BC Conservation Officer reminds residents to “know before you go”

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Peace River BC Conservation Officers Services ran a compliance patrol on Family Day weekend and are reminding residents to “know before you go” with spring incoming. 

The patrols were conducted February 18th and 19th in conjunction with officers from the Omincea region. 

Sergeant Anthony Eagles with the BC Conservation Office said the best thing residents can do before heading out into the backcountry is to research and “know before you go,”  which means to plan accordingly for weather and terrain conditions.

“Much rather be able to come and have a friendly conversation, rather than detecting violations,” Eagles said.

“We want to have a positive encounter with everyone, and we also wanna make sure that our resources are protected by having folks follow the rules.” 

According to Eagles, the patrols were conducted primarily in the Pine Pass and near Chetwynd. 

“Mainly on snowmobile, but we did deploy one helicopter patrol as well,” Eagles said. 

Eagles explained the patrols were monitoring for compliance with the Off-Road Vehicles Act and patrolling the closed areas for snowmobiles in the southeast area. 

Throughout the weekend, Eagles said six violation tickets and three warnings were given. 

“Our staff is out assessing compliance number one, the off-road vehicle act requirements.

So snowmobile registration, making sure your plate is visible, you’re carrying the proper documents,” Eagles explained.

“And obviously checking for compliance with the closures, both by snowmobile and by helicopter.”

To learn more about the BC Conservation Officers Service, visit their website.