ATV's and Waterways

[mailman]

OK, so we had a bit of a heated discussion about this a little while ago. Here are a couple of posters from the Dep. of Fisheries, detailing the governments stand on it. Thank you to Pax for getting this info.

[Outlaw]

Like the article says,tread lightly and respect our environement,it's the only one we have.Protect and conserve our wildlife and fisheries habitats for generations to come.We'll need it.

[Grizzly SE]

Like the article says,tread lightly and respect our environement,it's the only one we have.Protect and conserve our wildlife and fisheries habitats for generations to come.We'll need it.

I'm with you.

[ZERT800]

HERE IS A REPLY i GOT FROM THE EDITOR OF RIDERS WEST HOTSHOT PHOTO CONTEST. i HAD SENT A PICTURE MY WIFE TOOK OF MYSELF AND ANOTHER PERSON HELPING QUADS THROUGH A SWAMP FROM THE MARCHAND DERBY.

Thank you for sending us your ATV photo for our hotshot contest. However, in this age of environmental awareness, the authorities are really cracking down on ATVs and (you've probably heard about this) the B.C. government has implemented a $100,000 fine for anyone doing environmental damage. This can include riding in environmentally sensitive areas and crossing fish-bearing streams. It is for this reason that we are unable to enter your photo in the contest and post it on our website. I realize Manitoba doesn't have restrictions like these on ATVs, unfortunately, B.C. is a little harsher. However, if you have any other ATVing photos, feel free to send them to me and I'll post them on the website and enter your name in the contest.

[vinnie]

i never reliazed that there where fish in the manitoba swamps

[STP]

Sure Vinnie..master angler swamp cats..I think Pro Comp caught one and decided to ride the thing. They are HUGE, makes him look like a horse jockey when he rides it though. JK

[Bad Company]

How do those poor fish manage to keep on living in lakes with lots of boat traffic (for example)?
Places like Lee River, or maybe Lake of the Woods?
I mean really! One GD quad drives across one little GD "fish bearing" stream and it sounds like it will completely decimate the fish population for a 10 mile radius!
I have NO interest in doing anything that legitimately hurts the environment, but let's be realistic.
That brochure is way out to lunch. IMO.

[PAX]

I think when you look at other provinces, we in Manitoba are pretty lucky with the few rules here about riding, and where a person can ride. Not many places off limits when you consider the whole province. I also think that waterways are one of the places that need protection - damage isn't always visible to those doing it.

In years to come, I think you are only going to see a tightening of more rules and restrictions on where a person can ride. People talk about designated trails and everyone here has seen threads on discussions about using snowman trails. But just think if the province said, yeah, you can use snowman trails but thats it. no riding on anything but a designated trail. Consider that picture compared to where we can go today.

just my opinion.:yes:

[GrizzleyPeg]

The sentiment is wise everwhere, but maybe the issue may be more critical in coastal areas where spawning occurs in freshwater streams. I don't know enough to comment intelligently, other than to agree, tread lightly.

[Palssonater]

Picking on ATV's eh? Small group, easy to corner. I guess BC won't pick on the money making tourism that is fishing. That would be biting the hand that feeds them. Countless 2 stroke boat motors are still out there. My well maintained quad crossing a stream, does not put as much pollution in the water as a 2 stoke exhaling exhaust under water for 5 mins, let along running.

I don't give a $#!T where I am quadding. I try to leave a small footprint, but in this remote northern region, sometimes the moose are on the other side of the creek. Too bad...

Maybe lets start looking at soccer moms driving vehicles that get 9mpg and city slickers that MUST have a pickup or SUV before we start picking on an avid ATV'er that keeps their quad running tip top shape.

Sorry, hated that article and sometimes the tree huggers are too much for this conservationalist.

[HotWheels]

Really what dude...buy a canoe then...or a WAGON !!!They are the vehicle of the future...

[Wolf]

Pax, I think your right... like most things, the actions of a few will affect us all.
The article doesn't say NOT to cross streams, rather it gives tips on how to do it. Follow others, avoid steep banks and do not travel up or down the creek bed itself are all ways to avoid damaging the waterway. It even goes on to give some good tips such as know the limits of your machine, match your tires to the terrain (see vinnie if you need help here !) and winching advice also. I wouldn't read more into this than there is... but lets face it... we can all ride "like a bat outta hell" for now and be restricted to mini-roads later, or show some respect for the environment and continue to enjoy it the way we do now. As more and more people become involved in this sport, the more this issue will come up and sooner or later a solution will be proposed, and probably by a politician in a thousand dollar suit, sitting behind a desk, driving an Escalade and the only mud he has ever seen is in front of his brand new $500 000 house !

Ok...rant off.
Now go get dirty !!

[STP]

Really what dude...buy a canoe then...or a WAGON !!!They are the vehicle of the future...
hehehe that is right dude! buy a "wagon" so the show won't get "soaked" LOL:boat:

[RUNNER]

Hotwheels "all show no go" lol

[lixster]

Thought you would like to watch this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEBMKd4Xv_Y

[Bad Company]

Thought you would like to watch this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEBMKd4Xv_Y


EXACTLY!!!!
That vid has been around for a while, and it poses very relevant questions.

[honda250rx2]

i never reliazed that there where fish in the manitoba swamps


that's funny right there i don't care who you are....:clap:

[camoman]

Thought you would like to watch this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEBMKd4Xv_Y

Great Vid Man!