Protected area overview
Sustut Protected Area primarily plays a conservation role, providing habitat to mountain goats, grizzly and black bears, and caribou. It covers a large tract of virtually undisturbed land, providing representation of the moist cold Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir biogeoclimatic subzone.
Advisories
Safety info
- There are no developed trails in the protected area.
Camping
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
Activities
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
This protected area is open to hunting during the lawful game season. See the British Columbia Hunting and Trapping regulations synopsis for further details.
Access to the protected area is by air.
Learn more about this protected area
Protected area details
- Date established: April 18, 2001
- Size: 2,242 hectares
Protected area contact
BC Parks
250-847-7260
Nature and culture
History
Sustut Protected Area was designated by the provincial government in 2001 following recommendations from the Fort St. James Land and Resource Management Plan.
Cultural Heritage
The protected area lies within the asserted traditional territories of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, Gitxsan First Nation and Tsay Keh Dene Nation.
Conservation
The Connelly Range and Hogem Ranges of the Omenica Mountains are protected in this vast wilderness area. The complex of mature, old-growth and wetland forests provide an excellent representation of the moist cold Engelmann spruce subalpine fir biogeoclimatic subzone. Volcanic features such as fumaroles and basalt cliffs are found in the area.
Wildlife
Mountain goats find high value habitat on the basaltic cliffs in the protected area, while large tracts of pristine wilderness provide habitat for caribou, grizzly and black bear, and stone sheep. Salmon and steelhead are found within the waters of the Atsitka and Sustut Rivers.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.