A conservation group says plans to bring skiers, cyclists and hikers to the South Purcells mountain range by helicopter will endanger wildlife, including a threatened herd of only four mountain caribou. Wildsight says the proposed tenure in the western province of British Columbia would give the tourism operator, Retallack access to more than 700 square kilometres of an area that is key for wildlife.
‘Mountain goats are known to be seriously affected by frequent helicopters,’ reads the Wildsight website. (Dave Quinn)
‘Significant threats’ flagged by group
Wildsight says the area links a core population of grizzly bears in every direction and supports the struggling caribou herd, mountain goats, wolverines, moose, trout and other animals. “Intensive backcountry biking and hiking poses significant threats to bears leading to abandonment of important food habitat or dangerous human-bear interactions,” reads Wildsight’s website.
It adds that mountain goats are seriously affected by frequent helicopters and that there would be direct flights over the key summer and winter habitat of the caribou.
The proposed tenure would include 161 km of helicopter-accessed downhill and mountain bike trails, as well as a 110 square kilometre area for touring and hiking.
The proposed tenure would allow for extensive helicopter access for skiers. (Dave Quinn)
Town hall meetings called
Wildsight will hold a series of public meetings in nearby communities to raise awareness about the proposal and risks to wildlife and the wilderness. It is asking concerned citizens to make their views known to the government of the province of British Columbia.
Lake Credit (Bruce Kirkby)
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