$70,000 in fines ordered after Crownest Pass motocross race impacted endangered fish

Jun 26, 2019 | 11:21 AM

In August 2014, Fisheries and Oceans Canada says 100 riders crossed Racehorse Creek during an organized motocross event in the Crowsnest Pass.

They report that serious harm was caused to numerous westslope cutthroat trout, a species of fish that is listed as “threatened” under the Species at Risk Act.

Organizers David Alan French and the Brooks Motocross Club were found guilty on December 17th, 2018 of violating section 32 (1) of the Species at Risk Act and section 35 (1) of the Fisheries Act.

On June 24th, 2019, Honourable Judge Jerry LeGrandeur ordered French to pay $25,000 in fines and Brooks Motocross to pay $45,000.

Of that, $64,000 will go towards the Environmental Damages Fund where it can be allocated to recovery activities in Alberta.

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As well, the both parties will have to publish an article in a relevant publication explaining the environmental consequences of the incident.

“Riders on off highway vehicles, including motocross bikes, should only cross watercourses at designated crossings, such as bridges, and avoid putting their wheels in the water,” reads a statement from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Anyone who suspects violations of the Fisheries Act, the Species at Risk Act, or related regulations can report it to the Fisheries Protection Program at 1-855-852-8320 or FisheriesProtection@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

by David Opinko