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B.C. Snowmobile Federation awaiting permit renewals amid South Peace closures

Snowmobilers in the Southern Georgian Bay region (Source: OPP Central Region/X)

The B.C. Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) says they are now awaiting permit renewals after several areas of the South Peace Region have been affected by snowmobile closures.

The renewals are part of the Adaptive Management and Access Program that aims to balance recreation with ecosystem protection for caribou habitats. The program was established in 2021 by government agencies, the West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations with input from the BCSF and local snowmobile clubs.

Permits for areas west of Tumbler Ridge, southwest of Chetwynd, and east of Mackenzie expired in October 2024, and their renewal, filed in December, is a necessary step for snowmobilers to access Crown lands.

“We recognize the importance of these permits in supporting both snowmobiling access and caribou conservation,” said BCSF Interim Executive Director Chris Block. “We’re grateful for the ongoing collaboration with all partners and remain committed to ensuring this program continues to benefit wildlife and snowmobilers alike.”

The Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship tells CJDC-TV that a decision has not yet been made but emphasized that the province is “highly supportive” of backcountry recreation. They are exploring ways to accommodate recreational riders while also safeguarding the well-being of caribou.

“The province will reach out to the B.C. Snowmobile Federation and local snowmobile clubs for additional conversations,” said the ministry, who added that MLAs Larry Neufeld and Lorne Doerkson will be included in the discussion set to take place as early as next week.

“There is real concern -- the recreation users have done everything they needed to do. We need to get this fixed,” Neufeld told CJDC-TV.

Last June, the First Nations, along with the Ministry of Environment, agreed to work together to stabilize the southern mountain caribou population. According to the province, there are fewer than 4,000 of this species remaining, with human-caused habitat disturbance cited as the main reason for their decline.

The BCSF is asking that snowmobilers respect the temporary closures until the permits are finalized.