By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: June 4, 2018
The BC government is warning illegal trail builders in the Sea to Sky region of stiff fines and possible jail time after an increase in reports of illegal trail building in the area.
Over the last two years, government staff has noticed an increase in unauthorized trail building in the Sea to Sky Recreation District.
In April, staff from BC Parks and the BC Wildfire Service deactivated an unauthorized trail that began within Garibaldi Provincial Park, and extended to Crown land below the park.
The government is reminding people that those wishing to build or maintain a trail or other outdoor recreational facility must prepare a written proposal and obtain provincial approval before starting any such work.
Failure to comply with legislation related to trail construction could result in a penalty of up to $10,000, a remediation order to return the area to its original condition, and/or a jail term of up to six months.
Natural resource officers from the Ministry Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development regularly patrol Crown land and enforce provincial regulations, often acting on tips from the public.
Members of the public are encouraged to report illegal trails or suspicious activity by calling call 1 877-952-7277, toll-free (or #7277 on a cellphone). They can also submit a report about a suspected natural resource violation online.
Unauthorized trail construction can result in soil erosion or soil compaction, negative effects on water quality and slope stability, disruption of wildlife habitat or sensitive plan ecosystems, as well as create safety hazard and liability issues.
Government agencies, forestry licensees and local recreation groups work have the opportunity to work together to develop and maintain authorized trails, the government said.
Recreation Sites and Trails BC partners with more than 20 recreational groups throughout the Sea to Sky Recreation District to manage, develop and maintain an extensive trail network. Those partners include the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association and the Squamish Dirt Bike Association, for example.
Typically, 10 to 15 applications to construct or maintain trails are submitted to Recreation Sites and Trails BC each year in the Sea to Sky Recreation District. Since 2011, 55 trails have been authorized in the Sea to Sky Recreation District.
Dave Colwell says
I agree, but there has to be an easy way for the public to know whether a trail under construction is legal or not. Maybe the person in charge of any work crew should carry a copy of authorization which they must surrender when asked…..or some other such proof…..an official durable sign posted with a clear map at the beginning of the particular trail, perhaps.