The public is urged to take extra care near the Okanagan River as water levels remain high.

With the summer season in full swing, the Okanagan River is a popular place to enjoy B.C.'s great outdoors. Visitors and residents are reminded that the Okanagan River's high water levels mean additional risks to public safety posed by a deep and fast flowing current.

Environment Minister Terry Lake announced the approval of a solid waste management plan that minimizes garbage generation, maximizes recycling and includes the addition of several conditions to ensure the environment is protected.

As of July 21, 2011, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has rescinded water licence restrictions within the Chimney Creek watershed, thanks to significant rainfall in the area.

The BC Coroners Service is commending the Ministry of Environment for quickly upgrading signage at the site of a park visitor's fatal fall.

The Ministry of Environment and Encorp Pacific are continuing their initiative to bring a "bear smart" recycling program to B.C. provincial parks with the goal of keeping our parks safe and clean.

British Columbia is sending an additional 74 forest fire personnel to Ontario to assist with a continuing increase in fire activity.

People in 16 Aboriginal communities around the province will benefit from the first round of funding from the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, Premier Christy Clark announced.