100 MILE HOUSE - People who enjoy exploring B.C.’s spectacular backcountry need to do it responsibly and be aware of their legal obligations, or they may face hefty fines and possible jail time.

Under the Forest and Range Practices Act, it is illegal to cause environmental damage on Crown land. Irresponsible off-road vehicle use can disturb soil, destroy plants, put watershed and water source quality at risk, threaten birds and animals, and introduce invasive plants that may displace native vegetation that wildlife relies on.

Drivers of off-road vehicles are urged to help protect wildlife habitat by staying out of sensitive ecosystems such as wetlands, streams, grasslands, shorelines and alpine areas. While travelling on a Forest Service road, operators of all-terrain vehicles are required to hold a valid driver's licence, carry a minimum of $200,000 third-party liability insurance and wear safety helmets.

Anyone who harms an ecosystem (including damage caused by off-road vehicles such as motorbikes or all-terrain vehicles) may be subject to enforcement actions ranging from a warning to a violation ticket that carries a $575 fine. More serious cases could result in a penalty of up to $100,000 and/or up to a year in jail.

Natural resource officers from the ministry’s Compliance and Enforcement Branch regularly patrol the Cariboo region to promote safe and responsible recreational use of these areas. The ministry takes non-compliance very seriously and officers will be on the lookout for individuals who are not adhering to the rules.

• Only operate off-road vehicles on managed and designated trails or roads. Do not build or establish new trails.
• Contact or join a local recreational club to learn more about responsible riding practices and authorized riding areas.
• Obey all posted signs.
• If you are unsure about the environmental sensitivity of a particular area, stay out of that area.

Learn about your legal obligations under provincial legislation, including:

Forest and Range Practices Act: http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/00_02069_01

Forest Service road use regulation: https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/archive/fpc/fpcaregs/fsroadus/fsrur.htm

Motor Vehicle Act: http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/96318_05

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity or discovers environmental damage is asked to call the Natural Resource Violation hotline at 1 844 NRO-TIPS (1 844 676-8477). You can also submit a report online at: www.for.gov.bc.ca/hen/

Media Contacts:

Greig Bethel
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261