It';s just tough to mix it up with other activities. It would almost destroy it for any other use. They can do a lot of damage. Also, there's a safety factor - people are using the trail, especially kids" Mansbridge said.

Mansbridge said in the Dove Hill case, the dirt bikers might not have been aware the trail was strictly for non- motorized traffic.

"I guess what we'll have to do is put signs up at the beginning of every trail saying no motorized vehicles," Mansbridge said.

He added most motorized vehicle owners are pretty good about respecting trails set for non-motorized use.

"It's just one or two who give everybody a bad name"; Mansbridge said.

Mansbridge said regular use of the Dove Hill trail by dirt bikes and/or ATVs would change the whole ecological environment of the trail and scare off wildlife in the area.

"They find the presence of humans intrusive enough"

Also, Mansbridge said FOPT insurance on the lands it operates through a license of occupation with the Crown does not cover motorized vehicles.

Jason Tait, president of the West Kootenay Recreational Dirt Bike and ATV Society said bikers and ATVers using areas where motorized vehicles are prohibited has caused huge headaches for the society. However, with a new facility east of Bombi Summit on Highway 3 expected to open at the end of the month, Tait said he hopes those headaches are over.

"Hopefully, it will deter people. When you have a set facility, people are more likely to use that than build their own jumps or ride in other places." Tait said.