Grizzly Bear Management

Conservation coalition opposes the Provinces framework on grizzly bear management

Oct 6, 2023 | 3:20 PM

NORTHERN BC—A coalition of conservationists, have signed a joint letter to the B.C. Government opposing a new plan that would change the management of grizzly bears. The plan was recently revealed in a “Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework” and would set up a system of local and regional wildlife advisory committees across B.C., for the purpose of creating their own, separate management plans.

“The intent of this program, to fragment grizzly bear planning among local and regional committees, composed largely of hunting, trapping, industrial and political interests, is inconceivably irresponsible,” states the letter from the coalition “Management of all our species at risk requires an independent, expert wildlife stewardship team that is dedicated to conservation of species across the province, on behalf of all British Columbians.”

However the draft framework states it’s goals are to:

1. Summarize existing data to be used as a guide to advise on methods, research, data, approaches, and tools available to regional or local communities to fill knowledge gaps to increase the potential to realize locally desired outcomes for grizzly bears and their habitat.

2. Provide an adaptive approach that seeks to ensure the coexistence of healthy, fully functioning ecosystems and human communities (Ecosystem Based Management) for the co-development of regional or local grizzly bear stewardship plans based on western science and Indigenous knowledge. These plans will consider multi species relationships and cumulative effects of industrial activities, other human activities, and natural processes on grizzly bear conservation.

3. Support reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through collaboration and partnership directed towards co-governance and joint, collaborative or consent-based decision making on initiatives related to grizzly bear conservation, management of human activities, and ecosystem-based stewardship.

4. Promote safe and respectful co-existence between grizzly bears and people.

5. Inform, educate, and be transparent and open about grizzly bear stewardship in British Columbia to the public, Indigenous governments, and legislators.

That said, the conservation coalition is alarmed that after six years the province has not followed through with the Auditors General’s grizzly bear report that recommended much more protection of grizzly bear habitat and is merely recommending more planning.

To view the open letter you can visit their website. If you would like to view the draft Provincial Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework by clicking this link.