Trail Deactivations vs. Decommissions: What You Need to Know and How to Advocate for ORV Access

 Across British Columbia, ATVBC clubs and riders are seeing more trails and forest service roads (FSRs) being closed or altered without clear communication or notice. Understanding the difference between deactivation and decommissioning, and knowing how to engage with the appropriate authorities, is essential for protecting access to our trail networks.

What Is a Trail or Road Deactivation? 

Deactivation typically refers to temporary or preventative measures taken to reduce environmental damage or safety risks when a trail or FSR is no longer being actively maintained. This can include:

  • Installing water bars
  • Pulling culverts
  • Blocking access with berms or boulders
  • Posting warning or closure signs

These actions are often taken to prevent erosion, landslides, or habitat degradation. Importantly, deactivation does not always mean permanent closure—but it can make the route impassable for ORVs unless specific access accommodations are made.

What Is a Decommissioning?

 Decommissioning is a more formal and often permanent process. It involves:

  • Legal removal of the route from public access maps or road registries
  • Long-term restoration of the land (revegetation, full reclamation)
  • No future maintenance or motorized use permitted

Decommissioning is often part of land use planning, protected area creation, or post-industrial site reclamation.

Why Are These Closures Happening?

 Trail and road deactivations or decommissions may be triggered by a range of reasons:

  • End of industrial use (e.g., forestry)
  • Environmental concerns (erosion, habitat protection, species at risk)
  • Land use changes (conservation designations, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas)
  • Budget constraints (reducing maintenance obligations)

Unfortunately, these decisions are not always transparent, and ORV user groups are not consistently consulted—even when long-standing recreational routes are affected.

What Can Clubs Do? Steps to Advocate for Access

 Clubs and individual riders can take action to protect and potentially retain ORV access during or after a trail or road is slated for closure.

  1. Identify the Land Manager

Determine who is responsible for the road or trail:

  • Crown Land: Contact the local Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) office or Ministry of Forests District Office.
  • Forest Service Roads (FSRs): Often fall under the purview of the Ministry of Forests. Look for the District Engineering Officer.
  • Private or Tenured Land: Find out if a forestry company or private landowner holds tenure.

📍 A good starting point is the FrontCounter BC website or your local RSTBC contact.

  1. Ask for the Rationale

Clubs have the right to respectfully request:

  • The reason for the deactivation or decommissioning
  • The planning documents or assessments used to justify it
  • Whether alternatives were considered
  • If there are plans for public consultation or engagement

Transparency is key—and asking the right questions opens the door for dialogue.

  1. Request Continued ORV Access

If safety and environmental concerns can be mitigated, clubs can propose solutions such as:

  • Trail reroutes around sensitive areas
  • Seasonal closures instead of permanent ones
  • Designated ORV access routes using shared infrastructure
  • Stewardship agreements to support maintenance or restoration

Clubs can also formally request that ORV access be retained, and may work with ATVBC to elevate the request to the appropriate provincial authority or stakeholder group.

  1. Document the Use

Use photos, ride logs, GPS tracks, or community letters to demonstrate:

  • The historical and current use of the trail by ORV users
  • Its importance to local tourism and recreation
  • The club’s capacity to manage or steward the route

This information strengthens your case when advocating for access.

How ATVBC Can Help

ATVBC supports its member clubs by:

  • Engaging directly with RSTBC and government ministries
  • Supporting club requests for continued access
  • Coordinating with partner organizations (like 4WDABC or the BC Power Sports Coalition)
  • Providing templates and guidance for submitting formal responses or access requests

If your club is concerned about a deactivation or decommissioning in your area, contact ATVBC at 📧 [email protected]

 

Conclusion

While land and trail changes are inevitable, early engagement, accurate information, and a respectful advocacy approach can help protect ORV access for future generations. By understanding the differences between trail deactivation and decommissioning—and knowing how to engage with the right people—ATVBC clubs can be strong voices for responsible, sustainable recreation.