← Back to Peel Watershed Change Registry
In 2021, YG put restrictions on ORV use in sensitive habitat.
The plan included two recommendations to reduce the impacts of ORVs in sensitive habitats. In 2021, YG put ORV regulations into effect that addressed these recommendations.
West Hart River ORV Management Area:
Specific Plan Adjustments
Section 4.3.1.1 Existing Access
Page(s): 61-62
Details:
Policy Recommendation #13
To prevent impacts on wildlife, soil damage and land user conflicts, the use of wheeled ORVs (e.g. quads, motorbikes and Argo-like vehicles) for any purpose, should be restricted to the Hart River Trail, existing trails in areas immediately adjacent to the Dempster Highway, licensed camps, and existing facilities.
Implementation
In 2021, the West Hart River (LMU #4) was designated an ORV Management Area under the Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act’s Off-Road Vehicle Management Area Regulation OIC 2021-11 (Division 3). A person may use an off-road vehicle on the Hart River Trail and other existing trails only.
Policy Recommendation #14
In areas of allowed use, ORV use should not occur in sensitive habitats. In this Plan, sensitive habitats are defined as wetlands and alpine areas, in the spring, summer and fall.
Implementation
Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act’s Off-Road Vehicle Management Area Regulation OIC 2021-11 (Section 29) designates all areas above 1400 metres elevation as alpine off-road vehicle management areas. A person may use an off-road vehicle in alpine off-road vehicle management areas on existing trails only. Yukon Government is working towards further limiting ORV access by lowering the elevation for the off-road vehicle management area to 1200 metres.
Specific Amendments
1. Remove Recommendation #13.
2. Revise Recommendation #14. Clarify that alpine areas at elevations above 1200 metres are to be designated in regulation as management areas within the Peel Watershed region.
3. Delete the following text from the plan: “Government of Yukon is in the process of developing an ORV regulation under the Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act, for application across Yukon.” (p. 61)
Document Status: Unchanged
Notes: