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- Many of the terms used in connection with this project are unfamiliar to me. Where can I find out more? To help address this gap, our project team has developed a Glossary of Terms related to the work of the project.
- Who are the partners involved in this project? Our Squamish Environment Society is leading the project, in collaboration with the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society. Our partners are the core groups who have responsibilities for land use planning in our area: the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, the District of Squamish, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, and the Squamish Community Forest.
- How do you plan to identify the corridors to protect? We rely on integrated landscape modelling to assess factors that are likely to influence patterns of ecological connectivity in our region. These factors include characteristics of the physical landscape and land cover that provide suitable habitat and support the movement of representative wildlife species across the landscape: for example, topographic landforms, soil conditions, and ecosystem processes. We also look at characteristics of urban development, landscape disturbance and environmental change that can disrupt and impede these fundamental patterns of wildlife movement. Then, we look at which connectivity pathways are already protected (by, for example, parks or wildlife reserves) to identify gaps and barriers that may limit the ability of wildlife to move across the landscape. These gaps and barriers become the focus for identifying and prioritizing land management strategies that are effective in restoring, maintaining, and enhancing critical pathways of ecological connectivity over time.
- How can we implement wildlife corridors in Squamish when we don’t have jurisdiction over so much surrounding land? There are several opportunities to improve the network of protected areas with lands under District of Squamish jurisdiction. Beyond that, we will work with our other partners to develop a regional plan for wildlife connectivity. Our work as part of the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region will provide us with the opportunity to build support and understanding among key stakeholder groups, including provincial government agencies and government and private landowners.
- What is the geographic scope of this project? The geographic scope of this project (our focus area) is the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region. However, our landscape and species distribution models are based on a much broader view called our regional context area, which includes the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, the Sunshine Coast Regional District, and Metro Vancouver. This broader view will enable us to share our data with surrounding communities and support them with undertaking similar work. See our project overview map poster for highlights of ongoing work and the overlapping areas of interest for our project partners.
- Who is supporting the project? So far we have received 15 letters of support. They offer some interesting reading.
- Much of Squamish has already been developed. Is it too late for a project like this? This important work will help fill a gap in our understanding of the environmental context for our community. It is not too late for this information to inform local planning. For example, in this map the areas identified as “future sub area plan” will likely have development at some point. Understanding wildlife connectivity will be critical for planning in such areas. The North Crumpit area is currently being planned for development and for the planning process moving forward it would be helpful if this information was already available. All future areas will certainly benefit from this knowledge.
- Will this project really help conserve biodiversity? Yes! Protecting connectivity of wildlife and habitat is THE #1 WAY to conserve biodiversity. This concept is described for the well-known Yukon to Yellowstone corridor. When populations of a species become fragmented, they can no longer freely move to find food and shelter and to increase their health and resilience by breeding with other populations. Gradually these isolated populations shrink and may die out.
- Will this project help any at-risk species in the Squamish area? Yes! We have reviewed available records of terrestrial species for the Biosphere Region. As of January 2023, 35 species which have been observed in our project area are protected under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA). In addition, 44 observed species are listed as red (at risk of being lost) and 122 as blue (of special concern) by BC’s Conservation Data Centre. As most observations have been near roads and so little of our area has been surveyed, we are confident that these observations demonstrate the presence of many at-risk species in the areas that are candidates for protection.
- How much money do you need and how can I help? Great question! For 2024 – 2026 we estimate that we’ll need at least $450,000. Of that, we have secured approximately $300,000. With the support of the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society we are applying for grants everywhere we can, but this is a lot of money for a group like ours to raise. We are a registered charity so we are able to issue tax receipts for donations of any amount. For information on how to donate.
Photo above by Chris Dale: a bobcat (Lynx rufus) in Brackendale.