Lake Koocanusa - B.C. Gov't

By Dori Modney with files from Government of B.C.

BC closes all provincial parks and prohibits motorized recreation throughout Koocanusa area

Apr 8, 2020 | 12:56 PM

Cranbrook, B.C. — After a widespread call for increased action to deal with COVID-19 issues, B.C. is immediately closing all provincial parks.

George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, notes that becuase physical distancing works, it is critical that we take every action needed to restrict the spread of COVID-19.

“This applies to British Columbians and out-of-province visitors who were planning to visit or stay at our provincial parks. The message is clear: stay home, avoid travel, do not put yourself or others at risk.”

The decision to close the park system is informed by continued feedback from RCMP, local government, First Nations, local search-and-rescue organizations and the general public. While many people are observing the physical distancing requirements set by the provincial health officer (PHO), some continue to ignore the order, making enforcement in a wilderness setting challenging.

The timing of this decision is important given the upcoming long weekend and the beginning of the busy season for outdoor recreation and camping.

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BC Parks is also extending the ban on all camping in provincial parks until May 31, 2020, in alignment with neighbouring jurisdictions and the temporary closure of Canada’s national parks. Refunds for bookings up to May 31 will be sent automatically.

In the same vein, the B.C. government is restricting camping and motorized recreation (including the use of off-road vehicles) throughout the entire Koocanusa Recreation Strategy area this spring and summer.

These restrictions will help prevent environmental damage and ensure orders and guidance from the provincial health officer related to the COVID-19 pandemic are followed.

The restrictions take effect on Wednesday, April 8 and will remain in place until further notice.

Although overnight camping will be prohibited in this area, people may still use designated roads and trails on a day-use basis as long as they adhere to physical distancing guidelines and other restrictions that may be in place.

These restrictions are implemented by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development under Section 58 of the Forest and Range Practices Act, in partnership with the Conservation Officer Service, the RCMP, the Ktunaxa Nation and the Tobacco Plains Indian Band, as well as other local government stakeholders in the region.

There have been growing concerns in recent years about unauthorized mudbogging (i.e., operating or racing off-road vehicles in wet earth or mud) on Crown land around the Koocanusa reservoir – particularly in the Dorr Road and Umbrella Beach areas – and its associated impacts on the land and the environment.

Specific stewardship concerns due to mudbogging and related activities include:
* water and soil contamination;
* damage to forest and rangeland habitat;
* lack of sanitation and garbage facilities;
* public safety;
* impacts on archeological and cultural resources;
* damage to recreational infrastructure; and
* displacement of wildlife.

The restrictions will be enforced by the Province’s natural resource officers, conservation officers and the RCMP, who will conduct regular patrols and educate the public at access points into the area. People who do not comply with the restrictions may be issued a violation ticket for $115 and told to leave the area.

The restrictions for the Koocanusa Recreation Strategy area align with the decision by Recreation Sites and Trails BC to close its campgrounds and amenities to gatherings and overnight camping in response to COVID-19.

The B.C. government has been working collaboratively with the Ktunaxa Nation, stakeholders and local governments for several years on a Koocanusa Recreation Strategy.

The development of this strategy includes the management of camping and trail use in the area. Mudbogging is not considered a legitimate activity and is neither supported nor included in the Koocanusa Recreation Strategy.