Pristine Lands in CRD Parks

I was just sent this message by the Alpine Club of Canada, Vancouver Island branch. Have a read and sign the petition, or write a letter if you question the presence of off-road vehicles in CRD Parks.

As for me, I will admit that I have had some fun off-roading, but believe that some places, such as regional, provincial and national parks should be preserved in as pristine a state as possible. With that in mind, remember your trail etiquette and tread lightly!
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As you are likely aware, there is a recent and energetic campaign to open up CRD Parks, especially the Sooke Hills area from Humpback Road to the Sooke River, to mechanized recreation, to ATV’s, motorbikes and huge four-wheel-drive trucks and mud trucks. These drivers want access especially to Harbourview Road and to the Todd Creek Road. At the moment such vehicles are entering the parkland illegally and tearing the vegetation and dirt off the bedrock on major trails and their owners are cutting trees to access other trails. Some videos of the current illegal activities of these vehicles may be seen on:

* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAZQmZLQh24&feature=related
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1j3Pvqq5J4&feature=fvw
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CoYXp8Bm-4

Some photos of recent damage by off-roaders near the summit of Mt. Wells Regional Park can be seen on

* http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigadore/sets/72157623661377900/


I am bringing this disturbing development to the attention of all ACCVI members with the hope that many of you will personally write to the CRD to demand that such vehicles be permanently banned from our parks.

It is usually best that such writers put their concerns in their own words, so some points you could mention are given below, along with the addresses and opportunities to speak that exist. The deadline for speaking up appears to be the next CRD Parks Committee meeting on April 21. I do hope you will join with all lovers of the Sooke Hills in taking action before it is too late.

What You Can Do To Help

Sign the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/not4ohv/petition.html

Write a letter to the CRD objecting to the proposal and pointing out that:

* Motorbikes, ATV’s and four-wheel-drive trucks
o Destroy the peace and serenity of parks;
o Drive away all wildlife;
o Destroy vegetation;
o Destroy streambeds, sometimes from driving right up streambeds;
o Pollute streams with oil and mud and debris.
* These motorists have available a large tract of land between Sooke and Jordan River and all the Crown Lands from Jordan River and Sooke.
* If citizens realize their money is going to lands open to motorized recreation they may ask the CRD to rescind the Parks Acquisition Levy and stop donating to the Land Conservancy.
* The proposal is completely contrary to the CRD’s Vision Statement (“Regional parks and trails protect your natural heritage while helping you stay in close touch with nature”) and Mandate (“Regional Parks establishes and protects a network of regional parks in perpetuity that represent and help maintain the diverse range of natural environments in the Capital Regional District. CRD Parks provides opportunities for outdoor experiences and activities that foster appreciation and enjoyment of, and respect for, the region's natural environments.”).

Send to:

* Geoff Young, CRD Board Chair, 625 Fisgard St., Victoria, V8W 1R7 , gyoung@victoria.ca. Be sure your letter is addressed to the Board as well as the Chair.
* The CRD representative from your own municipal council. (See http://www.crd.bc.ca/about/board/directors/index.htm.)

Speak at:

* CRD Parks Committee, April 21, 2010, 9:30 a.m. (get advance permission at (http://www.crd.bc.ca/about/board/addressing.htm)
* Regional Parks Strategic Plan Citizen’s Advisory (get advance permission from Anne Marie, 250-360-3344)