The Canadian Rockies

Chinook Ranch, Alberta (Photo by NCC)

A place worth protecting

The spectacular landscape of the Rocky Mountains is world-famous for good reason. Not only are the Rockies an awe-inspiring geological marvel, they also support some of the most diverse ecology on the planet.

From alpine peaks down to the foothills that roll away into populated valleys, the Rockies support a wealth of plant, animal and human communities. This abundant natural heritage is of vital importance to all who live and play in the area, and is equally beloved by Albertans and British Columbians.

By working together we will be able to ensure the Canadian Rocky Mountains are protected as a thriving, diverse and iconic national — and natural — treasure.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has a long history in the Canadian Rockies where we have conserved over 280,000 hectares (700,000 acres). From the East Slopes in Alberta to the South Selkirks in BC, we work towards creative conservation solutions that ensure Canadians can continue to enjoy the incredible richness of this area for now and forever.

Watch the video below and learn more about our work in the Rocky Mountains.

Alberta

Boholomec Ranch (Photo by Bob Lee)

NCC has completed more than 250 conservation projects in Alberta, including more than 40,000 hectares (100,000 acres) along the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies in an area known as the Rocky Mountain Front Conservation Region.

The Rocky Mountain Front contains large remnant tracts of foothills parkland grasslands, montane forest and important watershed and riverside areas. This area is under direct threat from most human activities.

The eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains serve as a key area for maintaining wide-ranging carnivore populations and providing essential habitat for many species.

The OH Ranch — a provincial Heritage Rangeland site — is both a natural and historic landmark in Alberta. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is committed to protecting 3,822 hectares (9,444 acres) of the ranchlands as a working landscape.
The Waterton Park Front. This conservation buffer around Waterton Lakes National Park is one of Canada’s largest private conservation initiatives.
The Waldron Conservation Project is a 14,000-hectare (34,700-acre) property situated in a broad valley between the Bob Creek Wildland Park (the Whaleback) to the west and the Porcupine Hills Forest Reserve to the east. This is the largest remaining block of deeded land along the Eastern Slopes.

British Columbia

Darkwoods mountains, BC (Photo by Bruce Kirkby)

NCC has helped to conserve almost 400,000 hectares (1 million acres) in British Columbia, much of this in our Canadian Rockies Program Area in BC's Kootenay Region.

This region encompasses fertile grassland valleys, densely forested mountains and highly productive wetlands. Wide-ranging mammals such as elk, moose, wolverine, bears, badger and bighorn sheep still have room to roam here.

NCC’s conservation work aims to protect wildlife corridors and to enhance existing networks of protected areas throughout the Canadian Rockies program area. This is a space in which conservation can, and should, think big.

Darkwoods: At 550 square kilometres, this conservation area rises from the shores of Kootenay Lake near Creston to the highest peak in the South Selkirks: Kootenay Mountain. Wolverine, grizzlies, deer and an endangered herd of mountain caribou all find refuge here.
Elk Valley Heritage Conservation Area: This conservation assembly creates a corridor of 13,100 hectares (32,500 acres) that protects critical lands for elk, deer, bear and more. At the centre of the project is Mt. Broadwood, which was donated to NCC by Shell in 1992.
Flathead Valley: To facilitate a permanent end to coal mining as well as exploration and development of oil, gas and mineral resources in 155,000 hectares (400,000 acres) of the BC Flathead River Valley, NCC assisted the BC government in implementing the Flathead Watershed Area Conservation Act.

Help us to conserve this incredible landscape

NCC has recently launched the Canadian Rockies Fund which allows donors to direct their support to our conservation efforts in both Alberta and British Columbia.

Your gift will be directed towards conserving new properties in the Canadian Rockies and helping with the ongoing stewardship of properties once conserved.

To make a gift in support of the Canadian Rockies please include direction with your gift stating that you want to support the Canadian Rockies Fund. As a supporter of this fund you will receive regular updates on NCC’s continued work in the area.

Alberta and British Columbia standing together for conservation

On July 28, 2016, this interprovincial conservation inititiave offically launched at an event at SRL-K2 Ranch in Invermere, BC. Hosts Bob and Barb Shaunessy generously opened their doors to allow guests an opportunity to spend the day enjoying nature in the heart of the rockies.

(Click to enlarge photos from the event below)

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The SRL-K2 Ranch (Photo by NCC)
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Venue of the Canadian Rockies event at the SRL-K2 Ranch (Photo by NCC)
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Seating of the Canadian Rockies event at the SRL-K2 Ranch (Photo by NCC)
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Group gearing up for a canoe adventure at the SRL-K2 Ranch (Photo by NCC)
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Hiking the trails at the SRL-K2 Ranch (Photo by NCC)
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Hiking the trails at the SRL-K2 Ranch (Photo by NCC)
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Canoeing at of the Canadian Rockies event at the SRL-K2 Ranch (Photo by NCC)
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Canoeing at of the Canadian Rockies event at the SRL-K2 Ranch (Photo by NCC)
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Bob Shaunessy explains blacksmithing in front of his shop (Photo by NCC)