Environment Minister Terry Lake says Discover Camping saw a 41 per cent increase over 2011 when BC Parks opened for reservations on March 15. In the first hour, more than 2,100 reservations were made. This represents approximately 35 a minute.

After a flood-related closure last summer, nearby Gwillim Lake Provincial Park is scheduled to reopen in time for the May 2012 long weekend.

As part of 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan', the BC Water and Waste Association (BCWWA) and its sector partners have been awarded $632,500 for the development and pilot delivery of an industry-standard Parks and Public Works Technician training program.

British Columbia's world-class parks system has been enhanced by more than $10.5 million in capital and community legacy investments and free parking for the approximately 20 million annual visitors to ensure our provincial parks are more welcoming for families and visitors to B.C.

Want to inspire your true love with earth-friendly gift ideas? Do you already have a partridge in a pear tree or seven swans a swimming? This holiday season - try giving the gift of green:

A Vernon resident is the grand prize winner of a spa retreat and a spelunking adventure at one of B.C.'s top attractions in the Share Your B.C. parks online contest sponsored by British Columbia Magazine and BC Parks in celebration of 100 years of BC Parks.

With 43 sold so far, there's still time to sponsor a BC Parks' limited-edition bench as part of its 100 park benches for 100 years of provincial parks program.