Guide to Accessing Mid-Island Sno-Blazers Riding Areas
Private Forest Lands
Many people new to Vancouver Island or just deciding to now explore and enjoy the great forests and mountains surrounding the cities and towns in the mid-island area, soon discover countless gates denying them access.
The reason for these gates is a large swath of land from Esquimalt in the south to Seymour Narrows in the north (green area on map) is private land managed by forest companies. This is the result of a land deal in the 1880's to establish a railroad from the mainland to Victoria. Google "The E & N Railroad Land Grab", for more details.
The current forest companies were not part of the original land deal but they are today's beneficiaries. There are many opinions on the E&N land deal along with the current limited access status for recreation. However, this large area of land on Vancouver Island is recognized as private property, informally known as the "private forest lands." Just like your own private property, the owners have great discretion on access. The MISB club gains access to the riding areas for its members by entering into an annual access agreement with the forest land owners representative.
Access Agreement
The Access Agreement is a legal document between the forest land owners and the Mid-Island Sno-Blazers Association. In July, the MISB makes application to the forest company representative requesting an access agreement for the upcoming riding season. The application includes four historical riding areas in the mid-island and access routes to them. The Mid-Island Sno-Blazers pays a licencing fee and administration fee for this Access Agreement.
The Access Agreement has certain requirements to be fulfilled by the MISB as a club. There are also requirements for its members and a few rules to follow when accessing riding areas.
MISB Access Agreement Responsibilities
Commercial General Liability Insurance Policy
Club Vehicle Liability Insurance ( trail grooming equipment)
Maintain and submit a current list of active (paid up) members that includes contact information, vehicle registration (decal/plate number) and proof of valid ORV Liability coverage.
Ensure all members requesting access are active (paid up).
Provide BCSF annual membership decal.
Members Access Agreement Responsibilities
Be an active (paid up) member of the BCSF and Mid-Island Sno-Blazers
Read and sign the Forest Company Liabilty Waiver.
Have current BC ORV Registration.
Obtain valid $2,000,000 ORV Liability Insurance (Private Insurance not ICBC Road Crossing Insurance)
Submit required documentation to the MISB for records.
Display the ORV registration Decal/Plate on the snowmobile/tracked vehicle.
Display a current BCSF Decal on the snowmobile/tracked vehicle.
Access Cards and Gate Keys
The MISB manages Electronic Gate cards and Secondary gate keys for members. These cards and keys are owned by the forest company representative and the club is charged for their use. The club passes these costs on to members plus a small fee to manage the cards and records. Any member not purchasing an access card, by prior arrangement can pick up a club card and secondary gate key (if required) from various locations. All membership information and insurance/registration must be up to date.(See FAQ's)