This is an open letter to Minister Of Environment Terry Lake.
Re: Funding for Interpretation Programs in B.C. Parks
The Quesnel Naturalist Club was very happy to hear the government announcement last fall that funding for interpretation programs and park naturalists would be reinstated for 2011.
The Environment Minister at that time, Barry Penner, made this announcement to the Fall General Meeting of BC Nature, to which we belong.
Premier Christy Clark reaffirmed this as well, so it is disappointing to now learn that no funding will be available for interpretation programs this year, the 100th birthday of B.C. Parks.
We would ask you to reconsider and to work to reinstate funding for park interpretation programs this year. It was encouraging to hear you state (CBC Almanac, May 20) this would be a high priority for next year; nevertheless, we feel that funding should be made available this year as promised.
Many benefits would result from reinstating the interpretation programs, including health benefits, education and tourism dollars.
Quality experiences in the outdoors for families can only help increase the desire to
conserve the special places we have set aside as parks and protected areas in this diverse province.
BC Nature has helped to provide some programs for the past seven years by coordinating summer students through federal job creation programs, with the support of park facility operators.
This was intended as a temporary plan to keep the programs alive.
As a non-profit society, BC Nature cannot sustain such activity.
Here in Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park we have a lovely outdoor amphitheatre that sits unused much of the time. Park visitors could enjoy an enhanced experience with special presentations and children’s programs.
Again, we urge the B.C. Government to reinstate multi-year funding for park interpretation programs and park naturalists.
Lorna Schley
Director, Quesnel Naturalists