Data-Driven Insights for Wildlife Protection

The Valhalla Wilderness Society (VWS) required a comprehensive spatial analysis of forestry cutblocks in relation to sensitive caribou habitat in the southern interior of British Columbia. The goal was to identify where industrial activity overlaps with Ungulate Winter Range, High-Likelihood Ecosystem Restoration zones, old-growth stands, and other protected areas. By comparing datasets across multiple years, we were also able to track changes over time and flag emerging pressures on these landscapes.

Because the analysis involved complex filtering and comparisons, we automated the process so it could be easily repeated with updated datasets. Numerical summaries were produced to show the total area of cutblocks intersecting with key habitat designations. The result was a detailed, data-driven picture of forestry activity within sensitive caribou range. These findings provide VWS with evidence to inform policy discussions, advocate for stronger protections, and raise awareness about the pressures facing endangered caribou populations.