Rackem
11-24-2013, 10:14 AM
Here is his response...
Mike Bernier, MLA
Peace River South
Province of
British Columbia
Legislative Assembly
Constituency Office:
103B, 1100 Alaska Avenue,
Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4V8
Phone: 250-782-3430
Fax: 250-782-6454
Legislative Office:
East Annex, Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Phone: 250-952-7269
Fax: 250-952-7263
November 22, 2013
Ellen ----
Dear Ms.----:
Re: Wolf Population
Thank you for your email submission November 5, 2013 regarding your concerns with the wolf population in the South Peace Region. The British Columbia government is committed to ensuring sustainable wildlife populations and healthy predator-prey relationships throughout the province. In addition, the Ministry of Environment is committed to working with our stakeholders, ranchers and First Nations to manage the impacts of wolves on livestock and protecting endangered species in British Columbia.
The goal of wolf management in British Columbia is to ensure a self-sustaining population throughout the species’ range and to ensure that within the biological limits of the species, wolves are available in sufficient abundance to fulfil their ecological role and to meet the cultural, recreational, and economic needs of society. The plan indicates wolf populations are likely stable or increasing across the province and are not considered an ‘at-risk’ species. The current wolf population estimate is approximately 8,500, which is similar to an earlier estimate of 8,100 in 1991.
While there are strong differing beliefs and values on the management of wolf populations, it is important that decisions are informed by sound science. Wildlife management plans summarize the best available science-based information on biology and threats to inform the development of a management framework. They set goals and objectives, recommend approaches appropriate for species or ecosystem conservation, and provide strategic advice. While the proposed plan does offer some recommended management actions, it does not advocate any particular action with respect to wolf management. Any future wildlife management decisions will always be made with conservation of all species, including wolves, as the foremost priority.
-2-
The wolf management plan is a comprehensive plan that will help inform future government policy decisions. We have received over 2,500 comments on the plan and each will be read and considered before the plan is finalized. To view the draft Management Plan for the Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) in British Columbia please visit the Ministry of Environment website at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/public-consultation/grey-wolf/docs/PublicConsultation-WolfManagementPlan.pdf
Farmers and ranchers can use existing hunting and trapping seasons to control predators but must ensure that they comply with all Federal, Provincial and Municipal regulations surrounding hunting, trapping and the discharge of firearms in their area. Predation losses can be reduced/minimized by practicing good livestock husbandry. If you are having trouble with wolves threatening your livestock or pets please contact the Ministry Call Centre at 1-877-952-7277.
Wolves that are harassing or menacing domestic animals (livestock) or birds can be hunted or trapped on a person's property under Section 26(2) of the Wildlife Act. Under Section 2 (Property in Wildlife) - section 2(4) states that a person who by accident or for protection of life or property kills wildlife, that wildlife remains the property of the government.
The killing or wounding of any wildlife must be reported. Failing to report the killing or wounding of any wildlife, whether or not it is for protection of life or property, is an offence under section 75 of the Wildlife Act.
Persons must comply with all Municipal, Provincial and Federal laws surrounding the use and discharge of firearms or the setting of traps.
Persons are liable for any wildlife that is wounded or injured as a result of them exercising their rights under section 26(2) and that they are legally responsible for any misuse of firearms.
If there is a hunting or trapping season open for wolves at the time and in the location of the occurrence, a trapper from the local trapper's association may be able to assist.
More information regarding predator control and livestock husbandry and protection can be found on the Ministry site at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/info/wildlife_human_interaction/docs/wolves.html.
Yours truly,
Mike Bernier, MLA
Peace River South
Mike Bernier, MLA
Peace River South
Province of
British Columbia
Legislative Assembly
Constituency Office:
103B, 1100 Alaska Avenue,
Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4V8
Phone: 250-782-3430
Fax: 250-782-6454
Legislative Office:
East Annex, Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Phone: 250-952-7269
Fax: 250-952-7263
November 22, 2013
Ellen ----
Dear Ms.----:
Re: Wolf Population
Thank you for your email submission November 5, 2013 regarding your concerns with the wolf population in the South Peace Region. The British Columbia government is committed to ensuring sustainable wildlife populations and healthy predator-prey relationships throughout the province. In addition, the Ministry of Environment is committed to working with our stakeholders, ranchers and First Nations to manage the impacts of wolves on livestock and protecting endangered species in British Columbia.
The goal of wolf management in British Columbia is to ensure a self-sustaining population throughout the species’ range and to ensure that within the biological limits of the species, wolves are available in sufficient abundance to fulfil their ecological role and to meet the cultural, recreational, and economic needs of society. The plan indicates wolf populations are likely stable or increasing across the province and are not considered an ‘at-risk’ species. The current wolf population estimate is approximately 8,500, which is similar to an earlier estimate of 8,100 in 1991.
While there are strong differing beliefs and values on the management of wolf populations, it is important that decisions are informed by sound science. Wildlife management plans summarize the best available science-based information on biology and threats to inform the development of a management framework. They set goals and objectives, recommend approaches appropriate for species or ecosystem conservation, and provide strategic advice. While the proposed plan does offer some recommended management actions, it does not advocate any particular action with respect to wolf management. Any future wildlife management decisions will always be made with conservation of all species, including wolves, as the foremost priority.
-2-
The wolf management plan is a comprehensive plan that will help inform future government policy decisions. We have received over 2,500 comments on the plan and each will be read and considered before the plan is finalized. To view the draft Management Plan for the Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) in British Columbia please visit the Ministry of Environment website at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/public-consultation/grey-wolf/docs/PublicConsultation-WolfManagementPlan.pdf
Farmers and ranchers can use existing hunting and trapping seasons to control predators but must ensure that they comply with all Federal, Provincial and Municipal regulations surrounding hunting, trapping and the discharge of firearms in their area. Predation losses can be reduced/minimized by practicing good livestock husbandry. If you are having trouble with wolves threatening your livestock or pets please contact the Ministry Call Centre at 1-877-952-7277.
Wolves that are harassing or menacing domestic animals (livestock) or birds can be hunted or trapped on a person's property under Section 26(2) of the Wildlife Act. Under Section 2 (Property in Wildlife) - section 2(4) states that a person who by accident or for protection of life or property kills wildlife, that wildlife remains the property of the government.
The killing or wounding of any wildlife must be reported. Failing to report the killing or wounding of any wildlife, whether or not it is for protection of life or property, is an offence under section 75 of the Wildlife Act.
Persons must comply with all Municipal, Provincial and Federal laws surrounding the use and discharge of firearms or the setting of traps.
Persons are liable for any wildlife that is wounded or injured as a result of them exercising their rights under section 26(2) and that they are legally responsible for any misuse of firearms.
If there is a hunting or trapping season open for wolves at the time and in the location of the occurrence, a trapper from the local trapper's association may be able to assist.
More information regarding predator control and livestock husbandry and protection can be found on the Ministry site at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/info/wildlife_human_interaction/docs/wolves.html.
Yours truly,
Mike Bernier, MLA
Peace River South