Alpine vehicle restrictions are now in effect in the Thompson and Okanagan regions. The new regulations are meant to promote sustainable vehicle use at higher elevations.
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April 15, 2015 - 7:27 PM
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - Hefty fines await users of off-road vehicles who veer off existing roads and trails when operating at high elevation.
ATV and off-road vehicle riders who damage an ecosystem on Crown land can now face fines of up to $100,000, one year in jail, or both.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations announced new alpine vehicle restrictions for all motor vehicles (except snowmobiles) operating above 1,700 metres today, April 15.
The restrictions apply to the Thompson- Okanagan regions and have been implemented to protect unique ecological environments that provide summer and spring habitat to grizzly bear, mule deer, mountain goats and sheep. The new regulations are meant to promote sustainable trail riding practices.
An existing road or trail is defined as a road or trail with a paved surface, a cross-country or downhill ski route marked in a ski area, roads used for logging or mining, roads used to access fences, power lines wind or communications towers, or a trail on which there is no vegetation except on a strip that can be straddled by a four-wheel vehicle.
Alpine vehicle closures specific to the Lillooet area, where all motor vehicle operation is prohibited above 1,920 metres, include the China Head Mountain, Nine Mile Ridge, Red and French Mountain and Hogback Mountain areas.
For more information, see: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/regulations/
To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015