SAS VP Brian Moorhead is BC Parks Volunteer of the Year

BC Parks have recognised Squamish Access Society vice-president Brian Moorhead as their 2017 "Volunteer of the Year". Along with society secretary, Todd Gerhart, Brian is one of the two members of SAS's board who have served since the society's inception.Brian's award primarily recognises his work at Murrin Provincial Park over the last few years; in particular his vision, design and realisation of the Murrin Loop Trail. Not only has that trail been a catalyst for extensive new cliff development at Murrin, but it has also become a signature hiking trail for Squamish. That result echoes Brian's philosophy when he drove similar work in the Smoke Bluffs Park a few years before: that, when possible, climbing trails should benefit the general public as well as climbers. Away from the rocks, Brian is also the man behind the legal access approach to Furry Creek beach.All of this work has involved countless hours labour by Brian himself as well as many weekends managing volunteer trail-building groups. From his years of experience, Brian has developed a concept for SAS that he calls "10-3" for trail work with volunteers; ten people being the optimal group size and three hours being the best duration. Brian often gets repeat bookings from groups who have enjoyed working for him so he is obviously doing something right!Though rumoured to be well into his eighth decade, Brian continues to be inspiringly active. Last winter he could be found skate-skiing at Callaghan with his wife Norah - an accomplished mountaineer in her own right - and training on routes up to 5.10 at Squamish's Ground Up gym. He is planning several new trail projects for this summer and beyond.