Prince George, B.C. – Campers can expect to see a full complement of Conservation Officers (CO’s) out patrolling the environment this B.C. Day long weekend.

“They’ll be ensuring public safety and making sure people aren’t causing damage to the environment or attracting bears to recreation sites, trails and campsites,” says deputy chief Chris Doyle of the Conservation Officer Service.

“As well, we’ll be conducting enforcement related to the Wildfire Act. Currently there’s no restrictions other than the size limits which have to be a half metre by a half metre. And so officers will be out enforcing that to ensure there’s no accidental wildfires started.”

He says CO’s will also be out conducting enforcement activities related to freshwater fishing activities.

During the Canada Day long weekend, CO’s in the Omineca region visited 23 recreation sites, several lakes and a provincial park.

Doyle says they laid 17 charges under the Fisheries Act and the Canada Shipping Act for violations. He says liquor and a firearm were seized by CO’s.