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Porcupine Meadows Provincial Park
A map showing the location of the park in British Columbia
A map showing the location of the park in British Columbia
LocationBritish Columbia, Canada
Nearest cityKamloops
Coordinates50°59′01″N 120°32′10″W / 50.98361°N 120.53611°W / 50.98361; -120.53611
Area27.04 km2 (10.44 sq mi)
EstablishedApril 30, 1996 (1996-04-30)
Governing bodyBC Parks

Porcupine Meadows Provincial Park is a 2,704 hectare[1] provincial park in British Columbia, Canada, located north of Tranquille Lake to the northwest of Kamloops. Its name is a direct translation of the Shuswap word for this area, "pisitsoolsia", named so for the numerous porcupine in the area.[2]

Region

The park is on the southern end of the Bonaparte Plateau. It contains extensive sub-alpine wetlands, meadows and old growth forests. It is the highest elevation between Kamloops and 100 Mile House on the west side of the North Thompson River.

History

The park was established on April 30, 1996. The area was previously a pack-trail connecting Pass Lake and Porcupine Ridge, though the area is now unsettled.

Wildlife

Wildlife in the area includes many bird species including sandhill cranes, as well as moose and mule deer.

Recreational access and facilities

Park access is from the southeast off of Watching Creek Forest Service Road. There is no motorized access through the park itself, other than snowmobile access in the winter.[3] Passing through the park is the Masters Sub-alpine Trek hiking trail, which is currently in a state of disrepair due to surrounding logging.[4] The park can also be accessed by snowshoe and via horseback on designated trails.

The park is considered a wilderness area with limited patrols. There are no formal facilities within the park. An old forestry lookout is present and can serve as an emergency lookout.[5]

References

  1. ^ "Porcupine Meadows Provincial Park – British Columbia Travel and Adventure Vacations". britishcolumbia.com. Retrieved 2018-02-13.
  2. ^ Balf, Mary (1978). Why That Name? Place names of Kamloops district. Kamloops, BC: Kamloops Museum. p. 37.
  3. ^ "Trails". KAMLOOPS SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION. Retrieved 2018-02-13.
  4. ^ "Porcupine Ridge - Kamloops Trails". Kamloops Trails. 2010-10-21. Retrieved 2018-02-13.
  5. ^ Environment, Ministry of. "Porcupine Meadows Provincial Park - BC Parks". www.env.gov.bc.ca. Retrieved 2018-02-13.

50°59′00″N 120°32′00″W / 50.98333°N 120.53333°W / 50.98333; -120.53333

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