BC Parks has requested that we as the NSMBA inform our membership on BC Parks Policy and Procedure. We have also updated the NSMBA 101 (Pg 12/13) to reflect BC Parks request.
BC Parks staff have a legislated responsibility to uphold the Park Act and associated Regulations. These pieces of provincial legislation identify any unauthorized alteration of natural resources (such as trail building and construction of structures), …or any non-pedestrian use of trails (unless specifically identified for multi-use) as illegal activities in Provincial Parks. These activities are therefore subject to either violation tickets ranging from $115 to $288 or a summons for court appearance. Park Rangers may attempt to get voluntary compliance through warnings and education; however, anytime they encounter someone deliberately mountain biking on trails that are either unauthorized or not designated for multi-use they have (and will continue to) issue violation tickets.
Repeat offenders riding unauthorized trails, and anyone caught altering the natural environment in a Provincial Park through trail building can be issued a notice to appear in provincial court under the Park Act. In such cases a judge would then determine the outcome, including the appropriate penalty. Penalties for anyone found guilty of damaging or disturbing natural resources under Section 9 of the Park Act will vary depending on the severity of the case, but could range up to a maximum fine of up to $1,000,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.