Cranbrook Snowmobile Club Receives Permit for Previously Closed Area
The BC Snowmobile Federation is proud to share a positive land use update from the Cranbrook Snowmobile Club. Thanks to strong collaboration between the club and government agencies, snowmobilers will now regain access to a number of recreation areas in the south east corner of the province that were previously closed to support caribou recovery.
For several years, a number of polygons near the Lumberton riding area were closed under the Motor Vehicle Prohibition Regulations to protect habitat for the Southern Mountain caribou. While these closures were based on the best available science at the time, the unfortunate reality is that the local herd is now no longer present in the area. With updated data and a conservation framework that allows for adaptive management, the Province has issued a permit to the Cranbrook Snowmobile Club allowing members-only access to these previously restricted zones.
This is a strong example of science, conservation, and recreation working together to find practical solutions. The permit—valid through November 30, 2029—allows access for active club members only, who must carry both photo ID and their current membership card when riding in the areas. Non-members remain subject to the original closure and associated penalties.
At the BCSF, we advocate for science-based land use decisions that balance conservation goals with sustainable recreation access. We work closely with government on behalf of our member clubs to ensure decisions reflect current realities on the ground. We’d like to thank the Cranbrook Snowmobile Club and its members for their leadership, patience, and continued commitment to responsible access.
The Cranbrook Snowmobile Club maintains over 50km of family-friendly trails and a day use warm up shelter just west of town in the Lumberton riding zone.
