To protect sensitive grasslands and riparian ecosystems in the Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is introducing measures to restrict motorized recreational use in the Lac du Bois/Batchelor and Lower Noble Creek areas.

As of Sept. 1, 2016, the following sensitive grassland ecosystem areas are closed year-round to off-road vehicles (ORVs): Lac du Bois/Batchelor and Lower Noble Creek. The closures are authorized under Section 58 of the Forest and Range Practices Act.

The closures will prevent further damage to the grasslands, such as soil disturbance and introduction of invasive weed species, and restore grassland ecosystems. Responsible ORV riding and recreation will ensure the Thompson Rivers district remains a popular tourist destination for future generations.

Camping is prohibited in the closed areas. The ministry encourages the public to use designated camping facilities at provincial recreation sites or BC Parks.

The closure does not apply to:

• snowmobiles operating on a minimum of 0.5 metres of snow.
• First Nations pursuing traditional harvest rights.
• non-recreational users performing activities associated with agreements awarded pursuant to provincial statute.

The Province also will designate additional ORV riding areas in the Thompson Rivers district, effective Sept. 1, 2016. These additional ORV areas are:

• Upper Noble Creek, 34 kilometres of existing legal trails.
• Lafarge, 338-hectare recreation site with designated ORV routes.

Existing designated ORV riding areas in the Thompson Rivers district are:

• Lac du Bois ORV area, approximately 450 hectares northwest Kamloops.
• Duffy-Greenstone, approximately 130 kilometres of trails southwest of Kamloops.

Learn More:

Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District ORV Recreation Strategy: https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/dka/ORV/ORV.html

Off-Road Vehicle Management Framework: https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/orv/