Bit of an unorthodox remedy to irresponsible wheeling

[WhiteOut]

A buddy of mine and I were discussing how poorly some people treat the trails in Alberta and that abuse of the trails is becoming a huge problem.  The solution that we came up with is that the most at risk trails would be closed to all OHV use unless you were a member of a club registered with the government, or on a run with the club.  Basically what would happen is that the club would be issueded passes, like the ones issued to us by SRD for tail survey, and these would be displayed on the vehicle while on the trails.

We also thought that increased policing would be a huge help, with the increased cost supported by the auction of confiscated vehicles.  Im not sure what the penalty is right now for being offtrail but having your vehicle taken and sold is a bigger deterant than a small fine. 

I know that people are going to say its unfair to those who wheel responsibly and are not a member of a club.  But there should be no issue with joining one of the clubs in the province if you plan on being a responsible wheeler.

[Immortal]

Good idea, but that means that the Gov'ment will have to train and outfit more officers that they are already having a hard time finding. I wouldn't mind, as I am unemployed, and love wheelin'. But, I am guessing that they would be working mostly weekends, and that was suppose to be for wheelin'.
I think that you are on the right track, Fras, and it very well could come down to that option.

What about purchasing a "day-pass" to OHV areas?

[Mudhawg]

its never gunna happen theres no possibly way they can limit access by making you buy a pass to wheel it will never happen

[Immortal]

last time I checked there was some sort of a gate, or narrowing of the road into OHV areas. set up a concession stand there, and sell the day pass through the window.

[WhiteOut]

Yeah, it would be hard to limit access to those in a club or on a club run.  The problem with a day pass type of deal is that people who ruin the trails and do dumb stuff will just buy one and continue.

I think after the first couple of people have rigs confiscated, the message would sink in.

[Mudhawg]

once again never gonna happen they cant just confenscate ur rig...

[Rookie]

If they tie it into the "WIN" system it can be set up like getting caught poaching

Get caught off trail or breaking the rules a 25,000 fine and the loss of your vehical

All it would take is one or two teenagers walking home after a long weekend and telling mom and dad that their suv has been confiscated and they have a 25,000 fine and the long weekend yahoo idiots would be gone 

[WhiteOut]

Alberta also has a law that allows police to sieze any assets that are connected to the commisson of a crime.  Simply make wheeling is closed areas and being intentionally off trail a crime and use the existing legislation to sieze the vehicle used and throw them on the auction block to fund trail policing or maintenance.

[JackstandJohnny]

this topics been talked about countless times I imagine.

Fras, it'd be cool to see the day pass thing, don't know if it will ever happen, but then at least you can flag vehicles.  take down drivers  licences and then there will be some (hopefully) accountability for people abusing areas.  once your name, licence plate and drivers licence are on the system and its known where you are it woulnd't be hard to RAT people out.... see jackA$$ ripping up a field, get licence, report it.......  start handing out tickets like stunting and 'improper use of equipment' hehe (read: improper use of 4wd)  all sorts of stuff.... but i dgress it still comes down to more enforcement........ 

somebody still has to be out there to 'confiscate' said vehicles

[Bnine]

If they tie it into the "WIN" system it can be set up like getting caught poaching

Get caught off trail or breaking the rules a 25,000 fine and the loss of your vehical

All it would take is one or two teenagers walking home after a long weekend and telling mom and dad that their suv has been confiscated and they have a 25,000 fine and the long weekend yahoo idiots would be gone 

The best solution possible, and one that has been brought forward to the SRD and minister on countless occasions. Hopefully one day they see the light.

[WhiteOut]

What is the "WIN" system?  Does it have to do with vehicles used for poaching?

[BlackYJ]

What is the "WIN" system?  Does it have to do with vehicles used for poaching?

Its for hunting and fishing.

[Immortal]

Wildlife Identification Number. You need on to fish, or hunt. About $5.

[hps4evr]

all the provincial parks i went to in manitoba had a gate and an office set up that you either paid your 5$ for a day pass or 25$ for a year pass. if you had no pass and were in the park you get a 60$ fine and kicked out. and i find it hard to believe that manitoba can afford these things in their small provincial parks and alberta couldnt even consider the same thing. they have that huge gate at the entrance to banff. personally i dont have a problem paying 50$ a year to wheel a place like mclean creek. if it kept the rotten apples off the trails then im game. and it would put money directly into the park.

[w squared]

all the provincial parks i went to in manitoba had a gate and an office set up that you either paid your 5$ for a day pass or 25$ for a year pass. if you had no pass and were in the park you get a 60$ fine and kicked out. and i find it hard to believe that manitoba can afford these things in their small provincial parks and alberta couldnt even consider the same thing. they have that huge gate at the entrance to banff. personally i dont have a problem paying 50$ a year to wheel a place like mclean creek. if it kept the rotten apples off the trails then im game. and it would put money directly into the park.

They can buy escorts for all the MLA's with my $50 a year if that's what it takes to keep the idjits out of the OHV areas! I'd be more than willing to pony up if some dollars in order to protect our trails for the long term.