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sample rub stations provide a positive identification of species and individuals. Small isolated populations
of lynx are at higher risk of reduced resilience to disease or changing climatic conditions due to decreased
genetic diversity (Campbell et al. 2006). Individuals within a study done in southern Alberta were found
to be less genetically related as their geographic distance increased. Managing landscapes in a way that
allows neighboring populations of lynx to share genetic material between groups is important for this
species' long-term viability
Conservation Northwest of northern Washington State has implemented the Citizens Wildlife Monitoring
Project (CWMP). This program supports volunteers in gathering information about targeted medium-
sized carnivore movement and presence including wolves, wolverines, grizzly bear, and Canada lynx
throughout the northern Cascades, northeast Washington, and into southern BC. This study documents
the occurrence of wildlife, specifically lynx, throughout the mountainous region of Blueberry Pass and the
Strawberry Pass area in south-central British Columbia. This forms a small sub-set of the larger
investigation into the vitality of the Canada lynx population of northern Washington and to document the
level of connectivity between southern BC and northern Washington State populations. The connectivity
between populations would provide an important source of genetic variety to replenish those diminishing
south of the border and lack thereof would warrant further investigation as to why. Transplantation may
then be considered to increase regions with struggling populations and promote more genetic diversity.
Methods
Study Area
The study area covers approximately 9,270 ha and contains 4 sites within BC's southeastern portion of
the Monashee mountain range. Distances between each site ranges from 2 km (nearest) up to 15 km
(furthest). Blueberry pass plots 3 and 4 are located 2.5 and 5 km southwest of the Nancy Greene lake
highway 3 and 3B junction (figure 1, table 1). The junction is approximately 25 km west of Castlegar, BC,
on highway 3. Plots 1 and 2 are located approximately 16 and 11 km south of the junction off of highway
