For the next six weeks you can have your say on how to protect at-risk species in B.C. as the province looks for for new ways to preserve them.
The Ministry of Environment is also using the public consultation to generate ideas on how to better support existing activities like monitoring and researching at-risk species.
Until November 30, anyone can leave feedback on the province’s new Species at Risk Engagement website.
According to the ministry, the website also offers information about shared recovery efforts happening around B.C. for the northern spotted owl, northern leopard frog, western rattlesnake and whitebark pine.
Information gathered from the public will be used to help identify priorities for new policy and programs in the months and years ahead, according to a ministry news release.
“This consultation fulfills a commitment in the province’s five-year plan for species at risk in B.C. to work together and consult with all levels of government, First Nations, conservation partners, industry and stakeholders to ensure the successful protection of species at risk in B.C.,” the release said.
According to its website, the ministry doesn’t believe there’s equal protection opportunities available for species like plants and invertebrates in some parts of B.C. like on non-crown and private land.
The ministry also believes that current tools and legislation to protect at-risk species in B.C. aren’t consistently applied across all sectors. It hopes this public consultation process will help determine ways to deal with these issues.