As sunny skies begin luring visitors to the region, West Coast officials are urging campers to book sites at authorized campgrounds before making the trip.
“The environmentally friendly and responsible way to camp in the region is to make a reservation at one of the many authorized campgrounds in the area” said Daniel Sailland of the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District. “There are no serviced camping sites on backroads along Kennedy Lake or highway pullouts. Unauthorized camping along back roads creates unacceptable risk to our communities.”
Local governments and organizations issued a joint-statement last week highlighting their united commitment to crack down on illegal camping in the area.
The statement’s hefty roster of signatures includes the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Toquaht Nation, District of Ucluelet, District of Tofino, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District and Electoral Area C.
“The West Coast experiences an unacceptably high level of illegal and backroad camping,” it reads. “The disrespectful behaviours of some users have had a negative impact on Indigenous territorial lands and highly sensitive surrounding ecological areas including local aquifers.”
It also announces an increase in patrols and enforcement this season targeting unauthorized camping, particularly along the Kennedy Lake Watershed within Tla-o-qui-aht, Yuułuʔiłʔath, and Toquaht traditional territories.
“Unauthorized backroad camping enhances (the probability) for campers to stay for undisclosed amounts of time, putting stress on the environment and local communities,” said Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ president Charles McCarthy.
“We may be embarking on a regionally dry summer; this requires more control and oversight on wildfire management and safety, to protect the natural habitat. We strongly encourage visitors to come prepared, whether for one night or a week, with accommodation when travelling to the West Coast.”
Patrols will also be keeping keen eyes on municipal roadways and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
“Parks Canada works closely with local First Nations, the Districts of Tofino and Ucluelet, as well as local tourism organizations to ensure a memorable, safe, and respectful visit. Guardians, Junior Guardians, Beach-Keepers, Coastal Stewards and Parks Canada staff work together to encourage and promote respectful visitor behaviour,” said Pacific Rim National Park Reserve Acting Superintendent Dave Tovell.”Parks Canada advises visitors to book ahead and recommends visiting Pacific Rim National Park Reserve outside the peak season when visitation to the area is lower.”
Reservations at local campgrounds are hard to score as they fill up quickly, so campers unable to book a site must find alternative accommodations like hotels or motels, delay their trip or work on “finding a campsite reservation in another community,” the statement reads.
“I am proud that the West Coast communities have come together as a unified group to stop unauthorized and destructive backcountry behaviour. Our region’s natural amenities are a precious shared resource - misuse will no longer be tolerated,” said Tofino mayor Dan Law.
The statement adds that while the region is looking forward to welcoming well-prepared visitors, patrols will be communicating respectful camping practices and issuing tickets or fines when needed.
“I am privileged to live here, and I hope those visiting show respect to the region in all their actions. We are expecting you to.” said Ucluelet mayor Marilyn McEwen.
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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