Robson Valley residents are encouraged to learn more about and comment on management plans for the Cranberry Marsh/Starratt wildlife management area at an open house:

Date:               Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014

Time:               5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Location:     
Best Western Valemount Inn and Suites
1950 Highway 5 South
Valemount

Following broad stakeholder consultation, the Cranberry Marsh/Starratt wildlife management area was announced by the Province in March 2013. It was formed out of a combination of Crown land, Nature Trust of BC properties and privately donated land totalling 319 hectares. Ministry staff are now working on a management plan and are providing local stakeholders and residents another chance to provide input before it is finalized. The plan will include measures to protect important wildlife values while still allowing the public to continue to enjoy the area.

The Cranberry Marsh/Starratt wildlife management area features a longstanding wildlife sanctuary that includes exceptional nature viewing opportunities, and is equipped with accessible eco-friendly trails and viewing towers highly suitable for birdwatchers. Ducks Unlimited Canada also maintains a wetland enhancement project in the marsh, which includes dykes, nesting islands and water control structures.

Quick Facts:

• Approximately two-thirds of the Cranberry Marsh/Starratt wildlife management area was donated in 1971 by the estate of Robert W. Starratt, a former bush pilot and well-known member of the Valemount community.
• There are currently 28 wildlife management areas in B.C. ranging in size from the 17-hectare Coquitlam River wildlife management area to the 122,500-hectare Todagin wildlife management area in northwestern B.C.
• More than 244,000 hectares in the province are now designated as wildlife management areas.

Learn More:

For a high-resolution map showing the boundaries of the Cranberry Marsh/Starratt Wildlife Management Area, visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/8568099669/in/photostream

For other information about Wildlife Management Areas in British Columbia, visit:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/habitat/conservation-lands/docs/wma_qa_032013.pdf

Media Contacts:

Greig Bethel
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261