New protections in place for ‘rare ecosystem’

The B.C. government has put new conservancy protections in place for the old-growth forests of the Incomappleux Valley.

Located southeast of Revelstoke, the Incomappleux Conservancy covers over 58,000 hectares of inland temperate rainforest where old-growth cedar and hemlock trees, over 250 lichen species and a variety of endangered fungal and plant species grow, and where a variety of animals including grizzly and black bears live.

“Protecting our wild spaces for generations to come is one of the most important things we are doing to create a healthier future,” Premier David Eby said.

“Our actions to preserve the Incomappleux Valley and its rare ecosystem will make this one of the most significant protected areas established in the province in a decade. Stewardship of B.C.’s waters, lands and resources will mean partnering with First Nations and working with industry, communities and more to help us reach our targets for protecting B.C.’s biodiversity.”

In addition to the establishing new conservancy protections for the valley, the province has put measures in place to prevent forestry activity to another 17,000 hectares south of the Incomappleux Valley.

“The rich and unique biodiversity of the Incomappleux Valley makes this one of the most-significant protected areas established in the province in a decade,” George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, said.

“By expanding parks and protected areas, we are strengthening protection and enhancement of biodiversity in British Columbia and contributing to our goal of protecting 30 per cent of the province by 2030.”

Harvesting in the Incomappleux Valley was deferred in Sept. 2020 when the Old Growth Strategic review was released to allow First Nations, the provincial government and other partners to develop sustainable forest management practices that prioritizes ecosystem health and community resiliency.

“The Incomappleux Valley is a precious old-growth forest, which our Sinixt ancestors protected and sustained since time immemorial,” said Jarred-Michael Erickson, chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Sn??ay´ckstx (Sinixt) Confederacy.

“It is now our job to ensure that the land and habitat are preserved for the benefit of future generations, and we look forward to working with the province and other stakeholders in this very special part of our ancestral territory.”

The Incomappleux Valley is home to one of just two temperate rainforests in B.C., and one of the few inland rainforests found around the world.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is facilitating and funding the conservancy and protections, with support from the Government of Canada, Teck Resources, Wyxx Foundation, Wilburforce Foundation and individual donors.