Our Values
Connectivity
The Elk Valley is a globally significant connectivity corridor for large ungulates and bears. The Valley provides a critical genetic link for large mammal populations to the south in the USA and Banff National Park to the north. The Elk and adjoining Flathead Valleys have been called the most important wildlife corridor in all of North America. That link is a natural resource of incalculable value.
Connectivity corridors for animal movement are a fundamental aspect of ecological processes. You can learn more about connectivity corridors in the Elk Valley by reading the Cumulative Effects Management Study published in 2019, the Elk Valley Regional Land Trust Conservation Plan published in June 2021, or the Report on Conservation Options for the Elk and Flathead Valley’s published in June, 2022 here.
Conservation
While the Land Trust has a specific interest in acquiring land within connectivity corridors, we also focus on parcels that may make smaller contributions to large animal connectivity but have conservation value in their own right. This is particularly so of wintering and calving grounds, parcels offering good rehabilitation potential, and parcels within the watershed of the Elk River that may impact the natural environment of the River itself.
Healthy forests are an essential component of a healthy environment. Maintaining healthy forests that can be enjoyed for generations is critical to our ecosystems, biodiversity, land air and water. The ELK River is a primary habitat of the Westslope cutthroat trout, and Bull Trout. Increased runoff from logging operations threatens those populations. Protecting our forests and where necessary rehabilitating forest areas that have suffered damage are critical to protecting healthy watersheds.
Sustainable Use
The relationship between the natural environment and the human environment in the Valley is one of interdependence. Connecting the community with nature
- ensures opportunities for present and future generations to build connections to the land and each other.
- contributes to a healthy and vibrant community and economy.
Sustainable Use is use that does not lead to the long-term degradation of the environment or wildlife, and which maintains the ability to meet the needs of both wildlife and human life into future generations.
More About Us, What We Do, and How We Do It
You may have questions. We are always available to answer them – just reach out to our Executive Director, Kevin LaRoche at kevin.laroche@elkvalleylandtrust.org. We will be glad to set up a conversation. In the meantime, you can learn more about us, what we do and how we do it in the following pages.
