Provincial government issues order to protect wildlife habitat in southeastern B.C.

Foresters and ranchers in British Columbia’s Kootenay Boundary region will have to follow a new set of rules to ensure birds’ nests, animal dens, mineral licks, bat nurseries and other wildlife habitat isn’t disturbed. The provincial government says it is issuing the order to help wildlife survive and thrive. Environment Minister George Heyman says they know many of the species at risk in the area will have a much better chance for survival if their habitat is protected. The new protection order is the first of its kind in B.C. and will take effect on July 1 in the Kootenay Boundary region, although the government says the intent is to eventually have similar orders provincewide. …Forestry operators and range tenure holders will be offered training to help them identify and take the steps needed to protect the habitats.