The Province of Alberta is restricting the recreational use of OHVs in the Forest Protection Area (FPA). Effective May 5, 2023, until further notice.
Prohibited
Recreational use of off-highway vehicles on public land. An off-highway vehicle can include: quads, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, 4x4 jeeps, pick-up trucks, sport utility vehicles.
Allowed
Agriculture, commercial, industrial or Indigenous Peoples who use OHVs for farming, business operations or traditional use.
Where can I get the most up-to-date information?
- Online: albertafirebans.ca
- Subscribe to: Slave Lake Area Updates
- Subscribe to: Lac La Biche Area Updates
- Facebook: Alberta Wildfire and Twitter: @AlbertaWildfire
- Phone: 1-866-FYI-FIRE
OHV restriction factsheet
Issued May 5, 2023
Where is the OHV restriction?
The OHV restriction is in effect within of the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta. Please refer to AlbertaFireBans.ca for exact locations. Cities, towns, villages and summer villages as well as federal lands (such as National Parks) are exempt from this restriction. These jurisdictions have the authority to issue their own restrictions and may have complementary restrictions in place.
What is prohibited?
The recreational use of OHVs on public lands, including designated OHV trails.
What is an OHV?
An “off-highway vehicle” is a motorized vehicle designed to go beyond defined roadways, including but not limited to: quads, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, 4x4 Jeeps, pick-up trucks, sport utility vehicles and snowmobiles.
Why is the OHV restriction in place?
The OHV Restriction is in place due to forecasted dry conditions with no significant precipitation in the forecast.
How long will this be in place?
Alberta Forestry, Parks and Tourism will be monitoring conditions. The restriction will be amended when appropriate.
Under what authority was the OHV restriction put in place?
The OHV restriction was enacted under section 14(1) of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act. This section gives the Minister the authority, by order, to close to public entry any land or prohibit the operation of equipment or off-highway vehicles on any land where the Minister considers that a fire hazard or a burning hazard warrants the closure or prohibition.
Are there exceptions?
- Indigenous people when using an OHV for traditional purposes. Traditional purposes are hunting, fishing, and trapping (including the use of an OHV to travel to the location(s) for these purposes)
- Essential industry-related activities requiring the use of OHVs
- Off-highway vehicle use is still permitted on private lands
What penalties are in place?
If you’re found to be operating an OHV recreationally during an OHV restriction, you may be issued a $1,200 ticket. Individuals found responsible for starting a wildfire may be charged and fined the cost of fighting the fire.
Where can I get the most up-to-date information?
- Online: albertafirebans.ca
- Subscribe to: Slave Lake Area Updates
- Subscribe to: Lac La Biche Area Updates
- Facebook: Alberta Wildfire and Twitter: @AlbertaWildfire
- Phone: 1-866-FYI-FIRE
