Prince George, B.C. – Conservation officers, natural resource officers and park rangers will be out in full force this May long weekend.

In a bid to ensure public safety they will focusing their attention on recreation sites, back country access, angling, boat safety and illegal hunting.

They will also focus on policies related to the use of parks, conservancy areas and recreation areas.

In light of the stepped up enforcement the Ministry of Environment shares the following tips and safety information:

Camping

-To avoid problems with bears, lock your food in your vehicle at night. Use the garbage.
-Gates in provincial parks and some recreation sites are closed at 11pm, unless otherwise stated. Only registered campers are allowed in campsites after 11pm.
– Liquor consumption is prohibited in parks, with the exception of your own campsite.
-Barbecues must be used on the ground unless barbecue attachments are provided on picnic tables

Campfire Safety

– Campfires cannot be larger than 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in diameter.
– You must maintain a one-metre fireguard around the campfire. A fireguard is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials have been removed.
– Never leave your campfire unattended.
– Bring a shovel or keep at least eight litres of water nearby to properly extinguish your campfire.
– Make sure that the campfire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving it for any period of time.
– Ensure that cigarette butts are extinguished in an ashtray and are not tossed away carelessly.
– You may be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs if your negligence results in a wildfire.

Fishing

-Make sure that you have a valid angling licence and are aware of angling regulations for the waters in your area, including gear and bait restrictions.
-If you are operating a small vessel, ensure that you have your operator’s licence with you and be aware of safety regulations for operating small vessels.

Miscellaneous

-Pets must be kept on a leash at all times
-Most provincial parks are close to off-road vehicles use unless posted otherwise.
– The B.C. Wildlife Federation offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the conviction of anyone who breaks wildlife laws, vandalizes private property or contravenes other property laws.
-Report suspicious activities and environmental damage to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277)