Before we head out for our long-weekend activities, there are a few important things to keep in mind while enjoying the backcountry. If you are a camper or an OHV user, be mindful of the current regulations and best practices!
Alberta Regulations:
Ride on approved trails only
Avoid exposed alpine terrain and wet, sensitive, or steep areas
Repeated travel in these areas creates damage that is very difficult to repair
Keep wheels, hooves, and boots out of streams, rivers, and lakes
Wheeled or tracked vehicles are not allowed on beds or shores of watercourses, wetlands or waterbodies
Driving in these areas produces harmful ruts and erosion problems. In addition, fine sediments stirred up by tires are harmful to fish (learn more from Quad Squad president, Gary Clark, by clicking here)
Limit your stay to 14 days
Make sure your OHV is compliant. The unit must:
Be registered
Be insured
Have a licence plate
Have a head-light and tail-light
Have an approved muffler
Everyone loves camping, so don't overstay your welcome. After 14 days in one area, let somebody else enjoy the outdoors. It's the law!
Best Practices:
Choose routes with the hardest, most durable surface
Don't spin or skid
Travel in small groups to minimize soil compaction and vegetation damage
Reduce erosion - use low pressure, non-aggressive tires.
Minimize sharp, low-radius turns - such manoeuvres tend to remove vegetation and plough topsoil.
Respect reclamation and reforestation efforts - traffic in these areas kills vulnerable grass or tree seedlings.
Be courteous and share the trail with other users - travel slowly and yield the trail to non-motorized traffic.
Keep distance from wildlife. Remember: chasing wildlife is illegal.
Don't cut or mark live trees - use only well-placed nylon (rather than steel) winch straps to avoid damage to bark.
Wash your vehicle between uses to prevent transferring weed seeds between areas.
Report illegitimate and illegal activity – contact 310-ESRD to report concerns
Officers and Park Rangers will be out and about, patrolling our watershed. If you see any illegal activity, please call: Report-A-Poacher 1-800-642-3800
For more information on Recreation and Public Land Use regulations, restrictions and best practices
Be safe and responsible while you’re out there having fun.
Happy Long Weekend!
