Backcountry road closures to aid wildlife recovery

Due to severe wildfire damage in areas of the Thompson Okanagan and one area in the Kootenays, 15 motor-vehicle closures under the Motor Vehicle Prohibition Regulation of the Wildlife Act are in effect.

The closures affect backcountry roads across approximately 536,000 hectares, and are due to the following concerns:

* wildfire impact to habitats that need time to recover

* erosion of charred soils and impacts to fish habitat

* increased vulnerability of wildlife due to migration disruptions, habitat loss and improved sightlines for hunting where vegetation was burned

* increased access to wildlife habitat due to the construction of approximately 2,900 kilometres of fire guards.

Closure boundaries were created using landmarks such as roads, rivers and streams near wildfire perimeters.

The closures do not affect community residents or access for commercial activities other than hunting. The closures are intended to be in place while recovery efforts are planned and initiated. It is unknown how long the closures will remain in effect.

Two of the restrictions may impact Merrittonains, one south of town due to the July Mountain fire, and one to the west following the Lytton fire that stretched down highway 8.

July Mtn Restriction – Credit Province of BC

Lytton Restriction – Credit Province of BC