The Elk Valley Bighorn Sheep Committee (EVBHSC) and VAST Resource Solutions are pleased to share continued progress on a major conservation initiative to protect critical habitat for the Elk Valley’s west bighorn sheep population. This collaborative project has gained significant momentum thanks to the efforts of local volunteers, funding from Elk Valley Resources (EVR), and expertise from regional contractors.
The project stems from a multi-year habitat and collaring study conducted by the Sparwood and District Fish and Wildlife Association on the west side of the Upper Elk Valley. Supported by the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and led by Aurora Wildlife Research and Tanglefoot Forestry Consultants, this research highlighted the overwhelming importance of the East White River Mountain area as a vital winter range and lambing ground for the Elk Valley west bighorn sheep population.
“With the dedication of local organizations and the funding support of EVR, we have been able to push forward with this vital conservation work,” said Darren Reghenas, Chair of the EVBHSC. “The project area, heavily impacted by a wildfire in 2017, has seen increased road density due to salvage logging, leading to increased access and greater risks of habitat degradation and invasive weed spread. The rehabilitation effort targets approximately 25 km of roads within this area to increase habitat security and prevent the displacement of bighorn sheep during sensitive periods and improve forage availability through invasive weed treatment.”
“We are proud to collaborate with local organizations and experts to restore critical habitat for the Elk Valley’s bighorn sheep populations. EVR is committed to creating lasting benefits in the Elk Valley which includes supporting important environmental stewardship work such as this project,” said Mike Carrucan, CEO, EVR.
Given the scale and complexity of the of this initiative, VAST Resource Solutions was brought on by the EVBHSC to manage the project. Erin Woodland, Registered Professional Forester and Professional Engineer with VAST, and her team have played a critical role in navigating regulatory requirements, coordinating contractors, and overseeing on-the-ground implementation. Their efforts have facilitated strong partnerships with local businesses and contractors, helping to accelerate progress.
“This project represents a true grassroots and collaborative effort,” said Nic Milligan, Secretary of the EVBHSC and Fernie Mayor. “It brought together Indigenous Nations, conservation groups, and industry representatives, all focused on supporting one species while enhancing the biodiversity and overall ecosystem health of the region.”
Key milestones include:
• October 2024: 7.5 km of road deactivation completed along the Middle Fork FSR.
• Spring 2025: Tree planting scheduled for rehabilitated roads.
• June 2025: Invasive species treatment to improve natural forage conditions.
• August 2025: Final 17.1 km of road deactivation to be completed.
“It’s inspiring to see our community come together with such passion for conservation,” said Woodland. “At VAST Resource Solutions, we’re proud to transform local dedication into professionally managed, sustainable projects. By working hand in hand with our community partners, we’re not only protecting critical bighorn sheep habitats but also ensuring a healthier ecosystem for the Elk Valley for generations to come.”
With continued support from local stakeholders and funding partners, discussions are underway for future monitoring to assess the long-term success of this work.
