Churn Creek Protected Area, Wilderness conservation area near Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada.
Churn Creek Protected Area is a conservation zone along the western bank of the Fraser River in British Columbia featuring grasslands, deep canyons, and elevated benchlands spread across roughly 37,000 hectares. The terrain varies across the region, creating diverse habitats and visual contrasts as you move through the landscape.
The provincial government established the protected area in 1995 following recommendations from a regional land use plan aimed at conserving grassland ecosystems. This action sought to preserve the natural character and biological diversity of the region for the future.
Archaeological sites reveal that Tsilhqot'in and Secwepemc peoples lived here for thousands of years, shaping the land through their settlements and way of life. Visitors can still find traces of pithouse villages and stone artifacts scattered across the landscape.
The remote location requires several hours of driving on rough clay and gravel roads, so a reliable vehicle is essential for visiting. Plan ahead by bringing sufficient supplies, as the nearest services are considerably far from the area.
Working ranches operate within the protected area rather than being excluded from it, creating a blend of livestock farming and conservation that began when the government purchased Empire Valley Ranch in 1998. This approach demonstrates how traditional land use and wildlife protection can coexist.
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