Enjoy wilderness responsibly
Contributed –
Apr 10, 2020 / 12:07 pm | Story:
296960
With self-isolation, physical distancing, restrictions on travel and a
number of us facing an uncertain future related to our employment,
British Columbians are looking to nature as an outlet to relieve some
stress. Hiking, hunting and fishing are some of the finest ways to
recharge your body and mind. These activities will improve your sense of
being, help you reconnect with your kids and disconnect from your
electronics; the great thing is these activities can be enjoyed
responsibly while practicing physical distancing. Unfortunately, the
recent closure of BC Parks has put your ability to go out and enjoy
nature responsibly at risk – and it could get worse.
The most significant issues started in the most populous parts of the
province where thousands of people flooded Provincial Parks.
Restrictions were followed by closures in a few parks, but it was not
enough to ensure public health objectives could be met. Overflowing
parking lots, trash being left, and people crowding each other looked
more like a spring break party than a park. Having a Parks budget which
has been on life support for decades, and less than a handful of staff
to monitor tens of thousands of people resulted in the closure of all BC
Parks. While a kneejerk reaction, it certainly shows just how poorly a
job BC has been doing funding, managing and staffing our provincial
parks.
As the snow melts and the days get warmer, more and more people will
be looking to BC’s wilderness for a reprieve. We all need to be mindful
that further restrictions could be placed in BC, including a full
backcountry closure.
When you’re thinking about enjoying some sunshine, a fish on the end
of the line, a turkey or bear hunting trip, or the sound of a male
ruffed grouse drumming, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Make sure you stay local. Small town BC does not want to see out of
towners at their gas pumps, convenience stores, or hotels, and they do
not have the health care infrastructure to deal with a COVID outbreak.
Hike, hunt and fish only with people who live in your household.
That does not mean go out with your neighbour, friend, sister, brother
or aunt and maintain physical distance – it means only go with people
who live in your house.
Practice physical distancing. Boat launches and trailheads will be
especially busy. Give people extra space and time to load and unload, be
courteous and aware that we’re all stressed due to COVID-19. Have a
backup plan; if your first spot is busy, continue to a different area or
pick a less busy time when there are fewer people. If you’re feeling
sick at all, stay home.
While BC Provincial Parks are closed, there are still a number of
areas and lakes which remain open. There are simply not enough BC Parks
staff, Conservation Officers or the Natural Resource Officers to
monitor or educate British Columbians in outdoor settings, so you’re
basically on your own. It might take an extra 30 minutes to get to your
favourite hiking trail or fishing spot, but remember, that’s better than
not being able to go at all. It only takes a few to wreck if for the
many, so please make sure you’re doing your best to ensure we can all
reconnect with nature responsibly this spring.
Jesse Zeman, BC Wildlife Federation director of fish and wildlife restoration
Published by Wally Kampen, in Uncategorized. Edit
