This Globe and Mail article published Tuesday, October 13 states we could see new legislation introduced in the coming weeks.
For the first time, British Columbia is drafting a set of regulations to rein in irresponsible users of recreational off-road vehicles and ensure that riders are accountable for how they treat the trails they traverse.
'With B.C. as one of the only jurisdictions where there is no obligatory licensing and regulations and no real clear guidelines on how to operate an [all-terrain vehicle], we have just had huge environmental damage from uncontrolled and unmonitored off-road vehicle use,' said Dave Quinn, spokesman for conservation organization Wildsight.
This will be a step forward in managing the trails around Lac Le Jeune. Better signage, and consequences for those who don't follow regulations is a positive step for owners of off-road vehicles as well as for those who are keen to keep our local trails for quiet and low impact activities like horseback riding, walking, cycling, and skiing. As Cal Kaytor states in the article, licensing and registration regulations could help keep trails open.
"If you see someone being a terrain terrorist tearing up the landscape there's nothing you can do about it. Until we get [licensing] in and some way to actually track people who are destroying the environment, areas are going to continue to be closed."
photo by jmwests
9 comments:
Isn't this about time!!!
Lets open up that Gus Johnson for atvs!
As an ATV owner, I support the need to ensure riders are sensible in how they ride existing trails only. In conjunction with the environmental impact of ATV's, I recently saw a sign as I passed under the bridge stating something to the fact that the little lake is designated spawning and no power boating / engines are allowed. Am curious if the is overlooked and should be in the fishing regulations, or is it a "Lac Le Jeunism"? Would like to know if anyone can confirm or deny the validity of the sign?
The sign you see by the bridge was put there to protect the little lake from oil pollution in the days of 2-stroke motors. Now that we have 4-stoke motors it may not be necessary, but we all respect the intent in any case. It isn't a fishing regulation.
Thanks for the info Rob
I agree ATV's should be allowed on the Gus Johnson with respect!!!!
I feel compelled to comment on a situation that has come to our attention. My husband recently received a 'Warning Ticket' from the Ministry of Forests and Range for using a Motorized Vehicle on the Gus Johnson Trail!! This came to his surprise because HE HAS NOT been on the Gus Johnson on any of our Motorized Vehicles. My husband is a quiet sort of fellow, does some of his business in Lac le Jeune and pretty much keeps to himself and friends he has made here. This is why I am writing this letter and shame on the resident who 'reported' him. I went to the office and met with a certain Forestry Worker who enlightened me to a few interesting things that I was not aware of - but glad to now know. A few things have changed at their office now. The handful of you who feel it is your 'duty' to report before speaking to your neighbour to verify your facts will not be able to do so anymore. Stand up next time! Shame on you - you as well should be sending him an apology letter!
Focus your energy on ending wars not fueling them.
Karen Morash - up front and center!
Wow Karen, that's lousy. I remember a similar situation where someone reported barking dogs. No conversations with the owners, just a big WARNING notice posted on the front door. A little communication can solve a lot of problems. Glad you posted this. :-)
Not a very neighbour-friendly thing to do, for sure, Karen. Their action was most likely the result of frustration because someone was using the Gus Johnston with a motorized vehicle, but certainly verification should have been attempted before the authorities were contacted.
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