Helping Preserve Nova Scotia's Beaches, Bogs and Barrens
Off-highway vehicles have opened vast areas of Nova Scotia's wildlands to outdoor enthusiasts. But with the privilege of recreational riding comes the responsibility to drive safely and respectfully.
"As people begin gearing up for another spring and summer season of off-highway vehicle use, it is important that they remember to respect the rules and, of course, the environment," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "There are certain areas of the province that are simply off-limits for off-highway vehicle use."
Powerful machines can degrade wilderness habitat, and can pose added danger to young wildlife and nesting areas in the spring.
Provincial legislation restricts riding in wetlands and watercourses, on sand dunes, coastal barrens and highland barrens. Vehicle use is also prohibited on beaches, in provincial parks or park reserves, in protected or ecological sites and in wilderness areas.
Individuals who ride in these areas may be subject to fines of up to $2,000.
"Just because a trail may have historically gone through a brook, river or bog does not make it legal," says Derick Stoddard, assistant director of the department's enforcement division. "There are an increasing number of trails being upgraded and developed through local off-highway vehicle clubs to ensure that operators have safe and environmentally responsible places to ride."
The Off-highway Vehicle Ministerial Advisory Committee plays an important role in developing a trail network in Nova Scotia through its administration of the Off-highway Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. Each year when off-highway vehicle owners register their vehicles, they contribute $40 to the infrastructure fund to help finance the system of trails.
In Nova Scotia, off-highway vehicles include all terrain , snow , four-wheel drive or low-tire-pressure vehicles, off-road motorcycles and dune buggies.
For more information about trails and other riding opportunities, contact local ATV, snowmobile club or off-highway vehicle associations.
To learn more about off-highway vehicle laws see the Department of Natural Resource's website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/ohv, call 1-877-OHV-LINE (648-5463) or e-mail OHVriding@gov.ns.ca.
Media Contacts: Diane LeBlanc
Natural Resources
902-424-2354
E-mail: leblandj@gov.ns.ca
Laurie Cranton
Off-highway Vehicle Ministerial Advisory
Committee
902-224-0506
Lucas Wide
Health Promotion and Protection
902-424-7558
E-mail: widela@gov.ns.ca
Published on: 2008-04-25
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