More people than ever are recreating outdoors. And this is a good thing. What isn’t a good thing? The increasing number of bad actors out there. In British Columbia, one region is ramping up a campaign to do something about it. And it’s an approach that everyone in Canada can learn from.
‘Don’t Love It To Death’ targets both locals and visitors with messaging that reminds everyone to be mindful of the impact their behaviour and activities have on ecosystems and communities.
The Sea-to-Sky Destination Management Council launched two years ago in an attempt to address the growing problems of illegal camping, increased Search and Rescue calls, unsafe fires and the overuse of land, trails and recreation sites both urban and rural.
Partners on the council include tourism boards and governments in Squamish, North Vancouver, Bowen Island, Whistler, the SLRD, Pemberton and Lillooet. And BC Parks, Camper’s Code, BC Wildfire, Adventure Smart, Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council and Wild Safe BC are also represented.
The campaign, which includes video releases starring Katie Burrell (produced by Patrick Henry and directed by Jordie Lepage) is called ‘Don’t Love It To Death’. It targets both locals and visitors with messaging that reminds everyone to be mindful of the impact their behaviour and activities have on ecosystems and communities. This campaign is not just a suggestion, but a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve our natural environment.
Resources, including content on dontloveittodeath.com and signage installed at trailheads, parks and natural spaces will inform the public on how to conduct themselves responsibly and respectfully towards the environment, people and wildlife.
The satirical, incisive videos drive home common themes, including garbage and human waste, human-wildlife conflicts, lack of respect for the environment and generally unsafe behaviour.
Outdoor recreationists tend to go further, pushing boundaries in the backcountry and finding themselves in situations that can result in lasting harm. ‘Don’t Love It To Death’ underlines the fact that being a better outdoorist is not difficult: It is the least we can do to respect our natural playgrounds.
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