February 25, 2013 - 2:19am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 25, 2013
PORT ALBERNI – In February and March, students from Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Resource Management Officer Technology Program (RMOT) will be working with Bear Smart BC and the Conservation Officer Service to reduce conflict with bears in the Alberni Valley.
The City of Port Alberni has made huge strides towards becoming an officially designated Bear Smart Community by implementing specific criteria set forward by the Ministry of Environment. The municipality shows further commitment to reducing conflict with bears in their community by sponsoring this academic opportunity.
During the course of the 6-week project, students will review municipal planning documents and public bear complaints to provide crucial public planning information to the municipal government. They will also be going door-to-door in the community providing bear safety advice and interviewing residents to gain input into how to resolve the problems.
Resource Management Officer Technology courses at VIU provide academic training and practical experience required for preparation for careers related to the protection and management of Canada's fisheries, wildlife, and parks resources.
Prior to beginning this program in Port Alberni, the students will also be receiving specialized training from the Bear Smart BC and the Conservation Officer Service.
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For more information,
Greg Klimes, Faculty and Program Chair, Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection (RMOT Program) at Greg.Klimes@viu.ca
Crystal McMillan, Executive Director, Bear Smart BC Consulting, Inc. at bearsmartbc@telus.net
Tags: In the Community
