Dear Editor:

At this time of year when hikers, off-road vehicle owners and mountain bikers are itching to get back into the hills, we need to remember that the ground is soft and at its most vulnerable so damage can occur very easily. Compaction and disturbance to the layer of plants, mosses and lichens can create soil damage that lasts for years.

Staying on existing roads and trails is the obvious tactic for protecting the terrain at popular recreation areas.

The southern end of the Okanagan Valley is a very narrow, but significant wildlife corridor. Several popular Crown land riding sites contain highly sensitive areas that are home to rare plants and animals, many which are considered at-risk in British Columbia.

The grassy hills and seasonal ponds that form in low areas can be hit hard by a single weekend of off-trail damage in the spring months.

A brochure by the Quad Riders ATV Association of BC states, “Our sport affords us quick and easy access to some of the most beautiful spots on the planet. With that, comes a responsibility to enjoy, protect and maintain these opportunities for current and future generations.”

Crown land areas popular for recreation are also home to a diversity of wildlife that is our responsibility to protect. The following riding practices are recommended to reduce impacts on the land.

While it is common knowledge that mud bogging causes habitat damage, smaller vehicles and bikes also easily cause damage in the spring months, so it’s best to steer clear of all wet areas and stay on established trails and roads.

Avoid trails that are narrower than your vehicle and stay away from excessively steep trails where erosion carves out gullies.

Avoid spinning wheels to minimize ruts and remember that the fire scorched hills around Oliver are particularly sensitive to off-trail use.

Under provincial law, creating new trails or causing environmental damage on Crown land carries a minimum fine of $575.

Serious cases could lead to penalties of up to $100,000 or time in jail.

Everyone has a stake in protecting our public forest and range lands.

Your own riding practices influence the people around you so setting a good example encourages responsible riding for other people using the site.

Because Oliver Mountain contains valuable habitats that are home to so many species at risk, the site was recommended to become a protected area.

There are several designated Wildlife Management Areas in the Oliver Mountain area.

Currently, government agencies are considering new recommendations for Oliver Mountain that may include a designated recreation area in addition to an area that will be closed to unauthorized vehicles.

Watch for new signs showing the location of Wildlife Management Areas, area closures, restoration areas and sensitive habitats.

These are in place to help trail users steer clear of these important spots.

Well-established recreation sites designed for off-road vehicles are at Bear Creek near West Kelowna and Okanagan Falls ORV trails east of Okanagan Falls.

They are managed in partnership with local riding clubs and offer safe and fun trails.

The riding community and clubs are the best resource for sharing knowledge and good riding practices to preserve both the sensitive wildlife areas and the opportunity to keep riding in our local hills.

Thank you for your consideration on this important issue.

Margaret Holm

President

Okanagan Similkameen

Conservation Alliance