A partnership between Backroad Mapbooks and the Province is bringing the exciting activity of 'geo-caching' to 18 of B.C.'s popular recreation sites and trails.

In recognition of their 20th anniversary, Backroad Mapbooks has developed a GeoTour program to celebrate and promote Canada's beautiful backcountry. The GeoTour is based on the popular recreation activity of 'geo-caching' - a modern-day treasure hunt that uses GPS co-ordinates to locate containers (called caches) and collect 'treasures' in a specific area or along a specific route.

Backroad Mapbooks has teamed up with the Recreation Sites and Trails BC to launch Phase One of the tour, which includes using 18 recreation sites and trails throughout the province as 'geo-caching' locations. A total of three cache containers have been hidden in each of B.C.'s six regions, plus two bonus caches for a total of 20 caches. The caches are named and hidden under three specific themes: on the trail, on the road and on the water.

To find out more about Phase One of the GeoTour including instructions and which recreation sites and trails are taking part visit: http://www.geocaching.com/adventures/geotours/backroadmapbooks

The object of the tour is to find all the hidden caches and 'swap' and collect items inside the containers. As you collect different 'treasures' under each theme, you then place the corresponding stickers on a sticker collection page. Once you collect all stickers in each region you can send them in to receive the Backroad Mapbooks regional geocoin.

Backroad Mapbooks has invested over $50,000 towards Phase One of the program. Recreation Sites and Trails BC contributed approximately $6,000 and also participated by hiding the caches across B.C.

This week is National Forest Week, Sept. 22-28. B.C.'s recreation sites and trails are an important part of B.C.'s local communities by supporting local business, job creation and promoting healthy living and outdoor recreation. Participating in the Backroad Mapbooks GeoTour program is another example of how this government is working to take advantage of new opportunities to benefit B.C.'s residents and visitors.

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -

"Geo-caching is a game that crosses provincial and national borders. This program provides another incentive for people to enjoy our beautiful forests at our recreation sites and trails."

Chris Taylor, vice-president, Backroad Mapbooks -

"Celebrating 20 years is a big milestone for Backroad Mapbooks. What better way for us to celebrate than to continue to find other ways to promote Canada's great outdoors."

Quick Facts:

• The province has 55,000-kilometres of Forest Service Roads that provide access to over 1,300 recreation sites and 800 trails.
• Every year, more than two million residents and visitors alike take advantage of our vast network of forest recreation sites and trails.

Learn More:

Learn more about geo-caching: http://www.geocaching.com/

Recreation Sites and Trails BC: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/default.aspx

Backroad Mapbooks: http://backroadmapbooks.com/main/index.html

National Forest Week: http://www.abcfp.ca/about_us/events/national_forest_week.asp

Contacts:

Brennan Clarke
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

Chris Taylor
Vice-President / National Sales Manager
Backroad Mapbooks
604 521-6277 ext. 205