I would like to follow up on a letter I wrote last year regarding the issue of the rattlesnakes as a protected species and gaps in Batchelor Heights’s snake exclusion fence, which has been proven to help protect Kamloops residents and snakes alike.

Previous to my letter, I had attempted to work with the City of Kamloops, the Ministry of Environment and the local developer to help resolve the issue.

The one party that was most interested in helping was the Ministry of Environment, knowing very well the issue of at-risk snakes in the area, as well as the effectiveness of the exclusion fencing. However, they did not have the funding necessary to help at the time. This summer, the Ministry of Environment secured funding to complete the project, including the area in which I live.

When I called the ministry to inquire further, an employee, Francis Iredale, completely exceeded my expectations by inviting me to his office, where he spelled out the planned areas for fencing and estimated completion date of early fall. He clearly had a passion in seeing this project through.

Last week, the installation of the exclusion fence spanning several hundred meters was completed in our neighbourhood, bringing further safety to the residents of Batchelor Heights as well as protecting at-risk rattlesnakes.

My original letter was written to raise awareness around the lack of engagement to resolve the issue. Today I wish to express my utmost gratitude to the Ministry of Environment, as well as the diligence of employees such as Mr. Iredale and his team, for their efforts to help secure funding to complete the project. This ends as a win-win story for snakes and residents alike.

My family neighbours and I thank you!

KEITH DAVIS

Kamloops