A fundraising campaign has been launched to conserve 13 acres of vital wildlife and habitat in the Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River near the Parksville area.
The Nature Trust of BC, a non-profit land conservation organization, is heading the initiative with the goal of raising $350,000 to protect the land at 130 Shelly Rd. They are working with the Snaw-Naw-As First Nation in Nanoose Bay to support the long-term stewardship and management of the land and have also partnered with the City of Parksville to support the design of a sustainable community pathway which will increase connectivity and walkability within the community.
Parksville, which recognizes the area’s ecological and environmental value, has already committed $1.8 million to the project. An additional $350,000 is still required and must be raised by June 30 to designate the land as a conservation area, ensuring that it will remain in a natural state and cannot be developed or sold.
“For more than 40 years, The Nature Trust of BC has worked to conserve the Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River – a vital lifeline for land, wildlife and people,” said Dr. Jasper Lament, CEO of The Nature Trust of BC. “Now we are committed to protecting Shelly Road, which is in danger of being lost forever to development. We can’t afford to lose this crucial habitat that is home to five species of Pacific salmon, three species of trout, and provides immeasurable benefits to wildlife, habitat and the community. When you donate today, you protect forever. Every dollar counts.”
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The area is located in the moist maritime Coastal Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification unit - one of the rarest in B.C., with only 11.5 percent protected provincially. This acquisition will expand The Nature Trust of BC’s existing conservation area near the Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River, increasing connectivity and protection for wildlife.
“Everything is connected,” said Chris Bob, Snaw-Naw-As community member. “From the mountains to the shoreline and everything in-between, it is all one thing. It is our responsibility to protect and care for all things connected to Kwa’a’luxw. Snaw-naw-as has a meaningful partnership with The Nature Trust and other stewardship groups with the watershed in mind for future generations. Working together and moving forward is the goal.”
The Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River estuary is one of B.C.’s most endangered rivers due to declining fish stocks. It is also one of the most important salmon spawning rivers on the mid coast of Vancouver, providing habitat for all five species of salmon as well as trout species such as rainbow, cutthroat, and steelhead.
The deadline for fundraising is June 30.
For more information or to donate, visit https://www.naturetrust.bc.ca/priority-projects
— NEWS Staff