With much of the province now experiencing warmer temperatures, the provincial government is reminding people heading into the backcountry that they cannot build cabins or other structures on Crown land without prior authorization.
"It is illegal to use, occupy or build structures on Crown land without prior approval," the ministry of forests, lands and resource operations said in a press release this week. "Penalties of up to $100,000 or the seizure of improvements, goods or materials may apply. The person responsible also could be billed for clean-up costs."
The construction or occupation of buildings on Crown land without permission - including hunting cabins, ski huts or long-term residences - is illegal and potentially dangerous, the ministry said.
Environmental damage and safety and liability concerns the ministry lists.
Natural resource officers regularly patrol Crown land throughout the province and come across unauthorized structures from time to time. Illegal structures can also be reported by calling 1-877-952-7277 toll-free (or #7277 on a cellphone) or by filling out a form at: www.for.gov.bc.ca/hen/nrv/report.htm.
