Rural communities are reminded that the submission deadline for the first intake of applications in the first year of funding under the BC Rural Dividend is May 31, 2016.

As the weather warms up and more people are out enjoying the backcountry, the B.C. government is reminding the public to respect Crown land and obey the law so everyone can enjoy British Columbia’s beautiful lakes, rivers and forests.

Residents of Vanderhoof are positioned to benefit from added economic stability, employment opportunities and increased local forest stewardship through the creation of the Vanderhoof Community Forest.

Effective at noon on Friday, May 13, 2016, Category 2 open fires will be prohibited in most areas of the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

Effective at noon on May 15, 2016, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect the public.

Comments are being accepted until July 15, 2016, on a discussion paper released as part of a comprehensive timber supply review for the Quesnel Timber Supply Area.

The Province is providing a $1-million lift to the Forestry Service Providers Compensation Fund to protect eligible forestry contractors and service providers in the event of licensee insolvency.

Effective immediately, the new allowable annual cut (AAC) for the Kamloops Timber Supply Area (TSA) will be 2.3 million cubic metres and decrease to 2.1 million cubic metres, effective May 5, 2021.

The B.C. government has proclaimed May 2016 as “Invasive Species Action Month” to help raise awareness of the environmental and economic damage that invasive plants and animals can cause if they become established in the province.