Southern Mountain Caribou in British Columbia: bilateral conservation agreement between Canada and British Columbia
This Agreement for the conservation of the Southern Mountain Caribou pursuant to section 11 of the Species at Risk Act is made in duplicate as of February 21, 2020
Between
Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada,
as represented by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
who is responsible for the Department of the Environment
(“Canada”, “Environment and Climate Change Canada” or “ECCC”)
And
Her Majesty the Queen in Right of the province of British Columbia,
as represented by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and
the Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
(“British Columbia”)
( each a “Party” and collectively the “Parties”)
Preamble
Whereas the Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), Southern Mountain population (“Southern Mountain Caribou”) is a species which has been listed as threatened under the federal Species at Risk Act, S.C. 2002, c. 29 (“SARA” or “Species at Risk Act”);
And whereas, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change announced in May, 2018 her finding that Southern Mountain Caribou is facing imminent threats to its recovery;
And whereas Canada and British Columbia wish to cooperate in the identification and taking of Conservation and Recovery Measures to respond to the imminent threats and support the conservation and recovery of the Southern Mountain Caribou in the province of British Columbia (the “Province of BC”), recognizing that immediate action must be taken with the best available information, while new information and knowledge continues to develop;
And whereas British Columbia has legislative authority for, among other things, wildlife management, including species at risk, decisions respecting natural resources on provincial Crown and private lands in the province of British Columbia, and is taking the lead on Conservation and Recovery Measures for caribou in the province;
And whereas Canada has legislative responsibility for aquatic species and migratory birds protected by the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and wildlife species listed on Schedule 1 of SARA, including the authority to address recovery, as well as the protection of listed wildlife species including the individuals, their residences and Critical Habitat;
And whereas Canada and British Columbia recognize the significant contributions made by Indigenous peoples towards the recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou;
And whereas Canada and British Columbia have considered Indigenous peoples’ perspectives and interests in the development of this Agreement and are committed to engaging with, and where appropriate consulting with, directly affected Indigenous peoples in relation to the development and implementation of Conservation and Recovery Measures for Southern Mountain Caribou;
And whereas Canada and British Columbia recognize that achievement of the Conservation and Recovery Measures set out in this Agreement is based on the current population status of the Southern Mountain Caribou in British Columbia, knowledge of current threats, assessments and the presumption of minimal negative impacts on Southern Mountain Caribou recovery over the immediate and long term from unknown or unanticipated factors, and that future achievements will rely, in part, on the continued ability to manage predators and primary prey, to protect Southern Mountain Caribou from predators.
And whereas Canada and British Columbia recognize that the protection of the habitat of species at risk is key to their conservation and recovery;
And whereas section 11 of the Species at Risk Act provides the competent ministers with the authority to enter into conservation agreements with any other government of Canada, organization or person to benefit a species at risk or enhance its survival in the wild, and recognizing that such agreements may cover a wide range of actions and activities that must provide for the taking of conservation measures and any other measures consistent with the purposes of the Species at Risk Act;
And whereas the Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is a conservation agreement made pursuant to section 11 of the Species at Risk Act to benefit Southern Mountain Caribou in the Province of BC as a species at risk or enhance its survival in the wild;
And whereas Canada and British Columbia, recognizing that intergovernmental cooperation is crucial to species at risk protection and recovery, have endorsed the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996), and are signatories to the Canada-British Columbia Agreement on Species at Risk (2005);
And whereas Canada and British Columbia recognize that integration and coordination of federal and provincial initiatives, will contribute to the success and productivity of the Parties’ collaborative efforts;
And whereas Canada and British Columbia recognize that Southern Mountain Caribou recovery will require both a species-focused and landscape-level approach with immediate and long-term Recovery Horizons, in addition to resourcing and commitment from both Canada and British Columbia in order to be successful in meeting provincial and federal objectives;
Now therefore, Canada and British Columbia, without prejudice to their respective constitutional powers, and in the spirit of cooperation, agree to the following:
1. Definitions and annexes
1.1 In this Agreement, unless the context requires otherwise:
“best available information” means scientific and technical data, information and knowledge, as well as Indigenous peoples’ knowledge, and community knowledge.
“British Columbia – Canada Caribou Recovery Science Committee” means a committee whose mandate is to provide science and science advice focused on the recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou in British Columbia, supporting the implementation of this Agreement.
“British Columbia – Canada Species at Risk Coordinating Committee” means the Committee established by the Parties to ensure consistent communication, cooperation and collaboration between the Parties with respect to species at risk issues in British Columbia.
“Caribou Recovery Partnership Agreement” means the agreement between Canada, British Columbia, West Moberly First Nations, and Saulteau First Nations which sets out the commitments of the Parties to the conservation and recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou Central Group populations in British Columbia.
“Central Group” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Annex 1.
“Conservation and Recovery Measures” means actions that are being taken, or will be taken, by Canada and British Columbia to maintain and increase Southern Mountain Caribou populations in the Province of BC and includes actions to protect Southern Mountain Caribou and Southern Mountain Caribou Habitat.
“Critical Habitat” has the meaning given to it in the Species at Risk Act, which is “the habitat that is necessary for the survival or recovery of a listed wildlife species and that is identified as the species’ critical habitat in the recovery strategy or in an action plan for the species.”
“Federal Recovery Strategy” means the “Recovery Strategy for the Woodland Caribou, Southern Mountain Population (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Canada - 2014", which includes a description of threats to the species and its habitat and broad strategies to address the threats; establishes population and distribution objectives; and identifies Critical Habitat.
“Federal Action Plan” means a plan that Canada will develop that will outline the measures to be taken to implement the Federal Recovery Strategy, including measures to address the threats and achieve the population and distribution objectives; the timing of those measures; methods to monitor recovery; and an evaluation of the socio-economic costs of the plan and benefits of its implementation. Herd Plans could be adopted or incorporated in whole or in part as components of one or more additional federal action plans.
“Herd Plans“ means plans that provide specific information on historical monitoring and scientific information on a specific caribou Herd or group of Herds, as well as past and proposed future actions required to recover caribou Herds within a particular geographic planning area, including how range-specific land and/or resource activities will be managed over space and time to protect and recover caribou habitat.
“Joint Southern Mountain Caribou Work Plan” means the detailed plan of actions developed by Canada and British Columbia, updated annually, relating to the Conservation and Recovery Measures outlined in Annex 2 to this Agreement.
“Northern Group” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Annex 1.
“Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan” means the strategic vision for caribou recovery in the Province of BC and informs the recovery plan for the Central Group and specific Herd Plans.
“Recovery Horizon” means the anticipated time required to achieve particular recovery outcomes.
“Risk Based Approach” means an approach that guides the identification and implementation of Conservation and Recovery Measures that are informed by an understanding of risks to the survival and recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou.
“Southern Group” has the meaning as described thereto in Annex 1.
“Southern Mountain Caribou Habitat” for the purpose of this agreement refers to specific geographic areas that contain features essential to the conservation of Southern Mountain Caribou and that may require special management and protection.
“Structured Decision Making” means an approach to identify and evaluate alternatives that focuses on engaging stakeholders, Indigenous peoples, and experts in a science-based and solution-oriented dialogue to inform resource management planning and decision making.
1.2 The following are Annexes attached to and forming part of this Agreement:
- Annex 1 – Southern Mountain Caribou Groups, Local Population Units, and Herds in the Province of BC
- Annex 2 – Southern Mountain Caribou Conservation and Recovery Measures
- Table 1. Landscape Level Planning
- Table 2. Southern Mountain Caribou Habitat Management
- Table 3. Population Management
- Table 4. Population and Southern Mountain Caribou Habitat Monitoring
- Table 5. Knowledge, Science and Research
- Table 6. Complementary Measures
2. Purpose and goals
2.1 The purpose of this Agreement is to establish the framework for cooperation between Canada and British Columbia, and to articulate the immediate measures and plan by the Parties to develop future Conservation and Recovery Measures that together support the recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou in the Province of BC to self-sustaining populations, in line with the outcomes identified in the Federal Recovery Strategy
2.2 The goals of this Agreement are to:
- 2.2.1 set out the measures that are being taken, and will be taken by Canada and British Columbia to support conservation and recovery of the Southern Mountain Caribou in the Province of BC
- 2.2.2 provide for engagement, and where appropriate consultation, with directly affected Indigenous peoples regarding the recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou in the Province of BC
- 2.2.3 coordinate planning efforts between Canada and British Columbia in respect of Conservation and Recovery Measures
- 2.2.4 establish a mechanism to resolve key knowledge gaps or technical disagreements with respect to Southern Mountain Caribou recovery
- 2.2.5 facilitate the integration of new information into updated recovery and planning documents
3. Principles
The following principles will guide interpretation and implementation of this Agreement:
3.1 Collaboration – Canada and British Columbia will work together to achieve a common understanding of measures needed to achieve Southern Mountain Caribou recovery in the Province of BC and will cooperate in the delivery of these Conservation and Recovery Measures in a manner that maximizes collaboration and efficiency, and respects jurisdictional roles and responsibilities
3.2 Results focus – Canada and British Columbia will work to implement effective Conservation and Recovery Measures for Southern Mountain Caribou in the Province of BC with the objective of achieving self-sustaining populations, in line with the outcomes identified in the Federal Recovery Strategy
3.3 Adaptive management – Canada and British Columbia recognize that monitoring the effects of actions and adjusting approaches as necessary will be critical to success
3.4 Transparency – Canada and British Columbia will make information related to implementation of Conservation and Recovery Measures covered by this Agreement publicly available, as appropriate
3.5 Indigenous peoples’ collaboration – Canada and British Columbia will, in accordance with Section 7, collaborate with directly affected Indigenous peoples regarding Southern Mountain Caribou recovery in the Province of BC including the development and implementation of Conservation and Recovery Measures pursuant to this Agreement and seeking opportunities for partnership with directly affected Indigenous peoples to implement Conservation and Recovery Measures
3.6 Stakeholder engagement – Canada and British Columbia will, in accordance with Section 8, seek opportunities for engagement with stakeholders as collaborators in Southern Mountain Caribou recovery in the Province of BC
4. Interpretation
4.1 This Agreement, including any annexes incorporated into this Agreement, does not create any new legal powers or duties on the part of Canada and British Columbia nor does it alter the powers and duties established by SARA, the Wildlife Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 488, the Forest and Range Practices Act, R.S.B.C. 2002, c .69, or any other federal or provincial legislation
4.2 Neither Canada nor British Columbia relinquishes any jurisdiction, right, power, privilege, prerogative or immunity by virtue of this Agreement
4.3 This Agreement, including any annexes incorporated into this Agreement, does not obligate either Canada or British Columbia to enact any statute or other law, nor does it obligate any statutory decision maker to issue or refuse to issue any license, permit or other authorization. This Agreement is not intended to fetter the authority of the Parliament of Canada, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, or any statutory decision maker
4.4 This Agreement does not and is not intended to create legally-binding obligations between Canada and British Columbia. Nothing in this Agreement is to be construed as creating any legal, financial or contractual relations between the Parties enforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction
5. Commitments
Canada and British Columbia each agree to:
5.1 Work together to achieve the Conservation and Recovery Measures that are outlined in Annex 2, guided by the best available information and with the long term goal of reaching self-sustaining populations
- 5.1.1 develop, implement and annually update a Joint Southern Mountain Caribou Work Plan that outlines the specific actions and funding to deliver on the Conservation and Recovery Measures that are outlined in Annex 2, following a Risk Based Approach
- 5.1.2 acknowledge that the Conservation and Recovery Measures that are outlined in Annex 2 will be evaluated and revised as required, in accordance with section 12.2, based on annual updates to the Joint Southern Mountain Caribou Work Plan, and based on British Columbia’s herd planning as part of the Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan
5.2 Cooperate in the development, amendment and implementation of recovery strategies, recovery programs, Herd Plans, work plans and similar documents related to the recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou in the Province of BC, including, but not limited to:
- 5.2.1 inform and engage the other Party in the preparation of items listed in Section 5.5 for the purposes of sharing information, providing opportunities for review and comment on draft documents, and for aligning timelines to maximize efficiency using the process established under the Canada – British Columbia Agreement on Species at Risk (2005)
- 5.2.2 Canada commits to engage British Columbia on amendments to the Federal Recovery Strategy and on development of and any amendments to the Federal Action Plan, and British Columbia commits to inform and engage with Canada on its provincial herd planning process
5.3 support the work of the collaborative British Columbia - Canada Caribou Recovery Science Committee to provide information and technical support for the implementation of this Agreement
British Columbia commits to:
5.4 incrementally increase Southern Mountain Caribou Habitat over the course of this Agreement via a range of measures including restoration, habitat protection, and habitat offsetting
5.5 finalize the Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan in summer 2020, taking into account the commitments in this Agreement. The Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan covers all caribou in the Province of BC (Southern Mountain, Northern Mountain and Boreal) and aims to:
- reverse the decline and achieve stable, increasing populations of Southern Mountain Caribou Herds
- advance collaboration and reconciliation with Indigenous communities
- provide certainty to affected natural resource users
- actively collaborate with partners in caribou recovery
- increase public confidence via accountable, effective program delivery and management
5.6 continue to develop Herd Plans for Southern Mountain Caribou as the lead Party in accordance with the Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan including:
- 5.6.1 complete the Herd Plans in a phased approach within two years of the effective date of this Agreement with the goal of delivering on the objectives in the Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan
- 5.6.2 use the Herd Plans to engage with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders
- 5.6.3 monitor and assess the Herd Plans against program objectives and modify them using an adaptive management approach at regular intervals
Canada commits to:
5.7 contribute funding to support Southern Mountain Caribou recovery in British Columbia, including direct funding to Indigenous peoples to support their role in the development and implementation of Conservation and Recovery Measures
5.8 consider, before March 31, 2021, renewal of the three-year funding agreement with British Columbia which is currently in place to support the implementation of Conservation and Recovery Measures and the work of the British Columbia - Canada Caribou Recovery Science Committee.
5.9 provide secretariat and technical support for the British Columbia - Canada Caribou Recovery Science Committee
6. Governance
6.1 Canada and British Columbia will establish a sub-committee of the British Columbia – Canada Species at Risk Coordinating Committee to provide overall strategic direction and support for the implementation of this Agreement and to ensure that communication, cooperation and collaboration between Canada and British Columbia is clear, timely and effective
7. Collaboration with indigenous peoples
7.1 Canada and British Columbia commit to engage, and where appropriate, consult with directly affected Indigenous peoples regarding Southern Mountain Caribou recovery including the development and implementation of Conservation and Recovery Measures in relation to potential impacts on any aboriginal or treaty rights that are recognized and affirmed by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982
7.2 Canada and British Columbia anticipate that engagement, and where appropriate, consultation, with directly affected Indigenous peoples regarding Conservation and Recovery Measures for Southern Mountain Caribou in British Columbia, may include:
- 7.2.1 collaboration in activities in support of recovery planning and actions (e.g. planning, information sharing, delivery and monitoring) with directly affected Indigenous peoples that have demonstrated prior leadership in Southern Mountain Caribou recovery, as well as the expertise and ability to plan, deliver and monitor on-the-ground measures to conserve and recover Southern Mountain Caribou populations
- 7.2.2 enabling participation by Indigenous peoples in Southern Mountain Caribou recovery planning activities, which may take the shape of working groups, committees and the development of more formal mechanisms, such as memoranda of understanding
- 7.2.3 engagement with Indigenous peoples through providing opportunities for participation in herd planning processes
8. Stakeholder engagement
8.1 Canada and British Columbia commit to taking reasonable steps to ensure that stakeholders, such as local governments, non-governmental organizations, private landowners, tenure holders, industry representatives and industry associations are informed of this Agreement
8.2 British Columbia will lead engagement with the applicable stakeholders on the implementation of this Agreement with the support and involvement of Canada
8.3 British Columbia will seek to ensure that stakeholders have the opportunity to engage on the implementation of this Agreement in a consistent yet flexible manner which may include Structured Decision Making approaches.
8.4 Canada and British Columbia will work with willing partners to develop and implement best management practices and procedures to minimize impacts to Southern Mountain Caribou recovery
9. Information sharing
9.1 Each Party agrees, subject to any applicable data sharing agreements and legislative provisions that would prevent them from doing so, to provide the other Party access, at no charge, to available data and information relevant to the implementation of this Agreement. This includes:
- 9.1.1 information on the status, conservation and recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou in the Province of BC, including habitat protection, restoration and other recovery measures; and
- 9.1.2 information pertaining to Southern Mountain Caribou Habitat and Critical Habitat
9.2 Some data and information may require confidentiality, or may have been obtained with an understanding of confidentiality in order to protect species at risk from exploitation or harm. Data and information so identified by a Party, or a collaborator in programs and activities related to this Agreement, will be held confidential by Canada and British Columbia to the extent permitted by their respective legislation and related policies, procedures, and agreements
10. Financial arrangements and support
10.1 Recognizing the significant financial investments required to support Southern Mountain Caribou recovery, Canada and British Columbia, subject to sections 10.2 to 10.4, commit to contribute funding, including for the specific Conservation and Recovery Measures as identified in Annex 2, as well as overarching activities such as science and engagement activities, outlined annually in the Joint Southern Mountain Caribou Work Plan
10.2 Each Party’s commitment to fund or implement any Conservation and Recovery Measure in this Agreement, including without limitation, the specific Conservation and Recovery Measures that are outlined in Annex 2, are subject to an appropriation being available for that particular measure during the applicable fiscal year of the Party
10.3 Canada and British Columbia acknowledge and agree that any funding to implement this Agreement is subject to their respective priorities and budgetary constraints
10.4 Canada and British Columbia further acknowledge that neither Party is providing assurances to the other Party that it will obtain funding, or any required approvals or mandates that may be required to implement any Conservation and Recovery Measures
11. Monitoring and reporting
11.1 Canada and British Columbia agree to develop and implement an assessment framework, that would include performance indicators to facilitate measurement of progress
11.2 Canada will prepare and issue, every year, with the support of British Columbia, a public report on this Agreement, which will address, in general terms:
- progress on the Conservation and Recovery Measures that are outlined in Annex 2
- assessment of the effectiveness of the measures to date
- future recovery expectations for the relevant Recovery Horizon
- steps taken to protect the Critical Habitat of Southern Mountain Caribou in the Province of BC that is not yet protected
- research findings; and
- updates on unforeseen circumstances or stochastic events (e.g. fire, forest health issues) that might impact the Conservation and Recovery Measures that are outlined in Annex 2, as it becomes available
11.3 Evaluate the Conservation and Recovery Measures that are outlined in Annex 2 and propose any additional measures which may be required, consistent with the principle of adaptive management outlined in section 3.3, to increase the likelihood of achieving the goals described in this Agreement or that may otherwise expedite the recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou in the Province of BC
11.4 Prior to five years from the Effective Date, Canada and British Columbia will produce a report on outputs and deliverables in relation to recovery outcomes to date. The report will be used to inform discussions on renewal of this Agreement
12. Duration, amendment, termination and renewal
12.1 This Agreement takes effect on the date of the last signature affixed to this Agreement (the “Effective Date”). It will remain in force for a term of five years, unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement
12.2 This Agreement and for greater clarity any Annexes may be amended from time to time with the written mutual consent of Canada and British Columbia, subject to any required approval or authorization
12.3 Either Party may terminate this Agreement 90 days after providing written notice to the other Party. Each Party will consult with the other Party prior to providing such written notice
12.4 The term of this Agreement may be extended with the mutual written consent of Canada and British Columbia prior to the expiration of this Agreement
13. dispute resolution
13.1 In the event of a dispute between Canada and British Columbia arising out of this Agreement, Canada and British Columbia will use the following procedure to resolve the dispute:
- 13.1.1 the sub-committee established in section 6.1 will be the first point of resolution for disputes arising from this Agreement; and
- 13.1.2 disputes which cannot be resolved in accordance with section 13.1.1 will be referred to the Deputy Minister of Environment, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (British Columbia), the Deputy Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (British Columbia), and the Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada for resolution
14. Designation for implementation of this agreement
14.1 The administration of this Agreement will be carried out on behalf of Canada by the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada
The administration of this Agreement will be carried out on behalf of British Columbia by the Assistant Deputy Minister of Environmental Sustainability and Strategic Policy, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the Assistant Deputy Minister, Resource Stewardship Division, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.
15. Counterparts
15.1 This Agreement may be signed in several counterparts and each counterpart shall constitute an original document; these counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Canada and British Columbia agree that executed counterparts may be transmitted by email (pdf format) or by mail and that such counterparts shall be treated as originally executed instruments. Each Party undertakes to provide the others with a copy of the original Agreement bearing actual original signatures within a reasonable period of time following execution of this Agreement
16. Signatures
In witness whereof, Canada and British Columbia have executed this Agreement.
On behalf of Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
_______________________________
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Government of Canada
Signed this___________day of _______, 2020.
On behalf of Her Majesty the Queen in right of the Province British Columbia, as represented by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
_______________________________
The Honourable George Heyman
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Government of British Columbia
Signed this___________day of _______, 2020.
On behalf of Her Majesty the Queen in right of the Province British Columbia, as represented by the Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
_______________________________
The Honourable Doug Donaldson
Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
Government of British Columbia
Signed this___________day of _______, 2020.
Annex 1: To the agreement for the conservation of the Southern Mountain Caribou in British Columbia
| Group | Group description | LPUa | Subpopulation/Herda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central | The Central Group consists of three Local Population Units (LPUs) in BC: the Pine River, Quintette, and Narraway LPUs. In addition, the range of the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs extend into British Columbia. The majority of the range of the Redrock-Prairie Creek LPU overlaps with other LPUs in BC. | Pine River | Moberly |
| Central | The Central Group consists of three Local Population Units (LPUs) in BC: the Pine River, Quintette, and Narraway LPUs. In addition, the range of the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs extend into British Columbia. The majority of the range of the Redrock-Prairie Creek LPU overlaps with other LPUs in BC. | Pine River | Kennedy Siding |
| Central | The Central Group consists of three Local Population Units (LPUs) in BC: the Pine River, Quintette, and Narraway LPUs. In addition, the range of the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs extend into British Columbia. The majority of the range of the Redrock-Prairie Creek LPU overlaps with other LPUs in BC. | Pine River | Burnt Pine (extirpated) |
| Central | The Central Group consists of three Local Population Units (LPUs) in BC: the Pine River, Quintette, and Narraway LPUs. In addition, the range of the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs extend into British Columbia. The majority of the range of the Redrock-Prairie Creek LPU overlaps with other LPUs in BC. | Pine River | Scott West (likely extripated) |
| Central | The Central Group consists of three Local Population Units (LPUs) in BC: the Pine River, Quintette, and Narraway LPUs. In addition, the range of the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs extend into British Columbia. The majority of the range of the Redrock-Prairie Creek LPU overlaps with other LPUs in BC. | Quintette | Quintette |
| Central | The Central Group consists of three Local Population Units (LPUs) in BC: the Pine River, Quintette, and Narraway LPUs. In addition, the range of the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs extend into British Columbia. The majority of the range of the Redrock-Prairie Creek LPU overlaps with other LPUs in BC. | Narraway | Narraway |
| Northern | The Northern Group consists of seven LPUs: the Chilcotin, Tweedsmuir, Telkwa, Takla, Wolverine, Chase, and Graham LPUs. Each LPU is made up of one or more herds (aka subpopulations) of caribou. | Chilcotin | Rainbows |
| Northern | The Northern Group consists of seven LPUs: the Chilcotin, Tweedsmuir, Telkwa, Takla, Wolverine, Chase, and Graham LPUs. Each LPU is made up of one or more herds (aka subpopulations) of caribou. | Chilcotin | Charlotte Alplands |
| Northern | The Northern Group consists of seven LPUs: the Chilcotin, Tweedsmuir, Telkwa, Takla, Wolverine, Chase, and Graham LPUs. Each LPU is made up of one or more herds (aka subpopulations) of caribou. | Chilcotin | Itcha-Ilgachuz |
| Northern | The Northern Group consists of seven LPUs: the Chilcotin, Tweedsmuir, Telkwa, Takla, Wolverine, Chase, and Graham LPUs. Each LPU is made up of one or more herds (aka subpopulations) of caribou. | Tweedsmuir | Tweedsmuir |
| Northern | The Northern Group consists of seven LPUs: the Chilcotin, Tweedsmuir, Telkwa, Takla, Wolverine, Chase, and Graham LPUs. Each LPU is made up of one or more herds (aka subpopulations) of caribou. | Telkwa | Telkwa |
| Northern | The Northern Group consists of seven LPUs: the Chilcotin, Tweedsmuir, Telkwa, Takla, Wolverine, Chase, and Graham LPUs. Each LPU is made up of one or more herds (aka subpopulations) of caribou. | Takla | Takla |
| Northern | The Northern Group consists of seven LPUs: the Chilcotin, Tweedsmuir, Telkwa, Takla, Wolverine, Chase, and Graham LPUs. Each LPU is made up of one or more herds (aka subpopulations) of caribou. | Wolverine | Wolverine |
| Northern | The Northern Group consists of seven LPUs: the Chilcotin, Tweedsmuir, Telkwa, Takla, Wolverine, Chase, and Graham LPUs. Each LPU is made up of one or more herds (aka subpopulations) of caribou. | Chase | Chase |
| Northern | The Northern Group consists of seven LPUs: the Chilcotin, Tweedsmuir, Telkwa, Takla, Wolverine, Chase, and Graham LPUs. Each LPU is made up of one or more herds (aka subpopulations) of caribou. | Graham | Graham |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Hart Ranges | Hart Ranges |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Upper Fraser | Narrow Lake |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Upper Fraser | North Cariboo Mountains George Mtn (extirpated) |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Mount Robson | This LPU includes only small portions of ranges of other subpopulations, and was not included in COSEWIC’s 2014 assessment. |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Quesnel Highlands | Barkerville |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Quesnel Highlands | Wells Gray North |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Wells Gray – Thompson | Wells Gray South |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Wells Gray – Thompson | Groundhog |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Revelstoke – Shuswap | Columbia North |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Revelstoke – Shuswap | Columbia South Frisby-Boulder |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Kinbasket | Central Rockies (extirpated) |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Central Kootenay | Duncan Nakusp (now considered one herd: Central Selkirks) |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | South Monashee | Monashee (extirpated) |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Southwest Kootenay | South Selkirks (likely extripated) |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Southeast Kootenay | Purcells Central (extirpated) |
| Southern | The Southern Group consists of eleven LPUs: the Hart Ranges, Upper Fraser, Mount Robson, Quesnel Highlands, Wells Gray-Thompson, Revelstoke-Shuswap, Kinbasket, Central Kootenay, South Monashee, Southeast Kootenay, Southwest Kootenay. In addition, caribou from the A La Peche and Redrock-Prairie Creek LPUs have historically used portions of the Hart Ranges LPU. | Southeast Kootenay | Purcells South (likely extripated) |
aThe federal recovery strategy distinguishes between three groups of caribou within the entity currently listed under SARA Schedule 1 as “Woodland Caribou, Southern Mountain population” (Southern Mountain Caribou); namely the Northern Group, Central Group, and Southern Group. This follows the most recent COSEWIC status report, which considers these groups as different “designable units” (COSEWIC 2014). The federal recovery strategy also established 24 caribou Local Population Units (LPUs), 21 of which are primarily or wholly in BC and 3 that are primarily or wholly in Alberta. LPUs are used in the federal recovery strategy to describe groups of subpopulations that, historically, are assumed to have been part of the same population. Some LPUs contain a single subpopulation. Subpopulations in the federal recovery strategy generally align with what BC refers to as Herds. However, the names of these different groupings sometimes change to reflect changes in caribou population dynamics and local language.
Annex 2 : Southern Mountain Caribou Conservation and Recovery Measures
Overview
This Annex 2 sets out the Conservation and Recovery Measures for Southern Mountain Caribou as agreed to by Canada and British Columbia. Measures included in this Annex were developed by British Columbia and Canada as part of the British Columbia Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan and informed by engagement with Indigenous communities, the scientific community, and stakeholders. These measures inform part of a comprehensive strategy to recover Southern Mountain Caribou and address imminent threats to their recovery. Additional measures will be developed as part of an adaptive management approach, informed by the Joint Southern Mountain Caribou Work Plan, the British Columbia Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan, as well as through ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities, the scientific community, and stakeholders. The British Columbia Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan will inform sub regional plans and more specific Herd Plans. Implementation of Conservation and Recovery Measures in the British Columbia Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan will be aligned with those included in this Annex.
The identification and implementation of Conservation and Recovery Measures are informed by an understanding of risks to the survival and recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou. Risks are assessed based on a number of factors including herd status (herd size and risk of extirpation), viability, Southern Mountain Caribou habitat condition, climate change impacts, potential for cumulative impacts, Southern Mountain Caribou habitat fragmentation, and primary prey and predator populations. This information guides the prioritization of measures for specific herds. The British Columbia -Canada Caribou Recovery Science Committee will continue to provide scientific advice as it pertains to supporting the recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou.
Current and planned Conservation and Recovery Measures are set out in the following tables:
Table 1 - Landscape Level Planning
Table 2 - Southern Mountain Caribou Habitat Management
Table 3 - Population Management
Table 4 - Population and Southern Mountain Caribou Habitat Monitoring
Table 5 - Knowledge, Science and Research
Table 6 - Complementary Measures
Each table is organized into six major activity categories and is then further broken down by sub-activity.
Table 1. Landscape Level Planning
Landscape level planning includes the development of recovery, action, and Herd Plans, and the gathering of information and analysis to support those plans. Definitions of the different types of plans referenced in this table are included in Section 1.0 of the Agreement.
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Phase 1 Herd Plans for all Southern Mountain Caribou. Phase 1 Herd Plans include outlines of the current state of Southern Mountain Caribou, Southern Mountain Caribou habitat condition, threats faced by a particular herd, past management and recovery actions, and listing of available and relevant literature. | Completed in summer 2018 | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
Complete Phase 2 Herd Plans:
|
Spring 2019 to Spring 2023 | British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
Refine:
|
Engagement on draft products intermittently between 2014 to present | Canada |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Publish proposed amendments to the Federal Recovery Strategy. | To be determined through the British Columbia - Canada Caribou Recovery Science Committee | Canada |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Adopt or incorporate British Columbia, Alberta and/or Indigenous Herd or Range Plans into one or more Federal Action Plans. | To be determined based on timing of availability of jurisdictional plans | Canada |
Table 2. Southern Mountain Caribou Habitat Management
Southern Mountain Caribou habitat management includes Southern Mountain Caribou habitat protection and restoration, constraints on activities, and management of access to sensitive Southern Mountain Caribou habitat; with the overarching goal of a net increase in Southern Mountain Caribou habitat over the course of the Agreement.
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Develop a plan for the reduction of Southern Mountain Caribou habitat disturbance which includes short and long-term management objectives and best management practices for various sectors and that will work towards increasing Southern Mountain Caribou habitat over the term of this Agreement. | 2020 to 2022 | British Columbia |
| Re-evaluate conditions of park use permits in provincial protected areas where heli-skiing is permitted in Southern Mountain Caribou habitat. | 2020 to 2022 | British Columbia |
| Develop, test, and implement best management practices for forestry activities, commercial and recreational backcountry activities, and other sectors as needed and appropriate, in matrix Southern Mountain Caribou habitat. | 2020 to 2022 | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
Deferral of resource development approvals within specified high elevation winter and summer ranges, and additional specified areas in the Pine River local population unit |
Partially completed June 2019 Remainder by June 2020 |
British Columbia |
Seek to bring forward regulatory measures to identify and put in place a protected area expanding the Klinse-za Park, following engagement with Indigenous peoples, local communities, industry and stakeholders |
Spring 2021 |
British Columbia |
Develop Caribou Recovery Related Land Use Objectives, using best available science and local community and Indigenous knowledge. Objectives inform decision making on resource development activities in specified areas |
Fall 2020 |
British Columbia |
Engage on winter recreational motor vehicle use in the Central Group Develop and implement a management plan that may provide for the restriction of recreational motor vehicle access within prescribed areas of caribou habitat, enhancement of recreational facilities in appropriate areas, and other measures |
Spring/Summer 2020 Winter 2020 to 2021 |
British Columbia |
Develop a Southern Mountain Caribou habitat mitigation and offset program for the Central Group that builds on the provincial Environmental Mitigation Policy. |
January 2021 |
British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
Explore opportunities to develop reserves under the Land Act, Mineral Tenures Act, and Coal Act for select Northern Group herds. |
2020 to 2022 |
British Columbia |
Assess utility and opportunity, through herd planning, to implement winter motorized recreation closures for select Northern Group herd ranges. |
Partially completed Winter 2020 to Winter 2021 |
British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct Southern Mountain Caribou habitat analysis and make recommendations for additional Southern Mountain Caribou habitat protection for the Wells Gray - Thompson, Quesnel Highlands, Upper Fraser, Hart Ranges, and Revelstoke – Shuswap, Central Kootenay LPUs. | 2020 to 2022 | British Columbia |
| Acquire Next Creek land as part of the overall objectives to protect Southern Mountain Caribou habitat from disturbances. | Completed | British Columbia /Canada /Nature Conservancy of Canada |
| Look for opportunities for other land purchases located within the habitat of the Southern Group and elsewhere in B.C. that could support caribou recovery and assess feasibility, needed support and funding requirements. | 2020 to 2022 | British Columbia /Canada |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
Established initial funding envelope of $2 million to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) to fund Southern Mountain Caribou habitat restoration projects. Look for additional funding to contribute to the fund. |
Completed Ongoing |
British Columbia /Canada |
| Continue to refine disturbance mapping to support ongoing Southern Mountain Caribou habitat restoration programs. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Support and implement Southern Mountain Caribou habitat restoration projects such as the work being undertaken by the Nikanese Wah Tzee Stewardship Society within the Pine River LPU, and work collaboratively with the Society to identify opportunities to implement those and other Southern Mountain Caribou habitat restoration projects. | Ongoing /2020 to 2022 | British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
Continue to monitor and complete lichen seeding restoration trial in burned Southern Mountain Caribou habitat in Tweedsmuir and Chase ranges in collaboration with First Nations. |
Ongoing |
British Columbia |
| Conduct planning for linear feature deactivation/rehabilitation in select Northern Group ranges, including Itcha-Ilgachuz. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
Expand lichen seeding trial to ecological restoration at an operational scale in select Northern Group herd ranges as appropriate. |
2020 to 2022 |
British Columbia |
| Continue to refine disturbance mapping to support ongoing Southern Mountain Caribou habitat restoration programs. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Investigate linear feature deactivation/rehabilitation in select Northern Group herd ranges. | 2020 to 2021 | British Columbia |
| Develop restoration strategies for select Northern Group herds and LPUs based on risks to each herd. | 2020 to 2022 | British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
Implement Southern Mountain Caribou habitat restoration for BC Timber Sales road system in the Columbia North Herd area (Big Mouth Creek). Deactivate 6700m of road and treat over 5000m of other terrain as part of the Big Mouth Restoration Project (in the Columbia North herd area). |
Completed |
British Columbia |
| Continue to refine disturbance mapping to support ongoing Southern Mountain Caribou habitat restoration programs. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
Develop and implement tactical plans for Southern Mountain Caribou to support habitat restoration which may include road rehabilitation (first priority) and other Southern Mountain Caribou habitat restoration actions. Areas of focus will include the following Local Population Units: Wells Gray - Thompson, Revelstoke - Shuswap, Quesnel Highlands, Upper Fraser and Hart Ranges. |
2020 to 2023 |
British Columbia |
| Monitor results of Big Mouth Creek restoration project to measure effectiveness of the road rehabilitation and caribou habitat restoration. | Ongoing/completed by 2021 | British Columbia |
| Complete Southern Mountain Caribou habitat restoration project in Mica Creek. | 2019 to 2020 | British Columbia |
Table 3. Population Management
Population management includes management of predators and alternate prey, measures to protect caribou from mortality, and caribou population augmentation.
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
Review hunting of Southern Mountain Caribou across British Columbia, with an initial emphasis on the Northern Group, following the 2018 hunting season. The review is intended to assess if hunting can continue given the status of the species, conservation and recovery objectives, Indigenous peoples’ rights and interests, and stakeholder interests. |
Completed |
British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct wolf control via ground and air-based methods for select Southern Mountain Caribou herds. | Winter 2019 to 2020/2021 to 2022 and as needed following herd plan engagement, and evaluation of program | British Columbia |
| Develop the Northeast Predator Management Plan and Decision Matrix to provide a transparent rationale for wolf control or other predator control measures. This Matrix may be used in the other groups to support predator management. | Completed in 2018 | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Continue to assess the need for and practicality of predator management for Southern Mountain Caribou herds by conducting regular reviews. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| In consultation with Saulteau and West Moberly, implement effective predator management programs to be conducted annually throughout each LPU until British Columbia, Canada, and the West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations agree that Southern Mountain Caribou habitat conditions no longer require it. | Winter 2020 to 2021 and as needed | British Columbia/ Canada/ Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluate predator management in multiple SMC - Northern Group herds including the Graham, Itcha-Ilgachuz , Tweedsmuir and Hart herds based on results of analysis using decision matrix and on engagement with Indigenous communities and stakeholders. | Completed | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Re-evaluate the need for predator management in all Northern Group herds through herd planning and by conducting a five-year review. | Completed review for Quintette and Pine LPUs 2019 to 2020 / next review 2021 to 2022 | British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Continue activities at the Klinse-za maternity pen, guided by Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan recovery objectives and key conservation and recovery measures developed with West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations. | Ongoing Reassess based on results |
British Columbia /West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Continue to support and work collaboratively on supplemental feeding for the Kennedy Siding caribou herd with the McLeod Lake Indian Band. | 2018 to 2023 | British Columbia and McLeod Lake Indian Band |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Complete review of Revelstoke Caribou Maternity Pen Project. | Completed |
British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Assess activities and consider opportunities to enhance recovery at the Revelstoke Caribou Maternity Pen. | Completed | British Columbia |
| Evaluate the benefits of a conservation breeding program to support recovery. Develop and implement a plan of action based on evalutation. | Initiated in 2018, 2019 to 2022 | British Columbia |
| Attempt to capture remaining caribou in the South Selkirks and Purcell South Herds and move them to a safe location until they become a part of a captive breeding herd, or until they can be introduced to a herd where they are more likely to contribute to successful herd growth. | Completed |
British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Continue to monitor and implement moose reduction project in the Columbia North and Parsnip herd ranges. | Completed | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Consider opportunity for direct primary prey management for select herds and develop a strategy if warranted. | 2020 to 2021 | British Columbia |
| Use primary prey monitoring results to inform decision making regarding the need to directly reduce primary prey densities and directly manage the suitability of Southern Mountain Caribou habitat for primary prey. | Ongoing |
British Columbia |
Table 4. Population and Southern Mountain Caribou Habitat Monitoring
Population and Southern Mountain Caribou habitat monitoring includes monitoring of caribou, predator and primary prey populations.
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor population status of all Southern Mountain Caribou with the overall objective to provide information to support recovery efforts as part of the Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan. Population census prior to initiation of the Provincial Caribou Recovery Program (2017) included four to five projects per year. In 2017/18, 27 monitoring projects were undertaken across all Southern Mountain Caribou. |
Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Track caribou using telemetry collars which are deployed annually in winter months. Telemetry data is downloaded and used to assess seasonal habitat use and evaluate proximity to predators and alternate prey. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Investigate mortality alerts upon receipt where feasible. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Survey all extant herds using most appropriate methods including minimum counts. | Annually to every three years | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluate population census data to determine if monitoring is conducted in the appropriate location and at the appropriate frequency based on the latest herd status assessment to support the recovery objectives in the Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Direct monitoring efforts to assess effectiveness of Conservation and Recovery Measures. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Use information from the British Columbia - Canada Caribou Recovery Science Committee to re-align and /or expand budgets to address inventory and monitoring needs, as well as research priorities. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor moose populations and hunting allocations in areas overlapping or directly adjacent to Southern Mountain Caribou critical habitat, and in areas identified as important to Southern Mountain Caribou recovery. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Install telemetry collars on moose to track movement and causes of mortality in identified herds. | Annually, or as determined using a risk-based approach | British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy moose collaring programs in select Northern Group ranges, to provide information on moose distribution/habitat selection and causes of mortality. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Develop moose habitat suitability models in select areas. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Identify priority areas for future surveys. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Develop a method of assessing white-tailed deer influence on predator dynamics. | 2019 to 2021 | British Columbia |
| Review hunting allocation and effort to support caribou recovery. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Deploy moose collars in the Wells Gray South and Wells Gray North herds as needed. | 2019 to 2020 | British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Develop predator management decision tool for application to all herds to support monitoring needs in relation to predation management programs. | Completed | British Columbia |
| Install telemetry collars on selected wolf packs in Southern Mountain Caribou habitat and applicable adjacent areas. | Annually, or more frequently as determined using a risk based approach | British Columbia |
| Establish wolf pack size and territory by monitoring telemetry collars. | Annually, or more frequently as determined using a risk based approach | British Columbia |
| Conduct track counts in select herds without collared wolves or where there is an unknown or growing density of wolves. | Annually, or more frequently as determined using a risk based approach | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Assess and modify wolf population monitoring and tracking based on priority setting as part of the overall Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan and through the development of herd plans, which will involve discussions with Indigenous partners and stakeholders. | 2019 to 2023 | British Columbia |
| Assess opportunities to conduct studies on other potential predators (e.g. cougar, bear, and wolverine). | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Continue to monitor telemetry collars on wolf packs in Southern Mountain Caribou habitat and adjacent areas. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Assess the need for additional telemetry collars based on the information collected during wolf population/density surveys. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy additional telemetry collars on wolves in the Wells Gray South and Wells Gray North herd ranges. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct disturbance assessment and analysis to determine the extent of various types of anthropogenic and natural disturbances in all Southern Mountain Caribou ranges. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Assess and monitor Southern Mountain Caribou habitat suitability for primary prey. | Annually, frequency determined using a risk based approach | British Columbia |
| Conduct analysis of Southern Mountain Caribou habitat suitability and capability assessments, including the development of methodologies for assessing habitat disturbance, the classification of remotely sensed data and the development of monitoring protocols. | Underway | British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct modelling of Southern Mountain Caribou habitat suitability and scenario modelling in select Northern Group ranges, such as the Tweedsmuir. | Ongoing, frequency determined using a risk based approach | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented Southern Mountain Caribou habitat protection measures in select Northern Group ranges. | To be determined | British Columbia |
Table 5. Knowledge, Science and Research
Knowledge, science and research include assessing the effectiveness of all measures described herein.
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Initial development of the Caribou Climate Prediction Model to contribute to understanding the future trajectories of current and future habitat for all Southern Mountain Caribou herds in British Columbia. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Hold workshop for provincial staff to develop an approach for caribou science in the province. Form a BC Caribou Science Team and identify research gaps and current research activity in the province, develop scientific/research priorities to be discussed by the BC-Canada Caribou Recovery Science Committee. | Complete | British Columbia |
| Developed BC-Canada Caribou Recovery Science Committee Terms of Reference and of a list of collaborative science projects. | Draft Completed | British Columbia /Canada |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
Establish the British Columbia -Canada Caribou Recovery Science Committee. Investigate and seek to establish an appropriate mechanism to respectfully include and acknowledge the role of Indigenous Knowledge in supporting the information needs of the Science Committee. Ensure there are linkages between this committee and British Columbia, Canada, West Moberly First Nation and Saulteau First Nations Technical Working Groups or committees. |
Ongoing 2020 to 2021 |
British Columbia /Canada |
| Implement, where feasible, collaborative science projects recommended by the British Columbia -Canada Caribou Recovery Science Committee. | 2019 to 2022 | British Columbia /Canada |
| Review and finalize the risk based approach to determine and prioritize Conservation and Recovery Measures. | 2019 to 2021 | British Columbia /Canada |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
Engage with West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations to include Indigenous knowledge and philosophy as part of the assessment of caribou information to support recovery in the Central Group. |
2020 to 2022 |
British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
Complete the following research projects:
|
Ongoing |
British Columbia |
Table 6. Complementary Measures
Complementary measures include communications, engagement and compliance and enforcement.
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Continue ongoing engagement with recreation stakeholders around motor vehicle closures in place for Southern Mountain Caribou. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Conduct outreach via media and social media to promote compliance with regulations that protect Southern Mountain Caribou and habitat. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Liaise with the public, snowmobile clubs and federations to promote compliance and cooperation with snowmobile closures. | Ongoing |
British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Publish the Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan on the internet. | Summer 2020 | British Columbia |
| Prepare annual reports on the Provincial Caribou Recovery Plan and post on the internet. | Annually | British Columbia |
| Continue to improve British Columbia caribou webpage and ensure public information related to Southern Mountain Caribou recovery, health, science and habitat management are available in a timely manner. | Spring 2019 for new updates and then as needed | British Columbia |
| Engage with Indigenous communities, local government, industry, and public interest groups on the development of the Phase 2 herd plans. | 2019 to 2023 |
British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Continue participation in the Caribou Northern Inter-Agency Working Group with representatives from Alberta and NWT. The Working Group meets quarterly to exchange information on transboundary issues and interagency cooperation on Chinchaga and Calendar herds. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Expand the Caribou Northern Inter-Agency Working group to include representatives from Yukon and include the Liard, Little Rancheria, Swan, Atlin and Carcross herds. | Completed | British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Engage with West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations on Conservation and Recovery Measures for the Central Group. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Improve coordination of predator management activities with Alberta. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct engagement on herd plans for Central Group with Indigenous communities, local government, industry, and interest groups. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Continue ongoing engagement with Indigenous peoples across Northern Group ranges including, but not limited to, collaboration on operational projects. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Continue engagement with recreation stakeholders around motor vehicle closures in place for the Northern Group. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct engagement on herd plans for Northern Group with Indigenous communities, local government, industry, and interest groups. |
Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Currrent actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Continue ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities across Southern Group ranges on potential collaborative projects. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Continue to engage with the Southern Working Group with representatives from American states and tribal organizations on a semi-annually basis to exchange information and to facilitate cooperation on management of the South Selkirk herd which is transboundary with the USA. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct engagement on herd plans for Southern Group with Indigenous communities, local government, industry, and relevant interest groups. |
Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Current actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct compliance and enforcement operations with the aim of protecting Southern Mountain Caribou and habitat in areas that are closed to the use of snowmobiles/off road vehicles and motor vehicles across all Southern Mountain Caribou ranges. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Conduct enforcement operations relating to the illegal harvest of Southern Mountain Caribou and conduct investigations where illegal harvest of Southern Mountain Caribou has occurred. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Enlist the support of agencies external to the British Columbia government to assist with compliance and enforcement operations. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Investigate and report on forestry and range issues impacting Southern Mountain Caribou Habitat and make recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Enforcement of general wildlife measures in Wildlife Habitat Areas and Ungulate Winter Ranges. | Ongoing | British Columbia |
| Planned actions | Target Timeline | Lead Party |
|---|---|---|
| Complement compliance and enforcement efforts by attending appropriate venues (i.e., trade shows, open houses, etc.) to promote compliance with snowmobile closures. | Annually | British Columbia |
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