Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
-
Map of WMAs (pdf)
Wildlife Management Areas
in British Columbia
A conservation land requiring a special level of protection and management may sometimes be designated as a “wildlife management area.” This designation under Section 4 of the BC Wildlife Act gives the ministry additional tools to to manage the land and associated land uses. Wildlife management areas can be designated by the Minister of Environment with consent from the Lieutenant Governor in Council (i.e. the provincial cabinet), provided the Minister has administration of the land. A single wildlife management area may incorporate lands which the ministry has secured through acquisition, transfer of administration, or long term lease.
There are currently 23 wildlife management areas in BC, ranging in size from the 17-hectare Coquitlam River WMA to the 122,787-hectare Todagin WMA. For information on wildlife and habitat values and on other activities that may be taking place in specific wildlife management areas, click here. Other frequently asked questions about WMAs are answered below.
What are some of the reasons a WMA designation may be considered?
- An area’s wildlife/habitat values are of regional, provincial, or national significance.
- Special management zones or objectives for wildlife, fish and their habitats have been identified in a local or regional strategic land use plan.
- There is a need to conserve or manage important species and habitats while still allowing certain types of activities or developments to continue.
- A standard “protected area” designation is not an available option or is considered too restrictive.
- A buffer zone or linkage for a core protected area is desirable.
What are some advantages of a WMA designation?
- Site-specific objectives and management strategies can be developed in consultation with partners, First Nations, stakeholders, and the general public.
- Various land uses can be accommodated according to agreed-upon management objectives (e.g. recreation, grazing, agriculture, forestry etc).
- A WMA designation can serve as a legal mechanism to help implement wildlife/habitat conservation objectives identified in a strategic land use plan.
- Wildlife and habitat management options are flexible, ranging from no intervention at all to significant restoration and enhancement efforts.
- A WMA affords a wide range of opportunities to raise an area’s profile while engaging the public in shared conservation and stewardship activities.
Who has management authority over a WMA?
The designation of a WMA does not affect any rights granted before the designation.
Any other activities that involve use of land or resources in a WMA require written permission from the Regional Manager, Environmental Stewardship Division, Ministry of Environment. The Regional Manager may establish orders that prohibit or restrict certain activities in a WMA which may affect wildlife or habitat.
The Minister or Cabinet may also make certain regulations respecting use or occupation of a WMA.
What types of activities are usually permitted in a WMA?
The activities specifically permitted or disallowed within a WMA vary depending primarily on the particular WMA management plan developed in consultation with conservation partners, stakeholders and the public.
Generally, activities that are compatible with the objectives identified in the WMA Management Plan are permitted.
How do I find out if a specific activity is allowed inside a WMA,
or get a permit to do a specific activity?
Contact the regional Ministry of Environment, Environmental Stewardship Division office
for information on which activities may be allowed within a particular WMA, and which activities may be allowable under permit. (Confirm in which region of the province a WMA is located by reading the WMA site summary).
How can the public become involved in planning or managing a WMA? 
Participate in an existing local or regional strategic planning process to recommend a WMA.
Contact the appropriate Environmental Stewardship Division regional office to discuss a specific site.
Attend open house sessions to review and provide input on a
draft WMA proposal and management plan or management plan review.
Participate in public advisory committees, which are sometimes set up to
help manage a WMA.
