Coast Mountain News Thursday, July 30, 2015
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Serving the Bella Coola Valley and the Chilcotin
Fred Penner at Bella Coola Music Festival
CoastMountainNews.com
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Vol. 31 | No. 14 Thursday, July 30, 2015
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Three unidentified visitors relax in the soothing hot mineral waters of Eucott Bay, an increasingly popular spot for visitors to the fjords of BC's Central Coast. In recent years, BC Parks has erected a boardwalk and installed a composting toilet on the site, which enjoys a "conservancy" status. In May, a conflict between bear hunters shooting a video of their intended kill and bathers in the pool have prompted Bella Coola Valley Tourism to request that the area be declared "off limits" to hunting. For pleasure craft, like those in the distance, Eucott Bay provides a welcome shelter from the often rough waters of Dean Channel.
Eucott Bay should be “off limits” to hunting, says Tourism Association BY ERNEST HALL Eucott Bay, site of a popular hot springs on Dean Channel some 50 km northwest of Bella Coola, should be designated “off limits” to hunting, according to the Bella Coola Valley Tourism Board of
Directors. In a unanimous vote at a recent meeting, the Board adopted a motion to pursue a nohunting status for the area around the hot springs. The move came following an incident last May during the spring black bear season. At that time, a family lounging at the
spring was surprised to see a hunter and a camera crew on the beach opposite where a bear was clearly in view. The parents, one in a rowboat and the other on foot, approached the hunting party and an altercation ensued during which a shot was fired. The hunt-
ing party re-boarded their boat and quickly left the bay. It was later learned that the camera crew were representatives of Remington, a well-known firearms maker. In a letter to Environment Minister Mary Polak, BCVT President Doug Baker says
his board’s decision came after “considerable deliberation.” He says the area “has become increasingly popular with visitors.” “As an organization promoting the development of tourism in our region we feel such a place should be free from conflict between hunting and recreation,”
Baker concludes. “This is not about being pro or anti-hunting, but about safety and the environment of people and wildlife. We fear the potential for further hunter/visitor conflict at this popular and pristine attraction.” SEE
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