My role as a guide in Conservation TESTIMONIAL

Everyone at the ranch has an important part to play to contribute towards this goal. As guides, while riding the mountain tops on our horses, it is our responsibility to document the sightings of different wildlife species that we see in the mountains. By recording how many species we see, and what their behaviour patterns are, we provide important information that are the basis for taking action and implementing conservation projects. However, it is also our responsibility as mountain guides to educate our guests on flora and fauna and the positive impact they can have by participating in hands-on conservation projects.

So on a horseback wildlife tracking and conservation trip in September, together with our guests and horses, armed with binoculars and many layers of clothing, we would set off each morning before sun-rise, ride up to the top of the ridge line, and scout for wildlife. The amount of wildlife that we saw was incredible. As the South Chilcotin Mountain range is in a biodiversity hotspot, the variation of climate creates a broad range of eco-system types that supports healthy populations of predators and their prey. As such, not only did we see many deer whilst scouting, but we also spotted mountain goats, a grizzly, wolf tracks, cougar tracks, and many different species of birds. The details we record include the date and time we saw the animal, the number in the group, age and sex if we can determine them and details about the animal's behaviour, habitat and distance from us.

Witnessing the broad variation of wildlife first-hand really helped sink-in the importance of protecting the natural environment. In our ever-changing world, it is easy to become self-absorbed in your own problems, and not focus on the bigger picture in life. Through being part of the ranch's efforts to help protect this unique part of BC's wilderness, I am learning that I have to live life with a purpose if I want to achieve a positive impact on my environment, and the natural environment too.”

- Testimonial by Molly