Location
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Land Base

Located in the south-eastern corner of British Columbia in the Tobacco Plains Valley at the Canada/USA border crossing of Roosville, the Tobacco Plains Band enjoys the mildest of weather of the East Kootenay. The reserve traces the Canada/USA border to the south and the Koocanusa reservoir system and Baynes Lake to the west. To the east is Waterton Lakes National Park, which is revered for its scenic beauty. On reserve are four bodies of water - Edward’s Lake, Shottanana Lake, Willies Lake and Horseshoe Lake.

The one Reserve of the Band comprises 10,680 acres and consists of rolling hills with some steep sloping lands. The majority of the land is flat with open grassy low land areas promoting agricultural activities. Highway 93 dissects the reserve in the north/south direction. Roughly 5% of the total land base is held by locates and several lots bordering the Edwards Lake are leased.

Climate and Elevation

Elevation of reserve lands range from 2625 feet above sea level to 4100 feet along the steep valley wall in the extreme north eastern corner of the reserve. Land formations include marshy areas along the river and lakeshore, steep valley walls, and relatively level fields. Waterways also include several small intermittent creeks, which drain onto the reserve. The climate of the Tobacco Plains area is the mildest of all the Bands having an average 317 days each year with a maximum temperature greater than 0C.

The Region

Located in the south - eastern corner of British Columbia, at the most eastern border crossing, the Tobacco Plains Valley is supported primarily by the forest and agriculture industries. Many residents of the Band and Grasmere area commute daily to Fernie, Cranbrook, and Eureka, Montana to conduct their retail and businesses activities. Most of the Band’s students also attend school in Eureka.

Near the western border of the Tobacco Plains Reserve is the Koocanusa reservoir. To the east in the most southern corner of British Columbia, overflowing into Alberta is the Akamin Kishinena Recreation area. In Alberta it is Waterton Lakes National Park, and in the United States it is known as Glacier National Park.