The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is reminding residents and visitors who use the CVRD鈥檚 parks and trail systems to do so responsibly. The CVRD鈥檚 multi-use trails gain popularity in the spring as the weather improves and people want to pursue outdoor recreational activities. As many of the trail systems run through agricultural areas in the Comox Valley, the increased use can pose problems for area farmers. To ensure enjoyment of the parks and trails and the safety of livestock the CVRD is asking the public to respect the following: 鈥� Always keep to the trail and avoid going onto private farmlands. 鈥� Leave gates and livestock alone. 鈥� Keep dogs under control at all times. 鈥� Leash your dog when using a trail adjacent to farms with livestock present. 鈥� Keep away from farm equipment. 鈥� Leave no litter and avoid the spread of weeds. 鈥� Respect farm families and their privacy. 鈥� Report damaged fencing or vandalism to CVRD 250-334-6000. Farms are an important part of the Comox Valley and make significant contributions to the local economy and lifestyle. They are a place of work and agri-business 鈥� often growing crops and raising livestock that must not be tampered with to ensure a healthy product gets to market. When enjoying one of the many activities on the trails, whether it is cycling, horseback riding or going for a leisurely stroll with your dog, it is important to use common sense and observe the rules. 鈥淭respassing on farm property is an offence, in addition to being disrespectful to private land,鈥� said Michael Nihls, the CVRD鈥檚 manager of parks. 鈥淎dditionally, allowing dogs to run at large on farmland is an offence under the BC Livestock Act. "Farmers have express rights under the Livestock Act to take immediate and permanent actions with regard to nuisance animals. Dogs not in control of those using trails adjacent to farm property can scare or harm farm animals, and could be in danger if encounters with those animals, or other dogs, occur. Recreational use and adjacent farmland can co-exist well, if everyone does their part to be respectful and responsible.鈥� 鈥� Comox Valley Regional District