No ATVs in conservation areas

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) no longer permitted on conservation lands

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) announces that need to protect species at risk and make-up of local terrain requires conservation areas to be closed to off-road vehicles such as ATVs and dirt bikes

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has decided to say no to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes in all of its conservation areas and conservation lands.

ABCA had been one of only two conservation authorities in Ontario that allowed off-road vehicles in certain restricted areas before announcing the prohibition. The conservation authority announced the change in policy based on damage caused by off-road vehicles, especially when trails are wet. Recent studies showed that a number of species at risk are found in the areas where some ATVs were previously permitted.

Off-road vehicles had been permitted in Parkhill Conservation Area and the Sadler Tract, since 1997, for members of the Ausable River Riders Club, through an agreement with the club. The ABCA had a positive working relationship with the club, said Kate Monk, ABCA’s Stewardship, Land and Education Manager. The club was responsible for maintaining the trails but Monk said that having trails open for the club members meant that other off-road vehicle riders entered the areas during wet conditions and the off-season. “This created rutting and mud holes and destroyed the efforts of club volunteers,” she said.

Monk also said that even with responsible riding, there could be damage to areas that are ecologically sensitive. The make-up of local conservation areas, including sandy soils, makes the terrain less than ideal for off-road vehicles. Recreational riding can impact woodland species. Erosion, caused by riding, can impact aquatic species. “We just don’t have ecosystems here that can support recreational riding,” she said.

“We thank the Ausable River Riders Club for all their positive efforts since 1997,” Monk said. “We believe it is now time, with what we know now about species at risk and the impact of ATVs and dirt bikes on trails and conservation lands, to keep off-road vehicles out of all our conservation lands.” This will help protect natural areas, plant and animal species, and trails, according to ABCA.

Off-road vehicle riders will have to use alternative riding options such as their own properties or sites where ATVs and off-road motorcycles are permitted.

Ausable Bayfield Conservation is to conduct a public education campaign about the policy change including direct-mail to neighbours of the affected sites, signs, flyers and online information. Staff members are blocking entrances used by the off-road vehicles.

Anyone riding illegally on conservation lands can face multiple fines under the Trespass to Property Act and the Conservation Authorities Act and those fines can add up, according to Monk. “Our original decision to allow ATVs in certain areas was made in the hope that it would keep off-road vehicles out of our other conservation lands,” she said. “That did not happen.” The new ban on off-road vehicles in all conservation lands is clear, the ban is not open to confusion, and the ban will be enforced, she said. 

Anyone who sees ATVs or dirt bikes on conservation lands is asked to call Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or e-mail info@abca.on.ca or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

A list of permitted uses at conservation lands is located on the conservation authority website at abca.on.ca. Simply type in ‘permitted uses’ in the search box at the top of the home page.