Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Wilderness Stewardship Foundation ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Moose Browse Enhancement](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/moose-browse-enhancement/) - Cutblocks, burn areas, and avalanche slide areas can become beneficial habitat for moose. This is because moose rely on many early seral stage species for their winter diet. These species include willow, wildrose, highbush-cranberry, aspen, birch, and red-osier dogwood. These species thrive when over-story trees are removed, by natural or human disturbance, which allows light - [Mountain Goat](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/mountain-goat/) - Aerial Surveys Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) are a relic of the iceage and their body shape and colour make them adapted to few habitats. The are at home in mountainous regions and are found primarily in the Rockies and Cascade mountains of North America. British Columbia contains an estimated 52% of the population. Mountain goats - [Grizzly Bears](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/grizzly-bears/) - The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) population in this area appears very strong. Reproductive success is a good indicator of this, we see that most sows have three cubs and some even four at a time. We see a pattern that young bears are moving into less suitable habitats to establish home range, because the - [DNA collection](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/dna-collection/) - WSF partners with several researchers and projects collecting DNA data from animals. For Robert Wilson of the US Geological Survey, we collect DNA samples from upland game birds such as grouse and ptarmigan. We collect DNA from black bears in conjunction with Emily Puckett from the University of Missouri. We are also collecting DNA samples - [Burdock](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/burdock/) - Here at WSF we are working to tackle the Burdock (Articum lappa) in the Five Mile Ridge area. In 2009 there was a fire on Five Mile Ridge and subsequently several invasive non-native plant species colonized the disturbed area and have since outcompeted native pioneering plant species. Invasive species impact ecosystems by altering the plant - [Over the South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/over-the-south-chilcotin-mountains-provincial-park/) - I was lucky to get the opportunity to fly over the South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park in a helicopter. I hadn’t yet been in the park and it was amazing to see the initial bird’s eye view. Canadian scenery at its finest; the mountains are so beautiful, scattered with lakes, rivers and creeks. Just how - [Moose Camera Trap Photo](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/moose-camera-trap-photo/) - I love the opportunity to put up my trail camera and investigate the wildlife that comes to visit. Recently, we found some moose scat on a trail and attached the camera to tree to see if the moose would come back. That night, a moose cow visited the camera. The resulting series of photographs were - [Whitebark Pine Study](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/whitebark-pine-study/) - Yesterday, I was lucky enough to join a local biologist in some whitebark pine surveys in the South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park. Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is an endangered five-needle pine that occurs in the mountainous regions of British Columbia, Alberta and the U.S.A. It is considered to be a keystone species in sub alpine - [Whitebark Pine](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/whitebark-pine/) - Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis) is a keystone species with an important role in the subalpine ecosystem reducing soil erosion, facilitating plant succession, capturing and retaining snow thereby increasing duration and quantity of summer run-off and providing an important food source for wildlife such as the grizzly and black bears (Ursus arctos and Ursus americanus), red - [Invasive Species Management](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/invasive-species-management/) - Invasive plants are a major threat to native ecosystems and often degrade vital habitat areas. Areas of concern within Bridge River Valley watershed include important ungulate wintering range. One of these areas is the Five Mile Ridge where a forest fire in 2009 destroyed most of the vegetation. Several invasive plant species, like Giant Burdock - [Snowbrush Propagation](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/snowbrush-propagation/) - Snowbrush (Ceanothus velutinus) is an essential food source for Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis). However, the abundance of this plant was negatively affected in the Bridge River Watershed after the 2009 forest fire. The purpose of this project is to enhance winter habitat for Mule Deer and Bighorn Sheep by rejuvenating - [California Bighorn Sheep](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/california-bighorn-sheep/) - In 2008 the WSF took over a number of projects from local tourism buisiness. Among these were a sheep study dating back to 1991, where the population of Bighorn Sheep has been surveyed in both Shulaps Mountain Range and Big Creek/Relay area. The purpose is to get accurate population numbers for each group, of rams, ## Pages - [Home (2020)](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/) - The Wilderness Stewardship Foundation is a team of wilderness stewards committed to conserving the Chilcotin Ark. An ecologically important area. - [Volunteering](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/take-action/volunteering/) - Our volunteers are essential to making our on the ground research and projects implementation happen. Invasive species removal, Educating tourists - [About Wilderness Stewardship Foundation](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/about/) - The Wilderness Stewardship Foundation is a society of individuals who shared interests in the conservation of the South Chilcotin Mountains. - [Contact](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/contact/) - You can have an impact ! Contact us and get involved in wildlife conservation and land management ! Leave us your Name, email and message will get back to you - [Donate](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/take-action/donate/) - Donate. Supporting the Wilderness Stewardship Foundation lets you participate in protecting provincially significant ecosystems and goes to a greater good. - [Education](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/education/) - The WSF considers education and empowerment important keystones in preserving our natural resources. We are learning from nature through our research. - [Projects](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/projects/) - The wilderness stewardship foundation (WSF) and its partners have been involved in wildlife and habitat surveys and conservation projects for 30 years. - [Take Action](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/take-action/) - The Mission Statement of the Wilderness Stewardship Foundation, as formulated upon their founding: “The purposes of the WSF are, within the areas of the Bridge River Valley Watershed and adjoining areas: To conduct research in the fields of ecology and natural resource management and make results available to the public. To contribute to the advancement - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-25/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-24/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-23/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-22/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-21/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-20/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-19/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-18/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-17/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-16/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-15/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-14/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-13/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-12/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-11/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-10/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-9/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-8/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-7/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-6/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-5/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-4/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-3/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard-2/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donor-dashboard/) - [Home (maintenance)](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/home-page-maintenance/) - Together, we're saving the wilderness and raising the bar for responsible land management in the South Chilcotin Mountains & Bridge River Valley. Join us now! - [Take Action Current](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/take-action-2/) - [Wildlife](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/resource-management/wildlife/) - The North American Wildlife Conservation Model (NAWCM) is a unique system of conservation applied only in Canada and the United States. It is properly referred to as a “model” because it consists of components that are interrelated and transferable between regions. The model originated in the mid 19th century after the near extinction of several - [Grassland and Range](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/resource-management/grassland-and-range/) - Grasslands and range ecosystems are necessary for the agriculture and tourism sectors of the Chilcotin Mountain area. With its native grasses and wildflowers, rangeland insures wildlife subsistance and provides a large number of species with a primary food source. It also allows cattle and horse grazing. These areas need a management plan in order to - [Remember us in your will](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/take-action/remember-us-in-your-will/) - Thank you for considering remembering us in your will! If you have a special connection to nature like us, you can leave a legacy of wilderness stewardship and help us to conserve this are for future generations. If you would like to leave part of your own legacy to help protect this incredible environment, please - [Internships](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/take-action/internships/) - Wilderness Stewardship Foundation offers volunteer based Internships to University students who complete their mandatory internship in the field of environmental protection, wildlife research and natural resource management. Besides students from all over Canada, the Wilderness Stewardship Foundation has good contacts to the USA and Europe. As an intern you will get the opportunity to be - [Hunting as a Management Tool](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/resource-management/wildlife/hunting-as-a-tool-for-wildlife-management/) - The Wilderness Stewardship Foundation sees hunting as one of the tools for managing wildlife populations. Hunters and guide outfitters were the original conservationists, as they had a vested interest in conserving their hunt species. Guide outfitters and hunters have contributed over $120 million to habitat enhancement and wildlife conservation projects since 1981. Hunting also generates - [Resource Management](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/resource-management/) - The Stewardship Foundation strives to undertake sound resource management. We are privileged to live in an area of pristine beauty and it is our duty to be stewards of the area so that it will remain that way for generations to come. The WSF actively participates in management plans of the area, and undertakes a - [Plants](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/projects-old/plants/) - The WSF works in an area of high topographic and climatic variability. This creates a great diversity of plant communities ranging from alpine meadows to mixed forests to marshland. This area is also home to the endangered white bark pine which is a key food source for grizzlies and nutcrackers. Other at-risk species in the - [Animals](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/projects-old/animals/) - The South Chilcotin Mountains are home to an incredible diversity of animals. Most every mammal species found in BC can be found in these mountains due to the range of ecosystems existing here. This is also an area home to several at-risk species including Fisher, California Bighorn Sheep, Grizzly Bear, Wolverine, Gyrfalcon, Northern Goshawk and - [Thank you for your donation](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/thank-you-for-your-donation/) - [Water](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/resource-management/water-and-fishing/) - Ponds, lakes and streams are valuable resources of the the Bridge River Watershed. They are also very sensitive resources that need to be monitored and managed correctly. Two man-made lakes exist in our area, Downton Lake and Carpenter Lake, which are the result of hydro-electric dams. These dams were both constructed in 1948, and have - [Silviculture](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/resource-management/forests/silviculture/) - A silvicultural system is the science behind sustainable, eco-concious logging, covering all activities from planning, harvesting and replanting to tending to the new trees. Each system is developed to meet the unique needs of each forest site and take into consideration ecological factors such as forest age, tree species and ecosystems. Two of the most - [Forests](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/resource-management/forests/) - Canada has almost one quarter of the world’s natural forests which means it has an important role to play in the issues of deforestation and climate change. Its strict regulations and environmental laws governing sustainable forest management practices aim to achieve a balance between economic demands, and the need to protect the quality and value - [Referrals](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/resource-management/referrals/) - The Wilderness Stewardship Foundation works together with many different interest groups in the South Chilcotin Mountains. Together, we want to ensure the ongoing development of the area is sustainable and doesn’t destroy the natural resources we depend on. In order to achieve this, we work on referrals and assessments that are sent to us by - [Park Management](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/resource-management/park-management/) - The South Chilcotin Mountains are a biodiversity hotspot of provincial significance. The British Columbia government recognized this and established the South Chilcotin Mountain Park(SCMP) in 2004. In 2011 BC Parks began working on new management plans for the SCMP and 8 other parks in the Lillooet area. New draft plans have been published and are ## Donation Forms - [Donate](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donations/donate/) - [Donate Here](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/donations/donation/) ## Categories - [Projects](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/category/projects/) - [Animals](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/category/projects/animals/) - The South Chilcotin Mountains are home to an incredible diversity of animals. Most every mammal species found in BC can be found in these mountains due to the range of ecosystems existing here. This is also an area home to several at-risk species including Fisher, California Bighorn Sheep, Grizzly Bear, Wolverine, Gyrfalcon, Northern Goshawk and Bull Trout. WSF has been fortunate enough to inherit 20 years of sightings data from a local guide outfitter. We can use this data to understand the habitat use and migration routes of all large mammals in the area. We can also use it to monitor population health and ratios of males and females. - [Plants](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/category/projects/plants/) - The WSF works in an area of high topographic and climatic variability. This creates a great diversity of plant communities ranging from alpine meadows to mixed forests to marshland. This area is also home to the endangered white bark pine which is a key food source for grizzlies and nutcrackers. Other at-risk species in the area include birdfoot buttercup, five-leaved cinquefoil, narrow-leaved goosefoot and small-fruited willowherb. It is important to conserve this area as it is an important stronghold for many ecosystems found in BC. - [News](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/category/news/) ## Tags - [Whitebark Pine](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/tag/whitebark-pine/) - [Moose](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/tag/moose/) - [South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/tag/south-chilcotin-mountains-provincial-park/) - [Burdock](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/tag/burdock/) - [Invasive Species](https://wilderness.stewardship.foundation/tag/invasive-species/)