The B.C. government is distributing over $1.7 million in new grants to help control the spread of invasive plants in the province.

The Government of British Columbia announced that it is investing $8 million to promote the use of B.C. wood, help advance wood building systems and products, and to expand global markets for B.C. wood products.

Applications for the first year of funding under the BC Rural Dividend will be accepted from April 4 to May 31, 2016.

Members of the Province’s Rural Advisory Council were reappointed for another two years by Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson and Parliamentary Secretary Donna Barnett.

The new allowable annual cut for the Merritt Timber Supply Area will be 1.5 million cubic metres, effective immediately, and will decrease to 1.2 million cubic metres on March 24, 2021.

The creation of the Valemount Community Forest, represented by Valemount Community Forest Company, will help promote economic stability and employment opportunities, while enhancing the ability for local forest stewardship.

In response to recent increases in the spruce beetle population, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is committing $1 million and has designated a spruce beetle manager to work with First Nations, local communities and stakeholders to develop a regional spruce beetle management plan.

Given the current dry conditions, the Cariboo Fire Centre is encouraging the public to exercise caution with any outdoor burning activities over the weekend and into the coming weeks.

The general public and local residents are invited to attend a drop-in open house and information session on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, to review Valemount Glacier Destinations’ master plan.

The Province has put together a team of experts to fast track the creation of a five-year action plan to guide the recovery of Kootenay Lake kokanee stocks.