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A Vancouver Island bear den enhancement project supported by TimberWest Forest Corp has already demonstrated interest from the local black bear population. Led by Helen Davis of Artemis Wildlife Consultants, the project attempts to use a new and innovative approach to increase availability of black bear dens in the Jordan River watershed using existing forest structures and plastic culverts. This is the first year of a proposed two-year project, funded by BC Hydro’s Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Coastal Region, on TimberWest Forest Corps lands and a Tree Farm License (TFL) operated by Pacheedaht Anderson Timber Holdings LP.
The plastic den culverts, constructed by Armtec Infrastructure in Nanaimo, simulate naturally-occurring den structures, closed at one end and open at the other, to allow entry by black bears. Monitored via remote cameras, Davis and her team have observed that one of the three artificial black bear dens, installed in July 2014, was already being investigated by a black bear just a few days after installation. In addition to the artificial dens, Davis and her crew are improving available den habitat by cutting entrances into large standing hollow cedar trees and turning large stumps with hollow centres into dens by covering the top and creating an entry for bears.
TimberWest Senior Biologist Dave Lindsay initiated a company-wide bear den inventory in the early 1990s which has been diligently maintained and continues today in the company’s second-growth forests. “The results of this study combined with our den inventory will help us maintain healthy black bear populations across our land base.” says Lindsay.
The Pacheedaht First Nation has been actively involved and supports the project as black bears figure prominently in their culture. They expressed their hope that improving and maintaining a supply of dens will maintain black bear populations.
Projects of this nature have significant environmental value, allowing researchers to gather accurate details about local bears’ general living and territorial habits. This data provides excellent information for forest management planning, recreational planning and for the general well-being of bear populations in the area.
About TimberWest
TimberWest Forest Corp. (timberwest.com) is uniquely positioned as western Canada's largest private timber and land management company. TimberWest is a leader in sustainable forest management and is committed to Vancouver Island communities.
About Artemis Wildlife Consultants
Artemis Wildlife Consultants is operated by Helen Davis, a Registered Professional Biologist and focuses on developing and implementing conservation programs for a wide variety of wildlife, concentrating primarily on research and conservation of black bears, grizzly bears, and species at risk.
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hainesl[.]timberwest.com 
