November 30, 2008

Vancouver: The BC Wildlife Federation does not support the creation of a new National Park in the Flathead Valley of South Eastern BC. It is felt by our membership that the current land use plan, the Southern Rocky Mountains Management Plan adequately addresses the concerns brought forward by the proponents of this park proposal. The SRMMP is a powerful land management tool that will ensure the Flathead Valley eco-systems will remain intact for future generations of British Columbians who will be able to recreate and work there. A panel of experts and local stakeholders meets regularly to advise and guide government on the implementation of the Southern Rocky Mountains Management Plan. A considerable amount of local effort is being exerted to ensure the Flathead Valley stays pristine, that wildlife and wilderness values are protected, and the industrial activity is sustainable and does not impact these values.

In the south-eastern corner of BC there are three major drainages, The Flathead River, The Elk River and the Bull River. Extensive industrial activity has occurred in the Elk and Bull including extensive forestry activity and over 100 years of coal mining at several different sites. These valleys currently have the highest density populations of elk, mountain goats, mule deer and mountain sheep in BC and also have what are probably the most productive populations of grizzly bears in all of BC. It's obvious that properly managed intense industrial activity and development can co-exist with the rich and diverse wildlife populations.

The adjoining Flathead Valley has also seen extensive forestry activity but retains extensive wilderness values as well as a rich and diverse wildlife population. There is no reason to expect the same care and level of sustainable management will not occur in the Flathead as what has occurred in the Elk and Bull Valleys, thus we do not see the urgency for Park protection of this valley.

Creation of a park in this area would deny the local economy significant opportunity and job creation options and also would deny the traditional outdoor recreation opportunities that BC residents have enjoying in this valley for many generations. The majority of East Kootenay residents oppose the creation of this park. The East Kootenay Wildlife Association and the BC Wildlife Federation also adamantly oppose the Flathead National Park proposal.