This release was issued under a previous government.
Incident details
- Between May 2011 and November 2012, several individuals used off-highway vehicles to damage sensitive public land and water bodies in Clearwater County. Video footage showing one individual engaged in these activities was uploaded to a social media site.
- Impacted areas include Swan Creek, a stream that supports a unique trout population. Vehicle use in the stream destroys the spawning ground of these fish, limiting their ability to reproduce.
Enforcement action
- As a result of a joint investigation by Government of Alberta compliance staff and the RCMP Rocky Mountain House detachment, six charges were laid against Andrew Holland Sharpe on September 17, 2013.
- The charges reflect the seriousness of the damage caused to public land and aquatic habitat as a result of these activities.
Our public lands are an important resource and must be protected. The Government of Alberta is committed to taking action to address willful disregard of environmental laws, and to ensure that all Albertans continue to enjoy access to a safe and healthy environment.
Multimedia
Watch: ATVs and water don't mix
Blog: Know before you go: ATVs and water don't mix