Comments and feedback are being sought on a proposed new Access Management Area in the Pend d’Oreille Valley in the Kootenay Boundary region as part of an update to the spring 2016 edition of the B.C. Hunting and Trapping Synopsis.

The proposed change, under the Wildlife Act’s motor vehicle prohibition regulation, would reduce the impact of motorized vehicle access on wildlife populations, habitats and sensitive ecosystems.

The Pend d’Oreille Valley contains high-value wildlife habitat areas, including conservation lands that were acquired to specifically protect valuable ungulate winter range and other sensitive habitats. The area also contains a high concentration of species at risk, including yellow-breasted chat, western racer, rubber boa, western skink and Lewis’ woodpecker.

A recent increase in off-road vehicle use and illegal trail building has damaged the area, compromising wildlife habitat areas and promoting the spread of invasive plants throughout the valley.

The proposed Access Management Area will maintain access and hunting opportunities on most main roads, but restrict access on secondary roads to reduce impact on wildlife and habitat. Private land in Nine Mile Creek, Four Mile Creek and Lime Creek is excluded from the proposed Access Management Area.

Members of the public are invited to attend a public meeting to learn more or provide feedback:

Monday, Dec. 14, 2015
7 to 9 p.m.
Charles Bailey Theatre
1501 Cedar Ave.
Trail

Comments will also be accepted online on the Angling, Hunting and Trapping Engagement website: http://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/pub/ahte/