Nov 21, 2009
Jun 26, 2009	Reckless Behaviour Threatens Kamloops Grasslands Illegal off-roading activities are causing significant damage to an important grasslands area near Lac du Bois Provincial Park, not far from Kamloops. In response, the ministries of Forests and Range and Environment are stepping up their efforts to identify and charge those responsible for the damage. This type of irresponsible four wheeling behaviour negatively impacts all four wheelers, usually in the form of trail closures. So remember to OBSERVE, RECORD, AND REPORT if you see any off-trail activity.
Jan 27, 2009	4WDABC - The Strategic Reasoning For Entering Into Site Maintenance Agreements I recently asked Steve Dillen, president of the 4WDABC, the reasons behind the Association's aggressive pursuit of campsite maintenance agreements with the province of British Columbia. If you think these agreements are simply an attempt to generate a good public image, I think you'll be surprised by his response.
Jan 8, 2009	Radar Guns To Monitor All Forest Service Roads The provincial government has declared war on Dukes of Hazzard-style driving on British Columbia's Forest Service Roads. Today, Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell announced that Compliance and Enforcement Officers will be trained in the use of radar guns to improve safety for all users of the woods. And YES, those officers will be empowered to give tickets.
Jan 8, 2009	Draft Report Of Recreation Feasibility For West Stave Lake Area Expected By March The District of Mission's recreation feasibility plan for the West Stave Lake area is expected to be based on multi-use activities. To develop the plan, the district's Forestry Manager will be meeting with various representative organizations, including the Four Drive Association of B.C. (4WDABC.ORG). Of particular interest to fourwheelers is that they are prepared to discuss the potential for a rock crawling site. Some fourwheelers will also be upset to hear that the district considers the Stave Lake mud flats to be an unapproved fourwheeling area.
Oct 9, 2008	Province Announces Improvements to Some Forest Service Roads This week the Ministry of Forests and Range, Pat Bell, announced improvements to some of B.C.'s Forest Service Roads. Of particular interest to fourwheelers are the announced improvements to Harrison East Road along Harrison Lake, and Finlay Forest Service near MacKenzie. Due to temporary road closures while this work is in progress, users are strongly recommended to check the roads' status when making your travel plans (www.for.gov.bc.ca/dck/). Read the full announcement for more details.
Aug 18, 2008	Galbraith Road To Be Closed For Bridge Replacements CRANBROOK - The public is advised that beginning Wednesday, Aug. 20, the Galbraith Forest Service Road will be closed to all traffic for about six weeks to facilitate the replacement of six bridges along the road. The Galbraith Forest Service Road provides access to Summer Lake recreation site. The closure begins at the road's beginning at 'Kilometre 45' of the Bull River Forest Service Road, northeast of Cranbrook. The closure will be in effect until the end of September.
May 16, 2008	Public Encouraged To Help Protect Local Habitats Off-road vehicle users (that's right, YOU) and ATV riders are being encouraged to help protect critical wildlife habitat by staying out of sensitive ecosystems such as wetlands, streams, grasslands and alpine areas, or risk enforcement actions. To provide further encouragement, provincial enforcement officers will be conducting random inspections at known off-roading sites. The goal of these inspections is to encourage responsible recreation and to educate the public about how their activities may be affected by recent legislative changes.
Apr 16, 2008	Resource Road Act Introduced From the viewpoint of a recreational user of Forest Service Roads, I'm not sure if or how this impacts us. But I suppose consolidating everything into one act will make it easier to decipher the regulations. Of particular interest to recreationists is the mention of the creation of the Resource Road Authority that will "resolve disputes and restrict the use of high-use resource roads in order to improve safety."
Apr 11, 2008	Sea-to-Sky LRMP Creates Winter Non-Motorized Zone in the Upper Callaghan Valley A land use agreement between the Lil'wat Nation and the Province was signed on April 11, 2008, and features the creation of a winter non-motorized zone in the Upper Callaghan Valley. This doesn't appear to affect 4x4 recreation but since many of our readers are also avid snowmobilers, we are presenting this information for their benefit.
Dec 27, 2007	Notice Of Public Open House For Proposed Road Deactivation For Selected Watersheds In The Lillooet Area There is a possibility that some roads that are well used by the fourwheeling community in the Mud Lakes / Tyaughton area may become deactivated. We urge all fourwheelers who have an interest in this area to attend the public meeting and provide their input on the plans. Click on the link for full details.
Jul 30, 2007	New Law In Force To Prevent Ecosystem Damage If irresponsible fourwheelers still doubt their backwoods actions go unnoticed, here's further evidence that they're wrong. In British Columbia, the provincial government has enacted new legislation that makes it illegal for individals to cause environmental damage. If found guilty, they may face penalties of up to $100,000, and criminal convictions could also include a jail term. The last thing we need is this kind of bad publicity or another law on the books, but it's no surprise to see this happen.
Jul 11, 2007	Provincial Government Provides More Opportunity for Local Management of Forests The provincial government announced that it is encouraging communities to expand their involvement in their forests. Besides covering timber harvesting rights, these agreements would also include the ability to manage recreation, wildlife, water, and viewscapes. These areas of interest could impact fourwheelers and other outdoor recreationists. If your community enters into such an agreement with the Forests and Range Ministry, make sure you get involved to make sure your interests are heard loud and clear.
Oct 26, 2005	AURS Needs Your Trail Data and Letters of Support! On October 21st 2005, Alberta Sustainable Resources Development (SRD) held a meeting for interested OHV parties to go over 'trail criteria'. During this meeting we were notified that stakeholders have until the end of this month (October) to gather and send off ALL GPS information we have in the Ghost/Waiparous area. We request that all parties send off your GPS info to Amanda Morosse at vicepresident_aurs@yahoo.ca. We also request that each of you send off a letter supporting the AURS Comment for Consideration.
Aug 28, 2003	Large Scale Closure of the Southern BC Back Country A wide ranging closure of southern BC back country was just announced today. All fourwheelers and back country recreationists, PLEASE READ! Let's do our part to help minimize further fire damage.
Jun 3, 2002	Changes to the Maintenance of Recreation Sites and Trails The following letter was sent to attendees of a recent meeting with the Ministry of Forests regarding changes to the maintenance of recreation sites and trails.
May 29, 2002	The Three Levels of Road De-Activation There are currently three forms of deactivation for roads on Crown land. It seems that no matter what type of de-activation, as long as there is no signage stating otherwise, motorized vehicle access is legal and on a "use at your own risk" basis.
May 29, 2002	BC FOREST SERVICE ROAD MAINTENANCE POLICY OVERVIEW The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the Forest Service Road maintenance policy.
May 25, 2002	Eagle Ridge Gate As most of you are probably aware of by now, a gate is in the process of being installed to block access to Eagle Ridge. The posts are in, the concrete is dry, and the gate will most likely be in place and locked by the end of Monday.
May 15, 2002	Meeting re: MoF Site and Trail Transformation Strategy On May 15, 2002, a meeting between stakeholders and the Ministry of Forests was held for the following purposes: Provide an update on the Ministry of Forests' recreation site & trail transformation strategy. Provide an opportunity for recreation groups and other individuals to present their views.
Apr 10, 2002	Open House re: Allowable Annual Cut for the Merritt Timber Supply Area The Nicola-Similkameen Innovative Forestry Society recently submitted an application to the Ministry of Forests Regional Manager proposing an increase in Allowable Annual Cut for the Merritt Timber Supply Area (TSA). Your feedback is an important part of the Regional Manager’s decision-making process. We are writing to invite you to attend a Society-sponsored Open House session. The meetings are designed to provide a forum for you to review detailed information regarding the proposed AAC increase and the impact that it may have on you and your community. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide formal feedback to the Regional Manager.
Apr 3, 2002	THE DISMANTLING OF BC'S OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE I have sat through many frustrating meetings as a member of the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC, but few as frustrating as the one at Richmond Inn on Thursday, 28 March 2002. The meeting was organized by the MOF (Ministry of Forests) and LWBC (Land and Water BC, formally BCAL [BC Assets and Land Corporation]). I am not frustrated at the messengers, but at the message they carried: The government is going to dismantle the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure of BC and sell it off to the highest bidder.
Mar 11, 2002	Ministry of Forests Recreation Passes Government's Core services review has determined that managing recreation sites and trails is no longer a Ministry of Forests core priority. The Ministry of Forests will search for other parties to take over the maintenance and management responsibilities for sites and trails. This process is beginning immediately and will be completed by March 31, 2004. Sites and trails not transferred will no longer be maintained by the Ministry of Forests. The public will be able to access and use these areas just as vacant Crown land can be used now. Removal of some structures and the closure of some sites and trails will begin this spring at locations where public safety or environmental risks are high.
Jan 23, 2002	Boston Bar: Forest Development Plan for Review and Comment Teal Cedar Products Ltd. has proposed an amendment(s) to their approved Forest Development Plan (FDP) for Forest Licence # A19021, Boston Bar Division. The amendment(s) are in the vicinity of the West side of Harrison Lake from Camp Cove to Hale Creek.
Jan 19, 2002	Eagle Ridge Meeting Notes (Jan. 15, 2002) The 4WDABC meeting regarding Eagle Ridge was a success, resulting in a surprisingly large number of attendees. Much was discussed and much more needs to be discussed in the future. Please take the time to read this and participate in the fight to keep this area open. Set a precedent to keep our trails!
Jan 19, 2002	A City of Coquitlam's Insider Notes re: Eagle Ridge Paul Ballantyne, a Coquitlam resident, has been doing a lot of leg work and logging lots of phone time in trying to figure out a way to keep Eagle Ridge open for all users. He managed to speak with a sympathetic and very knowledgeable person at the City of Coquitlam and presents these notes based on that conversation.
Jan 16, 2002	Harbourview Mourned The issue of the Harbourview lands has been a volatile and emotional one in our community. Since the legal ownership was turned over to the TLC in the early months of last year, there hadn't been much of a physical deterrent to enter those lands, apart from a few signs. Last week, two gates were installed at the entrance, effectively barring all access to these lands.
Jan 8, 2002	Eagle Ridge Land-Use Meeting - URGENT This strategy session will be crucial in deciding the approach that the Four Wheel Drive Assoc. of BC will take in their talks with the City of Coquitlam regarding the future of Eagle Ridge. NOW IS THE TIME TO GET INVOLVED. Quit complaining about trail closures and start doing something about them! Show up for this meeting and make yourself heard.
Nov 26, 2001	It's Official - Maple Ridge City Council Wants to Close Eagle Ridge “That due to the risk of forest fire, pollution of streams and injury to persons, all necessary steps be taken to close vehicular access to the Eagle Mountain access road north of the hydro electric powers lines above the end of Plateau Boulevard within the boundaries of the City of Coquitlam adjacent to Crown Land.”
Nov 20, 2001	Mayor Wants Eagle Mountain as a Park Crown land north of Westwood Plateau that has been a dumping ground for car thieves over the past few years could become a massive mountain park owned by the city, Coquitlam's mayor said last night. Mayor Jon Kingsbury suggested at Monday's council meeting that the province transfer 1,235 acres (500 hectares) above Westwood Plateau Golf Academy to the Coquitlam watershed for the city to control. The concept will be pitched to the B.C. Liberal government later this month, he said. "Eagle Mountain is becoming a tremendous route for recreation," Kingsbury told Coquitlam city council last night.
Oct 9, 2001	DNR (Northwest Region) ORV Users Meeting - October 9, 2001 The latest scoop on northwest 4x4 trails and their access. Please read this valuable information if you are planning on 'wheeling any of the Washington state trails!
Oct 1, 2001	Harrison Lake - Notification of a Forest Development Plan Teal Cedar Products Ltd has proposed four amendments to their approved Forest Development Plan (FDP) for Forest Licence A19201., Boston Bar Division. The amendments are in the vicinity of 10 Mile Bay on West Harrison Lake.
Sep 24, 2001	Temporary Harrison West FSR Closure The Harrison West Forest Service Road is closed to all traffic due to bridge replacement at Coon Creek (64.40 km). The scheduled completion for replacement of the Coon Creek Bridge has been extended to September 30th, 2001 due to construction problems and delays.
Jul 26, 2001	Gate in Sasquatch Provincial Park Will Be Unlocked There is a gate in Sasquatch Provincial Park on the east side of Harrison Lake. BC Parks is going to remove the gate (or lock it open) allowing free access to Moss Lake and surrounding area. A small step but an important reversal of the many closures.
Jul 26, 2001	Partyers Wreak Havoc on Forest Service Sites Chief Forester may ask for assistance from the Gold City Off Road Syndicate and other groups to help maintain forest campsites that are under attack by vandals and partyers.
Jul 16, 2001	Proposed Forest Development Plan in the Chilliwack Forest District Notice of proposed Forest Development Plan amendment in the Chilliwack Forest District Forest Licence A19203. General area of Jone (Wahleach) Lake, Sowerbry Creek and Silver Lake, Sumallo and Tearse Creeks, Lorenzeta Creek, east side of the Fraser River from 10 Mile Creek to the vicinity of Strawberry Island, Emory and Gordon Creeks, Lower Tsileuh Creek.
May 15, 2001	Proposed Snowshoe Plateau Motorized Recreation Regulation Order The Snowshoe Plateau (Yanks Peak area) will be closed to motorized vehicle traffic, including off-road and All Terrain Vehicles, between MAY 15 and OCTOBER 15 annually, EXCEPT on those roads and trails specifically identified in the above noted exhibit "A" map, and from time to time be designated."
Apr 12, 2001	Changes at Walker Valley Due to Irresponsible Users "My staff will continue to work with ORV user groups, neighbors, and the county to come up with solutions for many of the concerns that have been raised. The major issues receiving priority attention from DNR are illegal activities: reckless shooting that is endangering lives, trespass (where ORV riders use unauthorized trails that access private property), ORV noise that exceeds legal limits, illegal campfires, speeding (especially on Peter Burns Road, the county road, and DNR roads), and underage drinking. We are aware that a small percentage of the public users are causing the problems – and many are not ORV users."
Mar 27, 2001	Cascade Peninsula Closure, Harrison Lake Ken Langdale of the Chilliwack FSD, explains why access to the Cascade Peninsula was blocked off.
Mar 13, 2001	Grizzly Bear Management Planning and Fourwheeling The Ministry of Environment (MoE) has developed a presentation on Grizzly Bears that is of interest to the four-wheel drive community. The presentation is about one hour long with a question and answer period following. Total time may be about one and a half hours. Due to of the possible impact that bear management may have on your recreational environment, I strongly urge you to participate in this event.
Feb 7, 2001	A Proposal to Generate Funds for Motorized Vehicle Recreation Hi, Rob here from the GCOS in Quesnel, BC. Below I have posted a topic that may, or may not be a sensitive area. That's why I'm posting it now actually, to see what everyone else's thought are on the subject. Please make comments and let us know what you like (or dislike) about the idea. If things go well, I would say that the plan below will be implemented by April of this year.
Jan 30, 2001	Lillooet LRMP - More Land to be Locked Up?? On Feb. 17th there will be an open house held in Lillooet to present what may be the final plan for the Lillooet forest district. According to our table member all these years of the process...the conservationists don't seem to be able to come to any compromising agreement apart from wanting it all...in that vein they are putting on a bit of a show at the H.R. McMillan Planetarium (ironic considering who H.R. McMillan was) on Feb. 12th (7:30PM) to try to garner public support for getting it all. Slides, videos, speakers etc. will be there.
Jan 17, 2001	We Lost Harbourview But the Future Looks Brighter The CRD unanimously voted to give the Land Conservancy $3 million to help them buy the Harbourview Lands and lock everyone except hikers out of the area. As dis-heartening as this may seem, there is some good news that came from tonight's CRD meeting. They recognized that motorized recreationists need to be accommodated and that an OHV area must be created.
Jan 10, 2001	DNR ORV Users' Meeting (North Fork Area, Walker Valley, Reiter Trails) Here are the notes from the DNR ORV User's Meeting. There is some important information here about Reiter and Walker Valley. Please follow the instructions regarding trail usage and stay away from the B1000 gate. This is a fantastic fourwheeling area for above-average 4x4s. Let's try to keep it that way. NEVER USE illegal bypasses (in Walker Valley, pretty much any bypass is an illegal trail). When in doubt, turn around or winch up the hard section.
Jan 10, 2001	Good and Hopeful News Regarding the Harbourview Area!! Thanks to your participation in the rallies and letter writing campaign, the CRD has postponed its decision to donate $3 million (of tax-payer dollars, I might add) to the Land Conservancy, who plan to buy the Harbourview Lands and deny access to everyone except hikers. Now is the time to step up our efforts to influence the CRD's decision which will be made on January 17. Watch this space for more news at GET INVOLVED!!! It's not too late!!!
Nov 27, 2000	Radio Show Talks About Land Access - Call In!! Lori Hryniuk from the Island Rock Crawlers will be on the "Talk It Over" radio program to discuss four wheelers' access to public lands. A speaker from one of the opposing sides will also be there to present their viewpoint. Call in and give Lori your support!
Nov 25, 2000	Rally at the Legislature for Public Access to Public Land! Speak now or forever hold your peace.
Nov 25, 2000	Public Access to Public Land Rally The B.C. Land Conservancy's attempt to deny access to the Harbourview area to non-hikers has resulted in an unprecedented occurrence: hundreds of outdoor users, from motorcyclists to fourwheelers, gathered in front of the B.C. Legislature to demand fair access to public land.
Nov 23, 2000	Get Off Your ASS! Rob Bryce's compelling essay on how the upcoming rally will affect ALL users of the back country.
Oct 25, 2000	Harbourview Lands to Be Closed to Off-Highway Vehicle Use The Island Rock Crawlers 4WD Society is in a serious battle to keep the lands in the Harbourview area of Sooke, British Columbia open for multi-users (motorcycles, ATVs, 4WDs,etc). As a fellow off highway enthusiast YOU have the ability to help us with our fight.
May 13, 2000	Blue Mountain Rally The Blue Mtn Rally marked the first time that a large number of BC fourwheelers came together to fight for their sport. The event organizer, Will Heller, was largely responsible for this feat.