Wander through Wigwam Flats and there’s a high chance you won’t be the only species enjoying this land near Elko. In spring, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep raise their lambs here, while in winter, elk and mule deer forage. The Fernie Rod and Gun Club is overseeing a five-year project to improve at least 250 hectares of this ecosystem, which includes activities like planting native seed mixes to add food for ungulates and reducing tree density to improve sightlines when it comes to staying safe from predators like wolves. The group will also engage with the public along the way. The project is a partnership with Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it First Nation, as well as the Province of BC, Nature Trust of BC and Nature Conservancy of Canada.
“Wigwam Flats is truly a special place both for wildlife and for community members and First Nations Peoples,” said Kevin Marasco, President of the Fernie Rod and Gun Club. “The area has seen significant forest encroachment following a regime of fire suppression, and restoring and enhancing open forest and grasslands will enhance biodiversity values and wildlife habitat for critical ungulate species.”
