To better protect environmentally sensitive habitats and species at risk, the Province of British Columbia is increasing fines for unlawful use of off-road vehicles and snowmobiles.
Be aware of sensitive habitats and area closures
Effective immediately, anyone operating an off-road vehicle in sensitive habitats, including all BC Parks and southern mountain caribou habitats, will face a $575 fine.
Understanding the need for leadership in sustainability, safety training and environmental awareness, ATVBC and its members advocate for shared trails through responsible use, collaboration with other user groups and volunteer contribution around the province of BC.
Strength in numbers – make sure your voice is heard. Join ATVBC today! Already a member? Tell family and friends who ride about ATVBC and its access advocacy and encourage them to join too.
Know before you go
Check for access restrictions or area closures when planning your trip. Information is available here:
http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/closures.aspx
Violation tickets
Violation tickets may be issued under the Wildlife Act or the Park Act by police, conservation officers, natural resource officers or park rangers.
Previous fine amounts were either $230 or $345 depending on the violation and did not reflect the effect of non-compliance to sensitive habitats and species in British Columbia. Court convictions for snowmobiling in southern mountain caribou habitats also may result in a fine up to $200,000 and six months imprisonment.
Caribou – Species at Risk Act
Caribou are considered a species at risk, and protecting caribou habitat ranges is crucial to the survival of the species. Controlled and limited access to sensitive habitats by off-road vehicles, such as snowmobiles, is the most effective way to protect these areas and wildlife from harmful recreation activities.
Provincial Caribou Recovery Program
The Province has committed to a new long-term, comprehensive, science-based approach to protect and preserve caribou populations: the Provincial Caribou Recovery Program. The Province has put aside $27 million over three years to establish this program.
An important component of the caribou recovery program aims to reduce the effect of winter backcountry recreation (e.g., recreational snowmobiling), which has the potential to damage caribou habitat, increase access by predators and displace mountain caribou from their preferred early and late winter habitat.
