safety in the Wilderness Here are some pointers to keep in mind when venturing out: Summer Hints Check the most current warnings on wildlife, such as closures, and other signs that are put up to warn up of encounter possibilities etc. Practice NO trace camping, meaning pack out what you pack in Check the physical capability of all members of your group! Make sure that you have adequate supplies, as many wilderness areas DO NOT have cell service and most of these areas are NOT frequently checked by parks staff or other people! Read a back road or recreational atlas that will tell you about different things to look out for. Stay clear from areas that are TOO advanced for you, do NOT go to these areas. Know how to use bear spray or other deterrents and how to use them appropriately! Bring a wildlife and plant identification guide with you, and please use it! 16

54. Safety in the Wilderness More pointers for Summer Summer Hints Look for areas of instability that could cause landslides and rockslides, and stay away from these areas if you’re ATVing or 4x4ing. If you’re hiking, make sure that you have good sturdy hiking boots and backpacks. Check with your local outdoor recreation store. Remember that many parks do NOT have lifeguards present, so if you’re not comfortable with swimming, please use a PFD, or do NOT swim or boat. Also, pay attention to the boating classification guide, so that you’re not boating in areas that are too difficult for you. 17

55. Safety in the WIlderness Pointers that happen during the Winter Winter Pointers Know about risks travelling in the winter time. Avalanches are very common in most wilderness areas. If you must travel along an area, then you must release your backpack, and quickly tread one at a time over the area. Check ice thickness. Just because an area looks frozen doesn’t mean that it is frozen enough to snowmobile, or stand on, let alone jump on. Check the physical capability of all members in your group to make sure they are able to handle winter conditions. Look for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Also keep a watch out for blizzards and other winter storms that might hamper your ability to get out. Keep in mind that most parks will close earlier than in the summer, and you will need to make sure that you’re at the gate before dark. If you must spend time out after park closure, then build a quinzee or other sort of shelter that will protect you from the elements! 18

56. WIldFires If you see a wildfire, call *5555 on your cell phone. Be sure to tell them the following: Location – either around highways, lakes, parks etc. Type of smoke – gray, white, red, brown Amount of residences Type of weather including windspeed and direction Vehicles and licence plates in the area, if you notice them in a park. Paint as much of a picture as possible, so that you’re able to get the help needed to suppress the fire. 19

57. Wildlife Although seeing wildlife is exciting, and very rewarding, there are a few important pointers that are necessary for safety: Keep your yard or campsite very clean if it is in bear or cougar country. Make your presence well known if there are any signs of wildlife on trails or yards. Do not approach or feed animals. Put your garbage out on the days that it is. Keep your pets in at night to avoid attracting animals. Do not use bird feeders and keep your trees regularly pruned during bear season. Also keep on the watch near streams, creeks, and other sources of loud water. Keep a close watch around thick underbrush for animals. If any of them approach you in an attack phase, then do the appropriate strategies for that animal. DO NOT get between the mother and young! 20

58. Wildlife 21

59. Activities in the WIlderness Activities in Summer include: Fishing Hiking Swimming Camping Wildlife Viewing Photography Eco Tours Flight seeing Tours 22

60. Activities in Wilderness Activities in Winter include: Cross-country/Downhill skiing Dogsled Snowshoeing Ice Hockey/Skating Ice Fishing Snowmobiling And much more. 23

61. Any Thoughts? Do you have any questions about this presentation? Does it give you some overview about BC, and about the vast wilderness? 24