The province is reminding the public that itB次元官网网址檚 not only human facing issues related to wildfires.
Wildlife is also being impacted by the fires, said Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma during an update on current wildfire and drought conditions Wednesday (Aug. 2).
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B次元官网网址淲armer environments due to climate change have prolonged the lifespan of moths that feed on hemlocks and Douglas firs, allowing them to inflict a more severe impact on local trees,B次元官网网址� she explained. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 hearing stories of bears wandering into communities, looking for food because of the drought impact on berry crops.B次元官网网址�
On Wednesday, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service said a woman had minor injuries after a bear attacked her in Smithers. Conservation officer Rob Leblanc said the bear wasnB次元官网网址檛 doing anything it shouldnB次元官网网址檛, B次元官网网址渏ust out eating berries and salmon.B次元官网网址�
Meanwhile, a French Beach Provincial Park on Vancouver Island reopened Monday following a closure due to a bear causing damage to tents. It also managed to get into a vehicle.
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Ma said the impacts are real and substantial, with the province putting in restrictions to protect waterways and ecosystems.
B.C. announced Monday that angling in some Kootenay waterways would be reduced to protect fish populations as water temperatures increase in the afternoons and evenings. Recreational fishing is closed from 2 p.m. to midnight daily until Sept. 10.
She added waters with lower flows, B次元官网网址渁s is the case with drought,B次元官网网址� generally heat up quicker that higher flows, which makes it harder for released fish to recover.
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The province is watching the drought situation very closely, she said.
B次元官网网址淒ifferent streams, different communities will see different impacts to ecological systems.B次元官网网址�
Asked if the province plans to take further action, Connie Chapman, acting director of the water management branch with the Forests Ministry, said B.C. is looking at all options and tools under legislation.
She said B.C. could take action with using temperature protection orders under the Water Sustainability Act to protect ecological systems and fishery populations.
lauren.collins@blackpress.ca
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