A new, permanent public engagement website will give British Columbians an opportunity to review and comment on proposed angling, hunting and trapping regulations.
Regulations for angling, hunting and trapping are reviewed and developed every two years, with alternating years for fish and for wildlife. The website ensures the public can review and submit comments on proposed regulations, over and above government’s regular face-to-face stakeholder consultations.
The website http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/ahte/ is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance public engagement and create a more efficient and productive regulations-development process. New angling, hunting and trapping advisory teams have also been created to guide regulations development in collaboration with stakeholders.
Proposed regulations will be posted to the website for review and comment for approximately two to four weeks, depending on complexity. Each posted regulation shows the species, region, review period closing date, as well as a clear summary of the existing regulation, proposed regulation and the rationale for the change. Registered users can choose to receive email updates informing them of new proposal postings.
“This website provides consistency and transparency to our consultations on angling, hunting and trapping regulations,” says Steve Thompson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource operations. “Now everyone can view and comment on proposed regulations online, modernizing the way British Columbians can provide feedback.”
Mark Werner, president of Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia says: “... We believe this is one of many automated processes that will revolutionize communications on fish and wildlife in our province, and we congratulate the ministry on this step.”
Rodney Wiebe, president of the B.C. Wildlife Federation adds, “We will work with the minister and government to improve the consultation process.”
Don Wilkins, president, B.C. Trappers Association said: “The B.C. Trappers Association fully endorses the creation of angling, hunting and trapping engagement website. This is a great opportunity for all members of the outdoor community to have some direct input into regulation development. This website will enhance the Provincial Angling, Hunting and Trapping Advisory Team of which the B.C. Trappers Association is a member.
• Freshwater anglers spend $480 million every year on equipment, travel and accommodation and hospitality services, supporting 7,500 direct jobs.
• Sustainable hunting by resident hunters and guide outfitters contributes approximately $350 million to the province annually.
• The guiding industry provides 2,000 jobs for rural communities and families, generating approximately $116 million in revenue each year.