The Province continues to expand forest opportunities for individuals, groups and First Nations with the offering of a new woodlot licence near Smithers.

The Northwest Fire Centre has responded to five new fires this week, as warm and dry weather continues throughout the region.

As part of the long-term vision for the Kettle Valley Railway Trail to be a vibrant, world-class recreation destination, the Province is investing over $100,000 to upgrade the trail between Naramata and Little Tunnel.

People living and working near the Carrot Lake Experimental Burn Project southwest of Vanderhoof may notice smoke and flames at the site over the next week, due to a controlled fire that's being ignited to investigate wildfire behaviour.

Travellers are advised the Scotch Creek Forest Service Road (FSR) will be temporarily closed at the 12.5-kilometre marker from Monday, Sept. 16 to Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, due to a bridge upgrade.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has closed the black bear hunting season on Haida Gwaii.

Effective at noon (MDT) on Monday, Sept. 9, open fires will be permitted within the Columbia Fire Zone, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Effective at noon on Friday, Sept. 6, Category 2 open fires (also referred to as backyard burning or debris burning) will be permitted within the Coastal Fire Centre's jurisdiction, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Residents of Cranbrook, Elko and surrounding areas may see smoke over the next month as a result of prescribed burning operations being conducted throughout September.