The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is asking the provincial government to crack down on mud-boggers whose activities threaten community watersheds.
At the June 2 board meeting, members expressed concern about the damage caused by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes and other motorized vehicles “that are ripping up these sensitive areas.”
Mud-bogging is a sport where off-road vehicle users run their vehicles through wetlands causing environmental damage.
The OBWB is writing to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) urging increased enforcement and fines to deter damage to the water, dams and levees.
Provincial fines of up to $100,000 are possible for disturbing a drinking water source, but the OBWB said more enforcement is needed.
“It’s essential that we have an adequate number of patrol officers assigned to the task,” wrote Anna Warwick Sears, OBWB executive director in a report to the board.
“Water utilities are in the awkward position of having all the responsibility for the dams and water quality, but very limited ability themselves to reduce the damage. Those who engage in these activities have short memories.”
Board members were alerted to a situation where mud-bogging at Grizzly Lake near Vernon is threatening that city’s water supply.
The off-road-vehicle users drive on the dams for hill climbing and use the reservoirs for mud-bogging.
The OBWB represents the three regional districts of the Okanagan and its mandate is to address critical water issues.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
