Elk Valley residents can get financial assistance to bear-proof their yards this year, for materials up to $2,000.
People living in the Elk Valley, as well as in Jaffray and outlying farms, are eligible for financial assistance to install electric fencing for livestock, gardens, and fruit trees, and to remove or replace unwanted fruit trees.
The goal of the initiative is to help improve community safety by reducing bear attractants that are known sources of human-animal conflict.
“Our goal is to create a landscape that works for both people and wildlife in the Elk Valley,” said wildlife biologist Clayton Lamb. "Conflicts between people and bears are a common occurrence here, but there are proven solutions, and we want to make it easier for residents to take actions to discourage bears from coming onto properties.”
Residents can get 50 per cent cost share on materials up to $2,000 for electric fence installation, with free expert advice on design and installation. They can also apply for up to $400 to remove or replace a fruit tree. Trees that flower, but do not produce fall fruit that draws bears, are good alternatives.
The program is supported by the provincial government, Biodiversity Pathways, Margo Supplies, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y), Elk Valley Resources and The Gencon Foundation. The Yellowstone to Yukon team has installed over 500 fences in the Kootenay region to date.
Funds are limited and will be administered on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Learn more by contacting kootenaycostshares@gov.bc.ca or visit the link
