New initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of wildfires and environmental damage caused by all-terrain vehicles were announced by Conservation Minister Stan Struthers.
“Over the last couple of years there have been a notable number of wildfires linked to the use of all-terrain vehicles in forested areas and in some of the province’s marshland,” said Struthers. “These fires have resulted in the loss of millions of dollars in timber and increased the province’s firefighting costs.”
Fires can start when debris gets lodged in and around the engine and exhaust pipes of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), ignites from the heat and falls off, starting a wildfire.
Effective immediately, any organization or person wanting to use Crown land, including in a provincial forest, for holding an ATV event such as a derby or rally is required to get a permit from the province. Penalties under the Crown Lands Act are not to exceed $10,000. The policy does not apply to snowmobile events.
All-terrain vehicle events are prohibited in all provincial parks and wildlife management areas and in those areas under protected area status in provincial forests. No ATV use is permitted in the province’s ecological reserves.
While all-terrain vehicles are out-selling snowmobiles and the number of registered ATVs has doubled in the past five years, there has not been a provincial association to represent the ATV community, develop and maintain a network of trails and deal with emerging issues and problems. All-Terrain Vehicle of Manitoba (ATV MB) has just recently been formed and the province will be working with the new association to promote responsible ATV use throughout Manitoba.
“The province is pleased to be able to work with the newly formed association ATV MB to address concerns about ATV use including educating riders on their responsibilities and potential impacts when riding on public lands,” Struthers said.
“We look forward to working with the government to ensure the continued safe use of off-road and all-terrain vehicles in Manitoba,” said Chris Fox-Decent, president of the All-Terrain Vehicle of Manitoba Inc. “Responsible operators know the importance of being aware of the environment and we are prepared to work with all users to reduce the impacts of ATV use on public land.”
The province will soon be launching an information campaign to help educate ATV users about the potential of causing forest fires, and about ways to reduce the risk of wildfires.The minister also reminded everyone who uses forests and natural areas of their responsibility to protect against wildfires and to take the necessary precautions such as:
• ensuring ATVs are equipped with a spark arrestor,
• checking the vehicle engine area and exhaust system periodically to ensure it is clear of debris,
• ensuring debris is removed and disposed of properly as this is often a source for starting fires,
• never parking an ATV on dry grass or vegetation as the manifold can heat up to over +500 C,
• driving ATVs only on marked roads and trails, and
• carrying a fire extinguisher, axe and shovel as a precaution.
