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Boggers beware: this law has bite
B.C. has introduced a $100,000 fine for irresponsible riders
by MOIRA JAATTEENMAKI
Are you a mud bogger? Do you ride your ATV across alpine terrain or through wetlands? Then you had better change your ways. The B.C. government has introduced legislation that will severely punish anyone who causes damage that adversely affects an ecosystem, such as driving four-wheel-drive vehicles in wetlands or riding ATVs irresponsibly in alpine terrain or wetlands.
Forests and Range Minister Rich Coleman introduced amendments to the Forest and Range Practices Act that will impose fines of up to $100,000, up to one year in jail or both on anyone who is apprehended ripping up the wilderness with their vehicle.
Drivers should be on notice: this updated legislation makes it easier to impose penalties.
Forest service staff and the RCMP will be able to apprehend violators under the new regulations. While the maximum fine is $100,000, the fines will vary according to the record of the driver and the damage caused.
This is a clear message— ride responsibly in an appropriate area and you will stay clear of a big fine.
The province has thousands of kilometres of forestry roads where four-wheel drive enthusiasts can drive without causing damage.
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