In 2023, vehicle traffic on the Squamish River Forest Service Road was approximately double what it was in 2012, with more than 120,000 people visiting the area. This has created new challenges for the ecosystem and the surrounding communities.
The BC Wildfire Service, in partnership with the Squamish Nation and Sea to Sky Natural Resource District, will be elevating its presence in the Upper Squamish Valley this season.
The BC Wildfire Service Fire Wardens and Squamish Nation Land Guardians will increase patrols in the Valley to prevent, detect, and report wildfires and illegal activities. The Conservation Officer Service will also be deployed to ensure environmental compliance and enforcement, shared stewardship, and public safety.
In a press release, the service said it has two goals: reduce human-caused wildfires and minimize negative impacts to important cultural, environmental, and wildlife values from unwanted or illegal activities.
The Upper Squamish Valley, Public Education Initiative, will be implemented through participation from the BC Wildfire Service Wildfire Prevention Ambassador Program, increased patrol by Squamish Nation Land Guardians and BC Wildfire Service Fire Wardens program, and an uplift to the current compliance and enforcement program with the Conservation Officer Service and Natural Resource Officers.
On four long weekends throughout the summer, the Wildfire Prevention Ambassador Program, Squamish Nation Land Guardians, and Natural Resource Officers will have an Information Kiosk at the entrance to the Upper Squamish Valley Forest Service Road, sharing messages about safe use of open fire, campfire prohibitions, how to report illegal suspected illegal activities, safe travel and respectful behaviour.
