Permits allowing guns, ATVs in backcountry are unfair as the public stays barred: Whiteshell cottager
Environment minister says permits approved on case-by-case basis, can be rescinded
As all backcountry trails and waterways remain in Manitoba's provincial parks remain closed to the public, some cottagers say it's unfair that outfitters are allowed to hunt in the backcountry with government-approved permits during a provincewide state of emergency.
Barb Robson, who lives in Winnipeg and has a cottage on the south shore of Big Whiteshell Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park, told CBC News on Tuesday that her husband was not allowed to return to the cottage to collect their boat and family heirlooms that have been passed down for generations.
She said it's not fair that some outfitters can go in the backcountry while trails remain closed and some cottagers are still being kept out of the park.
"If you're going to give permits to outfitters, you should give permits to cottage owners and seasonal people who are just going in there, and out to retrieve their stuff," she said.
Environment Minister Mike Moyes, who oversees provincial parks, said backcountry permits are issued to outfitters on a case-by case basis, and can be rescinded if fire conditions change.
He said most of the human-caused fires currently burning across Manitoba were not intentionally set. He said he understands the frustration, but stressed that keeping the public out of certain areas helps to limit further spread and keep firefighting resources where they're needed most.
"We really sympathize with those folks. We recognize just how important some of those places are, as well as some of those belongings. But we have to make sure that safety comes first," Moyes said, asking for patience.
Robson questioned whether allowing outfitters to bring possible fire hazards like guns and all-terrain vehicles in the backcountry during the spring bear hunt is safe.
She said it doesn't make sense to approve these permits at the same time provincial officials are urging people to reconsider non-essential travel in Manitoba to free up hotel rooms for wildfire evacuees.
"They're telling people not to come to Manitoba and yet they're allowing them to go out and do their hunting. That's very frustrating. Where is the fairness in all of this?" she wondered.
"Just take the permits away and then you're not going to have an issue with anyone, including me. Because they can't go to the backcountry and I can't," Robson said.
Outfitters not operating in evacuated areas, association says
The Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association says its members who hold approved permits are not operating in areas that have a mandatory evacuation order in place.
Melanie MacCarthy, president of the association, said the permits issued by the provincial government come with safety restrictions, like ensuring ATV riders have fire extinguishers with them or limiting operations between 7 p.m. and 11 a.m.
MacCarthy said backcountry access is "critical" for outfitters during bear season.
"Bear hunting happens deep in the woods … Without that backcountry access, they essentially can't operate," she said.
"It's a short window for our operators to make a living and they're only doing so when it's deemed safe by conservation and given an approved permit to do so," MacCarthy said.
Robson said it's unfair for the province to approve any permits when members of the public have been barred from the backcountry.
"If you're not going to let us in — point blank, if there's no backcountry travel — take the permits away. Take them away," she said.
On Wednesday at 8 a.m., Robson will be able to return to her cottage on Big Whiteshell Lake, as that area of the provincial park reopens to permanent residents, cottagers and commercial operators, the province said in its Tuesday fire bulletin. Crowduck Lake will also reopen Wednesday morning.
At 4 p.m. on Wednesday, permanent residents, cottagers and commercial operators can head back to Florence Lake, Nora Lake and Ophir Siding.
On Friday, seasonal campers can return to campgrounds at Big Whiteshell Lake.
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With files from Gavin Axelrod