Sensitive alpine areas in the Okanagan Region will benefit from more protection starting July 1, when a new regulation under the Wildlife Act comes into effect prohibiting the use of motor vehicles above 1,700 metres, except on existing roads and trails.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations plans to aerially treat up to 845 hectares of sub-alpine forest to reduce populations of the two-year cycle budworm.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations plans to aerially treat up to 28,000 hectares of forest in the Okanagan to reduce populations of western spruce budworm.

Travellers are advised the road between Wells and Likely - the Cunningham Pass (3100) Forest Service Road - will be closed at 3121 and 3126 kilometres for road repairs, from June 19 to July 3, 2012.

Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson has announced the reappointment of four board members to the Forest Practices Board for terms of two years each.

Wildlife conservation efforts in southeast B.C. received a big boost today with a new agreement between the Province and Ducks Unlimited Canada to jointly operate the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area for the next 30 years.

The public is urged to take extra care near the Okanagan River because of high water levels. Recent rain events combined with this year's snowpack melt have required ministry staff to release additional water from Okanagan Lake.

The Province has amended Heritage Investigation Permit 2011-0376 for a private property on the 1300 block of SW Marine Drive, also known as the Marpole Midden site, under Section 12 (6) of the Heritage Conservation Act.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations plans to aerially treat up to 3,600 hectares of forest around Quesnel Lake to reduce populations of the western hemlock looper larva.