THE LAST GREY GHOSTS
As an outdoors pursuit organization, The Grey Ghost Pursuit is cognizant of its responsibility in raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation efforts, implementing sustainable land practices, and supporting organizations that work towards maintaining wildlife habitat and protecting endangered species in the Kootenay region.
The last caribou in the south Selkirk Mountains have been disappearing for the last several years and are now functionally extinct. Known as 'Grey Ghosts' because they were only rarely glimpsed, the southern mountain herd differed from other types of caribou found on the arctic tundra. These animals were also called deep snow caribou for their unique feeding behaviour. As snow built up in the winter, the herd headed higher into the mountains where they stood on the snow to reach and feed on lichen that grew on the branches of old-growth trees.
​In 2009, the Grey Ghost herd had about 50 animals and was declining. Wildlife officials in Canada attempted to protect them by killing wolves, which occasionally preyed on the few remaining caribou. But, according to some experts, the cause of the extirpation of this herd and the decline of other caribou in Canada is extensive industrial development. Permitted logging road building, unsustainable recreation, oil and gas development, and mining in caribou habitat has predictably led to the functional loss of this herd in southern British Columbia. ​
SAVE RECORD RIDGE
W.H.Y. Resources, an Alberta-based company, has applied to start an open pit magnesium mimne on Record Ridge, 7.5 km from Rossland, BC. If approved, the mine will impact the Seven Summits recreational hiking and mountain biking trail and poses a severe threat to the environment, recreation, and well-being of Rossland and its surrounding communities.
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The Save Record Ridge Society has commenced an initiative to oppose the mine. For more information about their activities or to sign their petition, please visit: www.saverecordridge.ca.
Your Registration Supports Save Record Ridge & Its Wildlife Conservation Efforts​
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The Grey Ghost Pursuit is committed to preserving the natural environment and wildlife that surrounds us. We are heartbroken to see the devastating impact that extensive industrial development has had on the Grey Ghost herd of caribous in the Selkirk Mountains. To aid efforts to protect priority habitat and endangered species and to prevent their disappearance, The Grey Ghost Pursuit will donate 5% of any profits to the Save Record Ridge Society. With your registration, you are accelerating conservation efforts and helping find solutions to rapid biodiversity decline and climate change.
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