Description:
This final report provides an update for projects that the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is leading on behalf of the Partners at the Wycliffe Conservation Complex (WCC) in 2025-26, as part of the Kootenay Connect initiative. Work in Year 7 focused on treating 41 hectares of dry forest habitat for conifer ingrowth and recruitment of coarse woody debris. A Recreation Management Communication Plan was developed, and an Open House to present this work and provide information about recreation guidelines at the WCC was held in 2025, with approximately 43 community members attending this event. A visitor Monitoring Plan was also developed, and trail counters and wildlife cameras were installed in 2025. NCC installed 60 visitor-use management signs in fall 2024 to guide appropriate recreation in Luke Creek Wildlife Corridor. In 2025, the Range Health Reassessment of the Luke Creek Wildlife Corridor was also completed. This reassessment determined that grassland health overall is improving, and that the current grazing schedule with recommended rest periods is appropriate and should be continued in order to maintain grassland health.

Keywords: species at risk; grassland; restoration; fire treatment

Authors:

Organization: Nature Conservancy of Canada

Category: Forest & Grassland Restoration for Species at Risk

Focal Area: Wycliffe

Resource Type: Report

Year: 2026