In 1987 the FMCBC purchased property adjacent to the Smoke Bluffs climbing area in Squamish. This unprecedented move by the FMCBC helped preserve access to the climbing bluffs and saved the area from encroaching housing development. Since this time the FMCBC has been working towards the creation of a Smoke Bluffs Park in this area. Federation members built trails around Smoke Bluffs.

The FMCBC continues to work with the Squamish Access Society to ensure climbers’ access to and climbing activities in the Smoke Bluffs is protected in perpetuity. Squamish District Council will no longer consider a conservation covenant on the FMCBC lands and District lands which comprise the climbing crags. This is disappointing, given the amount of time and effort expended on the covenant after Council agreed in principle to the concept.

Efforts are now focused on having the Smoke Bluffs formally designated a park through a municipal park designation by-law. Whether the FMCBC lands will be transferred to the District of Squamish will depend on how secure the climbing community feels with the park designation by-law. Other options are also being considered. While the FMCBC lands do not include the climbing crags, the FMCBC lands do provide access. The FMCBC lands are also valuable to the District of Squamish because they are appropriate for general use purposes, such as hiking trails, picnic tables, potential campsites and viewing area. Negotiations are ongoing.