Mountain Masters

Mountain Goats - Alpine Experts

Mountain goats are masters of the vertical world. These shaggy, white-coated animals are skilled climbers who can balance on a spot no bigger than a Loonie. An adult mountain goat can weigh between 80 and 100 kilograms, as much as a black bear. Their gymnastic ability to scale a mountainside can be breathtaking.

Western Canada is made for mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus.) Bill Jex, BC Gov’t sheep & goat biologist estimates that between 40,000 and 70,000 of them range throughout BC’s backcountry alone, making up half the global population of this species. COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) lists them as not at risk, but there have been localized extirpations and declining populations in areas of southern BC.  Parks Canada considers goats an indicator species of ecosystem health and climate change impacts because of their unique ability to occupy the harsh, snowy alpine environment..

In very rare occasions these alpine ungulates can be as dangerous as they are beautiful. In 2010, a mountain goat in Washington State’s Olympic National Park killed a 63-year-old hiker (mountain goats successfully colonized the Olympic Range after humans introduced them to the area in the 1920s as prey for hunters.) Last September backpackers reported finding a dead grizzly near a trail crossing Yoho National Parks’ Burgess Pass. The cause, according to Parks Canada; death by a mountain goat horn.

Are you a wildlife advocate, enthusiast or just like to learn more? I encourage you to read our latest blog post.

Take good care.

Brad Harrison
Executive Director, BLBCA
ed@blbca.com

What is Parks Day?

Parks across Canada celebrated Parks Day, a national day to recognize the importance of parks and the contributions they make to healthy, happy, and diverse ecosystems. This year's Parks Day occured on the third Saturday in July (July 16, 2022) and provided Canadians with an opportunity to participate in fun, educational, and family-oriented events at parks and historic sites across the country. Visitors were encouraged to spend the day in a park near you and enjoy nature with their family and close friends.

If you missed out this year's celebration be sure to watch for the 2023 event. Add some fun to your outdoor adventure and go on a photo safari or become a citizen scientist. For ideas how to celebrate, download our colouring page or family activities sheet (suitable for ages 8 and up).

In BC, partners this year included the BC Parks Foundation, NatureKids BC and Power to Be.  All are wonderful organizations.

Parks Day is a time to reflect on the importance of parks and to appreciate how they support health and well-being. Please treat Mother Nature kindly, with respect and care.

Abbot Pass Hut Officially Removed 

End of a Historic Mountain Hut

We still can't get over the loss of this iconic, legendary facility. Real tragedy for the mountaineering community and hard to fathom. Very likely one of the most iconic and well known alpine huts in North America, definitely in Canada. I wil always cherish the memories I have enjoyed there.

Parks Canada has completed the dismantling and removed of the hut. Decline of the slope stability forced the removal. According to Parks Canada officials the actual structure was sound and could have stayed in place for several more decades. How many houses in your neighbourhood can make that claim? Remember the hut was built in 1922. It was named for Philip Abbot who was unfortunately the first recorded mountaineering fatality in North America.

I recommend reading The Tyee's "Requiem for a Sanctuary" written by Sid Marty, well-known Alberta writer and conservationist.

Stay connected, follow the BLBCA on Twitter @bcbackcountry 

Employment Opportunities

Always wanted to work in BC’s beautiful backcountry or a related industry?

You could be in luck! Below is a listing of current positions available at some of the BLBCA’s 32 member lodges or throughout our valued partner network. Please read each appropriate listing and apply via the contact provided.

Share your backcountry adventures, tag photos with:
#myBCbackcountry | #exploreBC