Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
VICTORIA - The Province will strengthen its current moose management strategy as the initial phase in examining how to modernize aspects of wildlife management, such as licensing, inventory, research and increased engagement in wildlife management decisions.
These actions are one of the key responses to recommendations from Mike Morris' report, Getting the Balance Right - Improving Wildlife Habitat in British Columbia.
"We're committed to healthy and sustainable wildlife populations,” said Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson. “We've heard loudly and clearly from First Nations and stakeholders that we need to re-invigorate and re-examine our existing approaches to wildlife. In modernizing wildlife management processes and decisions, we're focusing on moose first."
The ministry manages all wildlife populations on the principle of conservation first. Other principles considered in the management of moose include First Nations' rights, hunting and predator management, as well as access and habitat management.
The moose enhancement strategy will focus on growing moose populations for the benefit of all British Columbians. The strategy will build on interim findings from the five-year provincewide moose research project and the ministry's 2015 Provincial Framework for Moose Management.
Al Gorley is being contracted to engage with key wildlife stakeholders and First Nations in developing a moose enhancement strategy. In addition, Gorley, in consultation with interested parties, will identify opportunities to improve and modernize British Columbia's overall wildlife management framework.
The limited-entry hunt system is moving online for the fall 2016 draw.
The provincewide moose research project is a comprehensive five-year moose study (2013-18) investigating recent moose population declines in B.C.'s Interior. The study involves 11 wildlife biologists, one wildlife veterinarian and several other staff over its five-year duration. Over 200 cow moose are radio collared, and their movements tracked and all mortalities investigated to determine cause of death.
Learn More: 2015 Provincial Framework for Moose Management: www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/management-issues/docs/provincial_framework_for_moose_management_bc.pdf