Avoid temptation – stay out of snowmobile closure zones

In a year where Revelstoke has had inconsistent snowfall, the temptation to enter snowmobile closure areas – where snow remains untouched – is strong but never worth it.

Caribou Closures – which are in effect Jan 1 to April 15 – restrict snowmobiling use in popular riding areas including Frisby Ridge, Sale Mountain, Keystone & Standard Basin. Sledders obeying the closures, and active involvement with caribou conservation is essential.

Last week, we received reports of snowmobile tracks in the Frisby caribou closure.

Without compliance, it is possible that snowmobile closures could expand, or areas could become permanently closed to motorized access.

Herd planning in the Revelstoke area is set to begin during spring 2021.  The Club is hopeful that existing closures where herds are no longer viable will be reviewed, which could lead to the reintroduction of motorized use in closed areas. 100% compliance in existing closures proves our commitment to caribou recovery.

Closures unfolding overnight: Sled Sicamous

Personal opinions on closures aside, we can all agree that this issue has the power to change our snowmobiling experience overnight. Just look at Sicamous’s Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club as an example.

Jan 27 – Conservation officers observe snowmobile tracks in Caribou Closure on Quest Mountain.

 

Jan 28 – Caribou confirmed in Lake Play Area. Temporary closure of Lake Play Area announced. 

 

Feb 5 – Caribou moved on, riding zone re-opened.

 

Non-compliance resulted in complete closure – Caribou Basin

In contrast to the Sicamous example above, entire mountain closures are a real possibility. Until 2012, snowmobilers could ride in Caribou Basin during the weekends.  Non-compliance resulted in the government restricting snowmobile access to the entire area from Jan 1 to April 15.  This closure is still in place 9 years later.

 

Your role in caribou recovery

In conjunction with the BC Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) and Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD), and Ministry of Environment (MoE), RSC has agreed to reduce disturbance to mountain caribou by adhering to Operational Practices.

As a day pass or membership holder, you agree to adhere to these Operational Practices.

In addition to Boulder and Frisby, the Club advocates for backcountry access to many non-managed snowmobile zones in the Columbia Valley.  It is our responsibility to exercise environmental stewardship and respect wildlife closures in all areas.

 

Protecting backcountry access

In 2008, the Club signed a Stewardship Management Agreement with the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy demonstrating our commitment to the preservation of wildlife by:

• Volunteering to patrol the Frisby Ridge caribou closure, reporting wildlife tracks and sightings, also snowmobiler non-compliance.
• Purchasing, installing, and maintaining the closure boundary signs.
• Raising awareness by sharing information and educating our riders.

A detailed guide on how to respond to caribou encounters, plus an online reporting form can be found on our wildlife page.

Visit BCSF’s Environmental Stewardship webpage for additional information and resources.

 

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History

Many of our riders are not aware of the Club’s caribou recovery history dating back almost four decades.  Ron LaRoy, Tom Dickson, Ken Jager, and Terry Flemming were heavily involved in the caribou recovery efforts.

RSC representatives met with Rob Serrouya, local caribou biologist, and Cory Legebokow, Ministry of Environment; rode with game wardens and conservation officers; traveled to Victoria to meet with provincial government representatives.

Next time you see Ron at the West Booth, tell him thank you for helping to keep our riding areas open.

 

Why are the closures specific to snowmobiles and not the same for the Heli-ski industry? 

Even with the significant time and energy spent working with the government, massive snowmobile closures were implemented North of town.  The Motor Vehicle Prohibition Act, within the Wildlife Act, was a powerful and easy tool for the government to use restricting backcountry snowmobile access.

Without the Club, all our riding areas would have been closed.

Heli ski sector deals with the deputy minister level.  Biologists can recommend, but not make changes easily.  It is more political and a slower process.

 

If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

Please help be a part of the solution. 

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