Patrol officers lay charges

ABCA patrol officers lay charges

Most people who use conservation areas respect other users and observe the permitted uses on these natural lands and trails but there are a few people who don’t follow the rules and that’s when patrol officers have to lay charges and fines, said Kate Monk, Supervisor of Stewardship and Conservation Lands with Ausable Bayfield
Conservation Authority (ABCA).

“Since the beginning of 2012, we have laid 11 charges for dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles on conservation authority lands,” Monk said. “Responsible ATV riders use those vehicles only on lands where it is permitted and during times when the trails
are dry but those people who don’t operate them according to the rules, or operate them on areas where these vehicles are prohibited, are subject to fines.”

The conservation authority also laid a charge against the driver of a motor vehicle who by-passed a locked gate. ABCA has also laid four recent charges against people walking dogs off-leash on local trails.

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority personnel have the power to lay charges under the Trespass to Property Act and the Conservation Authorities Act. The Province of Ontario has recently increased fines. Patrol officers are on the properties
owned or maintained by ABCA throughout the year and are laying charges.

Monk expressed thanks, on her own behalf and on behalf of trail users, to the vast majority of people who follow the rules and permitted uses on conservation lands. “If everyone understands that rules are there for a reason and for the benefit of all users
of conservation areas, they will want to do the right thing and we won’t need
to lay as many charges,” she said.

Rules such as keeping a dog on a leash protect the pet, other wildlife, and trail users, Monk said. People can visit abca.on.ca for information on permitted uses at conservation areas.