Permanent Protection for BC's Flathead River Valley
The Flathead River Valley, tucked into BC’s southeast corner, hosts the highest density and greatest diversity of carnivores in North America, including at-risk species such as grizzlies, lynx and wolverines. The Flathead River is one of North America’s last wild rivers and has some of the purest water in the world.
Just days before the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell announced a ban on mining and energy extraction in the Flathead River Valley. This decision recognizes the extraordinary wildlife and wilderness values and strong public support for conserving the Flathead. The Flathead is a globally significant wilderness area that merits permanent protection.
Now is the time for the B.C. government to complete the task by cooperating in the creation of a National Park Reserve in the lower one-third of the Flathead River Valley and establishing a legislated Wildlife Management Area connecting habitat between Canada's premier Rocky Mountain Parks.
