Editor,
The cow moose sign project was initiated on Nov. 7, 2014.
The concerns then of the plummeting moose populations in our region was on the minds of many local residents. The first article read: ‘Protect cow moose in Region 5 before it’s too late!’
Now, I am proud and thankful to say, after four years of promoting the protection and respect of the cow and antlerless moose, I see progress has been made!
The latest Tribune article on Dec. 14, and another on June 15, prove that many residents in this province do care about the moose and their existence.
But the work must continue until the harvesting of antlerless moose is prohibited in this province.
Then, in a few years, this province will have a healthy, sustainable, abundance of moose.
The cow moose sign project would like to thank and congratulate Xeni Gwet’in First Nations and Esdilagh First Nations, and the Conservation Officer Service for the signing of the two Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which, in part, included communal restrictions which prohibit the harvesting of cow moose for their memberships in its traditional territories.
Chief Victor Roy Stump, on June 15 at the MOU signing, was hopeful other nations would jump on board with them, with no hunting of cow moose.
Well, Roy, Xeni Gwet’in First Nations joined you with another landmark moose hunt agreement!
Building strong relationships will bring people together to protect wildlife and promote common goals of enforcement and a sustainable wildlife management plan.
Going back to Oct. 30, 2015, I met with Tsilhqot’in National Government Chief Joe Alphonse, who at that time, has honoured to join and be part of the cow moose sign project.
Elders Dinah and William Billyboy, were also at that meeting.
Councillor and elder, William Billyboy, said his father told him years ago, to make sure to look after the moose!
“You have to teach your children how to look after the animals,” William said, with his wife, Dinah, nodding in agreement.
How true are those words?
Wouldn’t it be a great day if we could once again have healthy populations of moose and wildlife, and we all want our grandchildren to see that, too.
The cow moose signage is now over the 500 mark, spreading throughout the province and our country, the latest 30 signs will be on their way to Skeena Region 6, Burns Lake, on Dec. 21.
Thank you all for the outstanding support!
Moose do matter!
Dan Simmons
Williams Lake, B.C.