What do the latest snowpack surveys mean for the summer ahead, and the future of B.C.'s power system?

Graeme Lee Rowlands explores the connection between the snow on our mountains, the water in our rivers and the electricity powering our homes in the context of current events.

Wildsight news : Southern Rockies

More than a trail: The ecological footprint of access

April 9, 2025 by Amelia Caddy

Resource roads offer easy access to B.C.'s backcountry — but at what cost to wildlife? We explore the ecological toll of roads and recreation, and how smarter management could help protect species like grizzlies and elk.

The grizzly fate of bears on Elk Valley rails

October 23, 2024 by Amelia Caddy

The death of a collared grizzly and a grain spillage earlier earlier this year highlighted the threat that Elk Valley railway lines pose to grizzly bears and other wild animals—and the need for immediate solutions.

How does mountain biking affect wildlife in the Elk Valley?

July 11, 2024 by Amelia Caddy

Fernie, in British Columbia's Elk Valley, might be best known as a ski town, but when the snow melts and the bears wake up, residents and visitors alike flock to the city's world-class network of mountain biking…

The cost of coal to climate change

July 20, 2022 by Wildsight

If Elk Valley coal mine emissions from coal in the ground to steel in hand were included in British Columbia's total greenhouse gas emissions, it would increase British Columbia's total greenhouse gas emissions by 115%, but they aren…

The cost of coal to human health

June 20, 2022 by Wildsight

From Appalachia to India, research has uncovered the potential harms open-pit coal mining has on the environment and human health. In this second instalment of our series, 'The True Cost of Coal', we take a look at the impacts…

Logging threatens important caribou habitat

September 21, 2021 by Wildsight

Deep in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Louisiana Pacific (LP) is building a new road and is about to log important habitat for endangered mountain caribou. Multiple mountain caribou sightings in and adjacent to planned cut-blocks have been…

Your voice matters

July 23, 2021 by Randal Macnair

At times most of us have felt that we are nothing but a voice in the wilderness. We speak out to industry or government and little seems to change. A letter is written with no reply nor result and we…

How can one lake have two different water pollution limits?

March 25, 2021 by Lars Sander-Green

Montana sets selenium pollution limit for Koocanusa, while BC stalls Late last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved a new, lower limit for selenium pollution limit in Lake Koocanusa in Montana based on six years of study from…

Unchecked recreation or restored balance

March 24, 2021 by Robyn Duncan

A survey is seeking feedback on the Koocanusa Recreation Strategy until March 28. Please take a minute to support this recreation strategy and help to restore balance to the landscape.

A Global Movement for Nature: Protect 30% by 2030

March 24, 2021 by Robyn Duncan

There is a growing global movement to protect nature. More than 75% of the earth has been significantly altered by human activities and 66% of the ocean is experiencing direct impacts from people. In response, governments around the world are…

Upcoming events

Backyard Farmers Spring Social & Info
Kimberley & Cranbrook
Thursday, May 29
An information session for the Backyard Farmers Program and a chance to meet with other garden enthusiasts.
Columbia Lake Weed Pull
Invermere
Saturday, June 14
Led by the fun and knowledgeable weed-busting folk from East Kootenay Invasive Species Council, we'll head out on trails, shoreline or access tracks…
Old Growth Run — Revelstoke
Revelstoke, Regional
Saturday, June 14
Join Wildsight for a 5km fun run near Revelstoke, visit some big trees, and learn all about these rare stands of old growth Inland Temperate Rainforest!
Columbia River Field School
Regional
July 12 - July 26
The Columbia River Field School is a summer learning adventure for students aged 15-18. Participants will paddle key sections of the Canadian side of…
Go Wild!
Regional
July 27 - August 1
Go Wild! challenges youth through a six-day wilderness backpacking trip into the spectacular Kootenay backcountry. Go Wild! isn’t just a backpacking trip: it…

What do the latest snowpack surveys mean for the summer ahead, and the future of B.C.'s power system?

Wildsight news : Southern Rockies

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