New conservation area announced for Rocky Mountain Trench in B.C.
Conservation Efforts Strengthened Along the Rocky Mountain Trench in B.C.
Another piece of the puzzle for conservation efforts along the Rocky Mountain Trench in B.C. is in place. The Nature Conservancy Canada has taken a proactive step to address the declining wildlife populations, including grizzly bears, in the region by adding a new conservation area adjacent to Kootenay National Park.
The newly established Geddes Creek Conservation Area covers nearly two square kilometers of pristine Douglas fir and montane spruce forest, open grassy habitat, and a seasonal creek north of Radium Hot Springs on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains. This area serves as a critical link to a network of already protected lands, providing a safe corridor for wildlife to roam.
The organization highlights that grizzly bears frequent the area in their search for food, mates, and denning sites. Additionally, the Geddes Creek Conservation Area offers excellent winter foraging habitat for other large mammals, such as elk, and is home to over 70 at-risk species.
The acquisition of this land was made possible through a collaborative effort with funding partners including Parks Canada, the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, and the Regional District of East Kootenay’s Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund. The Nature Conservancy Canada is now working closely with Parks Canada to develop a conservation plan for the area and is engaging with local First Nations to incorporate their cultural values into the conservation efforts.
