Ohv Creek Crossing Regulations

[bigalcal]

Does anybody know the regulation regarding OHV's crossing creeks on public land in Alberta? Specifically the Livingston, Oldman area? Please put a link so I can end an argument.

 

Thanks

[bcubed]

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2011_187.pdf

 

For some reason everyone seems to think they can cross on any trail, but the way the regulation is written, that's only true if the trail is an approved trail under the regulation. Can't enter bed or bank with tires unless approved

[BurningChrome]

One of the problems is that it isn't entirely clear. The AEP website mentions designated fording points but I've never seen one marked. With the critical habitat protection order I'd say it isn't legal at all on the Livingstone or Oldman any more.

[bigalcal]

What is an approved trail? I'm not a quadder but I walk the rivers and drive around in that area and I've never seen a sign....

[SilverDoctor]

From this link:

 

It's the Law

• Ride on approved trails only
• Keep wheels out of streams, rivers, and lakes
  • Wheeled or tracked vehicles are not allowed on beds or shores of watercourses, wetlands or waterbodies
  • Driving in these areas produces harmful ruts and erosion problems. In addition, fine sediments stirred up by tires are harmful to fish. See:
    • Take garbage with you - leave nothing behind
    • Prevent start of a wildfire - keep your machine free of debris
    • Limit your stay to 14 days
    • Be sure your OHV is compliant. The unit must:
      • Be registered
      • Be insured
      • Have a licence plate
      • Have a head-light and tail-light
      • Have an approved muffler.
    Know B4 U Go!
  • Plan route - avoid waterways and shorelines
  • Check weather – avoid wet trails
    • Most trail damage occurs after rainfall and snowmelt when trails are wet and soft.
  • Be aware of closures
  • Trail and Area Closures
  • Do not create new trails
  • Remember that cutlines are not necessarily approved trails. Steer Clear of pipelines.
  • Leave all gates and fences as you find them.
  • Contact leaseholder prior to travel on leased land. Call 310-ESRD for assistance.
  Best Practices
• Avoid exposed alpine terrain and wet, sensitive or steep areas
  • Repeated travel in these areas creates damage that is very difficult to repair.
• Stay on established and well-defined trails even if in snow
• Off-trail driving leads to multiple braided or "bowled-out" trails.
• Off-trail tracks in snow pushes frost deeper into the ground, contributing to vegetation damage.
• Choose routes with the hardest, most durable surface
• Don't spin or skid
• Travel in small groups to minimize soil compaction and vegetation damage
• Reduce erosion - use low pressure, non-aggressive tires.
• Minimize sharp, low-radius turns - such manoeuvres tend to remove vegetation and plough topsoil.
• Respect reclamation and reforestation efforts - traffic in these areas kills vulnerable grass or tree seedlings.
• Be courteous and share the trail with other users - travel slowly and yield the trail to non-motorized traffic.
• Keep distance from wildlife. Remember: chasing wildlife is illegal.
• Don't cut or mark live trees - use only well-placed nylon (rather than steel) winch straps to avoid damage to bark.
• Wash your vehicle between uses to prevent transferring weed seeds between areas.
• Report illegitimate and illegal activity – contact 310-ESRD to report concerns.

[SilverDoctor]

What is an approved trail? I'm not a quadder but I walk the rivers and drive around in that area and I've never seen a sign....

There is a list of trails here at the Quaders association web site.

 

Hope this helps. I reported 3 illegal OHV's last season.

[WinstonConfluentus]

Thanks for this. I'd missed that video somehow.

[Spurly]

Would be nice to see a list of fines, to go along with the list of enfractions.Maybe if OHV users had to take a course, before they could operate their machines, it would help. This info could be pounded info them, that we need to protect , the environment as much as possible.The vast majority of OHV people are responsible use rears, but the group of bad apples is going to spoil things for all of them.

The govt. really needs to step up not only enforcement, but education,on these issues.

[BurningChrome]

Maybe if OHV users had to take a course, before they could operate their machines, it would help.

Yup, this would help a lot. Right now you can buy your first quad and be on the trail the next day with zero education or knowledge of the regulations. Kind of like going to Canadian Tire and buying a fishing license and container of minnows then heading down to the Bow.

 

Even the AEP page that SilverDoctor linked has this:

How should I cross a wetland, creek or river?

You may only cross wetlands, creeks or rivers at bridges or lawful crossings.

 

A lawful crossing is never explicitly defined but there are many designated trails that include water crossings with no bridges around. What else are users supposed to infer other than the water crossing is legal as it's the only way to continue down the trail? Lost Knife trail in Waiparous has four bridges where the trail crosses Lost Knife creek, Meadow creek, and Johnson creek, but then to get out of the trail you have to ford Waiparous creek. This will be changing as they're closing that section of the trail this summer and rerouting the exit to a spot where they can put a bridge over Waiparous creek.