Foolish vandalism near Beaver Mines

Brent Barbero photos

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Area rancher Brent Barbero submitted the photographs illustrating this article, with an explanation.  "We have just returned from our cattle drive to the forestry up Highway 774," he said. "After crossing the cattle guard into the forestry we noticed the sign stating the number of days you may camp has recently been cut off with a chain saw.  It really shows how ignorant people are when it comes to the use and stewardship of our public land. Every year we come across incidents like these where people feel it is their land, which they misinterpret from “public land” . They believe there should be no rules and this is very evident in the way the area is treated."

Highway 774 runs through Beaver Mines to Castle Mountain.  The area is used for multiple purposes, including camping and cattle grazing. 

"It is very frustrating to be an industrial user (for lack of a better term) who is required to follow rules and guidelines and pay user fees. Our grazing association is very active in the stewardship of the area and all we can do is watch while users who do not care violate the area, with no consequence whatsoever!"

I asked him if he had witnessed similar incidents in the past. "Many incidents," he replied.  "Numerous campers spend the entire summer in one spot. Access past gates. Grassland torn up by off road vehicles. Cattle shot with paintball guns (real guns too)... The list goes on.  It seems ESRD (Environment and Sustainable Resources) is understaffed to control it all. The government seems unwilling to grow a set and actually control the problem.  Just too many people.  We are only allowed so many cattle. Loggers are only allowed certain amount of trees for lumber, but let's stuff as many people and their toys in as we can, all for no charge."

"Some users do respect the area."

"We used to enjoy spending time up there but the last 4 or 5 years we avoid the place.  Winter time is nice - I snowmobile."