Photo: Getty Images

The province will be putting the brakes on some off road activities in the Okanagan.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is taking steps to protect sensitive ecosystems and species-at-risk on Oliver Mountain from damage by motor vehicles, while also working to enhance recreational opportunities for local motorbike riders.

The ministry’s two-pronged management approach consists of:

• a prohibition on motor vehicle use on 348 hectares of Oliver Mountain (under the Wildlife Act), which will come into effect on July 1, 2016
• a proposed 29-hectare recreation site on Oliver Mountain, which would allow motocross use on designated recreational trails only

On Canada Day, a motor vehicle prohibition will come into effect on parts of Oliver Mountain to help protect sensitive grassland ecosystems and at-risk plant and animal species.

Under the Wildlife Act, operators of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorbikes and other off-road vehicles (ORVs) will no longer be allowed to ride on some sections of the mountain. These new “off limits” areas border on two existing Wildlife Management Areas on the northeast and southwest edges of the mountain.

A map showing the affected areas is available online.

These areas are being closed to motor vehicle use to reduce the harmful environmental effects of ongoing motor vehicle use on the mountain. This closure will help prevent additional damage (including soil disturbance and the introduction of invasive weed species) and allow the grasslands to revert to their natural state.

The Oliver Mountain ORV Management Strategy was informed by a public advisory committee to ensure that public input and stakeholder group feedback was considered in the planning process. Local First Nations were also consulted.

The ministry’s long-term goals are to enhance the protection of Oliver Mountain ecosystems and allow responsible riders to continue enjoying their sport in the south Okanagan.

Following discussions with the public advisory committee and the Osoyoos Indian Band, the ministry has proposed the creation of a new, 29-hectare recreation site off Willowbrook Road on Oliver Mountain. Motocross use would be permitted in this area (on designated trails only) to minimize negative impacts on sensitive species elsewhere.

Members of the public are reminded that they can email comments about the recreation site proposal to Recreation Sites and Trails BC until July 7 at [email protected]. 

Details about the proposal are available online.

If the proposed recreation site is approved, its management would be co-ordinated with local riding groups so they would have a say in its stewardship. Recreation sites that are currently managed by local stewardship groups in the Okanagan include the Bear Creek ORV and Okanagan Falls ORV trail networks.