The Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area is a property with outstanding ecological and historical features. Running for more than 8 km along the west side of the Columbia River, Teck Cominco Metals Ltd donated the 2200 acre property in 2006 as a split receipt under the Ecological Gifts Program. The acquisition of this property protects the ecological, historic and recreational integrity of the area.
With the largest intact area of very dry, warm Interior Cedar Hemlock in British Columbia, the Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area is ecologically unique. The dry, rocky slopes contain crevices that shelter endangered or threatened wildlife, including Canyon Wrens, Townsends’s Big-eared Bats and Racers. As many as 29 rare species of wildlife have been found or are expected to live on the property. During the winter, the property is home to deer and elk as the open benchlands provide critical food and shelter.
Historically, the property is connected to both the Dewdney Trail and the Hudson’s Bay Company, as the HBC Fort (built in 1858) was a stopping place on the route to the Kootenay Gold Rush. The Fort was also a trading place for the Sinixt people, who used the flat benches along the Columbia River as a traditional base for fishing and hunting and continue to live in the territory today. Although the Fort was destroyed by fire in 1872, a cairn remains to mark its location on the site.
Located just 6 km south of Trail, BC, the area is integral to the local people who fish, hike, ride horses and picnic on the property. TLC recognizes the importance of these activities and encourages activities that are compatible with the natural and cultural values of the property. The uniqueness of the property, combined with its prominence in the local community provides significant opportunities for research and education.
Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area contains sensitive habitats and endangered plants and animals. We need your help to protect these special communities while supporting recreational use. We treasure Fort Shepherd for its ecological and historical value. Please tread carefully!
• No motorized vehicle access allowed, including vehicles & ORV’s
• Access allowed by foot and horse along main road only
• Please respect wildlife habitat
• No dumping. Pack it in, pack it out
• No cutting or removal of trees and plants
• No overnight camping
• No dogs
• No fires
• No smoking
• No harassment or disturbing wildlife
• Cell service is limited
• Access at own risk. In event of emergency dial 911.
The FSCA is protected for its wildlife and habitat values, which include endangered species, and also its heritage features. Activities that are potentially harmful will be referred to the Conservation Officer Service and the RCMP.
Responsible users engaging in activities that are compatible with the purpose and objectives of the Conservancy Area are welcome and are encouraged to enjoy the many benefits the area has to offer.
Parking
Parking space is available at the gated entrance. Please park your vehicle with clearance so that emergency response vehicles have space to enter the gate.
To access Fort Shepherd visitors must first cross the adjacent land owned by Teck Metals Ltd. This is the only access point to the Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area. Fort Shepherd once allowed public access for recreational and traditional uses by foot, bike, horse or motorized vehicles. Following Off road vehicle damage to the conservancy the property was closed to motorized use in 2016 and continued unauthorized use caused a complete closure to the Conservancy Area.
The current Access Agreement between TLC and Teck Metals Ltd. Regulations permit public access from May 1-October 31. The main road access through Teck property and the FSCA is closed from November 1-April 30. Access is permitted during daylight hours only from 7 am to 7 pm. Visitors must comply with rules indicated at the entrance.
Mining at Fort Shepherd
The ‘Mines Act’ will govern access for mineral exploration, development and extraction by registered claims. Prior and regular notice of planned activities is required by the Mining Act and to be provided to TLC who will provide advice and direction to minimize any potential impacts. Mining activities cannot start sooner than eight days after notice has been served. Notice must include a description or map of where the work will be conducted and a description of what type of work will be done, when it will take place and approximately how many people will be on the site. It must include the name and address of the person serving the notice and the name and address of the onsite person responsible for operations. Claim holders are expected to respect the purpose of the FSCA and govern their activities accordingly. No other use of the surface, such as residential or recreational use, is authorized by a mineral title. Teck has current agreements in place to grant access through Teck lands as required to registered claims.
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