The B.C. Wildlife Federation has launched an online petition calling on the provincial government to increase funding and to set objectives for B.C.’s fish, wildlife and habitat.
“We are losing what makes B.C. special,” said BCWF president Jim Glaicar.
“When we look at our neighbouring fish and wildlife agencies, they have dedicated funding sources and measurable objectives for fish and wildlife populations. B.C. does not.”
Glaicar said the province needs to shift its thinking to ensure our habitat is preserved and fish and wildlife populations can still be experienced by future generations.
“Managing a dwindling resource to zero isn’t good enough,” he said.
The BCWF says while B.C.’s population has grown, placing more pressure on sustaining wildlife and fish, funding and capacity have declined.
Steelhead populations that once numbered more than 3,000 have depleted now to less than 500, while moose populations in some areas have declined 50 to 70 per cent.
To combat those concerns, the federation has launched the online petition as part of a public awareness campaign that will include townhall forums and questions posed to the MLA candidates in the upcoming provincial election.
Signatures for the petition will be gathered until May, and the petition will be presented in the legislature after the provincial election.
To sign the petition, got to www.bcwf.net.