OLIVER — Taking off-road vehicles to nearby trails is a popular hobby for many Okanagan residents; however, riders in Osoyoos and Oliver suspect their beloved trails may soon be shut down. The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is concerned the activity’s growing popularity is impacting sensitive habitats on Oliver Mountain and Osoyoos West Bench.
Josh Tomlin is one of the concerned residents. Ever since Tomlin was a kid, his parents would take the family to Oliver Mountain to go off-roading. Now as an adult, Tomlin goes dirt biking, and riding the side-by-side and ATV nearly every weekend.
“It is a rush when you get going fast, crawling over mud — it’s a challenge,” he says.
Locals seeking this kind of thrill only need to drive five minutes from Oliver’s downtown.
Tomlin worries he may no longer access his treasured trails if the ministry takes steps to protect the area.
He says this is all too familiar.
“It’s happened in the past in an area called Crescent. It’s a common riding area and they’ve recently shut down there so we can’t ride there anymore.”
The B.C. government hasn’t made any decisions yet, but it is encouraging off-road vehicle users to use West Kelowna’s Bear Creek and established trail systems in Okanagan Falls.
The ministry is seeking input from people in Osoyoos and Oliver.
A public meeting is happening Wednesday night from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Sonora Community Centre in Osoyoos.
Another meeting will take place same time Thursday night in Oliver at Elks Lodge.
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