A Kelowna property owner is not sure how exactly the vehicle became stuck on his property, but he does know a tow truck is the only way to get it out.
Steven Corsan owns the 19-acre property along Rifle Road in Glenmore, where he came across a Ford Explorer desperately spinning its tires after becoming deeply lodged in a sensitive wetland area.
“I thought they were illegal dumping, so I ran down and confronted them,” explained Corsan.
“They were trespassing and trying to pull their vehicle out of the wetland, but having no luck.”
Corsan then called the Conservation Officer, who installed a motion sensor camera to stop the pair from trespassing while trying to remove the vehicle.
“She needs a proper tow truck because they basically sunk the vehicle right in the swamp, which contains aquatic life and indigenous plans,” said Corsan.
“The vehicle could be leaking fluids and what not, so it’s disheartening to see such recklessness.”
According to Conservation Officer Ken Owens, the vehicle owner could be subject to a maximum fine of $1-million, three years in prison, or both.
"We don't take this type of activity very lightly. The damage and effect to the environment can be very serious and altering. Everything from aquatic species, to carnivores and ungulates can be affected,” explained Owens.
"People need to respect the environment – we can't afford to have people out there causing this type of destruction, there is a zero tolerance”.
Corsan says he has been working with the province to put a driveway into the property, which has given him an understanding of how seriously governing bodies take protecting wetlands.
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