Lakelse Lake wetland plant survey

During the summer of 2022 and 2024, Paula Bartemucci a Botanist/Lichenologist from Smithers conducted a botanical survey at the Lakelse Lake Wetlands Provincial Park. The initial 2022 survey revealed at-risk wetlands, old growth Sitka Spruce forests, regionally-significant crabapple ecosystems, bog woodlands, and diverse foreshore plant communities. The secondary survey in 2024 further revealed sensitive and at-risk species of lichen as well as threatened ecosystems including sweet gale – Sitka sedge fens, Sitka spruce – salmonberry, and western redcedar – Sitka spruce – skunk cabbage swamp forests.

Hopefully future surveys can be conducted to ensure all at-risk, sensitive or threatened species and ecosystems can be identified and protected.

Paula presented lectures on June 14th, 2023 and February 12th, 2025 to discuss her findings.

Paula’s reports can be found here:

2022 Vegetation Survey Report - Lakelse Lake Wetlands Provincial Park

2024 Vegetation Survey Report - Lakelse Lake Wetlands Provincial Park

Thank you to BC Parks for funding this project through the Park Enhancement Fund!