BC Parks Foundation

Photo by Erica Van Loon with Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative.

Help Protect Critical Grizzly Habitat Before Time Runs Out

You have a time-sensitive opportunity to protect 46.5 hectares near Pemberton—a fertile valley corridor used by grizzly mothers and their cubs in one of BC’s most threatened regions. 

This riverside land lies at the intersection of two threatened Grizzly Bear Population Units: the Squamish-Lillooet and South Chilcotin. Protecting this land supports habitat connectivity that’s essential for long-term grizzly recovery across the region—including the critically endangered Stein-Nahatlatch population. 

We’ve secured an agreement to purchase the property. So far, more than half of the $2.6 million goal has been raised—and that’s where you come in. 

Our deadline is July 15, 2025 to raise the remaining funds. Please consider donating today. Every contribution helps protect this vital grizzly habitat—forever. 

Credit Kelly Cosgrove, Lens and Listings Photography.

Why This Matters

Dr. Michelle McLellan didn’t grow up playing with teddy bears—she grew up collaring real grizzlies in the wild. Alongside her father, Dr. Bruce McLellan—who spent more than 40 years studying bears in BC—she’s helped identify landscapes essential to their survival.

Now, one of those landscapes is under threat.

“Many grizzly populations at the southern edge of their range in BC are under threat, but the population in southwestern BC is at risk of dying out,” says McLellan. “We need to protect the places that connect populations so they survive, and that means people stepping up to make a difference.”

Photo by Chloe Van Loon. 

The Threat is Real

“This land lies at the intersection of the Squamish-Lillooet and South Chilcotin grizzly population units,” says Sekw’el’was councillor Jessica Hopkins. “It’s an important part of the landscape that allows grizzly bears to move, mate, and thrive. As populations recover, lands like this could one day help grizzlies re-enter the critically endangered Stein-Nahatlatch territory, restoring balance that’s been lost.” 

Photo by Erica Van Loon with Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative. This Grizzly mother and her cubs access the Pemberton Meadows property regularly.

A Chance to Make a Lasting Impact

“Observing a mother bear with her cubs highlights the importance of preserving critical habitats like this one,” adds McLellan. “Protecting sites like this directly contributes to population recovery and long-term species survival. It’s a meaningful conservation effort with lasting ecological impact.”

Credit Kelly Cosgrove, Lens and Listings Photography.

Join the Effort

Your gift—no matter the size—will help secure this area for generations to come. Every dollar goes directly toward the purchase and permanent protection of this grizzly habitat. Together, we can get this across the finish line.

Deadline: July 15, 2025
Goal: $2.6 million