Forest service roads

[kim]

Feedback is here;

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/nrra/Summary-of-Public-and-Stakeholder-Feedback_Feb21.pdf

interesting stuff.

 

[AJAEbj42]

Good read, I recognize some of my comments in the document.

Lots of competing interests for resource roads, that's for sure.

 

[canucksafari]

Some very interesting comments. Only got to page 17 so far. Here's a taste of some of the comments for those thinking about reading it...

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ATVs do not damage watersheds. Free range cattle do way more damage and contaminate more water sources every year than an ATV does in 20 years. I do feel the penalties need to be strengthened for off roaders and 4 wheel drive trucks when they are caught in breach of the regulations. Stronger regulation on logging impacts as well.

I am not concerned with these statements. Resource roads are the single largest liability that exists in our province both to public safety and environmental hazards. If I was a designated maintainer, I would require that I have the authority to temporarily close my road for any reason. I would expect to have the authority to require radio communication and post the channels (even CB channels) at the beginning of the road. I've seen too many accidents and close‐calls on resource roads in my time that they should be managed with public safety in mind as the highest priority.

Instead of issuing a "restricted" plate to the non working public why not make another designation such as a "recreational plate"; which will apply to ATV's, motorbikes, side x sides, etc. regardless the age of the driver. Put the mechanics in place that when the plate is issued the buyer/user signs that they are aware it is a "Use at Own Risk" and cannot sue anyone for their stupidity. It is time to start making people responsible for themselves and not the government.

BTW, does anyone know if discussions have continued with Industry Canada to legally allow amateur radio operators to use commercial frequencies to call out kms on resource/forest service roads?

 

[jcolvin]

"BTW, does anyone know if discussions have continued with Industry Canada to legally allow amateur radio operators to use commercial frequencies to call out kms on resource/forest service roads?"

Do they really care? Drive on the Lilloet Lake / In-shuck road for instance and everyone and their dog has a two-way calling out on 158.550 and I doubt any of them have licenses; and I don't think anyone really cares, regardless of its technical illegality. Similar to Transport Canada not really caring about all the boaters with marine radios and no license....

 

[canucksafari]

Just commenting on it because their was a group of industry and BC government discussing it. Some in industry would prefer non-industrial traffic stay off of their roads period. Other would be okay provided they non-industrial traffic has radios and calls out their kms. It isn't a matter of what Industry Canada says that will close roads for non-industrial users. It is what the provincial gov and industry says. They can't very well mandate non-industrial vehicles have radios to call out on commercial frequencies when it is against the federal law.