Canada and Partners Conserve 45,000 Hectares of Kootenay Forest Lands in British Columbia

The Nature Conservancy of Canada, alongside the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, Elk Valley Resources, and other partners, has announced the conservation of 45,000 hectares of timberland in southeastern British Columbia known as the Kootenay Forest Lands. This project, one of Canada's largest private land conservation efforts, is supported by the Ktunaxa Nation and aims to preserve wildlife corridors vital for species such as grizzly bears and bull trout.

The initiative received $20 million from the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund and $7 million from the Old Growth Nature Fund. The Kootenay Forest Lands will transition to conservation management, enhancing carbon storage and resilience against climate threats. This project supports Canada's goal to conserve 30% of land and water by 2030.