Last fiscal's community legacy projects add $780,023 in improvements to BC Parks and are the highlight of this year's Parks Day celebrations at the fun-filled family event in Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park near Kamloops today.

The Northwest Fire Centre would like to remind the public that all open fires are now prohibited within the Northwest Fire Centre, with the exception of the former North Coast Forest District.

Effective at noon on Friday, July 20, 2012, a Category 2 open fire and fireworks prohibition will be expanded to include all areas within the Coastal Fire Centre except Haida Gwaii.

One year after a Dutch tourist fell to his death at Elk Falls Provincial Park near Campbell River, BC Parks and the BC Coroners Service have worked together to significantly improve safety measures near the falls, while allowing continued public access to this popular attraction.

Effective at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 13, 2012, open fires and firework use will be prohibited throughout the entire Prince George Fire Centre. This prohibition is an extension of a ban that has been in place in most of the Prince George fire centre since May 19, and now includes the Fort Nelson fire zone.

Effective at noon on Friday, July 13, 2012, all open fires are prohibited within the Northwest Fire Centre with the exception of the former North Coast Forest District.

Effective at noon on Friday, July 13, 2012, all open fires are prohibited within the Southeast Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. The prohibition will remain in place until Sept. 19, or until the public is otherwise notified.

Visitors to Peace Arch Provincial Park in South Surrey are advised the Semiahmoo First Nation has decided to charge a $5-daily parking fee effective immediately.

With the long weekend approaching, and kids out of school for the summer, it's time to go camping and when it comes to camping, more campers choose Golden Ears over any other provincial park in B.C., but with 155 parks to choose from, there's a lot more to explore, announced Environment Minister Terry Lake today.

Sensitive alpine areas in the Okanagan Region will benefit from more protection starting July 1, when a new regulation under the Wildlife Act comes into effect prohibiting the use of motor vehicles above 1,700 metres, except on existing roads and trails.