The Fernie Trails Alliance (FTA) has welcomed the news that the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has purchased a significant parcel of land in the Elk Valley from DOMAN. The Alliance says the acquisition represents an important milestone for both conservation and recreation in the valley.

The FTA, one of the trail stewards in the region, already has a land use agreement in place for a portion of the parcel. The group is now working with the NCC to amend that agreement to cover the remaining trails, ensuring continued community access and long-term stewardship.

In a statement, the FTA thanked DOMAN for many years of partnership and for granting trail access across their private lands. That cooperation, they said, enabled thousands of residents and visitors to enjoy the trail network and helped build the strong recreational culture the Elk Valley is known for.

The newly acquired parcel is part of the East Kootenay Forest Lands Project, a generational initiative to conserve over 45,000 hectares of high-biodiversity forest—nearly one-third of all private land in the Elk Valley. The lands connect into a 7,000 km² network of protected areas, safeguarding critical wildlife corridors for species such as grizzly bear, wolf, wolverine, and lynx.

Looking ahead, the FTA says it is excited to collaborate with the NCC and other recreational partners to build on this foundation of stewardship. The organization emphasized its commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities, protecting natural areas, promoting responsible wildlife recreation, and ensuring the trails remain a source of enjoyment for generations to come.

According to the FTA, this new chapter will bring lasting benefits for the landscape, the trails, the wildlife, and the people who cherish them.