Vehicle restrictions now applied to Alberta parks and recreation areas
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) — The Alberta government is taking the next steps to try and keep people home, and if you travel to Alberta parks, you’re being asked to follow strict guidelines.
Last weekend, the government says there was a “disturbing trend of people not exercising physical distancing and leaving behind garbage and human waste in some provincial parks.”
Albertans who choose to head to Alberta’s parks and recreation areas are being asked to follow the advice of government health experts on physical distancing and public gatherings.
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“We understand the need to get outdoors, but now is not the time to visit our provincial parks and recreation areas without abiding by common-sense public health and safety measures,” Minister of Environment and Parks Jason Nixon said. “We are asking all Albertans to assist us by complying with the public access restriction and to stay home during this critical time. If you have plans to travel to a provincial park or provincial recreation area, please rethink your plans.”
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The suspensions will apply to car access to parking lots and staging areas.
Albertans are being asked to choose some parks and open areas closer to home. If you choose to go to the backcountry, doing so by car will not be allowed.
Officers will be monitoring provincial parks to ensure people are complying and will hand out tickets to those who don’t.
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Horseback and off-highway vehicle use are still permitted.
As for parking your vehicle and making your way to Alberta parks, people are being asked to not just park on the side of the highway or on private property. If a car must be left behind to access the parks, don’t go.
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These restrictions do not apply to forestry or oil and gas operations.
As for littering, the government has also been disappointed with the amount of trash they’ve seen in the backcountry and are reminding those who litter that they could be faced with a $250 fine.
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If you bring things out to the backcountry, bring them home with you.
