Photo by Alanna Cluff, a photo contest submission.

When it comes to Western toads, nowhere are they more prominent and in people’s hearts than in Nakusp, B.C. A small community of 1,600 people, and also home to one of the main breeding areas of the species, the locals are passionate about the conservation of this species which every year forms “living carpets” of toads as they cross from their breeding shallows to forested areas where they grow and mature.

Unfortunately, the town despite celebrating the presence of the frogs (with annual events such as ToadFest), may soon come into conflict with them. Nakusp and Area Community Forested Inc. (NACFOR). The company is an important source of jobs for locals, and have committed to managing their impact (by committing to working in winter to minimize impact) and participated in research on the Western toads.

The species is listed as of special concern, but a recent study by the B.C government said the population in Canada is stable. Despite these assurances, local activists blockaded a logging road in protest back in March.

Read more about the delicate balance between toad and human in Nakusp B.C., and how NACFOR is trying to give jobs without taking lives in Canadian Wildlife magazine in May + June 2016 edition.

Feature image by Jadzia Von Heyman, a photo contest submission.

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