Natural Resources
Wildlife Habitat
The open Douglas fir stands and waterways that characterize our lands, the Coldwater Valley is considered to be an area of high importance to biodiversity. The area is considered to be an important Ungulate Winter Range for threatened mountain caribou and other species, a consideration for any development in the area. Other sensitive species and provincially red-listed and blue-listed species known to move in, around and through our reserves and traditional territory include the Williamson’s sapsucker, the flammulated owl, mountain goats, coastal tailed frogs, American badgers (which is on the federal Species at Risk list) and even grizzly bears.
The Coldwater River is classified as critical fish habitat and is part of a complex watershed that includes the Nicola, Thompson and Fraser Rivers. Riparian areas as well as seasonal and permanent waterways exist within this watershed region. Proposed development activities in the region should ensure that these sensitive areas are spared from any additional pressures.
Timber Resources
Douglas fir and lodgepole pine dominate the forests in the lower and mid-elevation areas on Coldwater lands. The higher elevations are characterized by hybrid spruce and lodgepole pine. Over the past century, our lands have been subject to extensive logging and the Band is committed to working with local forestry companies to develop and implement sustainable forestry practices throughout the territory.
Mining and Minerals
The Nicola Valley is an active area for mining and mineral exploration. In fact, Paul’s Basin IR#2 is completely surrounded by mineral tenures. Additional mineral tenures are held throughout the territory, except in deep valley bottoms where the cost of exploration is prohibitive.
