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. 

A reminder to all families, friends and outdoor enthusiasts to book your favourite campsites as the BC Parks online reservation system, Discover Camping, opens tomorrow.

Families, friends and outdoor enthusiasts can get ready for another exciting season of camping with the BC Parks reservation system, Discover Camping, opening soon.

Amendments to the Environmental Management Act (EMA), introduced will, if passed, provide the legal foundation to establish a new, world-leading spill preparedness and response regime to address environmental emergencies in B.C.