Provincial parks in British Columbia will benefit from an increased investment of $35 million over the next three years to increase and strengthen conservation.
In the government announcement on Feb. 2, world-renowned parks across the province will now see more park rangers and new programs to promote and protect the natural environment.
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett says it’s “great news” the provincial parks will see the addition of approximately 25 full-time park rangers, new programs to promote and protect the natural environment, as well as an initial endowment for a new BC Parks Foundation.
Also speaking as Minister of State for Rural Economic Development, Barnett adds she will be looking forward to finding out in the “not too distant future” the details of what this will mean for enhancing parks in rural regions across BC.
“It will certainly help and it’s been something that people who utilize parks have been asking for, and something that the tourism associations completely support as parks are part of our culture and therefore must be maintained to the highest standards.”
Barnett says the impacts are two-fold, and to her, both are “very important” and positive steps for rural BC.
The remaining $10-million initial endowment will create a new BC Parks Foundation to spend on promoting and enhancing the experience in BC Parks to help generate private revenue.
Barnett notes the revenue generated is not just through the park fees, but also through the nearby gas stations, grocery stores, theatres and everywhere else that caters to the daily needs of visitors, along with local residents.
The increase in full-time rangers is in addition to the seasonal ranger program where 87 temporary positions are filled during the peak demand season.
“It’s wonderful that we have these great parks for our tourists, but [also] for our local citizens. For new people in BC and Canada, and for our young people, it’s an educational tool, too.”
Among numerous new programs is Discover BC Parks, where the public can be engaged through interactive mobile learning spaces, mobile apps, online activities for children, and other programs.
Whether travelling through the province or directly through the Cariboo, Wifi also adds to this information in a big way for the younger generations who “live on mobile apps,” she adds.
Other conservation initiatives arising from increased operations funding are to include enhancing public involvement through new community liaison rangers to build relationships with local governments, community groups, businesses, advocacy organizations and school groups.
Barnett says the impact of these liaison rangers is yet to be revealed through their job descriptions, but at first glance, it seems another good educational piece for aspects like ecosystems.
“Anything that can be done to help engage the public and to encourage them to learn about the environment and the land upon which they live is great.”
The increased budget is part of the BC Parks Future Strategy, announced by Premier Christy Clark on Nov. 28, 2016.
In addition, the province is investing $22.9 million to build 1,900 new campsites in provincial parks and recreation sites including incorporating accessible design standards and other tourism promotions.
More information on what else this new three-year funding commitment involves is online at https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2017ENV0009-000231.
