Wed, 27 Nov 2024
Tags: Habitat Acquisition

Salmon Habitat Restoration Underway in Expanded Conservation Area

Gates Creek Conservation Area - photo by Fernando Lessa

Habitat conservation and restoration is key to reviving natural resiliency across landscapes

Work is underway to restore salmon habitat along Gates Creek, northeast of Pemberton, on land held by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). The multi-stage restoration project is designed to enhance rearing habitat for salmon and other fish, increase the stability of the main creek channel, re-establish the floodplain canopy to shade the stream, and provide more open water wetland area for waterfowl.

NCC is engaging with the N’Quatqua First Nation to ensure the restoration work meets shared objectives and to learn from community members’ interests in and connection to the creek, the wildlife and the larger landscape.

The restoration project is occurring in NCC’s Gates Creek Conservation Area, which was first conserved in 2021. NCC has just acquired a neighbouring property, expanding the conservation area and enhancing its resiliency and reach. This recent addition brought another 474 metres of the creek and more than 5 hectares of riparian habitat under protection, and will help close the gap between the two halves of the existing conservation area.

“Gates Creek is more than just a waterway – it’s a whole system that fish, birds and other wildlife, not to mention the local community, rely on,” said Hans Herrmann Alvarez, West Coast Program Manager for NCC. “Restoration here will support the health of the overall system, bringing diversity and complexity to a landscape that has lost quite a bit of its natural function. We are excited to be able to support the N’Quatqua’s vision for this area, and we are grateful for our funding partners who are similarly excited to reverse habitat loss through restoration.”

Section of Gates Creek – photo by Fernando Lessa

The creek supports several fish species of conservation and cultural importance. Sockeye, coho, chinook and pink salmon migrate up from the Fraser River, through the Fraser Canyon and Hell’s Gate, and finally through Seton and Anderson lakes into Gates Creek. Bull trout, Dolly Varden, kokanee, lake trout, mountain whitefish and rainbow trout are all found in this waterway.

The restoration project will rehabilitate wetland and streamside areas that are used by a diversity of fish, birds, insects and other wildlife. The initial phase will focus on installing woody debris to create microhabitats and increase channel complexity, planting native vegetation along the creek to re-establish stream cover and floodplain canopy, and suppressing invasive reed canary grass.

In addition to important aquatic habitat, Gates Creek Conservation Area protects part of a high-quality wildlife corridor for grizzly bears travelling across the valley, preserving a crucial linkage between two isolated and threatened grizzly bear populations.

Both the restoration project and the recent acquisition to expand the conservation area received funding from the Government of Canada through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund. Additional significant financial contributions for the expansion acquisition came from Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, the Longhedge Foundation and the Pemberton Wildlife Association.

Thu, 24 Oct 2024
Tags: Acquisition / Habitat Acquisition / News

Rare Grasslands Protected in Similkameen Valley

Nighthawk Hill Grassland - Photo: Julian Zelazny

Thanks to the generosity of the local community, The Nature Trust of BC has protected some of the rarest and at-risk ecological habitats in British Columbia for future generations, including creating a safe and undisturbed passage for wildlife to access water in the arid Interior landscape.

The Nature Trust of British Columbia is thrilled to announce the successful acquisition and protection of 11 hectares of vulnerable habitat in the Similkameen Valley, thanks to the incredible generosity of the local community and key donors. This new conservation area, Nighthawk Hill Grasslands, is in the picturesque and ecologically fragile Similkameen Valley near Keremeos, within the unceded and traditional territory of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (Sməlqmix), member of the Okanagan Nation (Syilx People).

The new Nighthawk Hill Grasslands conservation area, located directly beside the South Okanagan Grasslands Provincial Protected Area, bridges the crucial link needed for wildlife to access almost 100 meters of the Similkameen River safely and undisturbed in this very arid landscape, even during the hot Interior summer. The area is home to a diverse range of Species at Risk, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. From the American badger to pallid bat, to the tiger salamander and sage thrasher, a wide array of wildlife find refuge in this unique landscape.

More than just a beautiful place, this new conservation area contains temperate grasslands – one of the most altered terrestrial ecosystems on earth and endangered on most continents. Rare and endangered big sagebrush and bluebunch wheatgrass ecological communities are prominent throughout the Nighthawk Hill Grasslands—bunchgrass ecosystems being some of the rarest land cover types in B.C.

View of Nighthawk Hill Grasslands and the Similkameen River looking southwest. Photo: Bryn White

“Nighthawk Hill Grasslands are carbon storage superheroes, and the breeding grounds for threatened common nighthawks that migrate all the way to South America,” said Dr. Jasper Lament, CEO, The Nature Trust of BC

The conservation of Nighthawk Hill Grasslands marks an important milestone towards preserving the vulnerable and at-risk ecosystems across B.C., addressing the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. Thanks to this conservation effort, Nighthawk Hill Grasslands will remain a wild, undisturbed landscape, forever protected from development. The project was made possible by the Government of Canada, through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund. Thanks also goes to the dedicated donors and the Okanagan community, whose generosity and passion for nature made this conservation milestone possible, and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF).

“HCTF is proud to support The Nature Trust of BC in securing Nighthawk Hill Grasslands, conserving biological diversity and protecting crucial wildlife habitat. Through partnerships with local communities and partners, this acquisition protects more grassland habitat for many creatures using this land and the adjacent South Okanagan Grasslands Provincial Protected Area; this is a great achievement for habitat conservation in the region,” said Dan Buffett, CEO of HCTF.

Mon, 16 Sep 2024
Tags: Acquisition / News

Protection of Vital Wildlife Corridors for Rare and At-Risk Species

Bummer's Flats Eastside Benchlands (c) Julian Zelazny

Thanks to the support of nature lovers across the province, critical Kootenay wildlife corridors have been protected, increasing connectivity for species like the grizzly bear, elk, and Lewis’s woodpecker.

In a landmark achievement for conservation, The Nature Trust of British Columbia (NTBC), a leading land conservation charity, recently announced the protection of two crucial conservation areas in the Kootenay Region: Bummers Flats – MapleCross Benchlands and Wycliffe Prairie, part of the Wycliffe Conservation Complex. This success is thanks to the unwavering support of nature lovers across the province, ensuring the protection of these vital habitats for future generations.

The Government of Canada’s investment in major nature conservation projects in B.C., through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, was pivotal in securing these new conservation areas. These investments, complemented by generous contributions from the Kootenay community and donors across B.C., Canada, and the U.S., enabled The Nature Trust of BC to raise almost $4 million to protect 874 acres (354 hectares) of habitat in the region, providing critical movement corridors for wildlife, including grizzly bears and elk. This acquisition will also contribute to supporting biodiversity and environmental processes facilitating natural carbon removal from the atmosphere.

These two new conservation areas are characterized by important ecosystems, including grasslands, wetlands, riparian corridors, and Douglas-fir forests. These ecosystems support numerous endangered or other at-risk species and function as significant carbon sinks. The protection of Wycliffe Prairie and Bummers Flats – MapleCross Benchlands marks an important step towards mitigating climate change and safeguarding the rich, but declining, biodiversity in B.C.

“Through collaboration with partners like The Nature Trust of British Columbia, and the support of generous donors, we are working to protect and restore the natural environment in the Kootenay Region. This includes safeguarding a crucial wildlife movement corridor and boosting the region’s capacity to capture and store carbon. The Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund is playing a key role in helping us combat climate change and biodiversity loss while also advancing efforts to conserve 30 percent of land and water in Canada by 2030,” said The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

“Thanks to the generosity of British Columbians with a deep-rooted love for our province and its incredible nature, we are able to protect Wycliffe Prairie and Bummers Flats – MapleCross Benchlands, forever. We live in the most biodiverse province in Canada, yet almost a third of the species assessed in B.C. are now at risk. Together, we are making a difference by safeguarding vital biodiversity in the Kootenays and helping to mitigate climate change.” said Dr. Jasper Lament, CEO of The Nature Trust of BC.

Wycliffe Praire (c) The Nature Trust of BC

Wycliffe Prairie is located within the unceded, traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation, and spans 450 acres (182 hectares). This ecologically diverse area features riparian forests along Luke Creek, wetlands, grasslands and dry, open forest habitats that are important to species such as the at-risk grizzly bear (of special concern), the endangered Lewis’s woodpecker, and the endangered American badger.

The protection of Wycliffe Prairie expands the Wycliffe Conservation Complex to over 3,500 acres (1,450 hectares), including lands managed by The Nature Trust of BC, the Province of B.C. and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. This protects habitat for many endangered or other at-risk species. Thanks to the generosity of donors, The Nature Trust of BC successfully raised over $2.5 million to protect and conserve this area for future generations.

The Wycliffe Prairie project was funded in part by the Government of Canada and was significantly bolstered by the generosity of others. The Nature Trust of BC would also like to thank the Coyne family, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Kootenay Wildlife Heritage Fund and the Hammond Family, Rocky Mountain Naturalists, Southern Guides (Guide Outfitters Association of B.C.), Tony Paine & Susan Collacott, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wood Brothers, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y), and many others who made this project possible.

The project is part of a cross-border partnership, thanks to the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, which allows U.S. taxpayers to triple their donation through Canadian, and U.S sources, including the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service.

“The Nature Trust of BC has played a significant role in protecting habitat for migratory birds, including along the Pacific Flyway, which extends through Canada, the U.S., Mexico and South America. This project will help further this mission forward, ensuring that avian populations thrive in perpetuity.” said Dr. Jasper Lament, CEO of The Nature Trust of BC.

“We are deeply grateful for the support of our many partners and donors in helping to conserve these ecologically significant areas. It’s an exciting day and an incredible example of the power of collaboration amongst the conservation community. Together, these two projects will leave a lasting legacy for the wildlife and people of the region.” said Chris Bosman, Kootenay Conservation Land Manager, The Nature Trust of BC.

“The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation is proud to fund The Nature Trust of BC in their acquisition of these vital areas in the Kootenay region. Both projects protect our rare wetland and grassland habitats which are critical to a significant diversity and abundance of species such as grizzly bears, birds, amphibians, and insects. These acquisitions demonstrate how partners collaboratively conserve important habitats for fish, wildlife, and people now and for the future.” said Dan Buffett, CEO of the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.

Bummer’s Flats Eastside Benchlands (c) The Nature Trust of BC

Bummers Flats – MapleCross Benchlands, covering 424 acres (171 hectares), is primarily comprised of dry, open forest and grassland situated above the Kootenay River floodplain. Located in the unceded and traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation, this area offers connectivity for species like elk, grizzly bear, mule deer, and white-tailed deer. It also provides critical habitat for the federally endangered American badger, and supports diverse plant species, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.

This new conservation area expands the existing Bummers Flats Conservation Complex to 4,930 acres (1,995 hectares), which includes other conservation areas managed by The Nature Trust of BC, the Province, and Ducks Unlimited Canada. This project also succeeds in establishing a cross-valley connectivity corridor that spans from upland habitat west of the Kootenay River, across the river floodplain and up into benchlands at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

The Nature Trust of BC successfully raised just under $1.4 million to protect and conserve this land. The van der Velden family, who sold the conservation area to The Nature Trust of BC, also donated to the fundraising campaign in honour of Aart, their late father and husband.

“I am deeply thankful that this beautiful land has been protected by The Nature Trust of BC. This land was incredibly important to my husband, Aart, who loved nature his entire life. We moved from Holland to Canada in 1983 and we have always loved the incredible scenery and wildlife in Canada. This land is close to a highway, so we were always concerned the area would be developed one day and that our community would lose its beauty. We see the conservation of this land as a legacy to Aart who would have been thrilled to see this area flourish for generations to come.” said Gerrie van der Velden, previous owner and seller of Bummers Flats Eastside Benchlands.

This project was funded in part by the Government of Canada. The Nature Trust of BC would also like to thank Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, MapleCross, Nature’s Way, and Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) for their generous contributions to this project.

“MapleCross is thrilled to support the acquisition of Bummers Flats – MapleCross Benchlands by The Nature Trust of BC. We are particularly interested in the ecological significance of this project in the Rocky Mountains, as it is located in a corridor essential for the natural movement of wildlife. And, of course, we were intrigued by the origin of the name! We look forward to our continued partnership with The Nature Trust of BC and to sharing its ongoing commitment towards protecting ecologically vulnerable ecosystems in B.C.” said Dr. Isobel Ralston and Dr. Jan Oudenes, MapleCross.

“Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative applauds The Nature Trust of BC’s commitment to conserving landscapes in the Kootenay region for biodiversity and wildlife connectivity. The value of the wildlife habitat within the Wycliffe Prairie and Bummers Flats – MapleCross Benchlands properties is important both locally and on a larger scale. These now-protected lands will help to ensure wildlife’s essential movement between the Rocky Mountain and Purcell ecosystems in B.C. — and across the continentally significant Yellowstone to Yukon region. Because of partners like The Nature Trust BC and the dedicated landowners they work with, we can ensure these important landscapes remain intact and connected, forever.” said Jordan Reeves, Director of Landscape Connectivity, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative.

The conservation of Wycliffe Prairie and Bummers Flats – MapleCross Benchlands is an important milestone towards the long-term protection of B.C.’s biodiversity and addressing the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. Thanks to the generosity of donors across the province, this land will be conserved and stewarded in perpetuity.

Tue, 9 Jan 2024
Tags: Acquisition / Habitat Acquisition / News

Collaborative Conservation on Galiano Island

Quadra Hill Cedar Grove - Photo by Galiano Conservancy Association

Saving Rare Habitats on Galiano Island – Two Major Wins for Environmental Conservation

The Galiano Conservancy Association (GCA), an environmental charity founded in 1989 as one of BC’s first community-based land trusts, works to protect, steward and restore Galiano Island ecosystems by creating a network of natural areas where a healthy environment, learning and a love of nature flourish. The recent protection of Quadra Hill, an ecologically significant property on Galiano Island, marks a milestone in the region’s conservation efforts. Key partnerships developed over several years were vital in completing this acquisition.

Quadra Hill: Bridging Protected Areas for Enhanced Biodiversity
Quadra Hill is a 47-ha parcel of coastal Douglas-fir forest long identified as a ‘missing piece’ in the corridor of protected habitats connecting Trincomali Channel to Georgia Strait on Galiano Island known as the Mid-Island Protected Areas Network . The ecologically diverse property was listed for sale by a motivated seller in late 2021, and has been owned for the past two years by the Aqueduct Foundation, one of the largest grantmakers in Canada, which agreed to step in as an interim owner at the GCA’s request, in order to provide temporary protection until adequate funds could be raised to purchase the land for conservation purposes. This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change, and an initial opportunity grant from the Islands Trust Conservancy. Generous contributions from Sitka Foundation, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and private donors enabled GCA to complete this important land acquisition.

The ecological value of Quadra Hill is hard to overstate. It is home to rare and varied ecosystems, is part of the upper catchment area for the Great Beaver Swamp Nature Reserve and is important for groundwater recharge. Because it is surrounded by existing conservation areas and a common-property forest, the protection of Quadra Hill enhances habitat connectivity and supports a diversity of plant and animal communities across three watersheds.

The Quadra Hill property also plays an important role in climate action, storing an estimated 40,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, and is expected to sequester an additional 8,000 tons over the next 30 years.

Quadra Hill in the Spring – Photo by James LaBountry

Mt Sutil Extension: Preserving Imperiled Garry Oak Ecosystems
The GCA also recently partnered with the BC Parks Foundation (BCPF), Sitka Foundation and an anonymous donor to protect 4.2 ha of coastal Douglas-fir forest and sensitive Garry Oak bluff habitat neighbouring the existing Mt. Sutil Nature Sanctuary (GCA’s first land acquisition). Garry oak and associated ecosystems are home to over 100 provincially-listed species at risk. The remote and relatively undisturbed meadows and bluffs of Mount Sutil have been identified as a priority site for conserving these rare habitats, and are a testament to the ecological richness of Galiano Island.

A New Chapter in Island Conservation
These two landmark acquisitions enhance biodiversity, increase habitat connectivity, support climate action, and protect several provincially-listed species at risk. They also mark a first in GCA history, as the valuable partnerships involved allowed the GCA to protect these lands without a public fundraising campaign, highlighting the power of collaborative conservation.

As we celebrate the protection of Quadra Hill and the Mount Sutil Extension, the GCA recognizes and respects the enduring relationship Penelakut, Hwlitsum, Tsawwassen, Lelum Sar Augh Ta Naogh and other Coast Salish peoples have to these lands as part of their traditional territories. As stewards of these new conservation areas, the Galiano Conservancy is committed to honouring and learning from the rich cultural heritage and ecological wisdom of the First Nations whose ancestral connections to these lands continue to this day.

About the Galiano Conservancy Association
The Galiano Conservancy Association is committed to preserving the ecological balance and unique natural heritage of BC’s Southern Gulf Islands. This is accomplished through environmental education, land stewardship, ecological restoration, biodiversity monitoring & conservation, and demonstrating sustainable living practices within the Galiano community and beyond.

For more information, please contact:
info@galianoconservancy.ca
Phone: 250-539-2424

Wed, 6 Sep 2023
Tags: Habitat Acquisition / News

Morrison Creek Headwaters acquisition ensures protection of rare fish species

A lily pond in the Morrison Creek Headwaters - photo from Comox Valley Land Trust

The Comox Valley Land Trust (CVLT), in collaboration with the BC Parks Foundation, recently announced the acquisition of 275ha of land to create the Morrison Headwaters conservation area on Vancouver Island.

Located near the Village of Cumberland in the Comox Valley Regional District and within the traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, this project acquired nearly all the unprotected land in the headwaters of the watershed.

A Morrison Creek Lamprey – photo from Comox Valley Land Trust

The streams of the creek provide spawning and rearing habitat for an abundant run of Coho salmon, occasional spawning of Pink and Chum salmon, and habitat for several trout species such as Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Dolly Varden. Perhaps most notable though is that Morrison Creek and its tributary streams are Critical Habitat for the Morrison Creek Lamprey, a rare form of Western Brook Lamprey. The Morrison Creek Lamprey is listed as Endangered on the Species-At-Risk schedule 1 as it exists only in Morrison Creek, and the headwaters area now protects the vast majority of its habitat.

“The acquisition of the Morrison Creek headwaters by the Comox Valley Land Trust (CVLT) and BC Parks Foundation (BCPF) with the support of HCTF is a remarkable achievement that significantly advances conservation in regionally and globally significant ways. At 680-acres, the headwaters of Morrison Creek includes a complex of riparian areas, streams, springs and wetlands along with associated upland forests,” says Tim Ennis, Executive Director of the CVLT.

Morrison Creek – photo from Comox Valley Land Trust

“The somewhat overlooked area nestled between the City of Courtenay and Village of Cumberland is an important refugium for wildlife of all kinds, from bears and cougar to deer, birds, butterflies, bats, amphibians and reptiles. The land is now protected forever as a conservation area.”

Since 1981, HCTF has helped secure valuable habitat in British Columbia through conservation land acquisitions. With incredible biological diversity, B.C. is home to more vertebrates than any other province in Canada and over 600 ecosystem types; acquisition of conservation lands like the Morrison Headwaters is an effective, though difficult, means of protecting fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

The Comox Valley Land Trust formed in 1999 to promote, protect, conserve, and restore the land, waters, and habitat of the Comox Valley. It now protects approximately 600 hectares of ecological significance.

This project was made possible through the partnership of the Comox Valley Land Trust and BC Parks Foundation, with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Sitka Foundation, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, the Courtenay Fish and Game Protective Association, B.C. Hydro’s Fish & wildlife Compensation Program, and over $500,000 from other individuals and organizations through a fundraiser.

 

 

 

Wed, 22 Feb 2023
Tags: Habitat Acquisition

2023 Habitat Acquisition Grant Applications Now Open!

Perserverance Creek by Sara Kepner

The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) is now accepting applications for the Habitat Acquisition Grant. Applications must be submitted through HCTF’s online application system by 4:30pm on Monday, April 17, 2023 (PST).

Each year, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation provides approximately $500,000 in Habitat Acquisition grants to help fund acquisition projects that secure and manage conservation properties in British Columbia. One such project is Project Perseverance a 90.5-hectare (224 acre) watershed and habitat protection project near the Village of Cumberland on Vancouver Island. This property was secured in 2020 via the purchase of privately owned forest lands and now protects an ecologically rich habitat corridor that is home to a host of species including Western toads, Little Brown bats, and Roosevelt elk. The waterways support Coho salmon as well as Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. Project Perseverance is now part of the Cumberland Community Forest Park, a 225-hectare park which includes three other areas purchased and protected by the Cumberland Community Forest Society since 2006. These areas are all protected through a Section 219 Conservation Covenant. To find out more visit www.cumberlandforest.com.

For 2023, HCTF will continue to prioritize acquisition applications that seek to increase conservation outcomes for fish, wildlife, and their habitats, provide access for a variety of uses such as hunting, fishing, and non-motorized recreation and fit one or more of the following criteria:

  • Contribute to the conservation of wetland or grassland habitats.
  • Increase connectivity to adjacent protected lands or important habitats to further build complexes of intact habitat.
  • Contribute to the conservation of habitats near urban settings to increase opportunities to connect people to nature.
  • Demonstrate resiliency to climate change and/or address stressors linked to climate change impacts.

Apply Here

Learn More

Please visit our FAQ Page to find useful tips and guidance for the online Survey Apply system. Please note that HCTF cannot accept applications submitted by email.

For questions related to the Habitat Acquisition Grant, please contact Barb von Sacken at bvonsacken@hctf.ca or 250-940-3013.