Municipal Forest Reserve access gates will be officially closed on July 9 for the summer season, restricting vehicle access to Mount Prevost, Mount Sicker and Grace Road. This closure is a proactive approach to reduce the risk of wildfires.
Access roads to Mount Prevost are currently open in order to facilitate firefighting efforts related to the wildfire currently burning on the west side of Mount Prevost, however the public is asked to stay away from the area and allow fire crews room to respond.
Non-motorized access is not impacted by the gate closure. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are permitted.
Everyone is reminded to be extremely careful with campfires, vehicle exhaust, and other potential fire-causing activities. Overnight camping, campfires, and fireworks are not permitted in the Municipal Forest Reserve at any time. To report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire, immediately call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone.
The gates are typically reopened in the fall, once rain has returned and the fire risk is reduced.
The North Cowichan forestry division manages several municipal forestry gates on Mount Prevost, Maple Mountain, Mount Tzouhalem, Sicker Mountain, and Stoney Hill, as well as at Grace Road, Panorama Ridge, and Fuller Lake.
Information about the current wildfire on Mount Prevost can be found at www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status
Read more about North Cowichan’s trails and current service or access restrictions: www.northcowichan.ca/trails