Click here to view our History

Dedicated to land-use planning that reflects economic, social, and environmental integrity, Kirksland Restoration Society is a registered non-profit BC Society, which has been building a strong basis of local support from both groups and individuals.

Kirksland, a thin sliver of privately owned property connecting the Western flank of Kootenay National Park to the Columbia Riverlands, the longest intact Wetlands in North America.

Main Objectives Negotiate the purchase and control of the Kirk Forest Products Ltd. Property making up the Edgewater Range. Protect wildlife habitat and corridors. Protect water resources. Maintain traditional access and use. Provide for low impact, traditionally based economic opportunities (i.e.: tree farming, ranching, ecotourism). Provide controlled growth of existing settlements. Provide opportunity for local public consensus and management. Create a community-based council to develop guidelines and later to manage the land.

Water Resources The oldest working irrigation flume in British Columbia continues to serve over 80 farms and ranches in this part of the Columbia Valley. The main lines of this system stretch across 8.5 km. Of the Kirk's property. The Upper Ranch, the oldest working ranch in the District, runs its ditch irrigation system across Kirksland. The water system for the village of Edgewater flows from McCauley Creek and Baptiste Lake, also located on the Kirk's Property.			Economic activities Traditional forest operations included selective logging and Christmas tree farming. Agricultural pursuits such as farming, ranching, and range leasing have been ongoing. The rangeland of the Kirksland is a valuable resource as such benchland range is a necessary seasonal supplement to the irrigated farmland. Access for guiding and outfitting has allowed entry to adjacent Crown lands. All these activities have provided opportunities for local employment.
Recreation For over 20 years, skiers have enjoyed the very popular, well-maintained 26 km. Columbia Valley Nordic Club trail system which lies across this land. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders use the same trails during the summer months. Canoe access to the Columbia River is another important recreational consideration. Bird watchers delight in the abundant waterfowl of the Columbia Wetlands. Hunters and anglers have also used traditional access paths and trails through Kirksland to nearby Crown Lands			Heritage The Vermillion Irrigation Flume is the oldest system of its kind in this part of Canada. The flume is an amazing feat of engineering that moves vital irrigation water across very difficult terrain. Many of the original timbers of the structure are still in place. It has been well-maintained by local farmers over its more than 80 year history. One of the region's oldest houses is located on the Kirksland. The Upper Ranch house is in restored condition. The ancient trail to the fabled Vermilion "paint pots" and on to the buffalo hunting grounds in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains crosses the Kirksland.

Habitat Values This land has exceptionally high values for elk, mule deer, whitefall and bighorn sheep - for winter range especially. For other species such as black bear , coyote, goat, wolf, and cougar, this area is very important for movement corridors. There are very high values for some blue-listed species such as badger and grizzly. The land is prime hawk and eagle habitate, with many feeding, nesting, and roosting sites. Waterfowl abound in it's marshes and wetlands. This benchland terrain is extremely rich and diverse in habitate potentials. It connects Kootenay National Park with the internationally reconised Columbia River Wetlands. Kirksland also lies within the Yukon to Yellowknife corridor.