A new conservancy in Tahltan territory to be protected
Ice Mountain Lands beside Mt. Edziza Provincial Park in northwestern BC will protect ecological and cultural values for future generations.
April 8, 2021
The announcement of the new Mount Edziza Conservancy is very exciting. We would like to congratulate the Tahltan Central Government for their work to protect this important area.
This is a shining example of Indigenous leadership on land protection that will pave the way to delivering on Canada’s biodiversity conservation commitments to protect 25% by 2025 as a milestone on the way to 30% by 2030. The multisectoral collaboration between industry, non-governmental organizations, and provincial and federal governments can serve as a hopeful model for the future of conservation.
This area is of high biodiversity and cultural importance. The new conservancy fills in a ‘donut hole’ similar to the one found between Skagit and Manning provincial parks, another important area for wildlife, recreation and ongoing cultural connections. CPAWS-BC looks forward to supporting more of these collaborative efforts for a healthy and resilient future for the landscapes we all depend on.
Decision to Safeguard Silverdaisy Valley Welcomed by CPAWS-BC
December 4, 2019
Traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples–Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, Vancouver BC – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) welcomes today’s announcement from Minister George Heyman and Minister Doug Donaldson that the Silverdaisy Valley in southwest BC is now off-limits to commercial forestry. Alongside First Nations and tribes on both sides of the border, CPAWS-BC has been working in partnership with other conservation and recreation organizations to secure long-term protections for this high-value landscape that has long been of great conservation interest.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates tremendous leadership from the BC government to work towards nature protection in critical parts of the province,”says Tori Ball, Terrestrial Campaigner for CPAWS-BC. “We congratulate everyone involved for their persistent and collaborative efforts to find a resolution to the threat of logging in the rich and intact Silverdaisy Valley.”
Located in the upper reaches of the Skagit River Valley in BC, the Silverdaisy Valley is surrounded on all sides by two of BC’s most well known protected areas, E.C. Manning and Skagit Valley Provincial Parks. This area supports year-round recreational opportunities, as well as important habitat for rare and endangered Spotted Owls, and the most imperiled grizzly bear population in the province.
Since commercial forestry operations began in this area in 2015, there has been significant concern from environmental organizations, outdoor businesses and Indigenous rights holders who have used this area as a traditional gathering place for millenia. Today’s announcement shows the government’s shared commitment to protecting the Skagit River Valley.
“Keeping this broader landscape intact is absolutely critical to maintaining the overall health of this world-class ecosystem in the long term,” says Ball. “These new protections from forestry are what’s most needed in this landscape right now, and we commend the government for working collaboratively with First Nations and stakeholders to get to this result.”
Silversdaisy Peak in Skagit River Valley. Photo by: Wilderness Committee
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is dedicated to the protection of public land and water, and ensuring our parks are managed to protect the nature within them. Our vision is to establish large, intact areas of wilderness on land and in the ocean that can nurture nature through climate change and support all life.
