The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has closed the black bear hunting season on Haida Gwaii.

A partnership of local governments and First Nations have been awarded $139,000 over two years to establish a tsunami debris management and cleanup program on Haida Gwaii.

Effective at noon on Friday, Sept. 6, Category 2 open fires (also referred to as backyard burning or debris burning) will be permitted within the Coastal Fire Centre's jurisdiction, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Effective at noon on Aug. 26, 2013, the campfire ban in the Coastal Fire Centre was rescinded due to a decreased risk of wildfires. Campfires now will be permitted throughout the Coastal Fire Centre.

Effective at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, campfires and Category 3 open fires will be permitted in the following areas of the Coastal Fire Centre: from Courtenay north on Vancouver Island and on the Mainland from Hotham Sound north.

Effective at noon on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, campfires and Category 3 open fires will be permitted in the geographic area of the Mount Waddington Regional District.

Effective at 12 noon on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, all open fires, including campfires are banned in all areas of the Coastal Fire Centre, except for the Fog Zone and Haida Gwaii.

Effective at noon on June 24, 2013, the size of open fires will be restricted in most of the Coastal Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect the public.

Ten members of the Conservation Officer Service have been awarded the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal by the Honourable Judith Guichon, Lt-Gov. of British Columbia and Environment Minister Terry Lake.