Officials from a group of First Nations and municipal governments on Vancouver Island are asking campers to make reservations at authorized campgrounds ahead of time this summer.
The request comes after West Coast communities have seen a growing level of illegal backroad camping throughout the Island; officials hope to prevent this from happening this season.
Backroad camping can lead to negative impacts on sensitive ecological areas and an increase in garbage. This can lead to wild animals becoming food dependent from humans and cause aggressive food-seeking behaviour.
With B.C. and Vancouver Island experiencing some of the warmest and driest summers on recent record, unauthorized camping has also contributed to an increase in wildfire risk, Ucluelet Government President Charles McCarthy said. "One stray spark from a campfire is all it takes to start a wildfire that could cause irreversible damage to our forests, homes and businesses."
"The environmentally friendly and responsible way to camp in the region is to make a reservation at one of the many authorized campgrounds in the area,” said Daniel Sailland of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) in a June 24 press release.
“There are no serviced camping sites on backroads along Kennedy Lake or highway pullouts. Unauthorized camping along back roads creates unacceptable risk to our communities," Sailland added.
To limit backroad camping, increased patrols will be conducted in the Clayoquot Arm area along the Kennedy Lake Watershed, within Tla-o-qui-aht, Ucluelet and Toquaht traditional territories, on municipal streets and in BC Parks and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Patrollers will share regulations and "respectful" camping practices, and where needed will issue tickets or fines.
'With the limited resources we have to effectively monitor unauthorized camping in our traditional territories, it is strongly encouraged when visiting (to) use campsites available in our communities," writes Chief Elmer Frank of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
District of Tofino Mayor Dan Law said he is "proud" of the way the West Coast community leaders have come together to stop destructive backcountry behaviour. "Tla-o-qui-aht Guardians have done an exceptional job patrolling, educating and ensuring notable areas area clean and free from unauthorized use," Law said.
District of Ucluelet Mayor Marilyn McEwen said municipal leaders are expecting visitors to show respect to the region with their actions, just as residents do.
Dave Tovell, superintendent with Pacific Rim National Park Reserve said Parks Canada works closely with regional First Nations, municipal districts and local tourism organizations "to ensure a memorable, safe and respectful visit."
Campgrounds book up fast, so Tovell suggested visitors plan in advance or make alternative arrangements, such as staying in a campsite in a different community.
