Water restrictions for the lower Salmon River and Bessette Creek will expire this week, ending temporary protection orders put in place in August 2023 to help protect threatened salmon populations.

Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests, has released the following statement to mark National Forest Week, Sept. 17-23, 2023:

British Columbia’s chief forester has set a new allowable annual cut (AAC) level for the Mackenzie Timber Supply Area (TSA).

Water users are encouraged to undertake voluntary water conservation measures and monitor their water supply as rains in northeastern B.C. are below normal levels.

With climate change and extreme weather becoming more frequent, people are encouraged to provide feedback about how best to prepare for future flooding in B.C.

Concerns about water supply security, drought and water scarcity remain an issue for most of the southern half of British Columbia even as cooler temperatures and rain have arrived.

As drought conditions continue for much of the southern Interior, water restriction orders are now in place for two areas in the Thompson-Okanagan region.

The continued unprecedented dry and hot conditions in British Columbia’s southern Interior has prompted government to increase the drought level in the Okanagan to 4.

Drought and water scarcity continues to impact most of the southern half of British Columbia.

Extremely warm and dry conditions have prompted the Province to set a Level 3 drought rating for the Peace, Upper Fraser East and Upper Fraser West areas.