FREDERICTON (GNB) – People are reminded by the Department of Natural Resources that it is illegal under the Trespass Act to operate motorized vehicles on beaches, dunes, other coastal habitat, lakeshores and riverbeds.

Motorized vehicles represent a significant threat to the conservation of coastal habitat, dunes and wildlife. Many species, including at-risk species, choose a gravel-sand beach for their habitat.  This can be located among pebbles, pieces of driftwood and other debris from the beach.

The department is asking for the public's help by taking simple precautions such as avoiding beaches and shores where bird species may nest. In many cases, the areas where the public should be most careful are indicated by signs or fencing.

By staying close to the waterline and moving through these areas quickly and gently, beach-goers and hikers can reduce the potential impact on species at risk.

No one should operate a motorized vehicle along lake shores or river beds as the damage caused by vehicles on inland ecosystems can be extensive and has serious impacts on fish habitat by creating erosion along the embankments and disrupting the riverbed where fish spawn.

Although education and public awareness have an important role to play in species-at-risk conservation, enforcement is also necessary. The department conducts on-going special patrols to protect coastal habitat and wildlife. As a result of these patrols, some people are facing charges under the Trespass Act.


30-05-13