Campers heading up the Squamish Valley onto Squamish Nation land this summer had better be on their best behaviour.
A new task force launched by the Nation will not tolerate target shooting and illegal dumping.
Starting this May long weekend, the Squamish Valley Task Force — a partnership between the Nation, the RCMP, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, Squamish Nation Peacekeepers and Sko-mish Valley Security Services — will be out in force to “ensure public safety and deter environmental damage in the Squamish Valley,” according to a news release from the task force.
It is a proactive approach to dealing with the many incidents of illegal target shooting and other destructive activities on sacred Nation land, said peacekeeper and taskforce member, Tom Harry. He said many visitors may not know the rules of the area — even though there are signs designating Squamish Nation land and prohibiting shooting — so it is in part an education initiative as well.
Nation members will also be randomly checked, he added.
RCMP checkpoints are being set up to inspect vehicles entering the valley, and members of the task force will be patrolling popular gathering places.
“There has been unacceptable, illegal dumping on our sacred lands as well as reckless behavior,” the Squamish Nation release states.
Further signage is being installed to inform visitors that Squamish Nation lands are not to be trespassed on, and that illegal dumping, firearm use and partying will not be tolerated.
