Moose fence advocate opposes openings for ATVs

A mother who fought for years to have moose fencing installed along provincial highways is now taking on the New Brunswick All-Terrain Vehicle Federation and its request to open up those fences.

Cathy McCollum, a Welsford, N.B., resident, lobbied the province to erect moose fencing along Highway 7 between Saint John and Fredericton after her daughter was involved in a moose collision several years ago.

That protective fencing was finally put up last year, but now the thought of having it removed so off-road enthusiasts can cross the road, she said, is disturbing.

"I'm shocked hearing the news that someone would even think of it," McCollum said.

"It just doesn't make sense. You don't spend all that money to reduce accidents and then turn around and open it up."

ATVs want better access

The New Brunswick ATV Federation wants portions of the moose fencing opened up so its members can have better trail access.

Daniel Boucher, president of the province's ATV federation, said some of the trails used by the off-road vehicles are lacking access to basic services.

"Sometimes we have to use roadways," he said.

"The other reason we need it is to have access to food, shelter, rest area, stuff like that."

The federation's president said ATV riders are breaking the law right now when they are using highway shoulders or crossing highways to connect their routes.

With some rule changes and some greater access to services like food and shelter, Boucher said the off-road sport's popularity could increase.

Boucher said the federation is in talks with the provincial government and his organization will continue to apply pressure to have its request taken seriously.

Transportation Minister Denis Landry could not be reached for comment.

Moose fencing put in collision hotspots

The New Brunswick government has installed moose fencing along sections of Highway 7, as well as Highway 8 and Highway 11, which span northern New Brunswick.

The Department of Transportation fences areas that have had more than 15 moose collisions involving a moose over a five-year period.

Annually, more than 300 New Brunswick drivers are in collisions with moose.

According to the Transportation Department, 85 per cent of these crashes happen between May and October, as the massive animals leave the forests to get away from pests and the heat and to eat roadside vegetation.

There were 92 moose-vehicle accidents between 2002 and 2006, including one fatality, along Highway 7, according to provincial statistics.

McCollum said she's been keeping track since the moose fencing was installed in the area.

She said there have been a few accidents, but none involving moose.

"I don't wish nobody no success, but when you're talking about endangering more people's lives because of opening the fence, what was the sense of putting it up?" McCollum said.