The provincial government is still seeking public input on off-road vehicle use in the South Okanagan.

People may submit suggestions or feedback on proposals by sending an email to [email protected] by Sept. 17.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) is seeking suggestions on ways to protect sensitive grasslands ecosystems in the Oliver Mountain and Osoyoos West Bench areas while also considering the interests of recreational users, such as drivers of off-road vehicles (ORVs).

FLNRO hosted two open houses in March, one each in Osoyoos and Oliver. The goal of those meetings was to provide background information and gather public input to explore different management options.

FLNRO is also consulting directly with First Nations having aboriginal interests in the area.

ORV use has been increasing in the Okanagan Valley, the ministry said, and the activity is affecting 11 priority ecosystems and 17 federally listed species at risk.

An Oliver Mountain ORV Management Strategy Advisory Committee consisting of local stakeholders met to discuss this issue on Aug. 6.

The meeting preceded the Aug. 13 release by B.C. Parks of an intentions paper on a Protected Area Framework for British Columbia’s South Okanagan, which proposes areas for a national park reserve and a provincial conservancy.

Neither Oliver Mountain’s goal 2 area nor the Osoyoos West Bench are included in the area covered by B.C. Parks’ proposal, but Oliver Mountain could be considered for land protection in the future, said Amy Tipler, land and resource management specialist with FLNRO, in an email summarizing the Aug. 6 meeting.

Among the options discussed at the open houses in March were:

  • Encouraging ORV riders to use alternative sites such as the well-established Bear Creek and Okanagan Falls ORV trail systems;
  • Identifying other nearby sites on Crown land that contain less sensitive habitat and might be suitable for ORV activities.

“The long-term goal of FLNRO is to find a solution that will enhance the protection of Oliver Mountain ecosystems, while allowing riders to continue enjoying their sport in the South Okanagan,” FLNRO said in a news release.

More information on the spring’s open houses and on the government’s project can be seen at: http://bit.ly/1EG3tLO.

RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times