The public is invited to comment on proposed changes to old growth management areas on Vancouver Island that would protect the Avatar Grove site.

The public is urged to be extremely careful with campfires and other burning this week as summer weather finally arrives in the Northeast.

Upland Excavating Ltd. of Campbell River has been awarded a $1.5-million contract to rebuild the Dick Booth Culvert on Holberg Rd. west of Port Hardy. The culvert was washed out during flooding last September.

Wood stove exchange programs in communities throughout B.C. will share another $200,000 in funding to help more people swap old wood stoves for new high-efficiency models, Environment Minister Terry Lake announced.

With sunny and warm conditions predicted for the last long weekend of the summer, the Coastal Fire Centre is urging the public to be careful with their campfires and to ensure their campfire is completely out when they leave the area, as abandoned campfires pose considerable risk for fire escapes.

Overall, at 93,465 reservations to date, camping reservations in provincial parks are up eight per cent over last year, and up an impressive 48 per cent for the week of Aug. 22-28, 2011.

With sunny and warm conditions predicted for the last long weekend of the summer, the Cariboo Fire Centre is urging the public to be careful with fire use.

As the last long weekend of the summer draws near, recreationalists are reminded to make sure their campfires are out before leaving an area as hot dry weather is predicted for the following week.