**U.S. Outdoor School Adjusts Camping Application in B.C.** An American outdoor leadership school has decided to withdraw its request for campsites along the west coast of Vancouver Island as part of its application to renew and expand its license for sea kayaking courses in British Columbia. This decision by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) comes after significant backlash from local residents and First Nations leaders, who raised concerns about consultation processes and Canadian sovereignty amid perceived political and economic threats from the United States.

The original application sought access to 77 campsites for a planned sea kayaking expedition that would traverse the entire B.C. coast from May to August next year, beginning in Washington and concluding in Alaska. NOLS has been operating in the region since 1995. According to a Crown land management plan included in their application, the organization stated that the new expedition would necessitate an expansion of the area where it has historically conducted its activities.

In a statement released on Thursday, NOLS announced it would remove the campsites along the west coast of Vancouver Island from its application. The organization clarified that many of the campsites listed would only be utilized in case of emergencies, and if conditions permit, the expedition would only require sites around Vancouver Island for 15 to 20 nights. "Our initial intent was to apply for areas we had historically run (courses), which included Nootka Island," the group explained, noting a shift in focus to their primary sea kayak classrooms on the Central Coast and northeast Vancouver Island.

The expedition is planned to accommodate a maximum of seven participants and three instructors. NOLS emphasizes its commitment to "minimum impact camping" and adheres to the guidelines set by BC Marine Trails. The organization stated that each campsite would be used no more than three times a year, and leave-no-trace practices would be implemented during the guided trips.

The B.C. government's application process mandates that each campsite be individually mapped and approved. NOLS indicated that its application includes all potential campsites that may be used during the trip and for emergencies. However, the application for access to the 77 sites has faced challenges. Hugh Braker, a member of the First Nations Summit executive team, expressed concerns about allowing outsiders into remote areas, citing environmental and political issues. "We're just as concerned as anybody else about the actions of the president of the United States," Braker stated, emphasizing that Canadians should not grant Americans access to land when they feel threatened.

NOLS has stated that it has a long-standing appreciation for the waters surrounding Vancouver Island and has been actively engaging with B.C. government agencies and First Nations to ensure compliance with the application process. The organization has held meetings with some local First Nations and is working to reach out to all relevant groups to discuss the use of their waters and lands.

The Crown land management plan associated with the application asserts respect for First Nations rights and promises to adhere to any site closures. "If any First Nations have concerns, we will follow any mitigation measures requested," the plan states, noting that agreements with First Nations are an ongoing project. A public comment period for the application remains open until October 5.