Conservation Projects

BCTMO Conservation Club was actively involved in the projects listed below, ensuring a long-lasting positive impact on the Chilcotin Ark. Collaboration with universities, government authorities and other land users was essential for the success and long-term impact of these projects.

California Bighorn sheep migration

In collaboration with the Thompson River University - Faculty of Science

Examination of the movements of individual rams within several herds of BC California Bighorn sheep.  Working with massive data sets collected through satellite collars, focused on the long-distance forays conducted by rams, and also the general distribution of the herds through time and space. Why, where and how the rams conduct these movements is of particular interest as it may bring the animals into contact with domestic sheep which brings the threat of disease transfer.

 

Evaluation of Rocky Mountain or Roosevelt elk habitat and population

Elk is a native species to the Chilcotin Ark, but disease, severe winters and predation reduced their number until they were believed to be extinct in parts of the southeast Chilcotin Ark.  This project identifies and evaluates the potential elk habitat in this area for Roosevelt or Rocky Mountain elk, to re-establish a self-sustainable elk population through a transplant. 

 

Rehabilitation of migratory bird’s wetland in the southeast Chilcotin Ark

The project aims to address habitat degradation and loss of waterfowl population in a water reservoir in the Chilcotin Ark. By enhancing and rehabilitating this area we hope to restore the vital wetland habitats for a number of waterfowl species, and re-establish the natural diversity in the area. The continued surveillance and management of the water level and quality in the reservoir will ensure the effective conservation of the habitat.

 

Evergreen Land Plans for Lillooet TSA - active, ongoing project 

Created Evergreen Land Plans for Lillooet TSA for higher level management (https://lillooet.stewardship.foundation/). The Stewardship Plan represents guidelines for responsible and sustainable land and resource management. All management directions constructed in the Evergreen Stewardship Plan are made based on government data from one or more of the following sources:

• Published policies from government
• Government sponsored or supported scientific research
• Traditional Knowledge from wildlife practitioners
• Direction from past Land and Resource Management Plans

 

Evergreen Land Plans for South Chilcotin TSA - active, ongoing project

Created Evergreen Land Plans for South Chilcotin TSA for higher level management (https://south-chilcotin.stewardship.foundation/). The Stewardship Plan represents guidelines for responsible and sustainable land and resource management. All management directions constructed in the Evergreen Stewardship Plan are made based on government data from one or more of the following sources:

• Published policies from government
• Government sponsored or supported scientific research
• Traditional Knowledge from wildlife practitioners
• Direction from past Land and Resource Management Plans

 

Heli-Ski management plan

BCTMO Conservation Club was involved in the cancelation of heli-ski runs on,several mountain ranges in the Chilcotin Ark to reduce the displacement of mountain goats and California Bighorn sheep. Flight was further restricted to stay away from mountain goat winter ranges and reduce risk of displacement.

 

Scoping and creation of Development Strategy for the Chilcotin Ark 

To protect the Chilcotin Ark, maintain a sustainable land management and establish the working landscape concept, a scoping of goals and objectives for a development strategy have to take place. Important part of the strategy development process is stakeholder education and involvement.

 

Scoping and creation of Park and Protected Area Management Plans

Several parks and protected areas are located in the Chilcotin Ark. Every area needs an individual plan as ecology, land use and other factors are not comparable and differentiate from park to park. Values and roles, management direction and plan implementation have to be formulated in an individual park management plan to ensure and communicate these for government, industry, tourism operators, recreational users and all other stakeholders.