Whereas the provincial government is responsible for managing wildlife through its Conservation Service, with a reduction in the number of conservation officers in the field and the zone deployment model having a negative impact on the ability of the BC Conservation Officer Service to meet the needs of communities experiencing an increase in habituated wildlife population; And whereas the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service has not been able to adequately address public safety, focus on natural resource law enforcement, off road vehicle enforcement, illegal dumping, human wildlife conflicts prevention, or respond to wildlife human conflict; And whereas the UBCM membership previously endorsed resolutions calling on the provincial government to increase numbers of conservation officers and resources to support wildlife management through resolutions 2018-B36, 2017-B29, 2016-B30, 2015-B26, 2013-B27, 2012-B22, 2010-B25, 2003-B32, 1996-B27, 1996-B64, 1992-B35: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the provincial government provide additional funding, offices and staffing to fully support the BC Conservation Officer Service to be more active and proactive in effectively managing conservation services.
Ministry of Environment and Parks The provincial government recognizes the BC Conservation Officer Service BCCOS is a critical component of the Natural Resource Sector, protecting the public and our natural resources through law enforcement operations, investigations, and responses to human-wildlife conflict. The BCCOS is an essential service, and we will continue to prioritize operations to ensure the safety of British Columbians and protection of our environment, fish and wildlife. Public safety calls for service, such as dangerous wildlife in urban areas or dangerous hunting practices, are their highest priority. To address priority issues in communities, additional resources are brought in from other areas as necessary. The management of wildlife populations in communities is the responsibility of the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship WLRS. In 2023, the BCCOS deployed two officers to Salmon Arm re-establishing an office - to reduce response times, increase proactive patrols and better service Salmon Arm and the surrounding communities of Revelstoke and Sicamous. Officer deployment is regularly reviewed and adjusted by the BCCOS as required. The BCCOS uses deployment guidelines to ensure its operational mission and mandate to provide public safety, and environmental enforcement is delivered, while mitigating negative impacts to the communities they serve. Officers will continue to work collaboratively with and engage communities, organizations and businesses on public education, outreach and a shared desire to ensure our natural resources are protected for future generations.