The OBWB has sent a letter to the province supporting their staff’s recommendation for eight full-time inspection stations set up at key crossings for the 2016 boating season, helping prevent the spread of invasive zebra and quagga mussels into B.C. The stations recommended would include five along the B.C.-Alberta border and three along the B.C.-Washington border. We are pleased to support this proposal, noting that it is consistent with what the Water Board has been requesting since 2012.
Below, find slides of B.C. inspection results and a map of proposed inspection station locations for 2016. Note that 36% of high risk boat traffic in 2015 was headed to the Okanagan.
In our letter to B.C. Environment Min. Mary Polak and Finance Min. Mike de Jong, we urge that the proposal be effectively funded and staffed.
Min. de Jong is expected to deliver the budget speech in the House on Feb. 16 and we look forward to some good news.