B.C.'s wildfire history is being preserved and an improved local recreation opportunity is being provided through restoration of the McBride Peak fire lookout, announced MLA for Prince George-Valemount Shirley Bond.

Substantial restoration work and upgrades of the existing structure are now complete. Work included repairing the roof, exterior painting, replacement of the entry door and an overall clean-up of the area. Minor finishing touch-ups are planned for next year including window caulking and trim work and exterior trim painting.

Recreation Sites and Trails BC contributed $10,000 to the project and is maintaining the lookout to provide public recreation and historical education. The McBride Museum & Historic Society is contributing to the upgrade by assisting with an educational display for the inside of the lookout. The McBride Community Forest Corp. also supported the project with window replacements.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations reviewed all lookout upgrade opportunities and chose this project based on location, accessibility, community use and partnership interest. The ministry is continuing to assess and inspect other lookouts for restoration potential and partnership opportunities. Upcoming projects will occur as funding becomes available.

Last year, in recognition of the BC Forest Service's centennial birthday, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations completed restorations on five lookouts across B.C.: the Thornhill lookout in Terrace, the Nahatlatch lookout in Boston Bar, the Buchanan lookout in Kaslo, the Owen Hill lookout in Houston and the Mara lookout in Enderby.

This week is National Forest Week, Sept. 22-28. Forest fire lookouts have been a part of the province's history for decades and more recently have become important recreational assets for residents and tourists. Restoring some of these assets will ensure recreation users have the opportunity to continue enjoying B.C.'s forests and natural spaces.

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson:

"Abandoned fire lookouts represent a tremendous recreational and historical resource that is worthy of preservation. These projects also create local jobs and support the economy by drawing more visitors and tourists to our smaller communities."

MLA for Prince George-Valemount Shirley Bond:

"The restoration of the McBride Peak fire lookout is great news for our area. The restoration means that the public, and in particular tourists, will have the chance to learn more about the history of these lookouts. The educational display that the McBride Museum and Historic Society is contributing will provide important information for visitors. A special thank you to the partners that made this restoration possible."

Quick Facts:

• There are currently 320 fire lookout locations in British Columbia. Of those, 20 are considered active and required by the Wildfire Management Branch.
• Lookouts offer incredible world-class vistas and views and may also be used as weather stations and communications sites.

Learn More:

Photos of lookout: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/9901194755/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/9901339403/

Recreation Sites and Trails BC: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/

Learn about heritage in B.C.: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/heritage/

Learn about wildfire history in B.C.: http://bcwildfire.ca/

Media Contact:

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

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