October 19, 2009

Kamloops Couple’s Foresight and Generosity

Protects Popular Wildlife Area

News
Kamloops When Phil and Arlene Thiemer look out their window and across Ord Road, they can now be absolutely certain the rocky cliffs where Western Rattlesnakes hibernate and Bighorn Sheep forage for food will not be blasted open for a rock quarry.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is pleased to announce the creation of a new conservation area that protects habitat for dozens of iconic grassland species. Rattlesnake Bluff takes its name from the blue-listed (provincially-rare) snake that finds refuge in the cracks and crevices of the cliffs. This 4-hectare property is also prime habitat for Bighorn Sheep (also blue-listed), Yellow-bellied Marmot and White-throated Swift, among others.

Rattlesnake Bluff was donated to NCC by the Thiemers after the couple purchased it in 2006 with the sole intention of preventing it from being mined as a rock quarry. The property has long been a popular wildlife viewing area for local naturalists. The rugged cliffs and dry sagebrush steppe provide the unique nooks and crannies prized by snakes, birds and bats.

A number of partners have come on board to provide the funds for the long-term care and management of Rattlesnake Bluff, including the Kamloops Naturalist Club, the federal government through the Natural Areas Conservation Program, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the British Columbia Conservation Foundation and the Highland Valley Enhancement Fund (as administered by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation).

Situated near the Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area, this $205,000 project enlarges the expanse of protected lands for wide ranging animals such as Bighorn Sheep.

Quotes
“We applaud the Thiemers for their foresight and generosity in purchasing this valuable wildlife area for conservation,” said Barb Pryce, NCC’s Okanagan Project Manager. “Rattlesnake Bluff is a fantastic addition to NCC’s burgeoning grassland conservation work in and around Kamloops.”

“Every season different wildlife enjoy the safety and protection that the cliffs provide,” said Phil and Arlene Thiemer, who have lived across from the property for 44 years. “To say that we love this site is a real understatement.”

“Rattlesnake Bluff is an excellent example of federal funds and incentives helping to create a strong stewardship partnership that will conserve important landscapes and protect habitat for our species at risk. With this investment, we are taking real action to protect and conserve our ecosystems and sensitive species for present and future generations,” said Canada’s Environment Minister Jim Prentice. “We are grateful for the Thiemers generosity and dedication to help protect one of Canada’s natural treasures.”

"Rattlesnake Bluff has a tremendous value for local naturalists,” said Dr. Thomas E. Dickinson, President of the Kamloops Naturalist Club. “It provides important habitat for species such as swifts and bats that require some of the special features provided by the cliffs, and is readily accessible for wildlife viewing. The Kamloops Naturalist Club is extremely happy that NCC has been able to negotiate this piece of protection right in our midst."

Facts
- Rattlesnake Bluff provides habitat for Bighorn Sheep, Western Rattlesnake, Yellow-bellied Marmot, Say’s Phoebe, White- throated Swift, Red- tailed Hawk, Cliff Swallow, Brewer’s Blackbird and Rock Wren
- The property is locally important and provides abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing within the Kamloops city limits.
- The combination of rocky terrain with sagebrush steppe is excellent habitat for Western Rattlesnake and Great Basin Gophersnake, two species at risk of becoming endangered in BC.
- In 2008, NCC protected over 3,000 hectares of Kamloops-area grasslands in collaboration with the Frolek Cattle Company.

For more of the story behind Rattlesnake Bluff, click here.

Learn More
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is Canada’s leading land conservation organization. Since 1962, NCC has helped to protect more than 800,000 hectares of ecologically significant land nationwide.  www.NatureConservancy.ca

For our latest news and background about NCC, visit our Media Centre at www.NatureConservancy.ca/Media

Download the news release here. [PDF 46 KB]

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Contact
Lesley Marian Neilson
Communications Manager, BC Region
Nature Conservancy of Canada
250-661-2969
lesley.neilson@natureconservancy.ca