From the by-laws of the MCA:

The purposes for which the corporation is organized are:

· to unite in common organization those persons who are interested in all phases of recreational canoeing, professional and amateur canoe racing, canoe camping, and related activities

·to formulate and maintain standards for the guidance of members and others interested in canoeing

·to exchange information about canoes, canoe equipment, river, lakes and other waterways, campsites and other matters of common interest to members

·to promote and encourage conservation of wilderness, waterways and campsite and such other matters as will maintain and improve conditions for canoeing

·to do any and all lawful acts and things and to engage in any and all lawful activities which may be necessary, useful, suitable, desirable, or  proper for the furtherance, accomplishment, fostering, or attainment of any or all of the purposes for which the corporation is organized

·to aid and assist other organizations whose activities are such as to further, accomplish, foster, or attain any of such purposes.