For immediate release

Kelowna, B.C.

The BC Wildlife Federation congratulates the Provincial Government for committing to a new wildlife management model today. The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations announced it will form a new wildlife agency in late fall 2017 backed by $5 million in start up funds. The agency would be supported by $9 to $10 million collected each year from hunting licence revenues.



President Jim Glaicar said, "The BC Wildlife Federation commends the Province for its commitment to dedicate hunting licence revenues to a stand-alone agency to enhance wildlife management. The BCWF, on behalf of our 50,000 members, is pleased to have our call for greater investment in fish, wildlife and habitat realized through this investment."



A dedicated funding model is a concept the BCWF has been promoting intensively for the past two years. This announcement is a validation of the BCWF’s diligence on this file. We look forward to working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to address dwindling fish, wildlife and habitat.



The new governance model must set specific measurable objectives to recover and increase habitat sustainability, as well as fish and wildlife populations. Currently there are no set population objectives for fish, wildlife and habitat.



Fish and wildlife in British Columbia are in trouble. That’s why the BC Wildlife Federation is taking action to ensure the future of fish, wildlife and wild spaces. We are holding Town Halls around the province to discuss these issues and share our passion for what makes BC special.



Please visit: www.bcwf.bc.ca to find out more about theTown Hall meetings we are holding in communities across British Columbia.