When viewing caves, the fragile nature of these systems and the potential hazards associated with them must be recognized. Visitors should be aware of the numerous vertical openings and irregular terrain of surface karst. Inexperienced visitors wishing to view caves should consider joining a caving club.
Bocock Peak Provincial Park
- White-Nose Syndrome
White-nose Syndrome is a fungal disease that has been linked to the mass die-off of hibernating bats in Eastern North America - it poses a significant threat to bats of the west and British Columbia. There is evidence that humans have accelerated the spread through entering caves with contaminated clothing, gear or equipment. Therefore, prevention strategies are focussed on public education/awareness to prevent the introduction of the fungus through human activities. There are currently (JUNE 2011) no reported cases of WNS west of the Rockies.
To ensure the protection of bats and their habitat in this park, B.C. Parks strongly advises that personal caving gear that has been used anywhere east of the Rockies not be used in BC and that cavers and visitors read the following fact sheet on decontamination before entering caves in BC.
Supporting Decontamination Documentation for Cavers [pdf]
Biosecurity Protocol For Research Visits To Bat Hibernacula In Ontario [pdf]
About This Park
Bocock Peak Provincial Park is a remote, high elevation park located on the continental divide in the headwaters of the Peace River. It contains distinct geological features such as limestone cave systems and preserves important wildlife habitat.
Park Size: 1,143 hectares
Location and Maps
Bocock Peak Provincial Park is located south of the Peace Arm of Williston Lake and adjacent to Eleven Mile Creek, approximately 70 km west of Hudson's Hope. There are no designated trails to this remote area.
Nature and Culture
- History - The Dawson Creek Land and Resource Management Plan identified the importance of protected status for this area in 1998 and subsequently it was established as a Provincial Park in 2000.
- Cultural Heritage - Bocock Peak Provincial Park is within the area traditionally used by the West Moberly, Salteau and Halfway First Nations.
- Conservation - Bocock Peak Provincial Park is located in the Hart Ranges ecosection. It contains three significant limestone cave systems, the deepest of which at 253 m is the ninth deepest cave system in Canada. Limestone cave systems (also known as Karst) are extremely fragile ecosystems that are especially vulnerable to disturbance, more so than many other land resources. The intricate relationship between the unique surface characteristics and the subsurface caves and hydrology makes for a delicately balanced system.
- Wildlife (specific to this park or area) - Grizzly and black bear are found throughout the area. Mountain goat can be found in the upper elevations with moose in the lower valley. Numerous small mammals such as pine marten, marmots and porcupine also call this area home.
Management Planning
Management Planning Information
- Online Management planning information for this park is not available at this time.
Activities Available at this Park
Caving
Cycling
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Hunting
Wildlife Viewing
Winter Recreation
Facilities Available at this Park
Campfires
