It’s been a difficult/damning season so far with flooding/wildfire for many B.C. Interior residents.
But, every three months, delegates from seven fish and game clubs throughout the Thompson-Shuswap, (BC Wildlife Federation Region #3) come together to discuss, and hope to, ensure longterm management of B.C.’s fish, wildlife, parks and outdoor recreational resources.
The aims are to submit views to all government/private agencies to safeguard the interests of all fish, wildlife, park and resource values in natural resource development. As well, to promote the true appreciation of sportsmanship and safety in light of all fish and wildlife regulations. With that in mind, we forged ahead last Sunday to come to grips with an update for folks on what has transpired, and how it may affect your activities this coming season.
Hunters: To date in Region # 3-26…3-33-34, there will be no change in the seasons as per the regulations. It’s possible there could be no ATV access in major fire zones north of Kamloops/Little Fort/Clinton. Once fires are out, logging will begin harvesting the most valuable timber with roads, landings and equipment.
Burnt timber is difficult to mill as it’s dirty and dusty and hard on equipment. When chipped for pulp, it’s poor quality.
Loss of game animals due to wildfire: In consulting big game biologists, it was learned, sheep, elk, deer, moose and bears will run ahead of fires to safe locations. Small animals will perish.
Replanting vast burnt areas: It’s determined it’s better to let nature regenerate, putting nutrients, minerals, alder and birch growth back into the soil. Cones of pine will open and reseed many locations.
Salmon: As of last week, water temperature for the Fraser River was at 18 degrees, with few chinook showing, and few early run Stewart sockeye as well. There will be no sockeye season, with chinooks possible on the Fraser/Thompson/South Thompson river systems. It’s estimated there may be a pink salmon fishery on the Fraser/Thompson, as the run is estimated at eight million fish. Many of these will migrate up the main stem of the Fraser past Lytton and Lilllooet. Let’s hope we do, as pinks are a delight to catch and are excellent quality when first cleaned and put on ice in the cooler.
Many people were disgusted when news broke there will be no charges in the Mount Polley mine disaster. The province had three years to lay charges and couldn’t get it right. Unfortunately it’s becoming an all-too-common occurrence, with a heavy mandate laid on conservation officers to do not only prosecutions of the Wildlife Act but also health, safety, water, pollution and habitat. The minister is to blame for this ruddy fiasco by not providing more funding and boots on the ground to protect our most valuable resource, our fish and wildlife.
Precedent setting: Minnie and Stoney lakes and Douglas Lake Ranch. (The civil trial involving the Nicola Valley Fish and Game Club against the Douglas Lake Cattle Company over public access.)On May 23rd the judge viewed the area.
Hunter and anglers, in this fast-changing environment, the wildlife and fish may need your help for the future.
The public is invited to comment on ministry decisions and regulations. Go to: http://apps.nrs.gov.bc.capub/ahte.
