cccs bc parks guide
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Cariboo Chilcotin and Central Coast
Our Parks, Our Heritage
BC Parks and TrailsSites of Interest
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Page 2 The Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society sponsors BC Parks Visitors Guide for the Cariboo, Chilcotin, and Central Coast
The Cariboo ChilcotinConservation Society
Our Parks Our Heritage guide is one of theways the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Societypromotes sustainable, healthy functioningecosystems within our region. Along with detailson our regions Parks, we have included siteswhere a resident or tourist can stop and enjoythe surroundings, or learn more of the finedetails on the areas flora and fauna (see Scout
Island Nature Centre, Baker Creek EnhancementSociety, and the Horsefly Spawning Channels).We have chosen to create this guide out ofnon-glossy, recyclable materials to enable itsre-entry back into the environment after ithas been used, re-used, passed on to friendsand finally become too frayed to read!
Our History Originally formed in 1992 asthe Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Council(CCCC), the purpose of which was to representand provide a voice for conservation interestsof the Cariboo Chilcotin region at theCommission on Resources and Environment(CORE). The CCCC was very involved in thedevelopment of the Cariboo Chilcotin LandUse Plan, released in 1994. Incorporated asthe Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society in1996, CCCS has continued to be involved in the,planning processes of Park Management andDevelopment, the San Jose Watershed group,Ecosystems Restoration Steering Committee, theCariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition, thedevelopment of a Conservation Strategy for the
Cariboo Chilcotin (viewable on our website), andenvironmental sustainability throughout theregion. CCCS provides presentations, displays,materials and forums on specific issues relatedto the environment. CCCS sponsors modules onsustainable ecosystems, watersheds, and speciesat risk in our regions outdoor school (see GavinLake) and runs a Water Wise water conservation
program, and a regional Waste Wise educationprogram, delivering classes both within theschools of our region and within the community.
For more informationon the Cariboo ChilcotinConservation Society, contact coordinatorMarg Evans at 1.250.398.7929 or emailccentre@ccconserv.org or visit us online atwww.ccconserv.org For Water Wiseinfo contactus at waterwise@ccconserv.org or Waste Wiseatwastewise@ccconserv.org .
Funding support for the printing of this guidehas been gratefully received from:The Williams Lake and District Credit Union, thePacific Salmon Foundation, the Williams LakeLog Haulers, BC Parks, Ecosystems RestorationSteering Committee, and the Province of BC,Recreation Sites and Trails. We are very gratefulfor their support, without which this Guidewould not be available in print, to be carriedabout in your backpack as you enjoy the sceneryand identify the wildlife!
Tatlyoko Lake, photo Marg Evans
Working to ensure the preservation and maintenance
of healthy, functioning ecosystems!
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Introduction ...................................................... pg 2Provincial Parks Map ..................................pg 4 & 5Why Have Parks & Protected Areas .............pg 6 & 7Recreation Sites & Trails..............................pg 8 & 9Back Country Ethics ........................................ pg 10Mountain Biking ............................................. pg 11
Baker Creek Nature Centre ......................pg 12 & 13Scout Island Nature Centre .....................pg 14 & 15Stream to Sea .................................................. pg 16Gavin Lake Outdoor Education Centre ......pg 17 & 18
Big Bar Lake Provincial Park ............................. pg 19
Big Creek Provincial Park .................................. pg 20
Historic Barkerville ...........................................pg 21
Barkerville Campsites........................................ pg 21
Bull Canyon Provincial Park ............................ pg 23Bowron Lake Provincial Park .................. pg 24 & 25
Bridge Lake Provincial Park ............................ pg 26Cedar Point Class C Provincial Park ................. pg 27Cariboo Mountains Provincial Park ................. pg 28Downing Provincial Park ................................. pg 29Green Lake Provincial Park ............................. pg 30Horsefly Spawning Channel & Trail ................. pg 31Horsefly Lake Provincial Park..................pg 32 & 33Churn Creek Protected Area ............................ pg 34Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park ..... pg 35 - 37Lac La Hache Provincial Park .......................... pg 38
Moose Valley Provincial Park .......................... pg 39Nazko Lake Provincial Park ............................. pg 40Ecological Reserves ......................................... pg 41
Ecological Integrity ......................................... pg 41Ecosystems Restoration ............................ pg 42 - 45Pinnacles Provincial Park ................................ pg 46Puntchesakut Lake Provincial Park ................. pg 47Ruth Lake Provincial Park ............................... pg 47Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park ......................... pg 48
Species at Risk .......................................... pg 49 - 56Water Wise ...................................................... pg 56Tweedsmuir Provincial Park ................... pg 57 & 58Tsyl-os Provincial Park............................pg 59 & 60Wetland of the Cariboo Chilcotin ............ pg 61 - 63Ducks Unlimited Wetlands ...................... pg 64 & 65Williams Lake River Valley Trail ...................... pg 66Save Our Wildflowers ............................... pg 67 - 75Bears & Cougars ...................................... pg 76 & 77Wildlife Viewing ....................................... pg 78 - 81
Waste Wise & Wildlife ...................................... pg 81Birds of the Cariboo Chilcotin .................. pg 82 - 92Marine Ethics .................................................. pg 93Marine Parks ........................................... pg 94 & 95Salmonids of the Cariboo Chilcotin .........pg 96 - 103Salmon Sensitive Habitat Alert ..................... pg 103
Coastal stream, photo Chris Armstrong
Front Cover Photo:Lupins & Paintbrush at Monarch Mountain
in the Cariboo Chilcotin,photo Chris Czajkowski
Table of Contents
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Page 4 The Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society sponsors BC Parks Visitors Guide for the Cariboo, Chilcotin, and Central Coast
Tahtsa
Lake
OotsaLake
Bo wr
CAMPGROUNDS
& DAY USE AREAS
1. DOWNING 18
2. BIG BAR LAKE 46
3. BRIDGE LAKE 16
4. GREEN LAKE - Sunset View 54
4. GREEN LAKE - Arrowhead 16
4. GREEN LAKE - Emerald Bay 51
5. MOOSE VALLEY 4
6. LAC LA HACHE 83
7. HORSEFLY LAKE 23
8. BULL CANYON 20
9. NAZKO LAKE - Deerpelt Lake 2
9. NAZKO LAKE - Loomis Lake 2
10. TSYL-OS - Nu Chugh Beniz 15
11. TSYL-OS - Gwa Da Tsih 8
12. SOUTH TWEEDSMUIR 42
13. PINNACLES
14. PUNTCHESAKUT LAKE
15. TEN MILE LAKE 141
16. KLUSKOIL LAKE
17. BOWRON LAKE 25
Vehicle/Tent
Campsites
Picnicking/
DayUse
Sani-Station
Swimming
Fishing
BoatLaunch
Hiking/
Walking
Showers
Canoe
Route
Provincial Parks of the Cariboo
Class A Parks added in 2013: These 17 new Class A Parks and 5 enlarged Parks [areas in pink] on the map wereestablished to protect diverse habitat ranging from biologically rich wetlands to undisturbed grasslands.
They are home to many species at risk, as well as provide significant habitat for all fish and wildlife.
Battle Mountain, Bull Canyon Provincial Park,photo Chris Armstrong
Two red fox play in snow,photo Chris Armstrong
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WELLS
Clearwater
Lake
Likely
PARK
AlexisCreek
TSYL-OS
PARK
C
hilko
L
ake
Lakes
PARK
Tatlayoko
Lake
Knight
NUNSTI
PARK
Bonaparte
LakeM
ahood
Lake
100MileHouse
Anahim
Lake
NAZKO
LAKE
PARK
Gang
Ranch
CARIBOO
CEDA
R
RIVER
CARIBOO
MOUNTAINS
PARK
TWEEDSMUIRPARK
Eutsuk
Lake
Whitesail
Lake
KLUSKOIL
Tetachuck
Lake
LAKEPARK
West
Roa
d
River
Nazko
PARK
POINT
Quesnel
Quesn
el
Riv
e
r
WilliamsLake
RIVER-TATLAYOKO
HOMATHKO
Taseko
Horsefly
Hobson
SCHOOLHOUSE
LAKE
Wells
GRAY
Lake
PARK
JUNCTION
RANGE
PARK
MOOSE
VALLEY
SHEEP
PARK F
LAT
CHURN
PROTECTED
Clinto
n
PARK
CREEK
LAKE
RANGE
CREEK
AREA
BIG
LAKE
MARBLE
PARK
EDGE
HILLS
BRIDGE
Green
La
ke
PROTECTEDAREA
Inlet
Bute
Inlet
Taseko Ri
ver
Ch
ilko
Rive
r
BigCre
ek
KlinakliniR
iver
S. B e
nti
nck
Arm
Chil
coti
nRiv
er
Bel
la
Coo
la
River
DeanRiv
er
Br
id
ge
River
Fras
er Ri v er
ITCHAILGACHUZ
PARK
BellaCoola
Burke
Channel
Fraser
Riv
er
Quesnel
Lake
Wil l
ow
Rive
r
er
Charlotte
Lake
OwikenoLake
Bona
part
e
Riv
er
BOWR
ON
LAKE
PARK
Questionsorcomme
nts
regardingthesepark
s
maybedirectedto:
BCParks,CaribooRegionOffice
400-640BorlandStreet,WilliamsLake,BCV2G4T1
TEL:(250)398-4530
FAX:(250)398-4214
Website:www.env
.gov.bc.ca/bcparks
DOWNING
PARK
BIGBAR
PARK
LAKE
PARK
GREEN
LAKE
PARK
LACLAHACHE
PARK
HORSEFLY
LAKEPARK
BARKERVILLE
TENMILE
LAKE
PARK
PINNAC
LES
PARK
PUNTCHESAKUT
LAKEPARK
BULL
PARK
CANYON
Lake
Crooked
10
11
1
2
4
5
3
6
7
17
8
9
14
13
15
16
12
Highway
Sym
bo
l
BC
Parks
Campgroun
d
Park
Area
Ma
jor
Highway
Roa
d,
Pave
d
Roa
d,
Loose
Surface
Shore
line
/Ocean
LEG
END
/Day
Use
Area
Class
AParks
Adde
d2014
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Page 6 The Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society sponsors BC Parks Visitors Guide for the Cariboo, Chilcotin, and Central Coast
British Columbia is home to many nationallyand internationally significant naturaland cultural values. To ensure that thesevalues are afforded legal protection parks,ecological reserves and protected areas havebeen established. Parks and protected areasare managed for important conservationvalues and are intended to preserve naturalenvironments and cultural features for theinspiration, use and enjoyment of the public.
Within the Cariboo and Chilcotin there arespectacular glacier clad mountain peaks,sparkling lakes (including the deepest fjordlake in the world), rolling grasslands andmajestic forests. Whether you travel by foot,
canoe or horseback; or simply wish to enjoy aday at the beach with your family, you can findit in the parks of our region.
British Columbians have worked to protectspecial features such as habitat for endangeredspecies and special landforms of the province.The parks of BC serve to represent each of theprovinces 100 ecosections, or natural regions.
In February 2013, seventeen new Class A parkswere established and additions were addedto five existing Class A parks in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region. These additions to the BCParks system were a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Goal 2 (Special Features) land use
planning process. These are smallerparks and include natural, culturaland recreational areas.
These new parks and additions toexisting parks were established toprotect diverse habitat ranging frombiologically rich wetlands (BeaverValley Park) to undisturbed grasslandsof the porcupine grass ecosystems(Bechers Prairie Park). Species at Riskthat use these new parks includetrumpeter swan, sandhill crane, fisher,northern bittern, wolverine, sharp-
tailed grouse, great blue heron andflammulated owl. These significantareas also contribute to moose and
Why Have Parks& Protected Areas?
Pair of Mule Deer blend into their environment, photo Chris Armstrong
Dantes Inferno, photo Trish Hoffos
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mule deer winter habitat and special featureslike mineral licks and fish habitat.
Other biophysical features captured in thesenew parks include complex glacial features(Copper Johnny Park), high scenic values(Dantes Inferno Park) and viewscapes (DragonMountain Park), medicinal plants, andarchaeological values related to aboriginal use.Although these new parks do not have any
park facilities, some were established for theirhigh recreational values: hiking trails, accessto heritage trail, horse trails (Big Basin Park),fishing, wildlife viewing and water recreation(Flat Lake Park and Bridge Lake Park Additions).
Protected areas areset aside as naturepreserves, asscientific research
areas, and as placesfor educationand recreation.Protected areashelp conserveour natural andbiological diversity,and our culturalheritage. They alsocontribute to the
growth of tourismand economicdiversification.
Descriptions ofthese parks canbe found on theBC governmentwebsite, www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks. TheBC government achieved its commitment to
meeting the 1992 United Nations challenge ofprotecting 12% of our land base in protectedareas.
Curious Moose, photo Chris Armstrong
Chipmunk, photoMarianne & Don Piller
Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy, photo Chris Armstrong
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Page 8 The Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society sponsors BC Parks Visitors Guide for the Cariboo, Chilcotin, and Central Coast
BC offers a host of exceptional recreationopportunities. While some of the Provincesmost spectacular recreation features are locatedin parks, many more recreation resources arefound in the rugged and real backcountry. Thebackcountry provides an abundance of greatplaces to have fun and enjoy nature throughactivities such as camping, boating, fishing,hunting, mountain climbing, hiking, kayaking,mountain biking, ATVing, cross-country skiing,
snowmobiling, and exploring. So get to knowBCs backcountry its the perfect place toexperience the wonders of the outdoors andcreate memories that will last a lifetime.
Recreation sites and trails are publiccampgrounds and trails located on Crown land
outside of parks and settled areas. They provideenjoyable recreation experiences generallywithin an integrated resource managementsetting. Recreation sites and trails were formerlyknown as Forest Service recreation sites andtrails, and were once the responsibility of theBC Ministry of Forests and Range. They are nowthe responsibility of Recreation Sites and TrailsBC (RSTBC) of the Ministry of Forests, Lands andNatural Resource Operations (FLNRO).
Recreation SitesRecreation sites provide a simple, rusticcamping experience. Generally located inremote areas and accessed by gravel forestryroads, recreation sites provide only basicfacilities, such as fire rings, picnic tables,
outhouses, and, where appropriate,boat-launching ramps. Potable water isnot available, and there is no electricity
at recreation sites. At a limited numberof recreation sites with on-site operators,supervisory services are provided. Thereare two basic types of recreation sites,those with fees and those without.
Sites with Fees -These sites are managedthrough partnership agreementswith recreation groups, communityorganizations, First Nations, private
citizens, local governments and forestcompanies. Camping fees are chargedto pay for the services provided by theagreement holder, which may include
Recreation Sites & Trails
Crooked Lake south recreation site, photo RST BC
Gavin Lake Recreation Trail, photo Mike Tudor
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supervision, daily maintenance, and facility/structure maintenance. Camping fees canrange from $12-$15 per night for a person,family or party of six. Overnight fees arepaid for a 24-hour period beginning at 12:00noon on the day in which camping begins.The Recreation Regulation states that eachperson/party must only occupy one campsite.The definition of a party is a group ofnot more than 6 persons or parents and
unmarried children under 19, or guardiansand unmarried wards under 19 that arrive innot more than one motor vehicle, other thana motorcycle, unless the additional motorvehicle is a commuter vehicle or towed.
Sites without Fees -These sites are managedthrough partnership agreements ormaintenance contracts. No fees are charged forthe services provided because the agreement
holder has alternative ways of recovering thecosts (e.g., volunteers), or the ministry coversthe cost of the maintenance contract.
Recreation TrailsBCs recreation trails are used for manydifferent purposes (hiking, horseback riding,mountain biking, ATV riding, cross-countryskiing, and snowmobiling). The types of trailsavailable can range from rustic, single-track
paths through dense forest to wide-tracked railtrails with high quality tread surfaces. Many ofour trails are set in spectacular natural settings,and in addition to providing access to beautiful
destinations (e.g., recreation features), theyalso provide users with a sense of enjoyment,fulfilment and accomplishment along thejourney. There are also many historical andheritage trails in BC that traces the footstepsof our forbearers and reminds us of importantevents in the development of the province.
BC is blessed with an extensive network ofrecreation trails and the potential to develop
a tourism destination of world-class stature.Similar to recreation sites, some recreationtrails have user fees while others are freeof charge. Recreation trails where fees arecharged are managed under a partnershipagreement whereby the partner chargesa fee for services provided, such as trailgrooming, brushing, and other maintenanceactivities. For More details please visit us atwww.sitesandtrailsbc.ca or on Facebook.
Chimney Lake recreation site, photo RST BC
Recreation trail at Gavin Lake and Director Mike Tudor,photo Darryl Triebner
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The Cariboo Chilcotins wilderness areas area popular destination for both residents andvisitors. Popularity has its drawbacks, though.Over-use and improper traveling and camping
practices in the backcountry have led to damageto the natural environment and unfulfilledwilderness expectations. To retain the highquality of our wilderness experiences, we allmust accept responsibility for minimizing ourimpact.
Special care must be taken in alpine and sub-alpine areas. These are among the most fragilebecause of severe conditions and a short growing
season. To preserve this pristine wilderness, it isimportant to hike on designated trails, put upyour tent on tent pads where provided and usea backpacking stove for cooking rather than anopen fire.
If taking pets into the backcountry, especiallydogs, take extra care that they do not disturbother campers, foul trails or aggravate wildlife.If you are not confident that you can managethem, leave the pets at home.
Everyone who uses the backcountry must strivefor no trace camping. In other words, when
camp is broken, there should be no sign ofhuman use. Leave the area in better conditionthan when you arrived.
IF YOU PACK IT INPACK IT OUT - Takealong a garbage bag and carry out all trash thatyou generate including biodegradable scrapssuch as apple cores, orange peels, etc.
Use portable gas stoves for cooking. Boil or filter and treat water before drinking it. Any washing activities should take place at
least 200 feet from natural water sources If there is no outhouse provided, burying your
waste in a shallow hole is the best disposalmethod. The hole should be located at least200 feet from any water sources, campsites,and trails.
Pack out all tampons and disposable diapers Avoid urinating on plants because animals are
attracted to the salty liquid. For washing and tooth paste, take phosphate
free, bio-degradable products.
Take your photos and memories home withyou but please leave the site with no traceof your visit, so that others may also enjoy ourprotected areas.
Back CountryEthics
Wilderness lake in the Chilcotin, photo Chris Czajkowski
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The Cariboo Region is your doorway to themost unique mountain bike experience in theNorth America. Fast, flowy and tight are the bestwords to describe the experience youll haveon one of the largest legal trail networks in theProvince. From all mountain single track, to themost progressive free-riding, to truly epic crosscountry, the Cariboo has something for everystyle and skill level of rider. The Cariboo boastsseven trail networks across the communitiesof 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, Quesnel and
Wells. For detailed trails maps, videos, photosand trip planning information visit: http://ridethecariboo.ca
Like all activities, however, mountain bikingneeds to happen in the right place and withconsideration to other users and environmentalvalues.
Ride On Open Trails Only. Respect trail and
road closures (ask if uncertain). Avoid trespassingon private land andobtain permits orother authorizationif required. The wayyou ride will influencetrail managementdecisions and policiesin the future. Stay offthe grass.
Leave No Trace.Respect the land you
ride on. Practice low-impact cycling. Wet and
muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage, sowhen the trail bed is soft, consider other ridingoptions. This also means staying on existing trailsand not creating new ones.Building of mountainbike trails and trail technical features on publicand private land is illegal and can be hazardousfor the inexperienced or unwary. Dont cutswitchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as muchas you pack in.
Always Yield the Trail. Respect your fellow
trail users and let them know youre coming.Show your respect when passing by slowing to awalking pace or even stopping. Anticipate othertrail users around corners or in blind spots.
Never Frighten Animals. Respect livestockand wildlife. All animals are startled by anunannounced approach, a sudden movement,or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you,others, and the animals. Use special care when
passing horses on the trail. Disturbing wildlife isa serious offense. Leave gates as you found them,or as marked.
Within the B.C. Parks of our region, mountainbiking is in prominent use. In the Quesnelarea, the recently established Dragon MountainPark is home to some of the best free-ridemountain biking in the region. In the Chilcotinregion, mountain biking in Big Creek park is
an established use that links to the legendarySouth Chilcotin Mountains. Visit http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/ for more details on specificParks and mountain biking restrictions.
Mountain biking on a Cariboo trail, photo John Wellburn
Mountain Biking
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The Nature Education and Resource Centrewas opened in 2002 and is still going strongand constantly improving. It was started byBaker Creek Enhancement Society to fosterawareness, stewardship and restoration of ourlocal environment. The centre is located onthe south side of the Quesnel River in WestFraser Timber Park, adjacent to the Johnsonsubdivision. From downtown head to Johnstonsubdivision, cross the Johnston Bridge, turn
right and look for the West Fraser Timber Parksign.
There is plenty to do whether youre young orold. Explore over six kilometers of forest andwetland trails, ranging from easy walking to hillclimbing. Make sure to keep a camera ready forthe wildlife, squirrels, deer, moose and bearthat are common visitors. Check out the birdobservatory deck along the main trail for many
birding opportunities and a great view of thelocal wetland area. For a spectacular view ofthe entire area, check out the more challengingSummit Trail.
When youre done hiking come inside andtake a look around. We have freshwater andsaltwater tanks filled with local fish and marinelife that you rarely get a chance to see in theirnatural habitat. Check out our many displaysand ever changing exhibits. If you are lookingfor specific information feel free to browse ourmany books ranging from childrens literatureto University level texts, and if you cant findwhat youre looking for, feel free to ask. Well
help out with your questions as much as wecan.
Educational programs (field trips, hikes,activities) can be booked by schools, youthgroups, and the general public. Topics include: Orienteering. We have a newly installed
orienteering course with beginner andintermediate levels: a great introductionto orienteering, and how to properly use
a map and compass. Also a great team-building activity for work groups, etc. Stream to Sea: connecting local fish
habitats to the ocean.
Baker Creeks Spring Break Camp, photo Baker Creek Education Society (BCES)
Nature Educationand Resource CentreCome enjoy our Urban Oasis!
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Wildlife, Habitats and Ecosystems,and human impacts.
Sustainable Living: learn how youcan do your part to reduce waste andprotect our ecosystem.
Air Quality: the air in the Quesnelarea is some of the worst in the
entire province of BC. Find out whyand what you can do about it. Spring and summer day camps
for kids aged 5-12. Participantswill play games, go for naturehikes and learn about theenvironment.
Keep an eye out for ourspecial events such asEnvironmental Mind Grind(new to Quesnel), EarthDay, Oceans Day, NationalWildlife Week and many more.
Just contact us and well arrangesomething for you!
Contact us: We arelocated in West Fraser
Timber park, behind theplayground, upstairs of theconcession building. Phone
at 250-992-5833 or fax 250-992-5010, or e-mail us at bces@telus.net.
Baker Creek EducationCentre, photo BCES
Young fawn blends in, photo Marianne &Don Piller
A Swallowtail butterfly feeds on clover,photo Marianne & Don Piller
Eastern Kingbird,photo Kris Andrews
Don & Marianne Piller, wildlife photographers. Their
work reflects a driving passion to capture the animalsbeauty and expressions and their love for all creatures.Contact them at donpill@telus.net.
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Page 14 The Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society sponsors BC Parks Visitors Guide for the Cariboo, Chilcotin, and Central Coast
A visit to Scout Island Nature Centre in WilliamsLake is an encounter with diversity. Theland, the people, the life forms, the range ofactivities -- all contribute to a rich experienceevery time.
Within the Nature Centres 10 hectares,
youll find landscapes ranging from thriving
wetland and riparian zones to rocky dry-beltfir and grasslands, along with the remarkablevariety of birds, mammals, invertebratesand plants that they support. Observationplatforms, boardwalks, eco-sensitive trails andinterpretive signs make Scout Island a primewildlife viewing site, according to the Ministry
of Environments Wildlife Watch program. Theextensive marsh linking WilliamsLake with its outflow river valleyattracts a vibrant communityof migrating and nesting waterbirds, including swans, pelicans,loons, geese, and many speciesof ducks. The observation deckon top of the Nature House is adandy place to watch bald eagles,
osprey and the great blue herondive for fish in the marsh. Checkout the Field Naturalists websitewww.williamslakefieldnaturalists.ca . An interactive bird checklistfor the region is available there.
The Williams Lake Field Naturalists,who have operated the NatureCentre in partnership with the City
of Williams Lake and the NatureTrust of BC for over 30 years, haveenhanced this already diverse
Trumpeter Swans, photo Marianne & Don Piller
Scout Island Nature CentreThe wild side of Williams Lake
Scout Island aerial view, photo Leo Rankin
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ecology with plantings ofnative tree, shrub and forbspecies. Many are raisedon site in the native plantnursery. The grassland plantexhibit south of the NatureHouse displays drought-
tolerant cactus, sturdy sages,larkspur and delicate flaxand many other specimensfrom the Chilcotin.
Because Scout Island is alsoa community park, withpicnic grounds, beach andboat launch, people enjoyit in diverse ways. Walkingthe trails, or skiing themin winter, is popular withdogs and the well-trainedhumans on the other endof their leashes. Painters,photographers and wedding parties find it anideal venue.
Nature education forms the backbone of ScoutIslands mission, and the log Nature House isits heart. Within, youll get a better look at
many of the water birds (stuffed, of course) innaturalistic display. Temporary live exhibitschange throughout the year: you might seenewly-hatched salmon alevins, peek at shy
salamanders or get to feed the toad. In nestingseason, be sure to check out the webcam you might be lucky and see the tree swallowshatch. And dont miss the bat cave! The NatureHouse is open from April to October, or byappointment.
Connecting children with the natural worldis a joy for the Field Naturalists and staff.Classes visit throughout the school year, whilesummer, weekend and spring break programs
help them explore through games,crafts and lots of outdoor activities.Even the little ones are enchantedwith nature in their Discovery Pre-school.
Free public lectures and naturewalks throughout the year keepadults on the learning trail as well.For information on events andprograms, or to book a specialexperience for your family orcommunity group, call 250-398-8532.
The Nature Centre gate is openfrom 8:00 am to dusk all year.Come experience this microcosmof Cariboo-Chilcotin diversity, rightin the city, throughout the seasons.
A mule deer feeds at Scout Island Nature Centre,photo Kris Andrews
Beaver at Scout Island Nature Centre,photo Kris Andrews
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Page 16 The Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society sponsors BC Parks Visitors Guide for the Cariboo, Chilcotin, and Central Coast
Did you know that the water flowing out ofWilliams Lake and down the Williams LakeRiver will eventually touch a sea star? And didyou know that salmon swimming far out inthe Pacific Ocean right now will return to theWilliams Lake River and some may make it asfar as Williams Lake?
Others will return to the Horsefly and ChilcotinRivers to spawn. At the Nature House we havetanks of living creatures and plants collectedfrom the near shore environment close toNanaimo B.C.
There are sea stars, boring sponges, giantplumose anemones, scallops, kelp crabs,giant barnacles and more, and if youtime it right, you can watch them beingfed. This tank is visually connected to thestream/lake tank where there are fish fromour local lake and stream.
Next to that is the marsh tank with a turtleand frogs. Throughout all of the tanks aresamples of the plants (and invertebrates-bugs) that are important parts of thesehabitats. This display offers you a chanceto observe these creatures closely andlearn how they are connected to eachother and to us.
Dont miss this chance to follow the streamto the sea and visit with the wildlife alongthe way.
Future stewards sample soil at Discovery Preschool, photo Scout Island Nature Centre
Exploring the tank life at Scout Island Nature Centre,photo SINC
Stream to Seaat Scout Island Nature House
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Once run by the BC Forestry Association as asummer camp, in 1996 the Gavin Lake ForestryCentre was taken over by local volunteers whohave worked hard over the years helping toput the camp together. The Gavin Lake ForestEducation Society was formed and the camp
has never looked back. The Society loweredthe rental rates for camp and began workingon school programs. Gavin Lake offers a belowcost or subsidized rentalrate to school groups, youthgroups and non-profit groups,providing a great venue for localorganizations.
Gavin Lakes most significant
achievement has been its grade6 Outdoor Education program,a totally free program for kidsin both School District #27 and#28. Classes stay for 3 daysduring the Fall or in the Winterand run through a series ofeducation modules thatbroaden their understanding ofthe forest and wetlands aroundthem, sharing with them thefun of being outdoors. In thepast 16 years over 10,000 kidshave enjoyed this program. It
is significant to know that all this is funded bylocal service clubs, businesses, truckers andnon-profit associations!
CCCS fully sponsors two modules each fall atthe Gavin Lake Centre as well as a winter Snow
Science program, a part of the CCCS Water Wiseeducation. Each year two fall modules arechosen from the following six:
Gavin Lake in the sun, photo Gavin Lake Centre
Gavin Lake OutdoorEducation Program
CCCS instructor Jenny Howell teaching theWetlands module, photo Gavin Lake Centre
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Species at Risk, which focuses on specieswithin the Cariboo-Chilcotin region and theimportance of habitat for healthy populations.
Watersheds, introduces students to theconcept of a watershed and the impacts ofhuman activity using games and models.
The Perfect Stream,students learn about thefish in our waterways and what they need tosurvive.
Invertebrates, demonstrates how aquaticinsect conditions are indicators of waterquality.
Ecological Footprints,shows how individuals,in their daily activities, contribute to thechanging nature of CO2 in the planetsatmosphere. Students engage in a scavengerhunt around camp, highlighting energy andwaste reducing options students can use athome.
Wetlands, using an interactive model and awalk along the Gavin wetlands boardwalk,students share their species cards with others,teaching each other about life in a wetland.All the modules are designed to be mostlyoutdoors and make use of the surrounding
natural environment as theclassroom. The Cariboo Chilcotin
Conservation Society is happy tobe part of this first class outdooreducation program that teachershave come to depend on and thatthe region can be proud of.For further information on theGavin Lake Forest Education Society,72 South 7th Ave, Williams Lake,BC, V2G 4N5. Camp manager
Mike Tudor, at 604.629.9859 orleave a message @ 1.250.392.2544
Moose, photo Marianne & Don Piller
Cabins at Gavin Lake camp and camping module tents, photo Gavin Lake Centre
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Big Bar Lake Park, with its 46 campsites, isa delightful park on the shore of a sparklingblue lake and with views of the Marble RangeMountains. To get there, turn onto a wellgraded gravel road 13 km north of Clinton onHighway 97. The park is 34 km along this road.
Millions of years ago, glaciers covered the areaand carved out the landforms. Unusual gravelridges near the picnic area are called eskers;they were deposited by rivers running beneaththe ice. A 3.5-km trail leading over the eskersand around the otter marsh provides excellentbird-watching and beautifulviews.
In 1998, eleven new campsiteswere added near the lake shoreand the picnic area was rebuilt,with funds from Forest RenewalBC.
Fishing for rainbow trout is apopular activity, as the lake isstocked on a yearly basis. Therehave been trout up to 6.5 lb caughtin the lake, and many fish arein the two-pound range. Pleaseremember special restrictions onBig Bar Lake include a 10-km/hspeed restriction, and no towing.
Nearby Little Big Bar Lake and Beaverdam Lakeare also popular for fishing.
Horse-back trail rides can be arranged throughthe many guest ranches in the area. Visitorscan also enjoy the Jesmond Loop driving tour.This scenic drive passes the historic town site
of Jesmond, where the OK Corral - one ofthe oldest ranches in the area - is situated,then passes between Marble Range and EdgeHills Provincial Parks and connects back toClinton via Downing Park. This Park acceptsreservations.
Big Bar Lake, photo Roland Stanke
Squirrel with cone, photo Marianne & Don Piller
Big Bar LakeProvincial Park
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This 65,982 hectare wilderness park in theSouth Chilcotin was established in 1995.There are no roads into the park; hikersand horseback riders most oftenuse the southern trails, accessed
from near Gold Bridge. Visit theBC Parks website http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks for moreinformation.
The parks landscapes varyfrom dramatic mountains andalpine lakes in the south, togentler volcanic hills and lavaformations, to the flat, forested
Chilcotin Plateau in the north.This park teems with wildlife;you might see mountain goats,California bighorn sheep, mooseor predators such as wolves,black and grizzly bears.
The spectacular scenery inthe south makes it a populardestination for horseback riding,
backpacking, hunting, wildlifeviewing, and mountaineering.Because of the parks remoteness,
visitors must be experienced in backcountrytravel and completely self-sufficient.
Twin Lakes, photo D. Evans
Big CreekProvincial Park
Paintbrush in a wildflower meadow, photo Dan Kriss
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Barkerville is the largest historic site in westernNorth America, and is named after WilliamBilly Barker who, in 1862, struck it richalong the banks of Williams Creek. His findinspired over 100,000 other fortune seekers whojourneyed north along the Cariboo Wagon Roadto Barkerville.
Once the largest city west of Chicago and north
of San Francisco, Barkerville is nested within thescenic Cariboo Mountain Range 700 kilometresnorth of Vancouver. The Victorian-era townboasts more than 135 heritage buildings anda wealth of historic displays that chronicle thedevelopment of BCs mining heritage and thepeople who made Barkerville famous. The regionalso offers a wealth of outdoor activities such
as alpine hiking, mountain biking, canoeing,swimming and trout fishing.
In addition to regular special events andprogramming in Barkerville, the nearby 1930sera town of Wells is host to many culturalactivities throughout the year. Wells is home to aunique selection of art galleries and craft stores,and offers accommodation and other tourist
amenities.
While travelling to Barkerville, there are a hostof heritage experiences you can participatein, including Historic Hat Creek Ranch, 108Mile Ranch, Cottonwood House Historic Site,Quesnelle Forks and many other historic sitesand museums along the Gold Rush Trail.
The Barkerville townsite, photo Barkerville Historic Town
Barkerville has three campgrounds locatedadjacent to Barkerville Historic Town. Thefirst, Lowhee Campground, is the largest with87 secluded sites. Showers and flush toilets areon-site and a sani-station is located across thehighway. Government Hill campground has 23sites it is the closest to the historic town but hastight corners and is not recommended for larger
RVs. Forest Rose campground, with 54 sites isour horse friendly site and includes a group sitewith cooking shelter, 20 pull through sites, horsepaddocks, showers and flush toilets, is located
directly across Williams Creek from Lowhee.All campgrounds are within walking distanceof Barkerville Historic Town. There are severalhiking, biking and horse trails in the area, aswell as a walking trail, which connects LowheeCampground with the Barkerville Cemetery andthe townsite. For camping reservations pleasecall our toll free number at 1- 866- 994-3297
www.barkervillecampgrounds.ca
For local area information check our websites atwww.barkerville.ca and www.wellsbc.com
Historic BarkervilleThe rush is on
Barkerville Campsites
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BARKERVILLE:G LD AND NEW SINCE 1862
1-888-994-3332 www.barkerville.ca A NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE of CANADA
Let our trails lead you to the
largest historic site inwestern North America.
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Prickly Pear Cactus, photo Maureen Byman Mule Deer fawn, photo Marianne & Don Piller
Bull Canyon is located on Highway 20 just westof Alexis Creek. This small, peaceful 20 campsitepark set along the amazing blue waters of theChilcotin River is often used as a home-basewhile exploring the Chilcotin. The park offersa short walking trail that meanders along theriverbank, where you can see signs of native pithouses. Across the highway is Battle Mountain,
formed millions of years ago by numerouslayers of lava flowing out of Mt Begbie, locatednear 100 Mile House! Shallow caves and crevices
within these canyon cliffs make ideal roostingand nesting sites for the many species of bats andcliff dwelling birds in this area. The surroundingarea has a number of great fishing lakes, andoffers good bird watching and wildlife viewing.
Bull Canyon provides an excellent overnightstop on the way to or from South Tweedsmuir
Park and Bella Coola. For more information visitwww.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks
Bull Canyon, photo Chris Armstrong
Bull CanyonProvincial Park
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Bowron Lake Park is a 149,207-hectare wildernesssituated on the western slopes of the CaribooMountains. The world-renowned Bowron LakeCanoe Circuit encompasses a 116 km chain of
lakes, waterways and connecting portages. Thiswilderness canoe trip takes from 6 to 10 days tocomplete, depending on your time frame andskill level. For those looking for a shorter trip,the west side of the circuit can be paddled in 2to 4 days.
To get there, take Highway 26 from Quesnel toBarkerville, then follow signs to the park, 28 kmfurther along a well-graded gravel road.
The park has tremendous diversity in topographyand vegetation. The rounded hilltops of theQuesnel Highlands on the west side of thecircuit have a character quite different fromthe imposing Cariboo Mountains on the eastern
Bowron Lake chain, a lifetime experience, photo Helen Rimmer
Campers enjoy a break at Bowron,photo Helen Rimmer
Canoeing the Bowron,photo Helen Rimmer
Bowron LakeProvincial Park
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and southern sections of the circuit. The park isa wildlife sanctuary, closed to hunting. A greatvariety of wildlife inhabits the area, includingmoose, deer, caribou, black bear, grizzly bear,
waterfowl, beaver, and otter. Rainbow trout,lake trout, bull trout, and Rocky Mountainwhitefish inhabit the parks waterways.Bowron Lake Park has a very pleasant 25-sitecampground. The campground is located nearthe Registration Centre a short distance fromBowron Lake itself. Enjoy a leisurely walk aroundthe Osprey Self-guided Interpretive Trail locatedin the front country campground at Bowron
and learn about the natural and cultural historyof the area. Increasing visitor numbers duringrecent years has placed a great deal of pressureon the parks resources. If we are to preserve thewilderness experience, it is up to each visitorto treat this special area with the respect itdeserves -- please obey all park regulations. Petsare not permitted on the circuit. It is importantthat those who attempt the circuit have somewilderness paddling experience.
Two commercial resorts and a general storelocated near the park entrance offer a variety of
services: camping supplies, outdoor gear, canoeand kayak rentals, a restaurant, and food.If you are interested in canoeing the circuit, it
is recommended that you make a reservation.Reserve your spot on-line at www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/reserve or call 1.800.689-9025 (asurcharge applies to bookings through an agent).You can also now reserve a campsite in the frontcountry campground at Bowron.
A Bowron wetland, photo Chris Swan
Black Bear, photo Chris Schmid
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This high elevation Cariboo Plateau Park onthe shores of beautiful Bridge Lake is a popularstopping place for people travelling Hwy #24.Fishing is good for both rainbow and lake trout.
Pleasant shaded campsites provide easy accessto the shores for swimming, boating, paddling,and fishing. An easy trail meanders through
open forest along the lake shore, for the hiker orfisherman that wants to explore the area.
Bridge Lake Park is within driving distance ofnumerous other popular fishing lakes on theplateau and is located 51 km east of 93 MileHouse on Hwy #24.
Bridge Lake, photo BC Parks
Barrows Goldeneye ducks, photo Chris Swan
Bridge LakeProvincial Park
WILLIAMS LAKE HISTORYRANCHING RODEO HISTORYBC COWBOY HALL OF FAME
Museumof the
Cariboo ChilcotinPhone/Fax: 250-392-7404mccwl@uniserve.com www.cowboy-museum.com113 North 4th Avenue, Williams Lake , B.C. V2G 2C8
Summer Hours:Mon. to Sat. 10am - 4pmWinter Hours:Tues. to Sat. 11am - 4pm
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Cedar Point was first mentioned in Hudson BayCompany maps from 1832. The area was usedas a stopover and camping place by the InteriorShuswap People and later as a rendezvous spotfor trappers and fur traders. The first prospectorsarrived here in 1858 and discovered gold inCedar Creek, which runs through the park.
The magnificent stand of old growth Cedar treesin the Park escaped a forest fire that raged up
the Quesnel River in 1869. Miners broke a 2000foot flume to flood the area, and this, along withQuesnel Lake, and a huge mine tailings pile,provided enough to save this stand of trees. In1962 Cedar Point was made a provincial park.Today, Likely is a central location for manyinteresting day trips. Quesnel Forks isan authentic ghost town where peacefulwalks through the many original buildingsgive a glimpse into a bygone era. The city
of Quesnel Forks was established in 1859,before Barkerville existed. The town site issituated at the confluence of the Caribooand Quesnel Rivers. Its an ideal spot fora picnic lunch and a bit of gold panning.
Along with our new 1500 sq. foot museum,many pieces of historic mining equipment areon display in the Park, including a gigantic 11ton steam shovel, and a huge monitor nozzle
from the world famous Bullion Pit Mine, oneof the biggest hydraulic mining operationsever. The Pit itself is 2 miles long and 400 feet
deep, an impressive man-made canyon that canbe viewed from the trail above. This historic8-hectare Class C Provincial Park is located onQuesnel Lake, six kilometres from the town ofLikely. Access is by paved road from Highway 97.The park is managed by a volunteer communitypark board that is overseen by BC Parks.
Quesnel Lake offers spectacular scenery andexcellent swimming, boating, and fishing.
White-water kayaking is a popular activityon the nearby Cariboo and Quesnel Rivers.The park offers 32 campsites, a sani station,a boat launch and Big Toy playground,nature trails that wind through the forest.
Cedar Point Park has a full size baseballpark, perfect for family reunions andcompany picnics. For more information visitwww.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks
Cedar Point, photo Robin Hood
Cedar Point, photo Robin Hood
Cedar Point Class CProvincial Park
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Cariboo Mountains Park, sandwiched betweenBowron Lake Park and Wells Gray Park,protects habitat for caribou, moose, grizzlybear, waterfowl, and fish, and represents animportant intact predator-prey ecosystem.This wilderness park features high ruggedmountains and glaciers, steep valley sides withdense forests, and narrow valley bottoms withlakes and wetlands. There is a small, rusticvehicle-access camping area at Ghost Lake.
Nearby, Cariboo River Park protects valleybottom wetlands and forests, and offers wildlifeviewing and river recreation opportunities.
Also close by, the Quesnel Lake Park systemincludes seven designated areas dispersedalong the shoreline of Quesnel Lake. Thesandy beaches and moorings provide excellentcamping and exploring opportunities for boat,canoe and kayak users alike. The waterfalls,wetlands, old growth forests and waterwaysprovide excellent wildlife and scenic viewingopportunities.
Please check the BC Parks website http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks for access and otherdetails.
Niagara Falls, Quesnel Lake, photo M. Evans
Cow Moose and calves on Quesnel Lake, photo Elysia Resort
Cariboo MountainsProvincial Park
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Downing Park is a small but popular parklocated 18 km west of Clinton on a pavedroad. The campground has 18 walk-in tentsites spread over a lush, grassy field adjacentto the campground parking lot. Swimming inKelly Lake is enjoyable, with over 200 metres ofdeveloped beach. If fishing is more your gameyou can angle for rainbow trout.
The park was donated by C. S. Downing in 1970,and his family still owns the adjacent
property. Please respect their property bykeeping to the road when walking betweenthe day-use area and campground.
The Pavilion Mountain Road connecting theCariboo to Lillooet and the Duffy Lake Road,is a scenic, though windy, route to the LowerMainland. Travelers often stop at DowningPark to camp or refresh themselves with a
swim in Kelly Lake.
Downing Lake, photo BC Parks
Mayfly on Fireweed, photo Don OlesiukCanada Goose prepares for flight,
photo Marianne & Don Piller
DowningProvincial Park
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Green Lake Park, set amongst the rollingaspen and pine forests of the Cariboo, issituated 15 km northeast of 70 Mile House,on the emerald-green waters of Green Lake.This is a recreational paradise, popular withanglers, water-skiers, and canoeists alike. Theshallow, warm waters are great for swimming.Autumn is a particularly nice time to visitGreen Lake, as the aspens turn a brilliantshade of gold, creating marvelous photoopportunities.
The park is made up of 9 parcels of land. Sixof these are developed, consisting of threecampgrounds, two day use areas, and a sani-station. The sani-station is situated at the
junction of North and South Green Lake Roadsand has flush toilets as well as informationon the park. From here, continue down SouthGreen Lake Road to Sunset View campgroundwhere you will find 54 campsites, developed
beach, picnic shelter, day use area, hikingtrail, boat launch and group campsite area.
Alternatively, if you make the turn past thesani-station on to North Green Lake Road, youwill come across, in order of appearance: Blue Spring day-use area (picnic tables, pit
toilets, and developed beach), Arrowhead campground (16 waterfront sites,
pit toilets),
Little Arrowhead day-use area (boat launch,picnic tables, pit toilets, and developedbeach),
Emerald Bay campground (51 sites,developed beach, picnic shelter, pit toiletsand day-use area).
A few of the private resorts in the area haveboats to rent, and some offer trail rides.There are many great fishing lakes within ahalf-hours drive of Emerald Bay campground.Although Green Lake is very clean, there isalmost no flushing action, and everything thatgoes into the lake stays in. Please dispose offish entrails and garbage in the receptaclesprovided. Please do not bathe, wash clothes,or use soap in the lake.
This Park accepts reservations, and thegroup campsite must be reserved. For moreinformation visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks.
Green Lake, photo Don Olesiuk
Grebe, photo Chris Swan
Green LakeProvincial Park
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Salmon eggs, photo DFO
Historically, the Horsefly sockeye salmon runhad been second only to the Adams Riverin its importance to Fraser River fisheries.However, due to a combination of factors
at play in the late eighteen/early nineteenhundreds (dam construction at outlet ofQuesnel Lake, passage problems at HellsGate, high commercial fishery catches) - thestock dropped drastically in size for manygenerations to follow. Constructed in the lateeighties, the spawning channels originalobjective was to aid in rebuilding theHorsefly River sockeye stock to historiclevels in the subdominant and off-
years.
In addition, the channel wouldsupplement the dominant cycle totest Quesnel Lakes juvenile carryingcapacity during cyclic dominancestudies. To accomplish this, Fisheriesand Oceans Canada operates andmaintains the channel to maximize eggto fry survival. In 1989, unusual late
fall flooding in the main stem HorseflyRiver caused an almost total loss of thedominant cycle spawn. We now knowthat without the additional production
from the spawning channel, the impact of thisfreshet on production of the 1989 dominantcycle, and future cycles, would have beenfar greater. Starting in the mid-nineties,
dominant year operation was discontinuedas returns from natural spawning areaswere sufficient to test Quesnel Lake carryingcapacity. However, a sharp decline in stocksize in recent years prompted dominant cyclechannel operation in both 2009 and 2013.
Spawning Sockeye, photo DFO
HorseflySpawning Channel & Trail
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Horsefly Lake Park is a small park with apopular 23 site campground, including somelakeside sites and an accessible tenting andoverflow area for larger groups, located 13km northeast of the community of Horseflyon Horsefly Lake. Set amongst a forest of fir,
spruce, birch, and cedar, the parks landscapeis typical of the rolling Quesnel Highlands. Thepark features a developed beach, basketballnet, tether ball, and horseshoe games and aneasy trail to a lookout over the lake.
Fishing for rainbow trout is a favouritepastime of many visitors. HorseflyLake is a large, deep lake and isusually fished on a troll. There are
also a number of small lakes in thearea that are excellent for fly fishing.Boat, canoe and paddle boat rentalsare available.
In the community of Horsefly you canobtain groceries and gasoline. Thereare shower and laundry facilitiesnear the park. Trails to ViewlandMountain, and to alpine meadows at
Eureka Peak are easy to access. Thereare also historical features to explore;ask the Park Facility Operator formore information and directions.
Spawning channels on the Horsefly Riverprovide spawning beds for sockeye salmon thattravel up the Fraser River to the Quesnel River,Quesnel Lake, and finally the Horsefly River tospawn. The best time to view these brilliant redand green salmon is mid-September. This Park
accepts reservations. All campsite reservationsmust be made through Discover Campingat https://secure.camis.com/Discovercamping.When reservations are not available allcampsites function as first-come, first-served.
Lakeside campsite, Horsefly Lake Provincial Park,photo Marg Evans
Horsefly LakeProvincial Park
Beach at Horsefly Lake Provincial Park, photo Don Evans
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Horsefly Falls, photo Don Olesiuk
Mule Deer doe & twin fawns, photo Marianne & Don Piller
Horsefly Realty Ltd.250-620-3440
Email: land@horseflyrealty.ca Fax 620-3454
Box 267, Horsefly BC V0L 1L0
Offering Rural,
Recreational, Ranch &
Commercial Properties in
the East Cariboo Lakes
District.
www.horseflyrealty.ca
HorseflyEST
1859
Find out more at... www.horsefly.bc.ca
Contact Michelle Wong or Linda Bartschland@horseflyrealty.ca Fax 250-620-3454Box 267, Horsefly BC V0L 1L0
Offering Rural, Recreational,Ranch & CommercialProperties in the EastCariboo Lakes District.
Horsefly Realty Ltd.250-620-3440
www.horseflyrealty.ca
250-243-2433 www.elysiaresort.comrainbow@elysiaresort.com
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Churn Creek Protected Area was established in1995 under the Cariboo Chilcotin Land Use Planand expanded in 1998 to include the EmpireValley Ranch. . Its 36,747 hectares rise from thewestern shore of the Fraser River south of GangRanch. Covering a wide range of elevations,
it is the most ecologically representativegrassland protected area in British Columbia.It also has a rich cultural history. Its landshave been inhabited by Secwepemc (Shuswap)people for thousands of years; ranches wereestablished following the 1858 gold rush which
also brought many Chinese miners prospectingfor gold. Parts of the area were logged prior toit becoming a protected area. It is very popularwith hunters and horseback riders.
The roads through Churn Creek P.A. can be
extremely slippery when wet; four-wheel driveis recommended. Visit the BC Parks websitehttp://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks for moreinformation.
BC Parks led a public management planningprocess for Churn Creek. Some strategiesidentified in the Plan are: Churn Creek Protected Area will bemanaged for its nationally significant
grassland conservation values. The EmpireValley Ranch will continue to operate at itshistoric levels as a cow-calf ranch operation. Three large areas will be served as naturalbenchmarks with no cattle grazing. These actas natural laboratories, helping to explainhow grassland ecosystems function.The Friends of Churn Creek Protected AreaSociety was formed in 2009 to promote and
help achieve the vision for this protectedarea as described in the management plan.Visit their website at www.friendsofchurn.ca
California Bighorn Sheep, photo Don Olesiuk
Churn Creek Protected Area, photo Don Evans
Churn CreekProtected Area
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The Grasslands Conservation Council ofBritish Columbia: Working together for theconservation of BCs grasslands.
The Junction Sheep Range Park was designateda provincial park in 1995, most notablybecause of an internationally significant herdof California Bighorn Sheep that range there.Along with the sheep, youll find a host of otherspecies, many that are endangered or atrisk. These include: Sharp-tailed Grouse,Rubber Boas, Flammulated Owls, andLong-billed Curlews. The park is also
home to over 40 species of butterflies,Golden and Bald Eagles, and GreatHorned Owls.
Junction Sheep Range Park is oneof relatively few protected areasspecifically established to protect BCsgrassland ecosystems. Slightly less thanone per cent (0.8) of BCs land base arein grasslands equaling approximately
644,207 hectares of which approximately8.8 % or 57,000 hectares are managedwithin in protected areas. Nearly 44 %
of grasslands are privately owned, the majorityof which is held in ranches. Slightly over 10%is in federal ownership with the majority beingheld in Indian Reserve, slightly over 46% isheld in provincial crown land.
Grasslands and rangelands of British Columbiaare under increasing pressures from humanactivities such as urbanization, invasive plants,inappropriate recreation and grazing practices,agricultural conversion, forest encroachmentand industrial development. The result is
Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park, photo Marg Evans
Kiosk at park, photo Don Olesiuk
Junction Sheep RangeProvincial Park
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concern for the long-term sustainability ofthese special spaces and the future of the manywildlife species that depend on them.
In response to these pressures, a diverse group
of grassland enthusiasts gathered at Big BarGuest Ranch near Clinton, BC in 1996. As theydiscussed the threats facing grasslands in BCand how best to mitigate them, one thingbecame clear: a province-wide organizationable to work with stakeholders and for thepublic on behalf of the grasslands habitat wasneeded.
The Grasslands Conservation Council of British
Columbia (GCC) was born. Established as asociety in August 1999 and a registered charityin December 2001, the GCC is a strategicalliance of organizations and individualsdedicated to the education and outreach,stewardship and conservation and of B.C.sgrasslands. GCC members and partners are adiverse group government, range managers,ranchers, agrologists, grassland ecologists, FirstNations, environmental groups, recreationists
and grassland enthusiasts - all focused onthe future well being of British Columbiasgrasslands.
The GCC is the only organization ofits kind in the province and hasbecome a well-respected voice on allgrassland-related issues, including:range management and monitoring,sustainable ranching, grasslandspecies at risk, provincial distribution
of grasslands, rural development andurban sprawl, and abusive recreation.
The GCC has focused on four mainprogram areas from 2009-2014:
1. Education and Outreach: Thisprogram is designed to fostergrassland stewardship and long-termgrassland sustainability by raising
awareness of grasslands, includingtheir importance to BC and thethreats and issues around them, andby inspiring action.
2. Sustainable Ranching Program: Thisprogram emphasizes the critical link betweenintact working ranches and the long-termhealth of grasslandecosystems in BC.
The GCC encouragesthe use of toolsand strategies thatsupport healthy,vibrant ranchingoperations. At thesame time, theGCC actively workswith the ranchingcommunity and
governments toaddress and mitigateeconomic and otherforces that lead tothe fragmentation,loss and degradationof grasslands.
3. Community Stewardship Program: Thisprogram complements the Sustainable
Ranching Program by working with governmenton developing appropriate incentives for landowners who are stewards of their grasslands ata landscape level. This includes focusing on the
Farwell Canyon, photo Don Olesiuk
Northern Hawk Owl,photo Kris Andrews
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ecological goods and services that grasslandsprovide and maintaining important grasslandcorridors and ecosystem representationthroughout the province. GCC will also focuson building support for stewardship andsecurement of grasslands with communitiesand large-scale landowners, as well asencourage and facilitate the development ofbest management practices for recreation andother sectors.
4. Grassland Ecology and Science Program:This program focuses on ecology and scienceand the process of generating and extendingthis information to industry, government, non-government organizations, and partners toaddress and support our vision of healthy,life-sustaining grassland ecosystems in BritishColumbia.
The GCC is a province-wide organization,encompassing grasslands throughout theprovince, including the extensive grasslandsteppes and plateaus found in the Thompson,Nichola, Fraser and Chilcotin Valleys; thegrasslands of the East Kootenay Trench; theSouth Okanagan pocket desert grasslands; theGarry Oak pocket grasslands in the GeorgiaBasin; the cold air drainage type grasslandsin the Muskwa Kechika, Pink Mountian andareas in the North West along the Stikine andFrancois lake and the steep south-facingslopes along the Peace River around DawsonCreek and Fort St. John.
Grasslands are one of Canadas mostendangered habitats and the rare, unique,
life-sustaining ecosystems with them providecritical habitat for more than 30% of BritishColumbias threatened or endangered species.
So the next time you are out exploring inthe Junction Sheep Range Park, be thankfulfor such special places and know that thereare organizations like the GCC workingcollaboratively and pro-actively for theconservation and wise use of all grasslands inBritish Columbia.
Take action by joining the GCC and add yourvoice to the growing number of citizensworking for the conservation of BCs grasslands.Your contribution goes a long way toward thelong-term sustainability of one of Canadasmost endangered ecosystems.
You can contact the GCC by telephone at (250)361 1652, email at gcc@bcgrasslands.org orvisit their website at www.bcgrasslands.org .
RememberGRASSLANDS ARE FRAGILE. Long lastingdamage occurs when they are driven on.Noxious weeds cause irreversible damage tonatural grasslands, always stay on the roadsand report any sightings of noxious weeds tothe local Parks office.
For a brochure on the Junction Sheep RangeProvincial Park or on the Grasslands of theCariboo Chilcotin drop by or contact theCariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society officeor view them online at www.ccconserv.org
California Bighorn Sheep, photo M. Evans
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Set amongst a Douglas-fir forest that shadescampers from the hot summer sun, Lac LaHache Park is located on Highway 97, 12 kmnorth of the community of Lac La Hache. It has83 campsites, a sani-station and a nature trail.The day use area is located across Highway97 on the shore of Lac La Hache and hasan adventure playground, picnic shelter, boat
launch, developed beach, and change-house.
Lac La Hache, also known as Axe Lake, is oneof the most popular recreation lakes in theCariboo. There are many stories to explainhow the lake was named; according to one, itgained its name when a trapper lost his onlyaxe when chopping a hole in the frozen lake.
This area is rich in tales of fur traders, goldseekers and cattle ranchers. By the 1860s, goldfever was running high, as miners searched forthe motherlode first near Likely, and later atBarkerville. With teams of horses, mules andoxen, the fortune-seekers plodded north alongthe Cariboo Wagon Road skirting the easternshores of Lac La Hache.
Year round angling for kokanee and lake trout,as well as rainbow trout and burbot during thesummer months, make this an excellent fishinglake. However, the lake is also a popular placefor power-boating and water-skiing. This Parkaccepts reservations. All campsite reservationsmust be made through Discover Camping athttps://secure.camis.com/Discovercamping.When reservations are not available all
campsites function as first-come, first-served.
Lac La Hache, photo
M. Evans
Ground Squirrel, photo M. EvansPaint brush, photo Chris Czajkowski
Lac La HacheProvincial Park
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Moose Valley Provincial Park is located west of100 Mile House. Access is by 30 kilometres ofgravel road from Highway 97. A high clearance4x4 vehicle is recommended because the last 9km are rough. A park brochure is available onthe BC Parks website which also offers accessdetails and a map.
The park consists of 2,322 hectares ofinterconnected lakes and wetlands andsurrounding forest. The lake depressionswere formed when large chunks of buriedglacial ice melted after the last ice age. Thelandscape provides habitat for muskrat andbeaver, waterfowl, and as the name indicates,moose. The park abounds with birds: owls,hawks, grouse, woodpeckers, ducks, loons,grebes, sandhill cranes, and a wide variety ofsongbirds.
Moose Valley is a wilderness park with fewfacilities. Canoeing is the recreational focusof the park; both day and overnight trips arepopular. The canoe route consists of a chain of12 small lakes and is a leisurely two day trip.The main canoe launch at Marks Lake providesparking as well as 3 campsites and a pit toilet.Maitland and Kirkland Lakes are also accessibleby walking trail.The names of the lakes recognize the effortsof those who established the canoeing area;
people such as Stuart Maitland, a local guide,who first cleared and named portage routes inthe mid-1970s.
Please use the portage trails, trail braidingincreases the environmental damage.Wetland floating vegetation is easily damagedby canoeists trying to walk or line canoes
through it. A wetland restoration project wasundertaken in 2004 by BC Parks, the WetlandsInstitute and other stakeholders to repair theenvironmental damage caused to the floatingvegetation from portage trail usage during lowwater level. The eastern lakes, beyond KirklandLake, may be inaccessible at low water. Obeysigns and use the new portage routes. There isno fishing allowed in these lakes.
Moose Valley Provincial Park, photo
Don Olesiuk
Moose Valley Provincial Park,photo L.A. Lyons
Moose ValleyProvincial Park
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Nazko Lake Provincial Park is 7,918 ha insize and is situated approximately 100 kmnorthwest of Williams Lake in the ChilcotinPlateau. Access is via a well-graded loggingroad off Highway 20. A park brochure, accessdetails and a map are available on the BC Parkswebsite. The park protects several lakes, theconnecting sections of the Nazko River and alarge wetland area that drains into the river.
You may encounter moose, beaver, muskrat,waterfowl and shorebirds. The lakes are knownas feeding areas for the spectacular andendangered American White Pelican. All thesecreatures rely on the wetland environment.
Nazko Lake Provincial Parks small chain oflakes is ideal for a 2 to 4 day canoe trip. This
20 km route spans six lakes and has short easyportages. The chain offers dispersed camping,fishing, and excellent wildlife viewing. Theportages are clearly marked. There are fourdesignated sites on the canoe chain as wellas three rustic vehicle-access campgrounds inthe park; at Summit Lake, Loomis Lake, andDeerpelt Lake. Facilities are limited to picnictables and outhouses --no drinking water orfirewood are provided. Note: Loomis Lake isnot connected to the canoe chain. For moreinformation visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks
Pelicans at Nazko Lake, photo Chris Armstrong
Nazko Lake, photo Stan Navratil An inquisitive Coyote, photo Helen Rimmer
Nazko LakeProvincial Park
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Ecological reserves are areas selected to: preserve representative and special
ecosystems; protect rare and endangered plant and
animal species; preserve unique, rare or outstanding
botanical, zoological or geologicalphenomena;
scientific research and educational use.
BC Parks is responsible for the managementand protection of British Columbias ecologicalreserves, under the Ecological Reserve Act.
Volunteer Ecological Reserve Wardens assistBC Parks by visiting the reserves regularly, andreporting their findings.
Ecological Reserves are not created for outdoorrecreation. However, some are open to thepublic for observational purposes such as birdwatching and photography. Camping and theuse of motorized vehicles are not permitted.
There are 10 ecological reserves in the CaribooRegion, covering a total of 17,307 hectares.Please cooperate in caring for these areas.
Cardiff Mountain Ecological Reserve, photo
Kris Andrews
In the Cariboo Chilcotin are the most beautifulplaces, the most diverse living landscapes, themost treasured ecosystems: it is vital we allshare in and care for what we have. Numerousorganizations such as the Cariboo ChilcotinConservation Society share the BC Parks goalsfor Ecological Integrity. Ecological integritymakes the ecological needs of the parksthe primary responsibility of BC Parks andsupporting organizations, while recognizing thediversity of natural, cultural and recreationalvalues in the system. Ecological integrity isa way of managing that sees maintainingthe wholeness of nature as a major priority.
Ecological integrity helps us to understandwhat we need to be aiming at throughout theprotected area system. We will know we are
successful when: protected ecosystems are unimpaired by
stresses from human activity natural ecological processes are intact and
self-sustaining protected ecosystems evolve naturally and
their capacity for self-renewal is maintained,and
the protected areas biodiversity(variety of living things) is ensured.BC has some of the worlds most wonderfulplaces. These are places of great beauty, ofgreat diversity our natural treasures.
Together we must care for these places forever,ensuring that this generation passes along tothe next a system just as beautiful, and just asdiverse.
Ecological Reserves
Ecological Integrity
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Why is ecosystem restoration important?In the fire maintained ecosystems of BCsinterior, decades of wildfire suppression andthe absence of prescribed fire has contributedto trees encroaching onto historic grasslands,as well as, excessive in-growth of trees inpreviously open forests. Throughout theprovince, hundreds of thousands of hectares ofopen forest and grasslands have been affectedby this ecological change, causing a reduction
of ecosystem resiliency to climate changepressures and a loss of biodiversity.
Since the early 1900s forest encroachment hasbeen occurring in many grasslands throughoutthe province. Before this time period manymore cool fires occurred every 7-20 years,killing off most of the small, thin-barked trees,
and maintaining open forests with grassy under-stories that merged with native grasslands.Covering less than one percent of BC, nativegrasslands are home to the highest diversity ofat-risk plant and animal species.
In response to changes in ecosystems and lossof biodiversity, increasing measures are beingtaken throughout the world to rehabilitateor restore ecosystems. Ecosystem restoration
is recognized internationally as the processof re-establishing ecological characteristics,species composition and natural processes ofdegraded or destroyed ecosystems.
Throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin, the benefitsof ecosystem restoration reach far beyondecology. Restoration provides many economic,social and cultural benefits such as: recognitionof managed fire as an inherent First Nation
land use technique; reduction of excessivefuel loads to lessen catastrophic wildfires;improved air quality by managing emissionsthrough prescribed fire as opposed to emissionsresulting from a wildfire potentially occurringduring less favourable atmospheric conditions;improved long-term timber harvest valuesthrough spacing over-dense stands whilealso providing a potential bioenergy source;increased natural forage to sustain wildlife and
livestock and their related industries; increasedresilience of community watersheds tomaintain potable water supplies; and improvedrecreational and aesthetic values.
Portable sloop allows the burning of debriswithout damaging groundcover and scorching soil,photo CCERSC
Spring burn at Becher Prairie, where several cavity nesting trees were protected, photo CCERSC
Ecosystems Restorationin the Cariboo Chilcotin
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A 2007 report found that forest encroachment onarid grasslands and open range in the Cariboo-Chilcotin had become widespread because ofintentional suppression and management ofnatural wildfires for public safety. As trees
spread and their density increased, they reducedthe abundance and diversity of understorygrass species. With an eye to restoring historicgrasslands, the Cariboo Chilcotin EcosystemsRestoration Steering Committee (CCERSC) hasbeen working to identify and restore criticalgrasslands in the region since 2008.
What is the Cariboo Chilcotin EcosystemsRestoration Steering Committee?
Early in 2008 the CCERSC dedicated its initialefforts in the region to the Cariboo ChilcotinGrasslands Benchmark lands. These benchmarkareas were identified in the Cariboo ChilcotinLand Use Plan Grasslands strategy (2001). Today,the CCERSC has widened its scope of ecosystemrestoration to areas beyond the Benchmarklands to include community forests, mule-deerwinter range sites and other sensitive habitats.
The CCERSC is a collaborative initiative betweenFirst Nations and various stakeholders inthe region. The committee is made up ofrepresentatives of three Provincial Ministries(Forests, Range and Natural ResourceOperations, Agriculture and Environment);three First Nations groups (Tsilhqotin,Carrier Chilcotin and Northern Shuswap);the Department of National Defense; fourcattlemens groups (Cariboo-Chilcotin, Clinton,
Quesnel and South Cariboo); three non-profits(Grasslands Conservation Council of BC, CaribooChilcotin Conservation Society and BC WildlifeFederation), and the Fraser Basin Council, all of
whom use or promote ecosystem restoration asa land management tool.
What does the work of the Cariboo ChilcotinEcosystems Restoration Steering Committee
accomplish?The restoration of grasslands and open forestscontributes to the regions rich biodiversity byproviding habitat for a wealth of species, manyof which are at riskbecause habitathas been lost ordegraded. Theseplants provideforage and browse
for domesticcattle, elk, deerand bighorn sheepin the region.Restoration haseconomic benefitsfor ranching,forestry, hunting,guide-outfitting,tourism, recreation and communities.
Through ecosystem restoration management,controlled burning in areas close to communitiesmitigates wildfire risks. All communities andFirst Nation governments are notified throughthe appropriate channels when burns arescheduled in their area or territory.
How is ecosystem restoration carried out inthe Cariboo Chilcotin?
Ecosystem restoration in the Cariboo Chilcotininvolves a combination of machine thinningand hand slashing as well as industrial loggingto remove excess trees from grassland and open
November, berfore restoration work Grasslands restoration initial stage Next July
above photos University of BC Alex Fraser Research Forest
Northern Flicker nests indead wildlife tree,
photo Kris Andrews
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forest sites. Sites are logged, machine thinnedor hand slashed depending on the size, densityand current commercial value of trees on site.
- Trees are sold as sawlogs, chipped forpulpwood, made into pellets, piled and burned,or left scattered on the ground as biomass.
- Tree removal is followed by prescribed burningto maintain grassland and open forest sites.- The Wildfire Management Branchs FireCentre uses some prescribed burns as trainingactivities. This shared cost strategy makesecosystem restoration less costly, resulting inmore sites being restored.
How is University of British Columbia AlexFraser Research Forest participating in
Ecosystem Restoration?The Knife Creek Block of the University ofBritish Columbia Alex Fraser Research Forestcontains just over four hectares of theGrassland Benchmark that had experiencedforest in-growth for many decades. In 2008 theUBC Research Forest completed a tree removalproject to return it to its former open forestcondition.
Biodiversity of the Knife Creek site was taken intoconsideration during planning stages. A hectareof mature trembling aspen, valuable habitatfor cavity-nesting wildlife (eg many speciesof birds) and a cold-air pooling site occupiedby spruce, add habitat elements to the site..Widely spaced stems of old growth and futureveteran Douglas-fir were retained, along withtrunks of downed trees to provide habitat
and ecosystems
functions. Thebalance of thein-growth wascut and removedto a nearbylanding. Stemslarge enough tobe milled weresold as saw-logsto contribute to
financing theproject. Smallerstems and slashwere collected by
a variety of machinery and piled for grindinginto hog-fuel for use in electricity production
in Williams Lake. It was important to removethis material, as the vast quantities of it wouldhave smothered the grassy groundcover andposed a significant fire hazard if left on site.If a portable burning bin or sloop on skidshad been available at the time, another optionwould have been to burn the slash on site.Sloops are useful in priority areas to reduce theextent of soil scorching, caused by hot fires.
To minimize soil disturbance, tree removaloccurred during winter when the ground wasfrozen and covered by snow. Contractors expertlyavoided exposing any mineral soil with the aimof preventing establishment of invasive plantsand encouraging recovery of existing nativegrasses. Reintroduction of low intensity, lowseverity fire was considered in the spring. Sincethe combustion of moss and needles increasessoil and litter pH, and grassland soils tend to be
more alkaline than forest soils, it was decidedto do a light burn to assist with the conversionof the plant community. An antiaggregationpheromone for Doulas-fir beetle was attachedto the residual Douglas-fir to prevent infestationby bark beetles. Future efforts in this area willinclude a controlled burn to kill seedling fir andencourage native grasses to flourish. Annualmonitoring for grass establishment, invasiveplants and new encroachment, will follow this
restoration effort.
Bird Monitoring: As a part of monitoring
Cathy Koot of UBC Research forest monitors birdsduring restoration activities, photo UBC Alex
Fraser Research Forest
Evening Grosbeak,photo Kris Andrews
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for changes in biodiversity after restorationactivities have been undertaken in threesites in the Cariboo Chilcotin a songbird andwoodpecker project was initiated in three sites
in 2008.. With over fifty point count stationsin the three study areas, 40 species and 712individual eligible song birds and woodpeckerswere identified. The three areas included onewest of Meldrum Creek Road, another at anIron Wood Springs section west of
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