March 22 is World Water Day, so it's a good time for all of us to think about conserving and protecting one of our most precious natural assets. World Water Day reminds us how valuable our water resources are and the responsibilities that come with being stewards of this resource.

In recognition of Canada Water Week, Environment Minister Terry Lake is urging British Columbians to conserve and protect one of our most precious natural assets.

Environment Minister Terry Lake says Discover Camping saw a 41 per cent increase over 2011 when BC Parks opened for reservations on March 15. In the first hour, more than 2,100 reservations were made. This represents approximately 35 a minute.

After a flood-related closure last summer, nearby Gwillim Lake Provincial Park is scheduled to reopen in time for the May 2012 long weekend.

The Ministry of Environment and the Stó:lo Tribal Council signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) earlier this week that addresses human-wildlife conflicts, public health and safety, and fish and wildlife resources.

The Honourable Peter Kent, federal Minister of the Environment and the Honourable Terry Lake, British Columbia Minister of the Environment, announced that a Joint Agreement has been signed for the co-operative environmental assessment, including a review by a joint panel, of the Site C Clean Energy Project in British Columbia.

British Columbia's world-class parks system has been enhanced by more than $10.5 million in capital and community legacy investments and free parking for the approximately 20 million annual visitors to ensure our provincial parks are more welcoming for families and visitors to B.C.