WHEREAS operation of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) is rapidly increasing throughout rural Alberta, more specifically on public lands;AND WHEREAS the operators of these machines are causing damage to publicly owned lands, roads, and road right of ways;AND WHEREAS violations continue to be a result of disrespect and misuse on the part of the operators of All Terrain Vehicles;AND WHEREAS operators of ATVs continue to be involved in accidents that cause serious injury and death;AND WHEREAS the number of violations issued to All Terrain Vehicles within Alberta has increased by 65% since 1997.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AAMDC urge the Government of Alberta to implement an ATV Operator Certification Plan as well as stricter regulations governing the operation of Off Highway Vehicles within Public Lands;AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the AAMDC urge the Government of Alberta to undertake an awareness campaign with relevant ATV associations and local municipalities, to increase ATV user knowledge regarding better control and operation of ATVs.

Woodlands County is experiencing a large number of ATV users utilizing the Timeu Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. On the 2002 Victoria Day long weekend in May, approximately 2500 ATV users converged upon the Timeu Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. Considerable environmental damage was sustained with two separate ATV accidents, one being a quad roll over and the other being a head on collision between two major bikes, resulting in a total of three individuals severely injured, requiring the Fort Assiniboine Fire Department, contract ambulance, and STARS Ambulance to be dispatched. Woodlands County Council has raised this issue with the Minister of Environment and the local MLA.