Access / Environment

Morning dew. Photo: © Greg Gordon

The mandate of Access and Environment is guided by both the Wilderness Code of and the Access and Environment Policy, outlined below .

Access and Environment Policy ( Adobe PDF 19KB)

Wilderness Code of Ethics

Stewardship of resources and protection of the environment are both essential to preserve the quality of the experiences which we value so highly. As more people take advantage of outdoor recreation, the level of protection must increase or the experience will deteriorate.

All wilderness users have four obligations:

1. Manage Waste: eliminate adding solid waste to the wilderness by carrying in less, and carrying out that which you carried in.
   
2. Tread Lightly: eliminate all visible signs of passage, and avoid contact with wildlife.
   
3. Natural and Cultural Resources: treat protected areas, private property, other cultures and other users with respect.
   
4. Education / Advocacy: educate yourself, volunteer your time, and ensure that all who will listen hear what you value in the wilderness.

Enjoy yourself in the wilderness, but protect it for the enjoyment of all, and for its own sake!

Environment Fund

The Alpine Club of Canada Environment Fund is a permanent legacy for environmental work. The purpose of this fund is to provide support that contributes to the protection and preservation of mountain and climbing environments, including the preservation of alpine flora and fauna in their natural habitat. The focus of the fund is wilderness conservation rather than recreation enhancement. Projects are evaluated and ranked in accordance with the criteria established by the Environment Committee of the ACC. Funding is limited, and not all projects can be funded even though they meet the criteria. The deadline for receipt of applications for each review is January 31st of each year.

For more information and application forms, see Environment Fund