Let us start off by saying what a National Park is. According to the dictionary, a National Park is 'a scenic or historically important area of countryside protected by the federal government for the enjoyment of the general public or the preservation of wildlife.' I believe here at Hemlock Park, we not only provide enjoyment for the general public, but we also try our hardest to preserve wildlife. Although one day we hope to expand our focus on more than one animal, for now, with the money we have, we have chose to focus on the Northern Spotted Owl. We as a community must fight to uphold the Spotted Owl's habitat, before humans destroy them. Spotted Owl's are dependent on the features of old-growth forests for many reasons such as their nest sites, roosts, cover, and prey. Not many old-growth forests are left, because they are all prime finds for forest industries. Another main threat to the Northern Spotted Owl is their cousin, the Barred Owl. The Barred Owl historically lived in the eastern United States, which was almost like a barrier between the Spotted Owl and the Barred Owl. However, around 100 years ago, Barred Owls began dispersing Westward into the Spotted Owl's region. They were first noticed in British Columbia in 1949, and by 1959 they had reached southern British Columbia. Many may think that the Spotted Owl is lucky their cousin came to stay with them, but it is actually the complete opposite. Usually, owls that coexist within the same environment have diverse ways of life such as different prey, and habitats, but that is not the same between co-generic owls such as the Spotted Owl and Barred Owl. There is a constant competition for scarce materials and habitats because they need and enjoy the same things. Also, the Barred Owls are slightly larger, stronger, and more aggressive than the Spotted Owls, which means the Spotted Owl's mainly always get out competed for food, or shelter. Also, Barred Owls reproduce faster, which cause them to overpopulate at a rapid pace compared to the Spotted Owl's. The Spotted Owl is in such danger, and the only way it can be fixed is by humans stopping hurtful actions, and starting positive ones. The Spotted Owl is the main cause of the new Hemlock Valley Park. Many may say it is too late to be attempting to save this majestic specie, but that is where the Hemlock Valley crew comes into play. Our goal is to prove that we can save this owl from extinction, but we cannot do it alone. This is why our rules are extremely firm throughout your stay at the park. We do not want to harm any species in any way, shape, or form. We can save the Spotted Owl! Come join us on May, 28th 2016 for the launch of the new 'National Spotted Owl Day'. We will be hosting a fundraiser to ensure we save these wonderful creatures! All proceeds will go to either expanding our National Park to ensure we can save more species, or transportation devices to transport the Barred Owls back to where they came from. We truly hope we see many of you there! We are here to preserve, to represent the best of what Canada has to offer. We are here to remind you of the beauty of nature the world has to offer. We are Hemlock Valley.
Lots of love,
The Hemlock Valley Crew.
How could you not want to save this adorable owl!
Lots of love,
The Hemlock Valley Crew.
How could you not want to save this adorable owl!