Number of park violations breaks record high for February

The number of park violations in February broke a record, according to Columbia Parks and Recreation records.

In February 2016 there were 95 park violations, with two park rangers working.

Last month there were 110 park violations, with only one park ranger on duty.

Columbia Parks and Recreation officials said that they usually see the least amount of park violations in February, compared to the rest of the year. They said that the unusually warm weather last month meant more people went to the parks.

The park ranger program started in 2004, and in February 2005, no park violations were issued.

Mike Griggs, director of Columbia Parks and Recreation, said the use of drones have increased as well.

Out of the 11 recreation activity violations, 4 were drone violations.

Griggs said people are flying drones in parks without having the proper registration and permits.

“There’s a certain permit process people have to go to. They need to register their drone and get a pilot license to do it. These are pretty simple steps to take. The procedures are going to be on our website soon and we’re going to have a permit process they can do. That’s going to be an education component throughout the year,” Griggs said.