The B.C. government is prohibiting motorized recreation use and motorized access, including the use of off-road vehicles, on the kp’itl’els/Brilliant Flats area as of March 12, 2021.

These restrictions will help prevent environmental damage and ensure environmental protection concerns are addressed. The restrictions took effect at noon (Pacific time) on Friday, March 12, 2021, and will remain in place until further notice.

Although motorized vehicle access will be prohibited in this area, people may still use the site for non-motorized activities. The main vehicle access point for the site will be blocked to all vehicle traffic.

These restrictions have been implemented by the ministry under Section 58 of the Forest and Range Practices Act, in partnership with the BC Conservation Officer Service, the RCMP and the Regional District of Central Kootenay.

There have been growing concerns in recent years about unauthorized mudbogging (i.e., operating or racing off-road vehicles in wet earth or mud) on Crown land at kp’itl’els/Brilliant Flats and its associated impacts on the land and the environment.

Specific stewardship concerns due to mudbogging and related activities include:

• water and soil contamination;
• damage to forest and rangeland habitat;
• public safety;
• impacts on archeological and cultural resources;
• damage to recreational infrastructure;
• displacement of wildlife; and
• lack of sanitation and garbage facilities.

The restrictions will be enforced by the Province’s natural resource officers, conservation officers and the RCMP, who will conduct regular patrols and educate the public at access points into the area. People who do not comply with the restrictions may be issued a violation ticket and be told to leave the area.

The restrictions for the kp’itl’els/Brilliant Flats area align with the partnership goals of the B.C. government and the Regional District of Central Kootenay to work together to engage with the public and First Nations, and to undertake a long-term planning process for the protection, stewardship and management of the site.

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. government has been working collaboratively with the Regional District of Central Kootenay to develop a strategy for long-term planning for the site.
• Mudbogging is not considered a legitimate activity and is neither supported nor included in Recreation Sites and Trails BC management policies.

Learn More:

A map of where the kp’itl’els/Brilliant Flats land reserve restrictions apply is available on the Recreation Sites and Trails BC website: www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca