Effective at noon on April 4, 2016, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

Following a successful pilot program last year, Premier Christy Clark announced a $2 million boost to the province’s invasive mussel defence program that will see eight permanent mussel inspection stations installed at major entry points along B.C.’s borders.

Families with children throughout British Columbia soon will have more help in achieving healthy lifestyles and healthy weights with $2 million to support the expansion of the free Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it! (MEND) program.

March long weekend is a popular time for British Columbians to spend outdoors with friends and family, exploring the vast opportunities that exist in B.C.’s backcountry and trails. A new social media campaign is focused on helping families be fully informed, and prepared for potential risks, so they have fun and return home safely.

Community organizations working to safeguard vulnerable young people from gang involvement and protect victims of domestic, sexual and other forms of violence will benefit from nearly $7.2 million in government grants supporting public safety priorities.

BC Parks, the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program and the BC Wildfire Service will be conducting a 45-hectare ecosystem restoration burn west of Tulip Creek in Syringa Provincial Park.

British Columbians from throughout the province will be turning off lights and powering down electronics on Saturday, March 19, 2016, between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. during Earth Hour 2016.

Environment Minister Mary Polak introduced new legislation that, if passed, will add more than 11,700 hectares to B.C.’s protected areas system, including the establishment of a new Class A provincial park.

The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations are planning to conduct an ecosystem restoration burn in the Churn Creek Protected Area between March 15 and April 29, weather permitting.