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Identifying and reporting natural resource violations

Last updated on May 14, 2024

We all play a role in protecting our natural resources.

On this page

Identifying violations

Natural resource violations may include illegal or unauthorized activities related to:

  • Use of water
  • Construction of works (e.g. pumping equipment) or altering terrain near water (For a definition of “works”, see Section 1 of the Water Sustainability Act.)
  • Use of fire in forests or on grasslands, infractions related to fire prohibitions
  • Long-term occupation of Crown land or unauthorized foreshore development
  • Forestry operations and unauthorized cutting of firewood
  • Culturally sensitive sites or artifacts
  • Use of resource roads
  • Environmental damage in sensitive ecosystems
  • Habitat damage (fish and wildlife)
  • Recreation sites and trails
  • Crown pastures and associated livestock

Read more about how to identify natural resource violations:

What happens when you file a report

Natural Resource Officers (NROs) review every natural resource violation report to determine its priority and appropriate response. An NRO may contact you for additional information that may be relevant to the investigation and that could assist with any related prosecution or administrative hearing.

To report a violation, see the How to report section on the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) page.

Thank you for taking the time to report a natural resource violation and for your help protecting B.C.’s natural resources. 

Reporting other concerns

To report a concern that doesn't involve a natural reource violation:

To report a public health or safety matter, call 911.

Foreshore inspection
NRO verifies authorizations to foreshore

A Natural Resource Officer verifies authorizations for foreshore alterations.

Report violations

If you witness or are aware of anyone damaging B.C.'s natural resources, see the How to report section on the Report All Poachers and Polluters page.

Violations may relate to fire, water or road use, forestry operations, or misuse of Crown lands.

Please note

The phone numbers on this page are not emergency response telephone lines.

If you see an immediate threat to public safety or a life-threatening situation, call 911.

If 911 service is not available in your community, call your local police, fire or ambulance service.