WILDFIRE-DAMAGED MARINE CAMPING SITES RE-OPENED

KELOWNA - Six marine camping sites damaged by a wildfire last year in Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park have now re-opened, Water, Land and Air Protection Minister Bill Barisoff announced today.

The sites have been closed since last August after wildfire burned most of Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, near Kelowna. Following extensive assessment, fire-damaged trees have been removed and destroyed toilets and picnic tables replaced.

"It is great to see the marine camping sites in Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park open again to use by both residents and tourists," Barisoff said. "Ministry staff and contractors have worked extremely hard to get these popular sites back to a condition where they are safe and ready for use.

"It means these great destinations are once again open for British Columbians from across the province to discover this summer. For residents of the Okanagan, the re-opening of these sites is an important emotional and economic milestone in recovery from the wildfires."

Barisoff, who officially opened the marine camping sites today, said he looks forward to again having all of Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park accessible to the public. The wildfire burned through most of the 10,000-hectare park, leaving behind a number of safety hazards that require the park remain closed. Assessment continues of the remaining hazards within the park. Due to the extent of the damage, it is unlikely the rest of Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park will open this year. The nearby Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park also remains closed to public use.

"Many areas have fire-damaged trees that could fall at any time. Many trails are also

damaged," he said. "Public safety is our top priority, so there is no access beyond the marine camping sites because of the existing hazards."  

       

For more information on Okanagan Mountain, Myra-Bellevue and other provincial parks, visit www.bcparks.ca online.

 

-30-

Contact:

Max Cleeveley
Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection
250 387-9973