Grassland and Range
Grasslands and ranges are ecosystems necessary for the agriculture and tourism sector in the Chilcotin Mountain area.
With its native grasses and wildflowers, rangeland insures wildlife subsistance and provides them with a primary food source. It also allows cattle and horse grazing.
These areas need a management plan in order to prevent conflicts between commercial use and wildlife. Protecting these ecosystems from forest encroachement or overuse, will ensure the sustainability of the resource.
Ongoing projects
A Subalpine Grass study has been carried out since 2005 in the South Chilcotin Mountains by Chilcotin Holidays staff and guests.
The purpose of the project is to establish a benchmark on the types of grasses, flowering plants and shrubs present in 30 locations in the Chilcotin Mountains and Bridge River Watershed. This has been achieved in 20 locations to date. The native grasses are still abundant. There are no invasive weeds in any of the locations.
Future projects
The spreading of invasive plants has to be monitored regarding rate and affected areas.
An estimation of the danger to grasslands by encroaching forest is necessary.