Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson applauded today's decision of the Legislative Assembly to form a Special Committee on Timber Supply to examine and make recommendations about mid-term timber supply in British Columbia, as a result of the mountain pine beetle infestation.

British Columbians have made more than 6,000 camping reservations for the Victoria Day long weekend representing an approximate 13 per cent increase over the same period last year, Environment Minister Terry Lake said.

British Columbia is sending 41 firefighting personnel to Manitoba to assist that province with its firefighting efforts.

B.C.'s $8.6-billion mining industry has reason to celebrate Mining Week, May 13-19. Employment, revenue, exports, production and prices are all up over previous years and are in a position to continue rising.

With bears seeking out non-natural food sources, Environment Minister Terry Lake is spreading the word to British Columbians to do what they can to control bear attractants and reduce conflicts with bears.

Putting organics in their place is a year-round activity that not only helps feed plants, lawns and hedges throughout British Columbia, but also reduces GHGs.

While freshet flooding is the current focus in some parts of the province, increasing temperatures are making wildfires an emerging threat in other regions.

Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 6-12, a time when the weather is improving and British Columbians are eager to get outside and enjoy the mountains, coastline and everything in between.

The Splatsin First Nation and the Province have reached an agreement that will allow the parking lot at Mabel Lake to reopen in time for the summer recreation season.