Reckless Behaviour Threatens Kamloops Grasslands

Illegal off-roading activities are causing significant damage to an important grasslands area near Lac du Bois Provincial Park, not far from Kamloops. In response, the ministries of Forests and Range and Environment are stepping up their efforts to identify and charge those responsible for the damage. This type of irresponsible four wheeling behaviour negatively impacts all four wheelers, usually in the form of trail closures. So remember to OBSERVE, RECORD, AND REPORT if you see any off-trail activity.

KAMLOOPS - The ministries of Forests and Range and Environment are increasing efforts to protect an area of important grasslands near Lac du Bois Provincial Park being harmed by illegal off-road vehicle use, the dumping of garbage and the introduction of invasive plants.

The area west of the Lac du Bois road between the zero km and five km markers has been closed year-round to motor vehicles since 1986 to protect important wildlife habitat. The Province recently posted more signs to increase public awareness, and increased patrols in the area, after finding significant damage caused by off-road vehicles and dumped household appliances, sofas, and yard and construction waste. A community-led clean-up effort in May, involving about 200 volunteers, removed dump-truck loads of garbage from the grasslands.

Individuals using vehicles in the closed area of the grasslands can be issued violation tickets beginning at $230, or could also face fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment if found to have damaged the ecosystem. Grasslands are an endangered ecosystem and represent less than one per cent of the province's land base, but provide habitat for over 30 per cent of B.C.'s species at risk. A person who removes, alters, destroys or defaces a sign or notice can also be issued a $345 violation ticket.

There is an area that remains open to off-road vehicles east of the Lac du Bois road at the two km marker. The public is requested to respect the boundaries of the off-road vehicle recreational use area and the grasslands that support B.C.'s natural heritage.

The public is encouraged to use public forest and range lands responsibly and report any suspected forestry or range contraventions or crimes to the Ministry of Forests and Range Kamloops forest district office at 250 371-6500, or toll-free at the Province's Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.

Reference #: 2009FOR0009-000040
Date released: Jun 26, 2009
Region: Southern Interior Forest Region
Category: General

Contact(s):
Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Forests and Range
250 387-4592