Wildlife Wise Canada Profiles Sunshine Coast Wildlife Conservation Officers
New 'Meet Your WCO' section connects BC residents with their local Conservation Officers — starting with the Lower and Upper Sunshine Coast zones
Wildlife Wise Canada has launched a 'Meet Your Wildlife Conservation Officer' section at wildlifewise.ca/meet-your-wco, beginning with the two zones that cover the Sunshine Coast and qathet region of British Columbia.
The Lower Sunshine Coast (Sechelt Zone) is served by Sgt. Dean Miller (Field Supervisor), CO Riley Lafferty, and CO Murray Smith, operating out of the Sechelt office at 1975 Field Road. Their zone covers Gibsons, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay, Egmont, Pender Harbour, Bowen Island, and the territories of the shíshálh Nation and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.
The Upper Sunshine Coast (qathet/Powell River Zone) is served by CO Leyland Klassen and CO Jacob Clausen, covering Powell River (tiskʷat), Texada Island, Lund, Saltery Bay, and the territory of the Tla'amin Nation.
Both zones are served by the provincial RAPP line (Report All Poachers and Polluters) at 1-877-952-7277, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"Knowing who your local Conservation Officer is — and when to call them versus calling 911 — is one of the most practical things a Sunshine Coast resident can know," said Gerald Shaffer. "These officers are doing remarkable work with limited resources, and they deserve to be known in their communities."
Wildlife Wise Canada plans to expand the Meet Your WCO section to additional BC regions including the Sea to Sky Corridor, Vancouver Island, and the Fraser Valley in coming months.
Media Contact
Gerald Shaffer — Wildlife Wise Canada
Email: [email protected]
Web: wildlifewise.ca