Our Partners – North Region

The Land Conservancy’s North Region starts in the Cariboo, and extends north to Peace River, Nechako and the North Coast. This region covers over half of the province and is characterized by vast areas of wilderness ranging from mountains to coastlines, river valleys, forest, grasslands, and savannah. This area is the source of B.C.’s major rivers (e.g. Fraser, Thompson, Skeena), and has an extensive network of streams, lakes, and wetlands. A broad range of wildlife can be seen throughout this area including Grizzly Bears, caribou, deer, fishers, salmon, Lark Sparrows, Pallid Bats, and Gopher Snakes.

This ecologically-diverse area contains 81% of B.C.’s land zoned as Agricultural Land Reserve. Ranching is the main agricultural activity. In the Cariboo, ranching became part of the landscape in the 1850’s. The Peace and Cariboo alone account for 41% of the provincial beef herd. This region is strongly supported by the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association. The Peace is well-known for producing grain and oilseed crops.

There are other types of land-based food production in the North beyond beef and grain. While Terrace is the northern limit for fruit trees, B.C. farmers’ markets can be found throughout the North where locally grown produce is sold.

Fragmentation of ranch land is a threat to both conservation of the North’s natural habitat and to the future of ranching and farming.

Ranching is vital for retaining grasslands, wetlands, and riparian areas. B.C. grasslands are a scarce and fragile ecosystem; home to nearly one-third of B.C.’s endangered species (e.g. Lewis’ woodpecker). The Grassland Conservation Council is a key player in the protection and management of B.C.’s grasslands in partnership with farmers and ranchers in the North, Okanagan, and Kootenay Regions.

In return for their public conservation efforts beyond regulatory requirements, ranchers and farmers can be partially compensated through programs as the provincial Environmental Farm Plan Program, Farmland-Riparian Interface Stewardship Program (B.C. Cattlemen’s Association), and purchase of land or covenants by land trusts. In some cases, they can sell their product at a higher price where consumers can acknowledge their food is being produced in an environmentally sustainable way (e.g. grass-fed beef, Certified organic, Local Food Plus certified).

TLC Conservation Partners undertake a wide variety of management activities in the North that promote healthy ecosystems, protect endangered species, sequester carbon, and benefit their business. These activities include protecting sensitive wildlife habitat, using managed grazing to enhance grasslands, using organic or low-input practices, fencing riparian areas, and holistic ranching (raising a diversity of livestock and crops making use of natural cycles).

TLC Conservation Partners – North Region

TLC Agriculture Properties – North Region

Other Resources

To find a farmers’ market in the North, visit the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets

Indigenous peoples have long made use of the natural abundance in the North, especially salmon. For more information, visit the B.C. Indigenous Food Systems Network