July 23, 2025
RED FM News Desk
A persistent drought is compelling BC ranchers and First Nations to reconsider their water storage strategies. A recent drought summary indicates that approximately 60 percent of the province is rated as “abnormally dry” or worse.
Ranchers in the BC Interior are appealing to the province to ease regulations, allowing them to construct or expand water-storage dams as the drought continues to parch large parts of the province.
John Parkes, manager of Nicola Ranch, stated that ranchers in the Nicola Valley have been collaborating since 2023 to manage water usage. Their aim is to ensure enough water is released for ecological preservation, thereby avoiding government-imposed restrictions.
The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship confirmed that Minister Randene Neill recently toured Parkes’ ranch. She observed firsthand their efforts in water use and storage and expressed keen interest in future proposals.
Loading ...
