The Department of Conservation is reviewing its fee structure for activity fees that are determined by a percentage of revenue earned through a concession. The first of three opportunities to submit feedback closes on 19 March 2021.

Some of our member clubs hold concessions with the Department of Conservation, e.g. for running a club skifield on public conservation land, or a hut, a lodge or other.

The fee structure is currently the same for commercial operators and for recreational clubs. If your club thinks the current fee structure should be modified, here's your opportunity to submit on this issue.

Click here you to read the Issues and Options Papers prepared by the Department of Conservation, and to find out how to submit.

FMC will also be writing a submission. If you have any suggestions you'd like to pass on to our Executive, please email our Executive Officer at eo@fmc.org.nz before the end of February 2021.

FMC, via the FMC Mountain and Forest Trust, is delighted to be sponsoring the Untamed Aotearoa Podcast.

In this episode, Dulkara Martig talks to FMC Youth Expedition recipient Maddy Whittaker. Well worth a listen, whether you're painting the fence, driving home from a trip or back in the office already.

With the support of the Maerewhenua Trust, FMC is continuing to offer $200 cash grants to support young people in achieving youth awards, such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award. Applications close 15th of March, June, September and November.

www.fmc.org.nz/youthawardgrant

Use your FMC discount card to get this offer, valid for 12 month passes purchased at DOC visitor centers or via the DOC website. See the other discounts available at www.fmc.org.nz/discount-card

Packliner died on your summer trip?  Need something for that gorge trip in February? With the FMC logo and Fred Vossellors rallying cry, these show your support for our work, as well as keeping your gear dry!

These new design liners have FMC’s updated logo, and are a larger (multi-day) size and strength. 

Available in multi-packs, starting at $4 per liner.  

www.fmc.org.nz/sales.

FMC still has 7 copies of the Kennett Bro’s new guide, Bikepacking Aotearoa, to give away.

To win one, send us a story about a Bikepacking adventure. The first stories we select for publication on our Wilderlife.nz website will get a free copy!

Stories should be 800 to 1500 words, and be accompanied by at least one photo per 200 words.  The adventures don’t need to be epic, and the photos don’t have to be mind blowing; just an enjoyable read and something we can use to inspire others to follow suit! 

Email your entry to development@fmc.org.nz

You must be a current FMC club member or supporter to enter, and consent to your story and photos being published on our blog. Selection of the winners is at sole discretion of the FMC Development Officer. Books will be sent to winners in early 2021. 

If you want your copy the old fashioned way, the books are available direct from Kennett Bros. Don’t forget to see your November Backcountry for the discount code to get 20% off!

FMC is proud to have financially supported this project, as part of the Outdoor Community campaign spotlight on Bikepacking.

FMC uses Facebook and a monthly newsletter to publish news between each issue of Backcountry. Both are available to anyone who is interested. Sign up to the newsletter by emailing administrator@fmc.org.nz and follow us at www.facebook.com/FMCNZ/