Nitinat Campsite Discussion

[Ditidaht First Nation]

We are looking for two people who are regualr campsite users to meet with Ditidaht Band Council and Administration on March 6th to discuss improving the management and service of the Nitinat Recreation Site.

If you are interested please contact me at: (250) 745-3333 or via email:

Judi Lamb-Thomas
Administrator
Ditidaht First Nation

[more force 4]

I've sent an e-mail to Judi. I probably wouldn't be available to meet in March (I'm too busy) but I've offered a number of suggestions and am available for meetings later.

[mortontoemike]

Same here. I agree with the suggestion for a seasons pass. I think they need to develop some new camping sites, particularly in the inner part of the loop but that may involve too much money.

[KUS]

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[JL]

Nice restraint Kus. !!! I know what you mean. Is the Ditidaht Nation seriously interested in their lands being used for recreational purposes?. What is needed is: Adequate day use areas. More overnight camping areas. Clean sanitation facilities......Handing over our cash to children to camp in a VERY overcrowded site & subjected to overflowing outhouses is not what we are looking for.

[Timmy]

Sounds like Mr. Lewis would rather keep it a secret spot. I'm with you. Keep the crowds away. We don't need to advertise anymore. Listen to Mr. Lewis and never speak of this place again.
I'm not talking about the way it was but the way it'll never be again.

[JL]

That's right. Call it the 'Surfer mentality' Timmy.

[Timmy]

Secret spot "N".

[more force 4]

More politically correct to be Secret Spot "D". Ditidaht language had no "N" or "M" sound. Nitinat received that name from Nuu-chah-nulth (probably Port Alberni) interpreters to the Indian Reserve Commission who couldn't pronounce Ditidaht properly [and did have "N" sound].

I believe changes were made in management of the campsite last year in response to complaints.

[kitesurferdale]

I would like to comment on Kus and Jim L. posts. Both sports are growing, huge, and the Island is becoming overrun. Look at Lake Cowichan last year, hardly a spot on the road on the east side was available during the weekends as people were camping anywhere they could. It is inevitable that nitinaht will become busier and busier, not just with wind sport enthusiast but also people just wanting to find a "new getaway". So if you wish to reflect on the past of what it was, great, I also hang onto my memories, even though they only go back 6 years. But even if it takes 2 more years, hell 5 years of offering suggestions etc etc to help get things running smoothly and efficiently out there, won't that be worth it (I plan to be around and enjoying this sport until I die) That means maintenance, collection, expansion, etc etc, if there is no input, especially from the main user groups, then we will have to be happy with what the people who manage the campground come up with. I know there have been lots of suggestions in the past, supposed meetings set up etc etc, but again that is all in the past. Frankly, pessisism (sp?) will get us the users nowhere. In reality, if you don't like crowds, either head out there in the early season (the best time in my books) or late season (lighter wind but gorgeous weather) or don't go out at all.

[KUS]

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[Geoff]

Dale;
Given the input and suggestions made so far, going back to the meeting NWS had with Council reps several years back, it will be really exciting to see Judi and the Council implement some of the improvements, especially to help with crowding and cleanliness of outhouses. We (as a family) would love to start going back there, but the last couple years I've been left to go solo mostly. Best to be optimistic, but realistic. I for one would love to see the band get great returns for their efforts there, both financial and spiritual, and it is definitely possible. Takes commitment of physical and mental resources. That commitment (realistically, not pessimism) has been lacking. I do wish them the best. As for the time, why not do things soonest, more time to enjoy the rewards and returns- hell, my kids will be out of the house in about 5 years!

[gwind]

i emailed judi on tues. and offered to go to meeting on behalf of the user groups. would be nice to see a kite person there too.

[JL]

Well said Dale & Geoff...I was lucky enough to camp & windsurf @ Nitinat since 86'...That was a busy year @ work (expo) & it was great to have some solitary time...I remember taking my wife up there on our first date ( )around 90'...I told her that windsurfing was like taking an oath of celibacy...In later years we had a wonderfull time up there with our kids & met lots of great people...Like Geoff it's no longer a 'family' event for me but a father son trip is always entertaining...I will take Dale's advice & avoid the peak periods...Nitinat will always be an important part of my camping/recreation memory.

[kitesurferdale]

Hey Kus, I am more than aware of the many years of different operators and the problems that have gone along with them, primarily because I lived in Nitinaht for 5 years and talked to alot of people who have utilized the area since the beginning. Your sentiments don't go unheard or unfelt by me, I realize that the frustration factor is there. I still of course maintain that with good people and good intentions/suggestions the chances of things impoving to meet our expectations/needs can only increase.

I would like to acknowledge the fact that yourself and alot of other people over the years have invested great amounts of time, love and money to help make the nitinaht campground a better place for all to enjoy. I believe this is part of the nitinaht magic people talk about. Not only the experience of friends, campfires, and the sailing, but a sence of contributing as well.

Wow, first date with your wife and nitinaht was the place, no wonder it holds dear in the memory Jimmy.

Anyhow, nuff said, heh, I too hope this is the year it all comes together and everybody has a great season