h K cs ; ~Gov’t cuts out firewood FORGET ABOUT having a wiener roast over a campfire with the kids. The provincial government has decided it will no longer provide firewood at three local provincial parks in a bid to save money. Park visitors won't find firewood at Kleanza Creek provincial park, Lakelse Lake picnic site, and Exchamsiks provincial park. - And in some locations, particularly day-use picnic areas, the firepits will be uprooted and removed altogether. Other budget cuts meanvisitors can also expect provin- cial parks to look more unkempt. That’s because money is aisa being saved by trimming back the frequency of things like garbage pickup, lawn mowing, irrigation, routine maintenance, brushing and weeding. The changes are province-wide and are aimed at carving $750,000 or about five per cent out of that portion of the parks budgel, said assistant deputy minister Dennis O'Gorman, He said the government looked at other options but con- cluded it didn’t want to increase fees in those smaller campgrounds from the present level of $9.50 a night. O’Gorman admits some of the changes, parlicularly cl- mination of firewood, will anger lourists. ‘We'll be seeking a lot of acceptance, patience and un- derstanding from our visitor public,’’ he admitted. ‘We're not doing this because it's our first preference. But it’s essential in terms of budget management.”’ In areas where firepits are allowed to stay, he added, visitors may be able to bring their own wood in. But that’s led to other concerns among parks contractors like Greg McDonald, who operates Exchamsiks. “There’s going to be a whole lot of really annoyed people,’’ McDonald predicts. He fears the absence of firewood will lead to campers scrouniging the surrounding bush for firewood and damag- ing the environment. ‘Again we hope that people have got a good environ- mental ethic,” said O'Gorman. Another money-saving measure is the reduction of sub- sidies paid to contractors to make up any shortfalls in revenue, Effectively a reduction in how much they'll get paid, contractors like McDonald say they'll respond by no longer basing themselves full-time at the park. Instead McDonald says he'll commute out to Ex- chamsiks to maintain it and collect fces. McDonald and others are predicting that will mean security could suffer, resulting in higher expenses from vandalisn that will more than offset any savings. And without anyone locking up the gates at night, he said, it may mean foud all-night parties in the park. The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, April 15, 1998 - A3 WOOD FOR SALE: Kleanza Creek campground operators Carol and Jim Glen bought firewood and all their supplies before finding out the parks ministry budget cuts have eliminated firewood at many parks. They've decided to quit over the many budget and service changes brought in this year. ; Parks operators call it quits KLEANZA CREEK provincial park operators Carol and Jim Glen are quitting their post in dis- gust over the budget cuts to the parks system. Ten-year veterans at Kleanza, their departure means the park likely won’t open in time for May Ist, Carol Glen says. “T just think it’s ridiculous,’’ she said, adding she particularly objects to the removal of fire- wood and fire rings from some day-use areas. ‘Now people can’t even take their little kids out and They dissapp “We out and mm f ‘3 3} til years to come. They continue to set from. So little time. So see us today. But Glen and her husband say the fact no ad- vance notice was given for the changes means they are paying the price as well. this year because of the mild winter and carly ready,’” she said. ‘‘We had the toilets pumped bought all our supplies. Due to popular demand we have e April 15/98 a’ 700 They'll be talking about this year’s crop of Cats for ‘their power-to-weight ratios, performance, handling and comfort. But to be sure you get the model you want, you have to order before April 15, 1998. Want another reason? You can get up to S600 in Cat Cash™ towards the purchase of Arcticwear® or genuine Arctic Cat’ parts and accessories. So many sleds to pick ARCTIC CAT What Snowmobiling All About” "'So I’m stuck with two logging truck loads of wood — about 26 cords of wood.” She said the situation means she’s out of pocket about $2,000, have a little weiner roast,’’ she said. were gearing up to open the park early ihe parks than a deterioration of service tliat will ultimately affect B.C.’s tourism industry. ° “*T think this is just the tip of the iceberg of what's planned,” she added. ‘‘And if something isn’t done now this is going to be another indus- try down the tubes.’’ earance of snow. had all our firewood delivered there al- Glen said she’d rather see a price increase at’ News In Brief Young drivers held back IT’S GOING to take longer and it’s going to be more camplicated for young drivers to cam Cull driving privileges. Those applying for a learner’s licence will iced to pass a knowledge test, a road signs test and a‘ vision test. A learner’s stage lasts for six thonths but can be reduced to three if an approved course is taken, - During the learning stage, a driver can’t drink any al- cohol and drive and is limited to carrying two pas- sengers, one of whom has to be an adult co-pilot, They are allowed on the road only between 5 am. and midnight and must display a ‘‘new driver” sign. Successful leamers- pass to the- intermediate stage — after passing a road test, This intermediate stage lasts 18 months and there’s no alcohol pennitted and ‘“‘new driver”’ signs must be used. Affer an advanced test is laken, a five-year class five licence is granted. “New drivers, regardless of age, are almost wice as: likely to case a collision as experienced drivers,”’ said Mike Farnworth, the cabinet minister responsible. for ICBC. ‘Driving skills require more than just learning how lo steer, break and park.’ Youngsters need shots IF YOU have a young child starting kindergarten in September, there’s something tore he or she will need than school supplies. Between the ages of four and six children need a booster shot for Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping cough), Tetanus and Polio. The vaccine now in use, containing accllular Pertussis, has few side effects. The northwest health unit is planning immunization clinics May 11, 14 and 21 for children born in 1993. As well as getting their booster shots, kids will be able to sce the dental hygienist for a quick check and some tooth talk. Call 638-2200 for an appointment, Aitention, students THE B.C, PRESS COUNCIL has launched an annval essay Writing competition for secondary and post- secondary students to encourage them to think about important issues involving journalism and its value to the health and well-being of a free and democratic society. The prize features two awards of $1,000 each and the this year’s topic is: The Freedom of the Press and Its Responsibility. High school students will have a 1,500 word Limit, post secondary students a 2,500 word limil. Entries must be received by June 30, 1998. “We hope the prize will encourage some interesting and valuable insights about the nature of the press in B.C. and its relationship with the society it serves,” said press council chairman Ted Hughes, More information is available by contacting press council executive secretary Gerald Porter at 604-683- 2571, The mailing address is 900-1281 West Georgia St, Vancouver, B.C. V6E 3]7. Its website is www. bepresscouncil.comlink 1-The press council has more than 125 B.C. newspa- pers as members and acts in matters of freedom of the press and takes complaints from readers. The Terrace Standard is a member, we Fwy Training & Development aE” Task Group The N.W.LA. Training & Development Task Group will be offering a 1 day conference on negotiating is ve skills. xtended our | | Date: April 22, 1998 ag § Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ‘ Fee: $75.00 Location: Room 302, 4722 Lakelse Ave (Front entrance of the Tillicum Twin Theatre Building) This course wil] be of interest to ail participants in the Forest Industry and in particular, Supervisors and Owner/Managers. Check Out The New 1999 Powder Special Register early as seating Is timited. To register contact: Development Task Group Phone: 635-4523 - E-mail nwla@osg.net N.W.L.A. Training & James W. 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