The Province has designated 753 hectares near Pemberton as a wildlife management area, announced Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson.

The wetlands in the Pemberton area have long been recognized for their significant fish and wildlife values. The Pemberton Wetlands Wildlife Management Area encompasses a number of freshwater wetlands and riparian areas in the vicinity of the Upper Lillooet River and Green River in Pemberton.

These areas provide habitat for salmon and other fish species, waterfowl, songbirds, moose, beaver, otter, and black bear. The area also provides habitat for a number of red-listed and blue-listed species including trumpeter swan and harlequin duck.

Designation as a wildlife management area under the Wildlife Act prioritizes conservation and management of wildlife, fish and their habitats. Other permitted land uses can be identified in an area management plan developed in consultation with conservation groups and other stakeholders. The designation also allows the ministry to make regulations to better manage the wildlife area.

Quotes:

Mayor Jordan Sturdy, Village of Pemberton -

"The designations of these wildlife management areas in the Pemberton Valley are long-standing objectives which support the health of the natural environment, and by their nature also serve the interests of the greater community."

Chief Lucinda Phillips, Lil'wat Nation -

"The Lil'wat Nation is pleased to see the protection of these wetland areas within our traditional territory. Healthy wetlands contribute to the overall health of our lands, water, plants and animals, which are integral to the culture and well-being of Lil'wat people."

Allen McEwan, Pemberton Wildlife Association member -

"The majority of the original wetlands in the Pemberton Valley have been inadvertently lost. A wildlife management area designation is an important step towards protecting the valley's remaining wetlands."

Quick Facts:

• B.C. now has 28 officially designated wildlife management areas.
• B.C'.s wildlife management areas range in size the 17-hectare Coquitlam River wildlife management area in the Lower Mainland, to the 122,787-hectare Todagin wildlife management area in the North.
• Approximately 235,000 hectares in the province are currently designated as wildlife management areas.

Learn More:

About the significance of designated wildlife management areas in B.C.:

www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/wma

Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261