Extra enforcement will be taking place at Lake Koocanusa throughout the Victoria Day long weekend in an effort to keep the popular recreation area safe and clean, Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett announced today.

The multi-agency strategy is aimed at eliminating acts of vandalism on Crown land along the lake, where partiers from Alberta and B.C. caused extensive damage during last year’s Victoria Day weekend.

“The enforcement efforts planned for the long weekend will help discourage unruly behaviour and promote a fun and safe environment for residents and visitors,” Bennett said. “I want to assure residents and people who use Lake Koocanusa that we will not put up with a repeat of the mess and destruction of property made by vandals last year.”

The co-ordinated enforcement campaign will involve RCMP, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Ministry of Environment.

Enhanced RCMP patrols will be complemented by natural resource officers from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the Ministry of Environment’s B.C. Conservation Officer Service.

Additionally, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has reached an agreement with the Regional District of East Kootenay that will see natural resource officers provide enhanced patrols at Lake Koocanusa throughout the summer and fall.

The public is reminded that violations can be reported to the Natural Resource Violation reporting line at 1-844-NRO-TIPS (1-844-676-8477).

Lead image: Cranbrook resident Bob Whetham was one of about 20 people who took part in a cleaning bee at a trashed campsite beside the boat launch across from Koocanusa Marina following May long weekend 2014. There were dozens of trashed sites in that area alone, with several truck loads of trash removed. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW file images

e-KNOW

Article Share