(Vernon Matters file photo)

By Pete McIntyre

signage improvements

Minister responds to wildfire concerns in Kal Park

Oct 11, 2023 | 6:00 AM

British Columbia’s Environment Minister says the province is taking action to reduce the wildfire threat in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.

George Heyman responded to Coldstream council after the municipality voiced concerns in August about a lack of no smoking/fire risk signs in the park, as well as suggesting more enforcement of the rules is needed from park rangers or other staff.

Related: Coldstream calls for ‘no smoking’ signs and enforcement in Kal Lake Park

Heyman said BC Parks regional staff recently visited some of the parks in the District of Coldstream to review signage.

“Staff identified locations for signage improvement and are committed to maintaining the positive working relationship with the District’s protective services manager to promote consistent messaging across recreational areas. BC Parks will also review regulatory signage within Kalamalka Lake Park in key locations such as the day use area at Jade and Juniper Bays, to determine if additional signage would be beneficial,” Heyman said.

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Heyman said in recent years, BC Parks successfully secured funding to increase park ranger numbers, lengthened season terms to a minimum of seven months and transitioned all senior ranger positions to full-time roles.

“This has significantly increased ranger presence within our parks province-wide. Staff prioritize Kalamalka Lake Park for ranger patrols in the North Okanagan and increase presence as required based on seasonal risk factors,” the minister wrote.

Heyman stated BC Parks does not have a specific wildfire plan for Kalamalka Lake Park but said ecosystem restoration, fuel management and wildfire risk reduction have been priorities since the early 2000s with small-scale thinning projects undertaken in 2004 and 2009.

“Between 2020 and this year, additional wildfire risk reduction works have taken place under the guidance of BC Wildfire Service staff and contracted fire ecologists. This recent work involved an investment of nearly half a million dollars and treated 90 hectares of land within the interface and high-risk areas of the park.”

Heyman added BC Parks will continue to work with BC Wildfire Service staff and fire ecologists to identify areas in the park that will benefit from fuel modification to reduce risk to park values and neighbouring areas.

“Regional staff are also happy to work collaboratively with district staff to identify the appropriate funding opportunities for the district to develop a FireSmart program. We look forward to continuing to work with District of Coldstream staff to achieve the shared goal of a fire resilient community.”

At its meeting on Oct. 10, council took Heyman up on one of his suggestions, deciding to invite the BC Parks area supervisor to a future committee of the whole meeting to review the restoration plan for Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.