Photo credit: Claude Rioux

Awarded to Wildsight Invermere to take action to protect the future of the Radium Bighorn Sheep herd, by supporting objectives identified the Regional Bighorn Sheep Management Plan, identifying and treating priority invasive plants, and identifying areas for habitat enhancement

PROPONENT: Wildsight Invermere

DESCRIPTION: Bighorn Sheep (BHS) are Blue-listed in BC due to substantial population declines in some areas and loss of good quality habitat, especially native winter range. BHS populations within the Kootenay Region are following these overall trends. The historical population in the Columbia-Radium area has been declining since the early 1990’s, down approximately 35%. The Regional BHS Management Plan provides recommendations for the management of BHS and their habitat. Common threats to BHS include increasing anthropogenic disturbance, declining habitat condition, increased highway/ predation mortality and increasing risk of disease transmission from domestic sheep.

This herd of bighorn sheep is iconic to the region and of high value to the Columbia Valley. This project seeks to begin working towards the long-term goals of wildlife conservation in the community by allowing space for constructive dialogue, and increasing the responsibility the community has in its surrounding habitats and the wildlife that depend on it. As recreational pressures increase, and invasive species and disease from livestock and domestic sheep continue, it is critical the community has the knowledge and resources available to make informed decisions on protecting the sensitive and diverse habitat on which bighorn sheep rely.

OBJECTIVE: Overall goals of this project include:

  • Identification of important Bighorn Sheep habitat areas and migration corridorsEstablishing a confident population count and herd demographics (sex, age)
  • Collecting data on BHS response to anthropogenic activities
  • Identifying and treating priority invasive species infestations
  • Determining high priority habitat enhancement areas to support future work
  • Delivering educational content to the general public to elevate awareness
  • Establishing a collaborative community (First Nations, Government, stakeholders etc.) for the long-term conservation of this herd.