Is Tourism Aiding in the Destruction of Wildlife?

Every time the tourism industry saves another small, North American town from financially going down the drain, so to speak, another species of sensitive wildlife is put at risk of destruction. Whether it is from population growth, increased road traffic, or large recreational facilities, the tourism industry contributes to the destruction of wildlife, one way or another.

Unfortunately, one of the largest effects that the tourism industry has on the destruction of wildlife is the increased interest it has created in the smaller rural areas heavily promoted by tourism in the last few years. Small communities that double in population over the summer months because of weather or other attractions the tourism industry uses to attract visitors are becoming more popular as full time homes for many that only once visited as guests.

Large, undeveloped areas once inhabited by wildlife are torn up for condos and gated communities to house the influx of people. Properties previously used for grazing of farm animals that also where home to many different species of wildlife are being subdivided, developed, and sold off to make room for the increase of human population, pushing animals farther and farther from water and familiar hunting grounds.

With less and less viable water sources in the mountains during the dry, summer months that are so normal of today, wildlife is found to leave the safeness of their treed homes in search of fresh water sources. This search tends to lead them across busy road ways and highways that have subsequently crossed migratory paths of the different species of wildlife of that region, killing thousands of wild animals every year.

Another aspect of tourism that largely contributes to the destruction of wildlife includes some of our oldest sports and past times prominent to North America. Hundreds plus acres are needed to accommodate recreational properties necessary for activities such as skiing or golf. Even with the many facilities already operating, new golf courses and ski hills keeping popping up. Many of these projects promote the environmentally friendly nature of their development and building practices; however, this is seldom the case.

Certain niches of the tourism industry, unfortunately, also promote the destruction of wildlife. These niches include hunting and other destructive hobbies that threaten wildlife and their habitats. Hunting lodges and expeditions top this list, offering guided tours and packages to satisfy the taste of every hunter.

Although the tourism industry is essential to the financial growth of many of these small towns which rely on the income generated by it, nature and wildlife does not need to be destroyed in the process and must be considered foremost in the future.

http://www.helium.com/items/1499613-how-the-tourism-industry-contributes-to-wildlife-destruction

.....wild roses of BC..........

Best Places to Camp in Western Canada

With rumbling rivers, beautiful lakes, dense alpine forests, and hot desert areas; Western Canada holds an array of options for every flavor of camper. Depending on the amenities required, desired destination, and length of your trip, a great camping spot can be found.

Provincially run camp grounds and RV parks provide campers with several different levels of services from dry camping facilities with no services, for those seeking the rustic experience to fully-serviced, beautifully maintained camps perfect for families or those insist on a hot shower and bathroom facilities and the end of the day. Provincial camps are typical of Western Canada and have become so popular in the last few years, that most sites must be reserved up to a year in advance to get your favorite spot for the long weekends or holidays. More information about our provincial campgrounds and RV parks can be found at the sites listed at the end of the article.

Privately owned campgrounds are also a common choice for campers visiting Western Canada. These types of camping areas are more commonly found near cities or towns and close to shopping, entertainment, beaches, golf and/or the convenience of city life. Again, fully-serviced sites are the norm in such facilities and sometimes may provide laundry facilities, swimming pools, daycare services, children’s play areas, cable or satellite television, and wireless internet.

For the more adventurous or those looking for the barebones, backcountry Canadian camping experience so to speak, hectares upon hectares of beautiful camping spots can be found hidden away in the valleys and mountains of Western Canada. These spots are better discovered by suggestion, luck or exploration. Due to fires restrictions during our summer months and the dryness of our timber, forest floor, and grasses; campers must be selective in their choice of spots though. Strong winds are known to blaze up unexpectedly in the afternoons, feeding even the smallest of sparks that may escape into one of these dry places.

No matter where you go camping, wild animals and pests can be, well, pests. Food and goods that bears, cougars, raccoons, birds, mice, and other pesky animals may be attracted to should be properly stored and out of reach. Garbage should be kept in a sealed container away from your sleeping area, and the ‘what you take in with you, you take out with you’ rule should always apply in the great outdoors, no matter where you decide to stay. Wherever you decide to spend your camping trip in Western Canada, you are pretty much guaranteed to have at least one or two encounters with some sort of wildlife, a few days of great memories and a wonderful camping experience.

BCAdventure.com
Discover Camping
GoRVing
Safe Boating Guide
Fire Bans
Dinosaur Park

~Images of the Day~

~Coyote Encounter... The Humorous Story of a Working Dog~

For the majority of my time as a dog owner in the rural mountainous areas of British Columbia, I have always been concerned about coyotes stealing my dogs away in the middle of the night. A common soundtrack to my outdoor evenings, as dusk begins to approach, is the eerie song of the coyotes hanging in the air. Yips, yaps and squeals came be heard in the distance. Occasionally if you're lucky, you can catch two or three different packs communicating back and forth to each other.

These wild, canine-type animals love to torment house pets and farm animals and have always seemed particularly fond of my dogs. On a regular basis, one single mama takes her tour through our property to entice the dogs. She will proudly glide past; just close enough to leave her smell and then find a moment where she can make herself visible, driving the dogs into a barking frenzy. This became a nightly ritual for her and the dogs.

Taking my Black Lab/ Mastiff out for a run the other night, we ran into a rather amusing situation when we came across one of these animals. We had already made the turn home, when my dog started acting more strangely than I had ever seen him before. He was dancing in circles, nose to the sky, and making the oddest noises, noises that I never would have thought he was capable of making. After getting his attention again, he calmed down and I thought we were again on our way again. Further down the old logging road though, he bolted off into the brush covered creek bed and up the mountainside after some smell that had caught his attention.

Due to the dense bush cover, I could only hear the rustling of an animal but could not see my dog. A moment later, the movement of two animals could be heard taking off through the brush and then I saw a flash of black. There was my dog- hard on the heels of a little coyote. He was on guard, as he dutifully chased the animal away up the hill. As soon as I called him name and told him to stop, he quickly turned and came back to my side. Commending him for listening and protecting, we continued on our way home without any more trouble. It was the funniest wild animal situation I have encountered in quite awhile and I was surprised by the outcome of it.

Really though, coyotes are not a threat to larger house dogs. However, considering the common size of a coyote, a smaller dog should definitely be protected from these sneaky little animals.
So now, I feel rather silly about my fears of the coyotes taking my dogs off for dinner and underestimating how dogs will take care of themselves and their owners, more than we think.

Why are trout the best freshwater fish to fish for?

My latest article complete... And it is all about my opinion on trout- and fishing for trout believe it or not, a little astray from my writing norms but I enjoyed writing about one of my favorite pasttimes. If your interested in the fish that reside in the Okanagan, give it a read. Just click the title above and it will take you right to it.

Thanks for visiting and continuing to read,

~Jessica~

Tales from the Pro Shop Counter

Jessica Tucker

Strange Clouds in the Afternoon

Have you ever seen clouds like this before? I sure haven't. These pancake clouds hung around the horizon above my house for the whole afternoon. Into the evening, they slowly seperated into a strange looking snake-like cloud that wrapped the moon for the night. I was glad to get a couple shots because I doubt I will ever get another chance to see clouds like this again.