CPAWS BC celebrates Parks Day with launch of photo contest

14 Jul 06

MAPLE RIDGE --Environment Minister Barry Penner snapped photos in Golden Ears Provincial Park today to kick-off a photo contest aimed at showing people enjoying and participating in recreational activities in B.C.'s parks. BC Parks has partnered with the B.C. chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-BC) to create the "Picture My Parks" B.C. Photo Contest.

"One of our government's great goals is to lead the way in North America in healthy living and physical fitness," said Penner. "I think a fun way to achieve this goal is to explore BC Parks and have a chance to win some great prizes. With more than 800 provincial parks and protected areas to choose from in B.C., there are wonderful opportunities across the province."

Grand prizes include a Wanderer 2 tent, backpack and sleeping bag from Mountain Equipment Co-op, and a two-night stay for two at the beautiful Kokanee Glacier Cabin.

"We are excited to be organizing this contest with BC Parks," said CPAWS-BC executive director Chloe O'Loughlin. "CPAWS works tirelessly to see the establishment of new parks and to have existing parks managed better to balance recreational opportunities with strong conservation values. By taking pictures in B.C.'s parks, contestants will take away only memories, leaving natural values intact."

There are four categories for photographers to enter: Family & Fun, Adventure & Physical Challenge, Spirit & Solitude, and Community & Outdoor Education. In addition, there is a prize for the best photo taken by a person under the age of 18 years. Photos must be taken in B.C. provincial parks and must include people.

Entries must be postmarked no later than Nov. 1, 2006. Photos will be subject to preliminary judging by BC Parks and CPAWS-BC staff to narrow down entries to five finalists in each of the four categories. Finalists will be judged by public vote in January 2007 and winners will be announced no later than April 15, 2007.

For more information about the "Picture My Parks" B.C. Photo Contest, please visit www.cpawsbc.org/photocontest.

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Contact:
Seumas Gordon
Media Relations
250 953-4577