Off-road vehicles can be fun, but they have an environmental impact as well.
That’s the subject of two open houses Okanagan residents are invited to attend on March 11 in Osoyoos and March 12 in Oliver.
The open houses will host a discussion on the impacts of off-road vehicles on the sensitive ecosystems on Oliver Mountain and around Osoyoos West Bench. Each open house will have a presentation on grassland ecosystems and give people an opportunity to suggest options for minimizing environmental impacts. Some of these options include using other sites on Crown land that may be suitable for off-road vehicle activities.
The first open house on March 11 will take place at the Sonora Community Centre at 8505 68 Ave. and on March 12 in Oliver at the Elks Lodge at 477 Bank Ave.
Off-road vehicle users are encouraged to use other riding areas including the Bear Creek and Okanagan Falls off-road vehicle trail systems. The locations are nearby and well established.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is also interested in hearing from off-road vehicle users about other areas suitable for riding during the open houses.