Forest officers to crack down on off-trail ATV riders

Provincial forest officers will be out in force in Alberta this long weekend, trying to stop all-terrain vehicles from chewing up the back country.

About70 forest officers will be stationed around the province, ready to write tickets. As of May 1, higher fines can be levied against riders who don't stay ondesignated trails. The penalties have gone up from $75 to $250.

"People need to be aware of what the impact there is of all those tires on the terrain," said Dave Ealy, a spokesman for the province.

The trails are fragile right now because of unusually soggy conditions this spring, he said.

RCMP patrol Crowsnest Pass

In southern Alberta, police will also be out in force, cracking down on excessive partying and reckless ATV use in the Crowsnest Pass, south of Longview.

The area has become a popular spot for weekend warriors after a police clampdown pushed them out of the Ghost-Waiparous area last year.

RCMP Const. Don Smith said the back country south of Longview could see an extra 20,000 to 30,000 people this weekend.

"Any time large groups get together, especially the younger crowd, usually [that] can lead to fights, intoxication in public, things like that."

Police will besetting updrunk-driving checkstops and adding an extra eight officers on duty in the area.

Riders will stay on the trails: AOHVA

At Scona Cycle Honda in Edmonton, Bob Smith is doing a roaring trade in off-road vehicles ahead of the long weekend.

Smith, also the director of the Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association, said the vast majority of riders will stay on marked trails.

"The trail message is critical, if we don't treat the trails properly they won't be there in the future for our kids and their kids," he said.

"Treat the trails with respect, ride with respect, treat others with respect, don't abuse your privilege."

Meanwhile people heading out camping this weekend are being reminded about liquor bans at both Aspen Beach and Wabamun Lake provincial parks.

Nor will therebe any booze allowed at the Snaring campground in Jasper or at Elk Island National Park.

Some campgrounds won't be ready this weekend because of renovations: Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, southeast of Edmonton, won't open until June, and English Bay Recreation Area north of Cold Lake will be closed for the season.