THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015
Volume 41, Issue 33
www.starjournal.net
$1.35 Includes GST
PM0040030872
2014 CCNA
KTC candidates ready to extol the virtues of their parties ..... page 2
Time of little shame and much judgement ..... page 5
Taxidea taxus survives in North Thompson
Gas prices stubbornly high despite oil’s dive
STAR/JOURNAL photo: Jill Hayward
The North American Badger (Taxidea taxus) is classified as endangered in British Columbia due to small numbers, continuing loss of habitat, persecution, and road mortality. Key badger habitats have been greatly modified or lost to development, and the provincial badger population now stands at less than 200 breeding animals. It is illegal to trap or shoot badgers anywhere in B.C., and it is also illegal to buy or sell badger pelts. The public opinion on badgers is changing, and rare sightings such as the young female above are now great photo opportunities, but most importantly the badger can safely go on about its business after the encounter. Find more about our resident North Thompson Valley badgers on page 11.
..... page 7
Water conservation urged for North Thompson North Thompson Star/Journal
‘Mother’s Day ‘ painting by Bev Henry
Armour Mt. Gallery features area artists at open house ..... page 10
7
78195 50017
8
With weather conditions expected to remain warm and dry, water users in the North Thompson region are being urged to reduce water consumption, with the Government of B.C. last week announcing a Level 3 drought rating for the area. Level 3 drought conditions call for voluntary water use reductions of an additional 20 per cent beyond Level 2 conservation levels (30 per cent overall) from all municipal, agricultural and industrial users. Staff with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations say they anticipate that this region could experience significant water supply shortages in 2015. Ministry staff state that they are closely monitoring river levels and ecosystems and may upgrade the drought level if the weather continues
to have a negative effect on stream flows and water supply. Although residential, agricultural and industrial users within municipalities and regional districts backed by reservoir storage are less vulnerable to water supply shortages than water users served by smaller water systems from streams, lakes and wells, all water users are encouraged to observe local water conservation bylaws to prolong water supplies. Water users are also encouraged to ensure that water intakes are screened to prevent fish from being pulled into water systems as water levels drop. Low water levels can impede the passage of salmon to spawning grounds, increase susceptibility to disease, or cause stranding or death due to low oxygen and high water temperatures. Level 4 drought conditions, the highest rating, are determined by factors including regional stream flows, water storage capacity, ecological
concerns, weather forecasts and impacts on water users. Should conditions reach Level 4, provincial water managers may exercise their authority to temporarily suspend short-term water permits or industrial water licences in affected watersheds. Further reductions in stream, lake and aquifer levels could lead to water shortages and affect people, agriculture, industry and fish stocks. Ministry staff will continue to monitor conditions, work closely with local governments and key stakeholders, and provide updates as the need arises. Water conservation is everyone’s responsibility. Many communities in B.C. are prepared to deal with water supply shortages and low streamflow conditions by drought management plans and water conservation programs that are already in place.
S E R V I N G T H E N O RT H T H O M P S O N VA L L E Y F R O M H E F F L E Y C R E E K TO B L U E R I V E R