Kevin Falcon is pledging millions of dollars towards funding and reforming fish and wildlife management in the province, as the fall election looms in October.
The B.C. United leader announced $100 million towards revitalizing declining wildlife species populations and habitats, as part of a larger $200 million strategy developed by industry stakeholders to manage B.C.91裸聊视频檚 natural fish and wildlife resources.
91裸聊视频淥ur plan sets a gold standard for conservation,91裸聊视频� said Falcon, in a news release. 91裸聊视频淚t ensures that future generations will enjoy and cherish B.C.91裸聊视频檚 natural beauty just as we do today. We are putting real value on our wildlife, and we are taking decisive, science-based actions to preserve our biodiversity.91裸聊视频�
The funding will be tied to a new independent agency to be managed by title holders and wildlife and habitat stakeholders. Under the new model, the intent is to maximize provincial funds by attracting support from NGOs, local governments and businesses, among other potential revenue sources.
91裸聊视频淲ith this historic investment, we91裸聊视频檙e not just pledging funds, we are committing to a complete transformation in how we manage our natural heritage,91裸聊视频� said B.C. United MLA Tom Shypitka, who represents Kootenay East. 91裸聊视频淭his is about ensuring that every dollar from hunting and angling licenses is reinvested directly into the wildlife and habitats that make British Columbia so unique.91裸聊视频�
The B.C. United plan commits to restructuring government oversight of natural resources by centralizing fish, wildlife and habitat management within a dedicated ministry. It also includes elements that will address urgent concerns such as Chronic Wasting Disease, invasive species and wildfire risks.
91裸聊视频淭his isn91裸聊视频檛 just an investment in fish and wildlife. It91裸聊视频檚 an investment in the future of British Columbia,91裸聊视频� said Falcon. 91裸聊视频淏y reforming our approach to environmental management, we91裸聊视频檙e taking a critical step towards preserving our province91裸聊视频檚 ecological integrity and biodiversity.91裸聊视频�
Advocates from groups such as the BC Wildlife Federation have been seeking changes to the province91裸聊视频檚 wildlife management framework, specifically a funding and governance model independent of government, 91裸聊视频攕imilar to game commissions in the United States 91裸聊视频� as well as legislated targeted objectives and ensuring public access to public lands.
At a BCWF town hall in Cranbrook earlier in May, executive director Jesse Zeman said the province was earmarking just over $30 million for wildlife management, when that figure needs to be upwards of $200 million.
Wildlife management has hit close to home in the southern interior of B.C. with two test-positive cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) confirmed near Cranbrook in January.
Chronic Wasting Disease affects cervids such as deer, elk, moose and caribou, caused by a prion protein, which is transmitted through saliva, urine, feces, carcasses and even plant and soil. It is fatal to wildlife, and while there91裸聊视频檚 no direct evidence that it can be transmitted to humans, public health guidance notes people shouldn91裸聊视频檛 consume an animal infected with the disease.
