The B.C. government has proclaimed May 2016 as “Invasive Species Action Month” to help raise awareness of the environmental and economic damage that invasive plants and animals can cause if they become established in the province.

A biologist who has spent more than 35 years beautifying the Cowichan Valley, a driving force behind the protection of an iconic piece of the North Shore Mountains, an enthusiastic park operator known for her wildflower posters, and a man remembered for saving the lives of countless park visitors – these are the recipients of the 2015 BC Parks Volunteer Awards.

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

Following a successful pilot program last year, Premier Christy Clark announced a $2 million boost to the province’s invasive mussel defence program that will see eight permanent mussel inspection stations installed at major entry points along B.C.’s borders.

Comments and feedback are being sought on a proposed new Access Management Area in the Pend d’Oreille Valley in the Kootenay Boundary region as part of an update to the spring 2016 edition of the B.C. Hunting and Trapping Synopsis.

Over $3 million is being distributed among non-profit organizations throughout the province as part of the latest round of environment gaming grants funded by the Government of British Columbia.

Local recreational trails in the Kamloops-North Thompson area are being cleared and cattle range fencing will be repaired by two local Aboriginal people who are getting work experience in forestry and agriculture.

B.C.'s economic, environmental and regional priorities will have a strong voice in the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) with the election of Dan Ashton, MLA for Penticton, as Canadian vice-president of PNWER.