The Effects of Non-Mechanized Winter Backcountry Recreation on the Mountain Caribou in Stagleap Provincial Park

The mountain caribou populations have been declining over much of the historic range of this species and studies are ongoing to determine the causes of these declines. Poor forest practices have been the blame for most of the decline, but recently winter backcountry recreation has become a concern. As Stagleap Provincial Park is home to the South Selkirk herd for part of the year, and winter backcountry recreation is very popular in this park, a study to determine the affects of winter backcountry use is vital to support the informed development of guidelines to help preserve the remaining caribou in this herd. The results of this paper's research indicate that winter backcountry recreation has minimal impact on the mountain caribou during the period of mid-November to mid-April. During these times, caribou migrate North East of the park to wintering areas such as Wolf Ridge, Waldie Lake, Arkansas Creek and Next Creek. However, the caribou return to the park in late April, and with local ski hills also closing at this time, there may be an increase of backcountry recreational use in Stagleap Park from skiers seeking that last bit of powder. This may cause increased stress impacts to animals that are already winter stressed. Until more is known about the effects of backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, a cautious approach to managing the level of recreational use should be taken in late winter caribou habitat in Stagleap Park.