An essential wildlife habitat along the Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River at 130 Shelly Rd., in Parksville, will now be a protected area after The Nature Trust of BC successfully acquired the property.
The 13-acre parcel provides key salmon spawning habitat for all five species of Pacific salmon. According to a press release, the diverse landscape is recognized as internationally significant habitat for over 250 species of migratory and breeding birds, as well as black bear, cougar, deer, river otter and Roosevelt elk.
Earlier this year, the Federal Government announced its investment of nearly $50 million in major nature conservation projects across B.C., including $8 million for The Nature Trust of BC, funded through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund.
This Shelly Road conservation project was made possible thanks to funds from this investment and the generosity of the City of Parksville, which donated $1.8 million towards the $3.2-million project. Thanks to all donors on this project, The Nature Trust of BC can ensure that this critical river corridor and habitat for numerous species that depend on it will be protected forever.
“This is an incredible win, not just for The Nature Trust of BC and our partners, but for conservation in British Columbia," said Dr. Jasper Lament, CEO, The Nature Trust of BC. "The Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River is breathtaking and a lifeline for wildlife and people."
As part of the ongoing stewardship of this conversation area, The Nature Trust of BC and the City of Parksville will collaborate with the Snaw-Naw-As First Nation to create a sustainable community pathway. This trail will not only improve connectivity for the community but will also feature interpretive signs that highlight the cultural and ecological significance of the area, according to the release. The City of Parksville will assume all costs for the design, development and maintenance of the pathway while The Nature Trust of BC will focus on land management and conservation.
“In recognition of the ecological and community value of 130 Shelly Rd., the City of Parksville donated $1.8 million of the property’s appraised value of $2.6 million to protect the Englishman River," said Parksville Mayor Doug O’Brien. "We are excited to create a 1,100-metre pathway along Nerbus Lane to the north end of Shelly Road which will enhance accessible pedestrian connectivity in the city and protect sensitive riparian and estuarine areas. We are pleased to partner with The Nature Trust of BC to protect this vital area and create a pathway to showcase the breathtaking Englishman River estuary.”
The acquisition of this new conservation area by The Nature Trust of BC, a leading land conservation charity, brings the total amount of land protected along the river or within the estuary by the charity to 856 acres — roughly the size of 650 football fields. This means more than 30 per cent of the riverbank is now protected by The Nature Trust of BC and provincial or local governments.
“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 of BC and other stewardship groups with the watershed in mind for future generations. Working together and moving forward is the goal.”
The Nature Trust of BC thanked the city, Arrowsmith Naturalists, the Grayross Foundation, Greig Greenway Society, John Thwaites, the Krogseth Foundation and others who donated for their contributions.
