BC Parks Foundation

Setting the Bar High: Protecting a Ranch in the Cariboo Chilcotin

The BC Parks Foundation has acquired a 255 hectare ranch in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, along the Fraser River.

Situated in the stunningly beautiful Fraser River Canyon, this area has been identified by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) as located within a Priority Place, which means it is one of 11 areas in the country with significant biodiversity and species at risk.

Within the 255 hectares, there are 180 potentially occurring species at risk, including the Spotted Bat, Long-billed Curlew, Bighorn Sheep and Flammulated Owl.

The land is in the Agricultural Land Reserve and located along the Fraser River in the Bunchgrass Biogeoclimatic zone.  That means there are several opportunities to protect salmon habitat, restore the native grasslands and spectacular wildlife, and explore opportunities for low impact, ecosystem-based food production.

Used as a working cattle and horse ranch for decades, the owners were impeccable stewards of the land.  Soon after the agreement to acquire the ranch was signed, something magical happened - a mountain goat passing through, the first one they’ve ever noticed on the land. They’ve also spotted a cougar and her cubs and bobcats in the past couple of weeks. It’s a testament to the future of the pristine 255 hectares that will now be preserved and protected forever, thanks to you.

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