Trappers Add To Criticism Of Forest Fire Policy

Wednesday, August 17, 2005 at 14:05

 

 

The president of the Northern Saskatchewan Trappers Association says he believes the government’s so-called “Let It Burn” policy is hurting harvesters of animal pelts.

 

Last year, the government announced it would be allowing more fires to burn in the North — unless they threatened communities or commercial timber.

 

This summer, flames burnt brush around some outfitting camps, prompting cries from the operators that the new government approach wasn’t viable.

 

Clifford Ray says he also doesn’t agree with the strategy, because he feels too many animals are being forced away from traplines.

 

Ray says the trappers association has expressed its dissatisfaction at the government over the move and hopes to meet with them early next year.