EVR contributes $20 million to conserve 45,000 hectares of land in the Elk Valley

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), in partnership with EVR, the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and other public and private partners, today announced the successful conservation of 45,000 hectares of timberland in southeastern BC — one of Canada’s largest private land conservation projects to date.

“Through our $20 million contribution to the Kootenay Forest Lands project, EVR is helping to conserve vital habitat while creating lasting social benefits for local communities,” said Mike Carrucan, CEO, EVR. “We are committed to partnering with Indigenous Peoples, government and other stakeholders to conserve areas of social, cultural and ecological value and are proud that our contribution is a key enabler in making the Kootenay Forest Lands project a reality, protecting land in the region where we operate for generations to come.”

Known as the Kootenay Forest Lands, the project is located within the homelands of the Ktunaxa Nation, which has endorsed the project. Kootenay Forest Lands will now be held under conservation stewardship for generations to come, delivering ecological, cultural and community benefits at a scale rarely seen in Canada.

“The Kootenay Forest Lands are an example of what’s possible when we lead through collaboration,” said Catherine Grenier, President & CEO, Nature Conservancy of Canada. “Projects like this turn ambition into action: protecting nature, supporting communities, and proving that conservation is one of our most powerful climate solutions. It’s proof of what we can accomplish when we come together for nature.”

The Kootenay Forest Lands contributes to a network of more than 7,000 square kilometres of protected areas in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and into Montana. This landscape is vital for wildlife movement and ecological health, supporting grizzly bears, wolverine, lynx and bull trout. It also features rare high-elevation grasslands, ancient forests, and numerous streams that feed into the Elk River, a waterway renowned for its world-class fly fishing.

Public recreation access will continue, and stewardship decisions will be shaped in collaboration with local Indigenous Nations, communities and partners to honour cultural traditions, protect wildlife and waters and strengthen community well-being.

Quick facts

Size: 45,000 hectares — one of the largest private land acquisitions for conservation in Canadian history.
Watersheds: Influences 42 watersheds and conserves 930 km of streams, securing clean water and healthy fisheries.
Climate: Old growth and mature forests provide vital carbon storage; regenerating lands will sequester additional CO₂.
Wildlife: Critical habitat for at risk species such as grizzly bear, badger, whitebark pine, bull trout, and bighorn sheep.
Community: Lands neighbour Fernie, Elkford and Canal Flats; management will enhance fire and flood mitigation and maintain recreation.

You can learn more about the Kootenay Forest Lands project on the NCC website here.