Park rangers will be out in force on weekend

Patrols on public land to target offences like littering, inappropriate use of OHVs

Alberta’s park rangers will be on the lookout for bad behaviour over the Victoria Day long weekend as they ramp up their presence across the province.

More than 300 officers will be patrolling public land and protected areas over the summer, calling out visitors for violations such as littering and mud-bogging, said a Tuesday news release. Leaving a campfire unattended will bring a $287 fine.

Campgrounds are typically busy over the May long weekend. Victoria Day falls on Monday, May 22.

“Albertans love their wild spaces. By increasing enforcement and improving signage and education, we’re taking steps to ensure that Alberta’s amazing public land is protected now and for future generations,” Shannon Phillips, Alberta minister of environment and parks, said in the release.

In 2016, provincial officers doled out more than 6,800 charges and warnings for violations, including operating off-highway vehicles illegally, entering areas off-limits, fishing without a licence and cutting down trees.

Off-highway vehicle riders will be fined $155 if they aren’t wearing helmets after a new law took effect Monday. Using the vehicles in trail areas can destroy natural vegetation, the release said.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Police Service is reminding drivers about traffic safety during the weeklong Canada road safety campaign, which ends May 22.

“As the weather gets warmer, drivers are enjoying the sunshine and the improved road conditions,” Sgt. Kerry Bates said in a Tuesday news release.

“With the summer approaching, we’re reminding Edmontonians that traffic safety is important, regardless of the season.”

Officers are also reminding people about rules regarding impaired driving, seatbelt and childrestraint use, aggressive driving and distracted driving. Police laid more than 2,600 charges during the campaign last year.