Mail or Fax a Letter

It is important for government to hear from citizens concerned about the future of mountain caribou in BC. Write a short letter and mail or fax it to Pat Bell, Minister of Forests and Range. Adding a personalized first paragraph to the sample letter below ensures that the letter gets read closely and has most impact. Thank you!

Mail or fax to:
Honourable Pat Bell
Minister of Forests and Range
PO Box 9049
STN PROV GOVT
Victoria BC V8W 9E2
Fax: 250 387-1040

Sample Letter

Dear Pat Bell, BC Minister of Forests,

I congratulate you on the habitat protections achieved to date for mountain caribou and commend your for your leadership on this important issue. However, I am concerned that loopholes in habitat protections threaten to undermine the great work of all those involved and the substantial investment of the BC government.

The two South Purcells herds need immediate attention before they are lost. Herds numbers have declined just in the two years since 2007 when the government announced recovery planning. The government must augment this herds with new animals before it is too late.

I am also concerned about exemptions for the mining and commercial recreation industries which together with continued snowmobiling in sensitive areas may hasten caribou declines and even prevent recovery in certain areas.

At a minimum these industries should be held to the same standard as the forest industry and be required to retain qualified professionals to review their development plans within currently protected habitat.  Without review by qualified experts the heli-ski and mining companies will have no way of knowing whether or not the activities they propose are neutral or detrimental for caribou herds.

We are all in this together. Snowmobile clubs are partners in the recovery process, and they need to support the science as well. Snowmobiles have plenty of space; riders don't need to encroach upon endangered species habitat.

Please assure me that the BC government will honour their commitment to science-based recovery for mountain caribou.

Sincerely,