B.C. commits $27 million to enhance caribou recovery
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2017PREM0019-000223
Demonstrating the province’s commitment to species-at-risk, the Province is investing $27 million on a comprehensive, caribou recovery program, Premier Christy Clark announced today at the 14th Annual Premier’s B.C. Natural Resources Forum.
“We’re taking action to protect the long-term survival of the woodland caribou,” said Premier Clark. “We’ve already invested millions of dollars and set aside critical habitat, but stronger action is required to reverse population declines, and ensure that our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to experience these animals in the wild.”
The comprehensive program will build on existing efforts and will have five key components:
Critical caribou habitat protection and restoration
Maternal penning
Predator management
Research and monitoring
Increased compliance and enforcement
“Caribou recovery is complicated by numerous factors including habitat alteration, climate change, increased predation and competition from moose, deer and elk,” said Minister of Forests and Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Steve Thomson. “By investing $8 million this year, and another $19 million over the next two years, B.C. is making a clear statement that it is serious about caribou recovery.”
One of the first items to be completed will be a strategic action plan specific to the Quintette herd in the South Peace. Additional maternal penning projects, designed to increase calf survival of new caribou are also being contemplated. There are currently two maternal penning projects, one near Revelstoke and the other near West Moberley.
There are 51 woodland caribou herds in British Columbia divided into four groups: southern mountain, central mountain, northern mountain, and boreal.
“These iconic creatures were once one of Canada’s most widespread species, found in over 80% of the country,” said Environment Minister Mary Polak. “Today, many of the province’s herds are at -risk of disappearing altogether. We are taking the necessary steps to protect caribou habitat and working to ensure that economic development activities can continue without compromising caribou recovery efforts.”
The B.C. government is committed to actions that will help recover populations of species at risk. The additional investments in caribou recovery will try to reverse the decline in caribou populations. Today there are some 19,000 caribou in the province, compared to between 30,000 and 40,000 at the turn of the last century.
Re: B.C. commits $27 million to enhance caribou recovery
If government had protected the 34,000 hectares of Caribou habitat as recommended in the Revelstoke Land Use Plan, instead of the 4000 hectares that they did protect, maybe we wouldn't have a population on the brink of extinction, and a 27 million dollar bill to try and save them. And that's just the start. How much more will it cost? Will it be successful? How long will it take? At what cost does our economy prosper?
Re: B.C. commits $27 million to enhance caribou recovery
If they do nothing, people bitch...if they spend money, people bitch..... At least they are putting in money that was probably already budgeted and putting it towards a cause that isn't absolutely useless. The reduction of predators should have been handled long ago but if they get wolf and bear numbers to a sustainable and manageable number it will help all ungulate numbers not only caribou.
Re: B.C. commits $27 million to enhance caribou recovery
Glad to finally see some money hit the bush for some much needed help. Here's hoping it makes a huge difference.
Re: B.C. commits $27 million to enhance caribou recovery
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ride Red
Glad to finally see some money hit the bush for some much needed help. Here's hoping it makes a huge difference.
I'd be happier if it weren't an election year....
Re: B.C. commits $27 million to enhance caribou recovery
Quote:
Originally Posted by
tinhorse
If they do nothing, people bitch...if they spend money, people bitch..... At least they are putting in money that was probably already budgeted and putting it towards a cause that isn't absolutely useless. The reduction of predators should have been handled long ago but if they get wolf and bear numbers to a sustainable and manageable number it will help all ungulate numbers not only caribou.
Exactly....
Re: B.C. commits $27 million to enhance caribou recovery
Sure they made a mistake of not protecting enough habitat in the first place, but it's good to see they're doing something..
Re: B.C. commits $27 million to enhance caribou recovery
hmmm...wonder who thats about..?
"Increased compliance and enforcement"
Re: B.C. commits $27 million to enhance caribou recovery
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bonz
hmmm...wonder who thats about..?
"Increased compliance and enforcement"
We all know who it should be about but good luck...
Re: B.C. commits $27 million to enhance caribou recovery