British Columbians are being invited to share their feedback on a pair of bear-related subjects as the Province develops strategies to strengthen environmental stewardship and biodiversity.
The Ministry of Forests is in the process of gathering public opinion as it drafts Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework and the Commercial Bear Viewing Strategy.
It’s being done through two online questionnaires, which are open until Aug. 18, 2023.
“Grizzly bears have special cultural significance in British Columbia,” notes a Ministry of Forests release. “They play an important role in many First Nations cultures, as well as tourism and recreational activities.”
The Commercial Bear Viewing Strategy provides guidance and recommendations for bear viewing throughout BC. It aims to find ways to reduce a viewer’s influence on bears and the development of area-based plans to ensure a healthy and sustainable wildlife tourism industry in the province.
The Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework aims to strengthen the stewardship of bears and their habitat, and better manage biodiversity in BC. The end goal is to ensure bears continue to be an integral part of health ecosystems.
Feedback from around 85 First Nations and 17 wildlife organizations helped inform the current version of the framework and strategy.
Once public engagement closes in August, formal consultation with First Nations will begin.
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