ABOUT THE project

In British Columbia, the recovery of caribou, listed as threatened under the Federal Species at Risk Act, falls under the jurisdiction of the Province. The British Columbia Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) is deeply committed to collaborating with stakeholders to minimize potential disruptions caused by snowmobile recreation, thus supporting evidence-based recovery efforts as outlined in the Adaptive Management Plan.

The Winter Motorized Recreation Plan in the South Peace is a collaborative endeavor involving key stakeholders, including the West Moberly First Nations and Saulteau First Nations, working together to oversee the recovery of caribou populations in the Central Group.

Throughout the snowmobiling season, active management areas may be designated as open or closed depending on the presence of caribou in the area. These determinations are informed by various data sources, including GPS collar locations and incidental sightings. Access to open active management areas requires membership in good standing with a snowmobile club that holds an exemption permit. For a list of authorized clubs, individuals can contact FrontCounter BC. Those interested in joining or learning more about snowmobile clubs in their area can find additional information HERE. It's essential for snowmobilers to carry identification and proof of membership while enjoying riding opportunities in these areas.

ABOUT THE CENTRAL Group

The Central Group of Southern Mountain Caribou in the South Peace region uses a variety of habitat types, including subalpine and alpine environments in this part of British Columbia. Their large, round hooves help them move through snow, and their main winter diet of lichen allows them to survive winters on windswept slopes and in subalpine forests.

These caribou depend on large, undisturbed areas of primarily mountainous terrain for food resources, reproductive success, and protection from predators and the weather. Learn more HERE.

hERD NUMBERS

There have been documented declines in the Central Group caribou populations since the 1990s due to human-caused and natural disturbances, with fewer than 300 caribou observed in 2013. Intense conservation efforts have been made by First Nations communities and the BC government to help stabilize and recover these threatened subpopulations. The short-term population trend of the Central Group herds is now increasing or stable due to intensive management actions such as maternity penning, supplemental feeding, and predator reduction. More than 500 caribou were observed or estimated to be present by biologists in 2024.

REASON FOR POPULATION DECLINE

Although not the primary or sole threat to caribou recovery, impacts of winter motorized recreation are cumulative with other threats such as habitat loss and changing relationships between predators and prey. Recreational activities can impact caribou survival and reproduction, particularly in the winter when food supply is limited, travel is difficult, and cow caribou are pregnant. Subalpine and alpine areas used for winter motorized recreation often overlap with high-quality caribou habitat. This can negatively impact caribou by:

Displacing caribou into poor habitat: The noise and presence of recreation vehicles can frighten caribou, causing them to flee from ideal habitat into marginal or poor habitat. Displaced caribou can face increased risks, including a higher liklihood of death from avalanches, larger energy losses from moving through deeper snow or steeper areas, and being forced into regions with reduced food supply.

Disturbing caribou: The noise created by human presence or recreational vehicles can increase stress or cause caribou to use more energy. This can negatively impact caribou survival rates or their ability to reproduce.

Increasing predation: Snow can become compacted in areas and along trails frequently used by snowmobiles, making it easier for predators to more efficiently access caribou habitat at all elevations. Caribou may also be displaced into less suitable habitat where there is a higher risk of predation.

RECOVERY EFFORTS

For Central Group caribou populations to expeditiously grow and become self-sustaining, the habitat that they rely upon must return closer to its natural state prior to human disturbances. Mid-term and long-term recovery actions being used include interim protection of over 700,000 hectares of important caribou habitat, habitat restoration, and recreation management.

To address these impacts, snowmobile use restrictions (including full-season closures, partial-season closures, and active management areas) were put in place in December 2021. As part of the associated public engagement process, opportunities for recreation enhancement were identified with the aim of offsetting the social and economic impacts of closures without increasing the risk to caribou. The approach is to partner with local organizations and invest in improving the quality, access, and safety of visitor experiences within open recreation areas.

If you are fortunate enough to encounter caribou during your adventures, please give them lots of space and leave the area. Thank you for your contribution to caribou recovery efforts!