The British Columbia government is extending a heritage site management agreement with the Friends of Fort Steele Society for another five years.

Due to recent wildfire activity in the Southeast Fire Centre, the BC Wildfire Service has closed three forest service roads near active fires to help protect public safety and assist firefighting operations.

The Province has awarded $110,000 to the Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resource Society to help restore grasslands and forests in the East Kootenay and Columbia Valley.

The Province is providing $250,000 to the Kootenay Livestock Association over the next three years for projects administered under the Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program (GREP), Bill Bennett, MLA for Kootenay East, announced on behalf of Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson.

Recreation Sites and Trails BC is warning residents and visitors to keep pets on leash in the Cranbrook Community Forest, or avoid the area altogether, after two dogs died recently from ingesting a poisonous substance.

This past weekend, the Wildfire Management Branch's Southeast Fire Centre responded to four new wildfires in the East Kootenay.

Residents of Cranbrook, Elko and surrounding areas may see smoke over the next month as a result of prescribed burning operations being conducted throughout September.

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources staff will team up with RCMP officers and other provincial officials in the Lake Koocanusa area May 17-21, to enforce an Open Fire Prohibition Order and help residents and visitors enjoy a safe and peaceful long weekend.