This region in the southwest mainland of British Columbia (see map) encompasses the areas commonly referred to as the Fraser Canyon area, the upper Fraser Valley area, the Harrison Lake area, and the Chilliwack Lake area. The Wilderness Committee believes that in order to conserve species at risk, as well as places important for outdoor recreation, the BC government must take steps now to expand the protected area system adjoining the boundaries of Manning and Skagit Provincial Parks.
Within this region the wildlife species that best indicates healthy old growth forests, the northern spotted owl, has dwindled down to a handfull of individuals and grizzly bears have been reduced from over 500 to only 17 animals.
Marbled Murrelets, the oceanic seabirds that nest in old growth forests, have been reduced to such low numbers that the Marbled Murrelet Recovery Team has taken the unprecedented step of calling for the protection of 85% of its remaining old growth forest habitat in the region.
One of the most pressing environmental needs in the areas to the north and west of Manning and Skagit Provincial Parks is an immediate moratorium on logging in spotted owl habitat. Stopping the logging of the spotted owl’s old growth habitat would also protect the habitat of other endangered wildlife in the area.
Recreation features in the region requiring protection include the Eton Lake Trail, Ghost Pass Trail, Silver Daisy Trail, Williams Ridge Trail, Pierce Lake Trail, Elk-Thurston Trail, Statlu Lake Trail, and the 1848 HBC Brigade Trail.
This region is one of several regions in the province that have yet to undergo a Local Landuse Planning Process. The Wilderness Committee is calling for the Provincial government to implement such a process immediately so that protection of critical wildlife habitats and recreational features in the mountains and forests surrounding Manning and Skagit provincial parks can be achieved.
In the meantime the Wilderness Committee continues to re-clear popular hiking trails in the region, hold campouts in threatened habitat areas and publish information reports about the need to expand the protected area system.
Photo: Old growth forest along the Ghost Pass Lake Trail.
