The Chilcotin Ark have been used for generations by several First Nations groups and has also been important for mining, ranching, hunting and recreational use in British Columbia. In order to recover affected areas and maintain the unique biodiversity of the area, wilderness research, education and special management processes are required. Ungulates such as moose, mule deer and bighorn sheep inhabit their summer ranges at high elevation, and in winter leave areas of deep snow and migrate to their winter habitat in valley bottoms. Bears also migrate seasonally, but depend on this low elevation for early spring foraging after the winter hibernation. After the 2009 fire, several invasive plant species colonized the disturbed area and have since outcompeted most native pioneering plant species. The invasion of noxious weed has decreased the health, productivity and biodiversity of this rangeland.

Plants

Issues:

  • Decreased health, productivity, and biodiversity of ecosystems due to foreign plant species invasion
  • Altered fire regimes, nutrient cycling and hydrology of the Five Mile Ridge area
  • Ideal forage species being overrun by invasive species
  • Invasive species reducing survival rates of wildlife

Goals:

  • Restore and maintain the native ecology of the Five Mile Ridge area
  • Physical pulling and spraying of invasive plants
  • Monitoring affected area for indigenous plant recovery
  • Assessment of area treatment via pre-post treatment inventory of flora and fauna to assess effectiveness of invasive plant reduction
  • Continue monitoring and management of the area to ensure improved habitat quality and prevent encroachment on other important habitat areas
  • Increase population of native plant species and therefore forage material for native wildlife species
  • Increase biodiversity and ecological functioning of the area to assure long-term health and productivity
  • Educate public and local communities on controlling and preventing the spread of noxious weeds.
  • Coordinate conservation efforts to ensure consistent management plans on regional and provincial scale