The Centre

The Bulkley Valley Research Centre is an independent, not-for-profit organization located in Smithers, British Columbia. Its purpose is to the provide robust science necessary to inform and advance policy and practice related to sustainable natural resource management.

Since its establishment in 2002, the Centre has been at the forefront of conducting independent, high-quality research in northwest BC and has overseen the management of over $20 million in research funding. Research initiatives are often multi-year and involve collaboration among a range of stakeholders in the field of natural resource management, including industry, government, First Nations, academic institutions, and conservation organizations.

The Centre serves as a vital mechanism for researchers to connect with each other and to extend research findings. A core mandate of the Centre is to foster community engagement on regional natural resource management issues and facilitate decision-making that promotes long-term community sustainability. Learning and collaborative opportunities for researchers and the wider community are supported through a variety of avenues, including seminars, conferences, and workshops.

The Data Hub, a freely accessible, searchable repository launched in Fall 2023, is a critical component of the Centre’s knowledge extension work. It enhances the ability of researchers, practitioners, and the public to share and access original research, science, and data on natural resources, ecology, biology, resource management, cumulative effects, biodiversity, and more in northwest BC.