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Crucial British Columbia Wilderness Preserved
Friday, July 25, 2008
contributed by Matt Kirby
 A little over a week ago I praised Canada for its foresight and initiative to protect half of Ontario’s boreal forest. Today, Canada again deserves accolades for a conservation purchase made in British Columbia. The Nature Conservancy of Canada bought 550 square kilometers from a private forester and created an endowment to protect the land in perpetuity.
The very thought of B.C. conjures to mind primeval forest, lush valleys, alpine peaks, and a world virtually untouched by man. Although logging has taken its toll on the area, there are still places that fit this description. The area that was purchased, referred to as the Darkwoods area after the forestry company that previously owned it, is one of these places. Darkwoods was identified by conservationists years ago as one of the few remaining tracts of pristine land in B.C.
The land has more value, however, than being merely a pretty remnant of what once was. The property connects various wilderness areas and protected lands, completing a corridor that encompasses more than 250,000 acres. This is vital for the roaming grizzly bears and caribou that inhabit the lands. Specifically, the area is home to a very endangered population of the already threatened mountain woodland caribou. The animals survive the winter by consuming lichen that only grows on old-growth trees. This purchase could mean their survival.
For more information:
Nature Conservancy of Canada
The Vancouver Sun
Grist
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Kudos to Canada! 550 sq. k. That's a lot. Any way to pressure Canada to re-position their devestating development of oil sands? I'll bet there are some winds whipping across Alberta for clean energy from the air.
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