East Kootenay Residents Land Use Coalition

VICTORIA – Did you know Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystems, which span approximately 256,000 hectares of the province, are largely located on private land?

VICTORIA – To commemorate the legacy of Gerald Smedley Andrews, British Columbia’s longest-serving surveyor general, the Province is naming a mountain in the Flathead region Mount Gerry Andrews.

VICTORIA – Whether you plan to stay close to home or roam around the province during spring break, incorporating a B.C. park into your plans is a great way to get some exercise, explore, and teach the kids about conservation.

CASTLEGAR – If you spot a fire in Syringa Provincial Park this month, it’s likely due to a prescribed burn.

Randy Hawes, the Minister of State for Mining, has reiterated the government’s commitment to sharing mineral tax revenue with First Nations, adding that Aboriginal communities have an important role to play in developing the province’s resources.

SMITHERS – The Province has opted to maintain the current regulations in the Skeena River Steelhead Fishery for 2011-13 pending the outcome of a tourism and economic impacts study.

VICTORIA – Jagdeep Rakhara believes all children should have the same opportunities to participate in their neighbourhoods and communities.

CASTLEGAR – The public is invited to review and comment on BC Timber Sales’ operating plan for logging and road building in the Arrow timber supply area and Tree Farm Licence 23 until April 26, 2011.

VICTORIA – The February 2011 petroleum and natural gas sale resulted in $2.1 million in bonus bids, bringing the fiscal year total to over $811 million.

VICTORIA – Canada and B.C. targeted funding to support business development, food safety, and sustainability under the Growing Forward Agreement in the third quarter.

GOLDEN – The Province of British Columbia has approved a new Master Development Agreement for Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, supporting continued economic development in Golden and helping Kicking Horse Mountain Resort become one of the premier resorts in the Canadian Rockies.

VICTORIA – The Province is putting up to $120 million in royalty credits on the table to spark the next round of infrastructure development in B.C.’s petroleum and natural gas sector.

VICTORIA – Effective immediately, the new allowable annual cut for the Mid Coast timber supply area will be decreased by 23 per cent to 767,000 cubic metres, chief forester Jim Snetsinger announced.

VICTORIA – Effective immediately, the allowable annual cut for the Kalum timber supply area will be 424,000 cubic metres, about 2.9 per cent lower than the existing allowable annual cut, chief forester Jim Snetsinger announced.

VICTORIA – The Province has signed an agreement to sustain environmental values in the Flathead Valley, and will introduce legislation to support the 2010 MOU on Environmental Protection, Climate Action and Energy with the State of Montana.

COURTENAY –School District 71 is among those leading the charge toward energy conservation by tapping into B.C.’s Public Sector Energy Conservation Agreement fund.

SAANICH – Environment Minister Murray Coell has announced capital funding for two elementary schools in the Saanich School District to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and energy costs.

DELTA – B.C. school districts have an interest in saving money and being conscientious about energy use, and the Delta School District is among those leading the charge by tapping into B.C.’s Public Sector Energy Conservation Agreement fund.

KELOWNA – Small businesses in the Okanagan and Kootenays can now upgrade to energy-efficient lighting systems at virtually no cost.

VICTORIA – The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has received an environmental assessment certificate for the Evergreen Line Rapid Transit Project.