The Speaker: The hon. Member for Drayton Valley-Calmar, followed by the hon. Member for Edmonton-McClung.

Off-highway Vehicle Use

Rev. Abbott: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. There seem to be growing numbers of irresponsible off-highway vehicle users in Alberta. Unmitigated OHV use can create significant damage to our public lands and could ultimately spoil this form of recreation for responsible OHV users. My questions are for the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development. What is his department doing to protect Alberta’s public lands from this type of damage?

Dr. Morton: Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is correct. The number of off-highway vehicles has increased dramatically in Alberta. Sales have doubled in the past six years, and the number of registered vehicles has actually gone up by four times. There are many more users out there looking for a place for recreation. Our focus is threefold: education, regulation, and enforcement. I’d be happy to elaborate on any of those.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Rev. Abbott: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. My second question is to the same minister. I understand that you recently met with an OHV organization that promotes responsible use of our public lands. Is it true that these groups have told you about possible damage done to public land near Indian Graves after the May long weekend? If so, how can we stop this?

The Speaker: The hon. minister.

Dr. Morton: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Indeed, I did go back to Indian Graves on June 2. I’m happy to report that the area was in much better order, and I observed many users enjoying the area for camping and off-highway vehicles in a responsible manner. I’d like to make it clear on the record that many Albertans who use off-highway vehicles do so in a very responsible manner and care about Alberta’s public lands. These groups were just as upset as I was and many Albertans were about what happened on the May long weekend. These responsible off- highway vehicle users don’t want to be tarnished by the irresponsible behaviour of others.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Rev. Abbott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I agree wholeheartedly. Again to the same minister: given that we want our public lands to continue to be used by both motorized and non motorized users, what are these responsible OHV groups doing to demonstrate or aid stewardship?

Dr. Morton: Mr. Speaker, these groups have very active and positive programs in our schools that deal with both safety instruction and also with the respect the land message that’s been developed by Sustainable Resource Development. On my June 2 tour I was in the Crowsnest Pass. I had the opportunity to work with the Crowsnest Forest Stewardship Society and also the Quad Squad. They were building a bridge as part of their Ed Gregor Memorial clean-up day. Another group put up a bridge in the Ghost-Waiparous area. Here are two great examples of good Albertans, responsible off-highway vehicle users, out there giving their volunteer time to improve recreational opportunities and protect our natural reserves.

Way to go Ted !!! We the from the other side of the equation should give ourselves a pat on the back.
Way to go Quad squad members and volunteers.

Article from CNP Promoter

...the Question Period session seemed a bit staged, but the positive publicity is good.

(Thanking a politician...why do I feel so dirty all of a sudden)


'Monster Trucks'??? This is going to be a tough one to iron out...

It was overlooked that the truck clubs are working side by side with the quad clubs when completing stewartship projects.