Flathead River Valley
The Flathead River Valley, tucked into B.C.’s southeast corner, is a hotspot for biodiversity and a Noah’s Ark for many species that have lost habitat elsewhere. Until recently, the Flathead was threatened by a land use plan that promoted mining and energy development above all other values.
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Flathead River Valley
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The Flathead River Valley, tucked into B.C.’s southeast corner, is a hotspot for biodiversity and a Noah’s Ark for many species that have lost habitat elsewhere. Until recently, the Flathead was threatened by a land use plan that promoted mining and energy development above all other values.
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The Flathead River Valley, tucked into B.C.’s southeast corner, is a hotspot for biodiversity and a Noah’s Ark for many species that have lost habitat elsewhere. The Flathead is home to a remarkable 16 carnivore species, ranging from the tiny marten to the mysterious wolverine. Six species of hoofed animals roam this spectacular Rocky Mountain wilderness, including bighorn sheep, moose and the hardy mountain goat. The Flathead has the greatest density of grizzly bears in the interior of North America, and some of the world’s purest water. B.C.’s Flathead has long been recognized as the missing piece of the adjacent Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Learn more about what makes the Flathead a special place.
Until recently, the Flathead was threatened by a land use plan that promoted mining and energy development above all other values. In November 2011, following an intense campaign by Sierra Club BC and other conservation groups, the B.C. government legislated a ban on mining and energy development in the Flathead. The legislated ban is a very welcome first step, but it does not permanently protect this globally-significant wildlife area.
Today, the Flathead is threatened by plans for industrial logging, new road access, and trophy hunting of grizzlies and other animals that are given sanctuary only steps away in Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Learn more about Flathead issues.
It’s time for B.C. to follow the lead of Alberta and Montana, and protect B.C.’s Flathead permanently with a National Park in the southeastern one-third of the valley—which would become part of the World Heritage Site and a separate UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We also need a Wildlife Management Area in the rest of the valley and adjoining habitat, to preserve a vital link in North America’s longest remaining wildlife corridor. Learn more about solutions for the Flathead.
