Ministry of Environment Endangered Species and Ecosystems

Provincial Resources

BC Ecosystems Branch (formerly Biodiversity Branch)		The Ecosystems Branch, Ministry of Environment, endeavours to maintain and restore the diversity and abundance of native species and habitats throughout BC, while providing a variety of opportunities for the use and enjoyment of wildlife. Recovery planning is one of the activities undertaken by the Ecosystems Branch.
BC Conservation Data Centre		The British Columbia Conservation Data Centre (CDC) collects and disseminates information on rare and endangered plants, animals and plant communities of BC. The CDC uses a computerized database which provides a centralized and scientific source of information on the status, locations and level of protection of rare organisms and ecosystems. The CDC is part of the Ecosystems Branch in the BC Ministry of Environment. It is also part of NatureServe, an international organization of cooperating Conservation Data Centres and Natural Heritage Programs.
BC Frogwatch		BC Frogwatch is a program designed to collect information on frog and toad populations in British Columbia. The program will soon expand to include salamanders. Frogwatching is a great project for school groups or for adult naturalists.
BCParks		BC Parks website provides information on the provincial system of parks. BC Parks is dedicated to the protection of natural environments for the inspiration, use and enjoyment of the public.
Bridge River Coastal Fish Restoration Program		The Bridge Coastal Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program (BCRP) funds projects to restore fish and wildlife populations and habitat in watersheds impacted by the construction of hydroelectric generation facilities in BC Hydro's Bridge River/Coastal Generation Area.
Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program		A joint initiative between BC Hydro and the Government of British, the Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program delivers projects to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife populations in the Columbia Basin affected by BC Hydro dams. Project reports and update information are available that involve many species at risk including Northern Leopard Frog, Tailed Frog, Great Blue Heron, Bull Trout, Sturgeon, Burbot, Badger, Bighorn Sheep, Painted Turtle, Townsend's Big-eared Bat, and Rubber Boa.
Crown Publications		Crown Publications is the authorized distributor of BC acts, regulations and related legislative publications, such as the Revised Statutes and the Consolidated Regulations,and is licensed to sell selected BC Government Ministry publications and subscriptions. Crown Publications is also an authorized agent for Canadian Federal Government publications, nautical charts, legislation, and topographical maps.
Ecocat: Ecological Reports Catalogue		The Ecological Reports Catalogue provides access to digital reports and publications, along with their associated project files such as maps, datasets and published inventory information. If only a report is present, there are no other associated digital files.
EIRS: Biodiversity/ Environmental Information e-Library		EIRS is a searchable online e-library that provides access to a broad range of environmental and natural resource information for B.C., including publications on species and the habitats in which they live.
Fisheries		Provides information about the status of fish and their habitats in British Columbia. The geography of B.C. offers a great diversity of aquatic habitats that supports a rich variety of flora and fauna. These habitats play a critical role in the survival of the many species that depend upon the aquatic environment during their complex life cycles. Recreational freshwater fishing in B.C. is also part of our lifestyle and our culture. The freshwater and tidal sport fishing sectors provide substantial social, cultural and economic benefits for the province.
Forest and Range Practices Act		Information on the Forest and Range Practices Act of British Columbia, policy direction and information.
Habitat Conservation Trust Fund		The Habitat Conservation Trust Fund was created in 1996 by an amendment to the British Columbia Wildlife Act. Hunters, anglers, trappers and guide-outfitters contribute to the Trust Funds' enhancement and education projects through licence surcharges. The province contributes to the acquisition of land through an annual allocation from the Crown Land Account. Voluntary contributions and the proceeds from the sale of education materials and court awards provide additional revenue.
Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (IWMS)		The Identified Wildlife Management Strategy is a component of the Forest and Range Practices Act of British Columbia. Its goals are to minimize the effects of forest and range practices on Identified Wildlife, and to maintain their limiting habitats throughout their current ranges and, where appropriate, their historic ranges. Identified Wildlife are managed through the establishment of wildlife habitat areas (WHAs) and implementation of general wildlife measures (GWMs), or through other management practices specified in strategic or landscape level plans.
Khoyatan Marine Laboratory		A research facility dedicated to the understanding and stewardship of ecosystems in the Northeast Pacific. Includes a list of endangered invertebrate species with photos.
Land Trust Alliance of BC		The Land Trust Alliance of BC is a non-profit 'umbrella' organization serving over 50 BC land trust organizations and the public. They provide education, research and support. Also at this site is a the BC Lands in Trust Registry.
Legislation		Information about British Columbia Statutes, Acts and Regulations can be found at the Queen's Printer (Ministry of Management Services) website, or printed copies may be purchased through Crown Publications. Crown Publications is the authorized distributor of BC acts, regulations and related legislative publications, such as the Revised Statutes and the Consolidated Regulations.
Library		Information about the special technical library which serves staff of the Ministry of Forests and Range, and the Ministry of Environment throughout the province of British Columbia. Includes a catalogue with over 50,000 records of books and reports in multiple locations, and a comprehensive list of links to environmental information.
Ministry of Forests and Range Research		MoFR Research Branch provides information on biodiversity, silviculture, wildlife habitat and other forestry-related information and holds primary responsibility for vegetation and site classification (BEC) in British Columbia. The CDC Ecological Community lists are based primarily on this vegetation classification.
Naturescape British Columbia		Naturescape British Columbia is a program about restoring, preserving, and enhancing wildlife habitat in our urban and rural landscapes throughout the province. It is a program for people who want to connect more closely with nature in their daily lives.
Peace/Williston Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program		A joint initiative between BC Hydro and the Ministry of Environment, the Peace/Williston Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program was established in 1988 to conserve and enhance fish, wildlife and their habitat within the program area, now and in the future.
Resource Information Standards Committee (RISC)		The Resource Information Standards Committee is responsible for establishing standards for natural and cultural resources inventories, including collection, storage, analysis, interpretation and reporting of inventory data.
Royal BC Museum		The Royal British Columbia Museum, among the finest of regional museums in North America, is committed to research, education, and public involvement - providing opportunities to explore and preserve British Columbia's cultural and natural heritage, to inspire curiosity and wonder, and to share our story with the world.
Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory		The Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory (SEI) project identifies remnants of rare and fragile terrestrial ecosystems in an effort to encourage land-use decisions that will ensure the continued integrity of these ecosystems. It is intended for use in a variety of land-use planning processes. The project originally focused on the east coast of Vancouver Island and adjacent Gulf Islands. It is currently focused on the Sunshine Coast.
State of the Environment Reporting		The State of Environment Reporting Office provides timely, accurate, and easily understood information on environmental conditions and trends that support better decisions, through development and regular release of environmental indicators; production of periodic, comprehensive reports; and contributions to both government- and public-initiated forums on sustainability.
Stewardship Centre for British Columbia		The Stewardship Centre for BC was created to support and advance stewardship activities in British Columbia by providing a centre for information exchange, communications and outreach, and by fostering partnerships and collaboration among those participating in stewardship in B.C.
Wild BC (Project Wild)		A program designed to increase the environmental literacy of British Columbians by providing educational opportunities, by fostering appreciation, knowledge and understanding of the natural world, and by encouraging responsible actions concerning the environment. This is accomplished in part by building a network of knowledgeable educators who have access to quality resources and training so that they can use their teaching skills to create a broader understanding of our natural world.
Wildlife Species Inventory		The Wildlife Species Inventory program is responsible for developing provincial standards for wildlife species inventory, and providing storage of wildlife species inventory data in the Species Inventory (SPI) Data System (the provincial data warehouse for species inventory). Access to SPI is now through the Species Inventory Web Explorer. Wildlife species in this program include all vertebrates except fish (i.e., mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles), some invertebrates (arthropods), vascular plants, non-vascular plants and macrofungi found in British Columbia.