The Land Conservancy of BC and renowned lichenologist and naturalist, Trevor Goward are working together on a major initiative in the Clearwater River Valley, in the southern section of Wells Gray Provincial Park. This ambitious project has seen the culmination of the vision of Goward and his neighbours, John and Edwina Kurta to protect valuable habitat, provide areas for wildlife viewing, and foster research and education.

At the centre of the project is the creation of a permanent wildlife corridor that connects two portions of southern Wells Gray Provincial Park. This corridor benefits the park’s large mammals – moose, wolf, deer, cougar, black bear, and grizzly bear – that previously travelled across the Clearwater River Valley during spring and fall through unprotected private lands. The creation of this corridor was of utmost importance as the private lands in this area have undergone significant development pressure as the world begins to discover this incredible part of B.C.

Map of the Valley

As you can see from the map of the area, Wells Gray Provincial Park (dark green) has two southern lobes: one to the west of our project area and one to the east. Unfortunately, this leaves a gap between protected areas and puts wildlife trying to cross the valley in migration at risk. TLC’s protected areas have helped bridge the gap.

The light green parcels on the map are lands TLC holds title to. The blue parcel is the home of naturalist and TLC collaborator Trevor Goward. The yellow area marks the location of the Wells Gray Education & Research Centre, run by Thompson Rivers University, and used by TLC for the Deertrails Naturalist Program. The remaining white parcels remain privately held.

Since 1994, Thompson Rivers University has owned and operated the Wells Gray Education and Research Centre. Bordering the edge of the property lies 500 hectares of crown land officially designated for educational and research purposes (brown sections on map). In 2021, TRU completed their new Wells Gray Research and Education Centre facility; subsequent sessions of TLC’s Deertrails Naturalist Program have utilized the facility.

TLC’s History in the Valley

TLC’s Clearwater Wetland & Wildlife Corridor has been protected over a decade through the hard work of volunteers, local experts, and TLC staff and volunteers.

In 2012, John and Edwina Kurta donated a large area of wetlands to TLC. TLC was then able to purchase 8 acres of neighbouring meadow and forested wildlife corridor.

In 2018, new properties became available and TLC raised funds to purchase 69 acres of wetland, 10 acres of wildlife corridor, and finally 28 acres of ancient swamp and wildlife corridor. In total TLC now protects 140 acres in the Upper Clearwater Valley.

The Coppin Family Fund for TLC’s Clearwater Wildlife Corridor – held with the Victoria Foundation – was established to support the stewardship, restoration, education, and research activities on the TLC’s Clearwater Wildlife Corridor. You can support this project by making a charitable donation today!

Clearwater Wetland & Wildlife Corridor News