Saturday, May 22, 2010

ATV users told to avoid watershed area


A large gathering planned for the Duteau Watershed area this weekend, has the folks at Greater Vernon Water greatly concerned. “It has come to our attention that a very large gathering is planned in the Duteau Watershed (Grizzly Reservoir) area this long-weekend. We discourage people to attend,” says Senior Water Quality Technologist, Renee Clark. “It is a chargeable offence under the Forest and Range Act to do damage to the environment. Lakes, reservoirs, streams and wetlands are included.” She says recent heavy rains in the area have created prime conditions for mud-bogging. “Our concern is that our reservoirs are very low, exposing foreshore and soils that are usually covered with water at this time of year." The Aberdeen Plateau is home to a number of water supply reservoirs that are used for drinking water.

The Duteau Watershed is located approximately 20 kilometres southeast of the City of Vernon.
Clark says, in past years on May long weekends, large groups have congregated at Postill Lake. However, that area has now been shut down to this type of activity, forcing mud-boggers into different areas. As a result, Greater Vernon Water is asking anyone who observes mud-bogging, or any damage to the environment, to call and report all polluters at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).

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