ATV use in Alberta lakes and rivers illegal, province reminds riders

Provincial wildlife experts want people to keep quads and four-by-fourvehiclesout of Alberta's lakes and rivers especially this long weekend.

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They say unseasonably warm and dry weather has river levels low,which raises the potential for damage to aquatic ecosystems.

It's also illegal to drive a motorized vehicle in a natural waterway, and could come with fines up to $25,000.

"While motorized vehicle users may think it is fun to drive their motorized vehicle into a river, lake or stream, it can be harmful to the environment, the fish and the pocketbook," said the province in a release.

Offenders can be reported by calling the environment hotline at1-800-222-6514or by contactinglocalpolice.

In an effort to drivehome the message, the province released a video of ATV users ripping through provincial waterways and why it's a concern.