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New BC Off Road Regulations
Aug 1st, 2007 Gold Country Communities Society would like to bring to your attention new regulations governing recreational activities in our provincial forest and range lands. Anyone who causes environmental damage to British Columbia public lands will now be subject to financial penalties and prosecution. The Forests and Range Statutes Amendment Act introduced a provision that makes it illegal for any individual to cause environmental damage, where only industrial users of Crown land were subject to regulations previously. The definition of environmental damage has been updated to include any change to soil that adversely alters an ecosystem. Forests and Range Minister Rich Coleman is quoted in the provincial news release as stating, “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. We want to encourage the public to act responsibly on Crown land when they go out and enjoy the great outdoors.” Under the new regulations anyone found to have caused environmental damage may face penalties or up to $100,000, up to one year in jail, or both. Also quoted in the Ministry of Forests and Range news release, East Kootenay MLA and BC Outdoor Caucus Chair Bill Bennett states, “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.. Gold Country cautions all of our local residents and rural visitors to be aware of the regulation changes and be respectful while off-road in our back country. For more information on the regulation updates or ecosystem damage please visit www.gov.bc.ca/for. Information gathered from press release 2007FOR0106-000964.
Contact Information
Name:	Gold Country Communities Society
Address:	Box 933 Cache Creek, BC, CA V0K 1H0
Phone:	877-453-9467
Fax:	250-457-6606
Email:	amy.gccs@telus.net
Web Site:	www.exploregoldcountry.com

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