Update: Due to the ongoing fire risk, there are now road closures in place for the Upper Elaho (above 32 km) and Upper Squamish (above 30 km). The roads will remain closed until the extreme fire risk rating has gone down, the Nation says.
Sqomish Forestry staff have locked the gate and will monitor it over the weekend to allow the safe exit of anyone already above it, according to a Squamish Nation official post.
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Ahead of the weekend, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is ramping up monitoring of the Squamish Valley, according to a public release.
The Nation says it is increasing its presence in the Squamish River Valley over concerns it heard from the community.
The valley is a popular spot for recreationalists, but has seen problems with some bad behaviour over the years, including excessive traffic, the dumping of garbage, illegal campfires, target shooting and the like.
"There will be an increase in staffing presence by our Land Guardians over the next few weeks to monitor and prevent any future impacts to important areas," the Nation's release posted to Facebook states.
This move comes after two other popular Sea to Sky destinations were restricted.
On Wednesday, the Líl̓wat Nation and N’Quatqua First Nation announced they were jointly shutting down Joffre Lakes Park so they could harvest and gather resources within the territories, known as Pipi7iyekw.
On Thursday, the Village of Lions Bay announced it was closing all of its trailheads on municipal land and nearby visitor parking due to wildfire concerns.
~With files from Alanna Kelly and Brent Richter / Both of Glacier Media
**Please note that this story has been modified since it was first posted after the Nation changed its Facebook post.
