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British
Columbia Heritage Rivers Program |
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Atnarko River
From its origin in Charlotte Lake to its junction with the Telchako River where the Bella Coola River begins, the Atnarko is approximately 100 kilometres long. For much of its length, the Atnarko River flows through the southern end of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. The river has cut a fairly steep-sided valley through a landscape characterized by a complex geology of volcanic activity, sedimentary folding and granite intrusions. Tributaries tend to be in hanging valleys. Wildlife populations thrive in this environment. Native species found in the area include grizzly and black bear, moose, mule deer, mountain goat, cougar, wolf, coyote, red fox, and river otter. In addition to its wildlife habitats, the Atnarko River supports many human activities. The river's fish stocks are among the most important of its economic qualities, as they support a Native food fishery, and a large sport fishery. The Atnarko River also supports recreational uses, such as camping, canoeing, wildlife viewing, hunting, and mountain biking. The wide variety of recreational interests supported by the Atnarko system make it a popular area for tourists and recreationists of all types. In the river's upper reaches beyond Tweedsmuir Park, logging is the dominant industrial interest although little activity has taken place to date. A wide variety of interest groups are active on behalf of the Atnarko River including conservationists, commercial guides, anglers, and boaters. The local First Nations, the Nuxalk and Ulkatcho Bands, also have a continuing interest in the Atnarko. These groups have focused their attention on initiatives such as salmon enhancement programs, protection of grizzly bear habitat, and maintenance of the river as a high-quality recreational and tourism corridor. The Atnarko River is within a provincial land use planning area referred to as the Central Coast Land and Resource Management Plan. Proclaimed BC Rivers:
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