A unique Okanagan lake, long recognized for its important wetland habitat, is now designated as part of a new wildlife management area (WMA), to help protect migratory birds, animals and species at risk.

The BC Wildfire Service is planning to burn about 25 piles of wood debris, about three kilometres northwest of downtown Grand Forks, off Prospect Drive near the Copper Ridge subdivision.

Obtaining a permit to cut and collect free firewood on Crown land is easier than ever, now that permit applications can be filled out online.

Due to reduced fire activity and recent progress made by firefighting crews, the BC Wildfire Service has rescinded the order to restrict access that was implemented on May 27, 2018, for areas around the Tommy Lakes wildfire.

The BC Wildfire Service is planning to conduct an 8.5-hectare prescribed burn in the Keen Creek area, about 15 kilometres west of Kaslo.

Members of the public are advised to use caution while travelling on Crown Land in the Cariboo where wildfires occurred in 2017, especially in areas where fireguards were established to help fight those fires.

Okanagan fish and game clubs, guide outfitters, avid anglers and the public are being encouraged to provide feedback on proposed regulation changes for the 2019-21 Freshwater Fishing Synopsis.

To ensure public safety, the South Fork Forest Service Road, near Cherryville, is closed to all vehicle traffic until further notice, due to concerns about the stability of the road bed and washouts, as well as damage to the Yeoward Creek Bridge.

With the return of more seasonal weather in recent days, BC Wildfire Service crews have made considerable headway in containing the two most-prominent wildfires within the Kamloops Fire Centre.