I thought Fly Fish Calgary members might be interested in this item. - Sandia.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2007FOR0106-000964
July 26, 2007
Ministry of Forests and Range
NEW LAW IN FORCE TO PREVENT ECOSYSTEM DAMAGE
VICTORIA - Effective immediately, people who cause environmental damage
to public forest and range lands through recreational activities such as
mudbogging will be subject to financial penalties and prosecution,
Forests and Range Minister Rich Coleman announced today.
"I hope this new legislation will stop people from harming the
environment by mudbogging or recklessly driving ATVs through sensitive
alpine terrain and range lands," said Coleman. "We want to encourage the
public to act responsibly on Crown land when they go out and enjoy the
great outdoors."
On May 31, the Forests and Range Statutes Amendment Act received royal
assent. The act introduced a provision that makes it illegal for
individuals to cause environmental damage. Previously, only industrial
users of Crown land were subject to these prohibitions. Regulations
deposited this week bring the law into effect, and update the definition
of environmental damage to include any change to soil that adversely
alters an ecosystem.
Under the new provision, individuals found to have caused environmental
damage may face penalties of up to $100,000. Criminal convictions carry
maximum fines of $100,000, up to one year in jail, or both.
"As a long-time proponent of off-road vehicle management, I strongly
support any steps toward increased protection of B.C.'s grasslands,
alpine and riparian areas," said East Kootenay MLA and BC Outdoor Caucus
Chair Bill Bennett. "Our public land in B.C. is an incredible resource,
and although I support motorized recreation and enjoy it myself, we must
balance motorized recreation with other values. There is room for
everyone out there if we use common sense."
Irresponsible use of off-road vehicles in ecosystems can easily damage
soil, the ecological foundation of natural areas. For example,
repeatedly driving or driving at certain times of the year in wetlands
can change the structure of the soil, making it difficult for plants to
take root and grow because of a lack of air or nutrients. In addition,
off-roading in wetlands kills birds and amphibians. Generations of
wildlife can be impacted due to a lack of plant life and clean water.
In fragile alpine areas and dry grasslands, off-roading can quickly
erode the thin soil layer so that plant life can no longer be sustained.
An information brochure, titled "Is your mud worth $100,000 and a year
in jail?" is available online at:
www.for.gov.bc.ca/hen/reports/index.htm.
For photos illustrating damage
to ecosystems caused by off-road vehicles, please see
www.for.gov.bc.ca/pab/media.
The public is encouraged to use public forest and range lands
responsibly. Report any suspected forestry contraventions or crimes to a
local Ministry of Forests and Range office, or call Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-8477.
Media
contact:
Jennifer McLarty
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests and Range
250 387-4592
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the
Province's news feeds using RSS, visit the Province's website at
www.gov.bc.ca.