West Kootenay

Bull Trout in Cultus Creek, Darkwoods, British Columbia (Photo by Bruce Kirkby)

Rugged alpine peaks, rare wetland habitat and old-growth cedar-hemlock forest make up West Kootenay. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) works from mountain top to valley bottom in this internationally important natural area, located in the West Kootenay region, between Creston and Nelson. Residents of the West Kootenay Natural Area largely depend on the goods and services supplied by the local, natural resource-rich ecosystems. The highest diversity of trees in BC and 265 bird species can be found within the natural area.

The West Kootenay Natural Area includes the Creston Valley. The valley supports the only known breeding population of northern leopard frogs in BC and the southernmost mountain caribou herd in Canada. It also provides habitat for a threatened population of grizzly bears. Thirty species nationally listed as endangered, threatened or of concern are found here.

Urgency

Habitat fragmentation caused by roads and highways, as well as urban and residential development, are obstacles for conservation work in this area. With the protection of large connected networks of ecologically significant land, NCC is working to conserve the integrity of the unique habitats found here, to improve the chances of survival for the wildlife that the land supports.

History

NCC became involved in the West Kootenay with the acquisition of Darkwoods in 2008. At 63,000 hectares (155,000 acres). Darkwoods is the largest private land purchase for conservation in Canadian history. It cemented NCC’s role as an important land manager in the region. Darkwoods remains NCC's largest conservation area in the country.

Featured projects

Lichen on old-growth trees on Darkwoods, BC (Photo by NCC)

Darkwoods

The lush valleys, rugged peaks and deep lakes of NCC's largest conservation area are both astoundingly beautiful and ecologically important. Learn more>

Frog Bear Conservation Corridor

Named after two species that will most benefit from its protection, Frog Bear Conservation Corridor safeguards wetland habitat in the Creston Valley. Learn more>