fines for going off the trail

[Fantom]

This shouldn't affect anyone here,, although we do need a bit more clarification on the closure of Chinahead. I am curious how this is going to be enforced.
http://infotel.ca/newsitem/alpine-vehicle-restrictions-take-effect/it18602

 

[Fantom]

It's official, the Chinahead ridge trail is now going to be non motorized access only, no more shortcut to the ferry.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2015/04/thompson-okanagan-alpine-vehicle-restrictions-in-effect.html

 

[BC40]

I think that news release is a bit misleading. The fines are recent, but from the Wildlife Act Closure side of it, MoE had that area posted in the hunting regulations as closed to motor vehicles for years. Didn't know they've made a provincial park of that area by nine-mile ridge though.

 

[Fantom]

I know that the area has always been a motorized vehicle restricted access, which I don't know if it actually extended to the existing trails or the areas around the trails. Now I guess they are actually going to start fining people for being on that trail even. Will need to find out a bit more information as to that. Curious how it is going to be enforced, also even more curious as to what finally led to this or if there is another reason why they are doing it and wanting to keep people out of there. It's rare for the government to be concerned over wildlife and vegetation, it's more likely they would sell it out to mining if nobody was going to raise a fuss.

 

[BC40]

This is the 2014 regs, but IIRC it has been that way for many years:

★ Motor Vehicle Closed Areas: The
operation of all motor vehicles is prohibited
in the following areas:

★ Above the 1920 m elevation in
MU 3-32 in the following areas:
- China Head Mountain (excluding
Yalakom-Big Bar Road)
- Nine Mile Ridge
- Red Mountain - French Mountain
- Hogback Mountain

So yeah it is still showing the BB road as excluded in the online regs.

Enforcement, probably won't change much, there are only so many CO's. They might make an example of a few guys and let the word spread though. Also potential difference will be with having a visible number plate on quads. Not completely surprised seeing how quad trails are everywhere in the high country, even in posted areas, because guys feel entitled to not have to walk where they can drive (yes I realize that sounds hypocritical coming from a guy with 4wd hobbies). That area is becoming more popular with the non-motorized tourism group also. Plus it is high value wildlife habitat. Government is concerned about the environment, unless what you're doing brings enough profit to make them see the justification...

 

[Fantom]

It's not hypocritical because in our case we stay not he trails and get out of the trucks if we want to go explore something on the side. The ATV users that are the problem are the ones that just drive over. ATV and general outdoor use has become more common so there are more users out there without the proper education and ruining it for the rest.
It depends if this ends up being something that COs are responsible for or someone else.

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

As BC40 says the area has been 'closed' for a long time time - the 2007 Vol. 1 Caribou Chilcotin Map book indicates red hashed mark area as "vehicle closure area" through China head. Nothing new.

 

[Tmax]

yap been closed for some time.