To accelerate economic development and job growth in British Columbia, the Province focused this year on improving the permitting process in the natural resource sector.

- Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson appointed Ralph Archibald of Victoria and Dr. William McGill of Prince George to the Forest Practices Board.

The Province has designated 503 hectares of river and riparian habitat along the Stellako River as a wildlife management area, announced Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson.

The Province has designated 753 hectares near Pemberton as a wildlife management area, announced Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson.

A community forest agreement for Chetwynd will enable the municipality and First Nations to manage local forest resources for timber, recreation and cultural values, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson announced.

The Province has established a wildlife harvest allocation policy that creates greater consistency and transparency for B.C.'s guide outfitters and resident hunters, announced Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson.

The Province has completed its annual survey of kokanee numbers for the Okanagan Lakes region, announced Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson.

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson announced an expansion to the Burns Lake Community Forest that will provide the community-owned forest corporation with access to timber resources near Ling Lake.

The public is reminded of their responsibilities when conducting any backyard burning.