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.

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.

International Compost Awareness Week (May 6-12) is being celebrated in communities throughout the province, as it is every day, through innovative programs that are substantially reducing the amount of organic materials dumped in landfills.

BC Parks is accepting applications for its innovative youth leadership program Get Outside BC. Piloted in 2011, Get Outside BC was the first of its kind in Canada. Forty youth aged 14-18 from across the province will be selected to participate in this year's summer program.

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.