April 28, 2010
PARK EXPANSIONS PROTECT HABITAT, RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

PRINCE GEORGE – 1,000 hectares of land is being added to two parks near Prince George and Valemount, safeguarding habitat and securing the aesthetic quality of views for hikers, campers, and other park users.

“Mount Robson Park draws visitors from British Columbia and around the world,” says Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond. “The park is spectacular and adding these additional hectares confirms our commitment to protecting wilderness areas today and in the future. With summer just around the corner, I want to encourage everyone to visit Mount Robson and enjoy this very special part of British Columbia.”

“Eskers Park is an ideal outdoor classroom, and the park’s diverse forest and numerous lakes provide the public with activities such as canoeing, fishing, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing,” says Pat Bell, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie. “The expansion of Eskers Park is great news for nature enthusiasts and will benefit our children and grandchildren.”

Mount Robson Park’s south-western boundary will expand in the Marathon Creek drainage, and the total area of the park will increase to 225,285 hectares.

A recent land acquisition will expand Eskers Park by 64.8 hectares to a total of 4,044 hectares. The addition incorporates a previous private in-holding that was surrounded by the park. The addition ensures the park is managed as a single unit, and it includes meadow, wetland, and pine forest habitat.

A Bill introduced yesterday in the Legislature will establish seven new “Class A” provincial parks, and one new conservancy, and adds land to ten existing parks, including Mount Robson and Esker.

For more info on Shirley and Pat’s work for people in Prince George-Valemount and Prince George – Mackenzie, visit www.shirleybondmla.bc.ca and www.patbellmla.bc.ca

-30-