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The Omineca Mountains are located in remote North Central British Columbia and are relatively isolated from surrounding mountain ranges. As a consequence of this isolation, the 133,369 hectare (329,568 acre) Omineca Provincial Park and Protected Area contains some unique ecological values. The area contains a calving ground for the at-risk Northern Woodland Caribou habitat and also important winter wildlife habitat. Visitors to the park will soon discover the beauty that local residents have worked hard to preserve for many years. The park's crystal clear lakes, pristine rivers, and majestic peaks offer an experience of solitude that only wilderness can provide.

location

Omineca Provincial Park is from Highway 97 turning left just before Mackenzie (10 km after the small town McLeod Lake) onto the Finlay Forest Service Road. This road is only suitable for travel in the summer, and even then it is best suited to four-wheel drive vehicles. This road leads directly into and through the park, just north of the tiny communities of Manson Creek and Germansen Landing.


Click on the map to view an enlargement


"The park's crystal clear lakes, pristine rivers and majestic peaks are remote and wild, a dream to those seeking the solitude only wilderness can provide."


wildlife

This park protects an excellent example of the Omineca Mountains, and of the north central region of the province, and contains a variety of ecosystems including forests, wetlands, and alpine. Omineca contains the spring calving area for the Northern Woodland Caribou, which is considered to be an at-risk species. The park also contains important mountain goat, and wolverine habitat. The area along the Omineca River is particularly important to moose and waterfowl, as it provides significant winter habitat.

recreation

This park has a variety of recreational opportunities including camping, fishing, swimming and hiking. There are 4 vehicle accessible campsites available on a first-come first-serve basis, and backcountry wilderness camping is permitted throughout the park. Omineca River is a good location for flatwater canoeing and kayaking, but visitors should take care, as there are logjams in the river that can cause problems. Nina Lake, although difficult to reach, is a wild and beautiful setting for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. The park is a wonderful for hiking and walking, and there are numerous undeveloped trails.


"Omineca contains the spring calving area for the Northern Woodland Caribou, which is considered to be an at-risk species."


history

The area's earliest use by native groups is confirmed by the presence of a prehistoric graveyard on the Omineca River. Later, non-native residents came to the area because of the Omineca gold rush of 1870-1872.

Many years later, in the 1990s, residents of the nearby small communities of Manson Creek and Germansen Landing were instrumental in leading the campaign to save Omineca Provincial Park and Recreation Area. At one time supported primarily by mining, over the years the remote location of these towns had attracted many people looking for a back-to-the-land lifestyle, and they were determined to retain the wilderness they valued so highly. Consequently, in the late 1980s these residents first formed a very active citizens group to oppose logging in the area. Then in the late 1990s when the Mackenzie Land & Resource Management Plan (LRMP) negotiations took place these residents were again very active in ensuring that an Omineca Mountains Park would be part of the protected area package. BC Parks, who also recognised that the area had important conservation values, were also supportive.

The Omineca Mountain range is fairly isolated and features ecological values not found further north in either Spatsizi or the Northern Rockies. In fact, the LRMP process identified the area as the best representation of the Southern Omineca Mountains Landscape Area and also recognised it for its important caribou and moose habitat. Omineca was designated a Class A Provincial Park on April 11th, 2001.


"...the LRMP process identified the area as the best representation of the Southern Omineca Mountains Landscape Area and also recognised it for its important caribou and moose habit."



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