Peace Recreation Sites Being Abused

With the coming of Spring, it is only natural for Peace Region residents to feel the need to cast off the stifling indoors and flock to the numerous parks and recreations sites in the area. However, the Region's Recreation Officer has concerns about how some of these sites are being abused. For an Officer like Tim Bennett, this is a particular worry, especially around Bear Mountain. The isolation of the Bear Mountain recreation site makes it appealing to those looking for a place to party. His biggest concern is fire, as he douses one still smoldering from a party the night before. With an abundance of dry grass and brush and persistently strong winds, Bennett worries these unsafe campfires could lead to wildfires. Careful not to discourage area residents from using the site, Bennett is nevertheless concerned that the actions of a few individuals are spoiling the area for others. Bennett also points out that it is tax payer money being used to clean up these sites, and the more money used to continually do so, means less can be invested in new projects. In the meantime, as the only Officer responsible for all the recreation sites in the entire Peace Region, Bennett is hoping peace residents heed his message - and make his job this season, a little easier.

Alicia Asquith CJDC TV News, Radar Lake