Illegal ATV use leads to charges and warnings

Conservation officers with the Forestry Services Branch, Department of Natural Resources, identified 52 ATV violations over a four-day patrol of areas between Plum Point and St. Anthony.

With the assistance of a helicopter, conservation officers issued 19 fines between Thursday and Sunday for the illegal operation of ATVs on wetlands and highways. Another 33 warnings were issued for driving without a helmet, vehicle registration and fire extinguishers.

Conservation officers conducted the targeted patrol in response to complaints from area residents over the illegal use of ATVs. Operating ATVs on the province�s wetlands is strictly forbidden. Patrols of these areas by conservation officers will continue across the province.

ATVs can destroy important wetlands, which provide protection from floods and serve as migratory routes for caribou, waterfowl and other wildlife. It is important that everyone respects and abides by the regulations that are in place to preserve and protect these environmentally-sensitive areas.

For a summary of the province�s ATV regulations, please visit //www.gov.nl.ca/forestry/publicinfo/recreation/atv.stm

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-5282, 690-1703

2006 08 01                                   3:20 p.m.