The BCSF, in preparation for the caribou herd planning being proposed for B.C., sought to hire a biologist. To hire this biologist, we approached the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) and the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) to obtain funding. We were successful in securing US$10,000 from ISMA and a commitment from CCSO of additional funds we can apply for if needed. This will be added to the BCSF funds remaining from our GoFundMe Campaign of last season so that we can attend meetings and hire consultants.
The BCSF is excited to share that we have chosen to hire a biologist named Mike Schlegel from Grangeville, Idaho. Mike is a biologist with a master’s degree in wildlife management who has worked with mountain caribou extensively.
He has retired from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game but worked closely with the Canadian government on caribou recovery plans in his previous role. He has worked closely with snowmobile organizations in the U.S. to maintain access, where appropriate, or to educate users on the science that backs the decision.
Mike’s role with the BCSF will be to assist our member clubs through the Herd Planning Process. This will include helping us:
● Understand the science being presented,
● Ensure that what is being proposed is current science,
● Ensure that actions proposed support stated recovery objectives,
● Write formal engagement responses, and
● Provide specific scientific support when needed.
A big thank you to ISMA and the CCSO for their continued support and financial backing for snowmobiling in B.C.!
