The public is reminded that, despite cooler temperatures in recent days, drought-like conditions persist in many of the Southeast Fire Centre's fire zones.

Many waterways in British Columbia's Peace Region are experiencing very low stream flow conditions, so the government is encouraging residents to conserve water and learn more about dealing with current drought conditions.

Beginning Aug. 5, BC Liquor Store customers can help support Red Cross drought relief efforts in the Horn of Africa (which includes Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Uganda) by making donations at any of the 197 BC Liquor Stores located in communities across British Columbia.

As of July 21, 2011, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has rescinded water licence restrictions within the Chimney Creek watershed, thanks to significant rainfall in the area.

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and British Columbia Minister of Agriculture Don McRae today announced up to $5 million for two new AgriRecovery initiatives to help B.C. vegetable, cattle and bison producers recover from the damage caused by extreme weather in 2010 and into the spring of 2011.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has implemented strict water licence restrictions within the Chimney Creek watershed due to low winter snowpacks and potential drought conditions.