Photo: Jeremy Williams
On November 3rd 2014, the Council of the District of Lillooet voted in favour of supporting grizzly bear recovery, highlighting in the resolution that "grizzly bears and the wild places they inhabit are an iconic and integral part of the Lillooet region's natural heritage and image".
The resolution recognised the cultural significance of grizzly bears to First Nations as well as the "ecological, economic, and spiritual benefits to conserving and recovering grizzly bears". It also gave recognition to the importance of grizzlies as an umbrella species, "the conservation of which will benefit many other plants, animals and ecosystem values like clean water and recreational opportunities".
On October 6th COASTtoCASCADES Field Coordinator, Johnny Mikes made a presentation to Lillooet District Council, detailing the challenges faced by grizzly bears in southwest BC and asking them to support a resolution in favour of recovering grizzly bear populations. While there is policy level support for recovery through the Sea to Sky Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) and the Lillooet LRMP there is a real need to get action going on the ground. Claire Ruddy COASTtoCASCADES Outreach Coordinator, highlights: "Lillooet is a key area as it creates connectivity for four of the 5 threatened grizzly bear populations here in southwest BC, so it is fantastic for that community to formally support recovery".
C2C is working to build support for grizzly bear recovery on all levels, from provincial governments, regional districts, municipalities, to key stkeholders such as ranchers, as well as engaging the general public. The Lillooet resolution "supports the management, recovery and long-term viability of grizzly bear populations in the Lillooet region and encourages the creation and implementation of Grizzly Bear Recovery Plans for threatened grizzly populations as soon as possible [emphasis ours]",