Yukon group pushes for ATV regulation

A group in Yukon is pushing to protect the territory’s wilderness from improper all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use.

But Ken Taylor from the Trails Only Yukon Association said he’s worried members of the legislative assembly are backing away from an election promise to support regulations.

Taylor is now calling on Yukoners to demand action.

'This is a lawless land when it comes to ATVs. You can do anything you want to as long as you're not doing it on a public highway.' —Ken Taylor, Trails Only Yukon Association

He said last summer, a poll showed 93 per cent of Yukoners want regulations to manage ATV use in sensitive areas. Taylor said his organization followed up with politicians in last fall’s election – every candidate promised to support ATV legislation.

Association members then met with Environment Minister Currie Dixon in December to lay out some ideas on where to go next.

Taylor said that while he understands the minister has to consult with others, Taylor hasn’t heard anything since.

"What they don't have to do is delay and delay and delay getting started. This is a lawless land when it comes to ATVs. You can do anything you want to as long as you're not doing it on a public highway," said Taylor.

Taylor said the territory’s wilderness is too valuable to be destroyed because of inaction. He hopes Yukoners will pressure their MLAs to do something.