Backcountry recreationalists using the Telkwa Mountains this winter are reminded to abide by voluntary restrictions while snowmobiling or skiing to help protect northern caribou populations.

Winter recreation, including snowmobiling and back country skiing, may displace northern caribou from their preferred winter habitats. In this less-suitable habitat, foraging is not as efficient and steeper terrain may have higher avalanche hazards. Encountering snow machines or skiers may also increase stress on caribou, which can reduce their energy reserves during winter.

Despite efforts to limit motorized activity in prime caribou habitat, it is possible that snowmobilers may encounter caribou while snowmobiling. If this should happen, they should take the following precautions:

• Do not approach the animals.
• Turn off all snowmobile engines and give the caribou a chance to move away.
• Leave the area as soon as it is practical to do so.
• Avoid riding within sight of the animals.

The Telkwa caribou herd is estimated to currently have fewer than 20 animals. The Province of B.C. is committed to aiding the herd’s recovery. One key aspect of this work is an agreement to create voluntary motorized vehicle closures in 2003. The agreement is supported by 15 different local stakeholder groups including snowmobile clubs, naturalists, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Together, the Province and these groups work collaboratively to highlight the importance of respecting the vehicle closures, while still allowing reasonable access to the Telkwa Mountains for all user groups.

Learn More:

There are three primary trails for off-road vehicle use. To view a map of these trails, and also areas of voluntary access restrictions, visit: https://www.flickr.com/gp/bcgovphotos/157i88

To see a time-lapse video of the annual use for the busiest trail (Grizzly Plateau), visit: https://vimeo.com/100864009  All usage depicted in the video is legal, and the trail openings are designed to ensure impact on the Telkwa caribou is minimized.

For updates on the locations of collared animals, check the Telkwa caribou recovery Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/Telkwa-Caribou-Recovery/458801530905180 These locations can help users plan trips to avoid areas where caribou are known to be.

For information on snowmobiling regulations, visit: http://www.snowmobile.gov.bc.ca or contact a local Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations office, snowmobile club or FrontCounter BC office.

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261