Our Mission and Our Vision
MISSION
Continuously building and maintaining, sustainable, on going, long term access projects along the Mamquam River.
It is our mission to advocate for and create free or low priced drivable access to the Mamquam River in perpetuity, especially the renowned Mamquam River Kayak Race Site.
MRAS educates users and visitors to the ethics of Leave No Trace, endearing them to respect the natural environment as if it was their own.
Our most significant project has been the creation of affordable, urban camping in the geographic center of Squamish along the Mamquam River. From within the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada we serve local, regional and international campers and adventurers.
For Whitewater enthusiasts and other human-powered recreationalists, MRAS supports your access rights and responsibilities. Volunteerism continues to be our mantra and this supports our vision.
VISION
The vision of the Mamquam River Access Society (MRAS) is to continue to enhance access projects for the Mamquam River by working with other stakeholders in whole or in part as "boots on the ground" participants, advisors and advocates as well as to be the bridge between development projects of all types and users of the river.
As a not-for-profit charity, MRAS endeavors to create something everyone will recognize as fundamental in our developed world: free public access to
greenspace to increase society’s beneficial connection to nature. These tenants remain at the core of MRAS, providing free drivable access to the Mamquam River for whitewater paddlers.
In establishing MRAS as an community institution, we are trying to "save the world, one river at a time". What we've created here on the Mamquam River can be replicated elsewhere.
In 2014, MRAS began the reclamation of an abandoned industrial site, converting it into a rustic, accessible and affordable camping experience. The Mamquam River Campground, is now MRAS’s current focus and as such we are continuing to develop a vibrant camping experience for outdoor recreation enthusiasts that flock to Squamish.
The original campground vision came to life in 2013, five years after MRAS was founded (2008) and we finally opened for our first real camping season May 1 st , 2018. MRAS received financial support and In-kind donations from many businesses and individuals over a number of years, along with approvals from the District of Squamish, various BC provincial departments, Vancouver Coastal Health and the Government of Canada. Together we have tackled the growing need to increase camping capacity in the Squamish region. Please see our Donor list for the names of these fine individuals and organizations.
We look forward to the continued development of our affordable, non profit campground and to continue to expand our efforts to create ongoing, sustainable access to the amazing Mamquam River.
Bob Marley smiles down upon us,
One Love.
