| François Lake Provincial Park | |
|---|---|
  Map of British Columbia | |
 Interactive map of François Lake Provincial Park | |
| Location | Range 4 Coast Land District, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nearest city | Smithers, BC |
| Coordinates | 53°57′59″N125°10′39″W / 53.96639°N 125.17750°W /53.96639; -125.17750 |
| Area | 7,214 ha. (72.14 km²) |
| Established | June 28, 1999 |
| Governing body | BC Parks |
François Lake Provincial Park is aprovincial park inBritish Columbia, Canada, located at the east end ofFrancois Lake. The total park area is 7,214 hectares (17,830 acres). It is about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) offBC Highway 16, southwest of the town ofFraser Lake. There is nopotable water at the site so campers should bring their own.
The Francois Lake Park was granted governmental protection in 1999. The decision was a result of the recommendations of the Vanderhoof Land and Resource Management Plan.[1]
The Francois Lake Park protects a 25-kilometre stretch of shoreline. The predominant cover on this shoreline is conifers. The park is famous for its recreation facilities. These include boating and fishing on Francois Lake. There are also campsites with spectacular scenery. Picnickers can also avail of the picnic grounds.[1]
The Francois Lake is an area of abundantFirst Nations history. Ties to the history and to its ownership have been claimed by the Office of theWet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs and theCarrier-Sekani Tribal Council. The park and its neighbouringUncha Mountain Red Hills Park are associated with the historical and cultural lives of several bands, including Wet'suwet'en First Nation,Nadleh Whut’en Band,Stellat’en First Nation,Burns Lake Band,Nee Tahi Buhn Band, andSkin Tyee Band. The area is an ancient site where the First Nations people used to hunt, fish and gather.[1]
The park's large forest tracts are full of plant life. They also offer important habitat for moose in winter. Several mammals, like deer andblack bear are found here. There are several species of birds. The lake supports a good population ofsockeye salmon.[1]
The Francois Lake Park lies within the Bulkley Basin Ecosection. The park contains some important habitat, which includes riparian zones. The park also supports numerous wildlife species. The lake's shore are covered with scarce stretches of low-elevationold-growth forest. This is due to an uncommon microclimate. Combined with theUncha Mountain Red Hills Provincial Park to the west, the Francois Lake Park forms a 47 kilometres (29 mi) long corridor along its south shore. This is vital for maintaining connectivity between riparian and upland ecosystems.[1]
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