Amendments to the Wildlife Act Wildlife Management Area Use and Access Regulation will help address growing public use pressures on conservation lands in the South Coast region.

The changes will prohibit camping, campfires and off-leash dogs at the following wildlife management areas:

• Bert Brink
• Boundary Bay
• Coquitlam River
• Lhá:lt/Harrison-Chehalis
• Pemberton Wetlands
• Pitt-Addington Marsh
• Roberts Bank
• Serpentine
• Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary
• South Arm Marshes
• Sturgeon Bank

Wildlife management areas are a type of conservation land. The purpose of conservation lands is to conserve and manage habitat for the benefit of fish and wildlife. They also provide for a range of opportunities for public access, including day hiking, wildlife viewing, scientific research and education, and traditional activities of First Nations.

Camping promotes garbage accumulation and campfires, which destroy wood and vegetation from the surrounding areas. In addition, off-leash dogs are prone to harassing wildlife. Restricting these activities ensures the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development is honouring the intent of the conservation lands and fulfilling its obligations under related management plans and legal agreements.

The amendments will have no impact upon Aboriginal title to the land, nor upon traditional Aboriginal uses and practices on the land.