This land preserves habitats for species at risk including the Lewis’s Woodpecker, Peregrine Falcon, and Western Screech Owl

The Nature Trust of BC, a leading non-profit land conservation organization, announced today that, with the help of donations from conservation-minded individuals, 61 hectares (151 acres) of ecologically important land, known as the Park Rill Floodplain, will be added to the White Lake Basin Biodiversity Ranch conservation complex in the South Okanagan. Connectivity of habitats is critically important for fostering biodiversity, so the conservation of this property will add to the resilience of wildlife in the ecosystems all around.

The native grasslands of the South Okanagan are a hotspot for biodiversity, hosting a huge number of BC’s at-risk species. But, grasslands are also one of the rarest land cover types in BC covering less than 1% of BC’s land base, with few intact swaths of open plains remaining.

Located approximately 3 km northwest of the community of Willowbrook within the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, the Park Rill Floodplain property supports many species of conservation concern and provides critical habitat for federally listed species at risk. The Lewis’s Woodpecker (listed as threatened under SARA Schedule 1) is at-risk from the loss of its nesting habitat in Ponderosa Pine forests.

With its diversity of ecosystems, Park Rill Floodplain is home to many other birds that are a conservation concern, from the BC Red-listed Peregrine Falcons (SARA Schedule 1 – Special Concern) that stalk the daytime skies, to the Blue-listed Western Screech Owls (SARA Schedule 1 – Threatened) that hunt in the night.

“Through the ongoing support and generosity of our partners and donors, we are delighted that Park Rill Floodplain will be added to the White Lake Basin Biodiversity Ranch Complex. Park Rill Floodplain protects additional critical habitat for species at-risk and helps sustain a viable biodiversity ranching operation. Expanding this Nature Trust conservation complex will play a vital role in maintaining habitat connectivity and ecological resiliency.” says Nick Burdock, Okanagan Conservation Land Manager.

Birds aren’t the only creatures to inhabit the natural landscape of Park Rill Floodplain. Endangered American Badgers burrow under the ground, while at dawn and dusk the Nuttall’s Cottontail can be seen through the underbrush. The smallest species of rabbit in BC, Nuttall’s Cottontail is a special conservation concern because of the loss of its grassland habitat. Black bears wander the rich meadows and in winter, Mule Deer migrate down from the heavier snow of higher elevations to feed on leaves, twigs, and shrubs in the low-lying grasslands of Park Rill Floodplain. Along with these mammals, there are at-risk amphibians and reptiles like the Western Tiger Salamander, Great Basin Spadefoot, Great Basin Gopher Snake, and Western Rattlesnake.

It is difficult to find low-land habitats unaffected by development, but three quarters of Park Rill Floodplain remains in a relatively natural state, allowing it to support six sensitive ecosystems: sagebrush steppe, open coniferous woodland, seasonally flooded fields, wet meadow, sparsely vegetated rocky outcrops, and importantly, grasslands. The remaining area is a cultivated floodplain surrounding Park Rill Creek, however with the conservation of this land by The Nature Trust of BC, it can be restored to a natural state.

“The diversity of species and habitats protected by this project exemplifies the importance of the native grasslands within the South Okanagan. The Nature Trust of BC has a sterling track record for protecting, managing and restoring these and other critical habitat types in BC. For that reason, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation is a proud funding partner of the Nature Trust and of our shared goals of conserving fish, wildlife and their habitats through the protection and conservation of BC’s natural landscapes.” – Dan Buffett, CEO of the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.

With the conservation of Park Rill Floodplain, the home of these species and many more are protected in perpetuity. Expanding the protected areas within Okanagan grasslands will serve to maintain its rich biodiversity for generations to come.

The Nature Trust thanks landowners and conservationists Ray and Jennifer Stewart who have cared for the land for 33 years.

This project was undertaken with the financial support of Environment Climate Change Canada, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, George Galbraith and Family, Val and Dick Bradshaw, and many individual donors.

Contributed by The Nature Trust of British Columbia

A further 35 hectares (86 acres) of grassland habitat two kilometres east of Grand Forks on Morrissey Creek Road has been purchased for wildlife conservation by the Southern Interior Land Trust (SILT).

Purchase of these open, south-facing bunchgrass slopes with patches of deciduous shrub thickets provide habitat for a number of species, including year-round use by the Gilpin Herd of California bighorn sheep, 200-300 animals, including all ages, for its forage and security habitat.

Funds for the purchase included donations from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, B.C. Conservation Foundation, Tom and Jenifer Foss, the Wild Sheep Society of B.C., Wild Sheep Foundation Alberta, other individual donors, and the Government of Canada through its Natural Heritage Conservation Program.

An adjacent 109 hectares (270 acres) was purchased earlier this year by SILT, with support from the Walter Mehmal Family, and contributions from the B.C. Conservation Foundation, the Brandow Family, the Wild Sheep Society of B.C., the Grand Forks Wildlife Association, and other donors.

SILT is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit charity dedicated to conserving land for all living things.

President Judie Steeves comments, “We’re delighted we’ve been successful in our collaboration with so many different interest groups and individuals to conserve these two properties. Now we need to work with the local community to prevent motorized use of these grasslands, so they are not destroyed for use by wildlife. Otherwise, the public is welcome to hike over and enjoy the scenic wild beauty of this land.

“As well as wild sheep, there are both mule and white-tailed deer; rattlesnake, gophersnake and racer; and birds such as canyon wren which I recently spotted there. An endangered badger was sighted on the property this past August. Both properties have habitat for at least six federally-listed species-at-risk.”

“We are proud to once again be a partner in this project that leaves a conservation legacy that will forever be upon the landscape. Resources like this will ensure that future generations have the opportunity to see untouched wild spaces in perpetuity” – Kyle Stelter, past-president of the Wild Sheep

“Society of B.C.A shout out to the conservation-minded people, the hunters, the non-hunters and the organizations that made all of this possible. SILT and this acquisition are examples of how we can pull together even in these very tough times” – Tom Foss of the Foss Foundation

“The BCCF is pleased to be able to support the SILT acquisition of land for protection of important bighorn sheep and mule deer habitat, as well as other species” – Gerry Paillie of the BCCF Land and Wildlife Committee

SILT owns two other properties in the Grand Forks area, Edwards Pond and at Wards Lake, as well as properties at Keremeos, Cawston, and the R.E. Taylor Conservation Property on Keremeos Creek near Olalla.

SILT welcomes inquiries from people interested in gifting land, or from anyone wishing to donate to help conserve lands containing important natural features. For details, go to the SILT website at: siltrust.ca

Crossing through the Pemberton Valley just got a little more secure for the dwindling population of grizzly bears that live in the Squamish-Lillooet region. The Nature Conservancy of Canada and its partners have conserved an 87-hectare (214-acre) ecologically important property along the Ryan River, in Pemberton Meadows.

The Ryan River Conservation Area is extensively used by wildlife, including grizzly bear, deer, beaver and migratory birds. The grizzly bears in this area are considered at risk, designated as being of special conservation concern both provincially and federally. Protecting these undeveloped lands that the bears use to move across the valley is essential for maintaining connectivity between populations.

The new conservation area protects two kilometres of riverfront habitat, as well as seasonally flooded wetlands, a large marsh and forested uplands that contain stands of old-growth cedar, cottonwoods, and hemlock trees. The Canadian Wildlife Service identifies these wetlands as being of the highest ecological quality. The river provides important spawning and rearing habitat for salmon and other fish species. As one of the largest remaining intact private valley-bottom parcels, the conservation of this property safeguards essential and flourishing wildlife habitat from development pressures.

The property had been in Bruce Miller’s family for three generations. Miller grew up exploring the forests and wetlands with his father, developing a love of the land that he, in turn, passed on to his own children, who also grew up playing on and learning from this land. The Miller family was keen to see this property kept natural and intact, and so they chose to work with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to conserve it.

This project has been made possible by the contributions of many funders, including the Government of Canada, through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund, the Pemberton Wildlife Association, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Longhedge Foundation, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and several individual donors.

The Pemberton Wildlife Association, Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative, and Conservation Northwest provided valuable local insight into the natural values in the Pemberton Valley and contributed input into the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s priorities for conservation action in the area.

The Ryan River Conservation Area is the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s first project in the Pemberton Valley.

“The Pemberton Valley, like so many valleys in BC, is a popular place to live, work and play. This can put a lot of pressure on the natural systems and wildlife in the area. Making conservation one of our priorities in these ecologically rich areas benefits both people and nature. We are grateful to all our partners and donors who came together to enable the creation of the Ryan River Conservation Area. It is a spectacular contribution to conservation in this important area and to our shared future.” – Nancy Newhouse, BC Regional Vice President, Nature Conservancy of Canada

“Our family is very excited to have the opportunity to be part of conserving and protecting this very special property.” – Bruce Miller, landowner

“The Pemberton Wildlife Association is very supportive of the Ryan River project, which preserves outstanding natural wetland and riparian wildlife habitats. Migrant songbirds are a common sight and are known to nest in the area. Streams on the land here are used by cutthroat trout and coho salmon. Grizzly bears have been spotted here in the spring, likely seeking forage after emerging from their dens. For these reasons and many more, this is an important local conservation project, and our club is excited to be a part of it.” – Allen McEwan, president, Pemberton Wildlife Association

“On behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, I congratulate the Nature Conservancy of Canada for its creation of the Ryan River Conservation Area in British Columbia. The preservation of this riverfront habitat, with the support of the Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program, will protect biodiversity and ensure that species at risk can thrive for generations to come. With help from partners like Nature Conservancy of Canada, we are making progress toward our commitment of conserving a quarter of Canada’s land and a quarter of its oceans by 2025.” – Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country

“HCTF is proud to support the conservation work of the Miller family, NCC and the partners who are protecting this biologically diverse property for BC’s fish and wildlife. The forest, wetlands and adjacent Ryan River create a unique juxtaposition of habitats that improve conservation outcomes for our bears, birds, trout and multitude of other species. Congratulations to the partners for achieving this project!” – Dan Buffet, CEO, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation

Perseverance has paid off and on September 1st the Cumberland Community Forest Society (CCFS) completed the purchase and protection of 226 acres of beautiful forest and creek in the Perseverance Creek Watershed.

The Perseverance Creek purchase is the largest and most costly to date for the CCFS. This ambitious 2.5-million-dollar project has also been unique from the previous 3 purchases the CCFS have made due to historic impacts on the landscape and the complex creek system that runs through it. Perseverance Creek is a salmon-bearing tributary into Comox Lake and the drinking water supply for over 45,000 Comox Valley residents. The protection of the Valley’s drinking water is the responsibility of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and the purchase was supported as part of Comox Lake Watershed Protection Plan (WPP).

This has been a truly remarkable journey and an inspiring collective effort. This 2.5 million dollar undertaking would not have been possible without the profound collaboration of individuals, families, artists, athletes, restaurants, brewpubs, professionals, businesses, local government, foundations, and community organizations big and small. CCFS would like to thank everyone involved for being part of this historic conservation effort.

The CCFS is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Formed in the year 2000 by a group of village residents concerned about logging adjacent to the community, the CCFS has since purchased and protected over 500 acres of threatened forest lands. These lands are protected for ecological conservation and low-impact recreation. As part of this recent purchase process, the CCFS has also become a conservation covenant holding organization, and the CCFS joins their partners and friends at the Comox Valley Land Trust in holding responsibility for the long-term protection of the forest. CCFS expresses how much of an honour it has been to hold this responsibility on behalf of our community.

The work has only just begun and restoration, regeneration, and biodiversity projects are already under development to begin to address historical impacts on the landscape. The business of buying and protecting land doesn’t stop once the purchase is made. Together we all have a responsibility to be stewards and active partners in caring for these lands and waterways and the living things that call it home.

The Southern Interior Land Trust (SILT) recently added a fifth property to its conservation holdings—a gem of intact streamside water birch habitat on the banks of Keremeos Creek near Olalla.

On Saturday, September 28th, SILT dedicated it the “R.E. Taylor Conservation Property” to honour Ron Taylor of Winfield, BC, in recognition of Ron’s life-long commitment to wildlife conservation. A career teacher and avid outdoorsman, Ron has influenced and mentored hundreds of young and old hunters, fishers, trappers, biologists and conservationists. Ron, through his strong conservation ethic, has always spoken on behalf of fish and wildlife and for the wise use of wild spaces.

Ron helped to create SILT, a non-profit land trust, and has served on its Board of Directors since the society was formed in 1988. He has been an active member of the Oceola Fish and Game Club for decades and has also served on its executive and that of the BC Wildlife Federation. Ron spent years advocating for a balance of natural resource use and protection at the Okanagan-Shuswap Land and Resource Management planning table. He has also served for several years on the Board of the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. Ron’s willingness to share his time and knowledge to so many fish and wildlife related endeavours has had positive and lasting impacts on natural resource management in BC.

Situated on flat valley bottomland, the R.E. Taylor Conservation Property provides habitat for at least six federally listed species at risk including yellow-breasted chat, western screech owl, Lewis’s woodpecker, barn owl, badger and common nighthawk. Deer, bear, moose, bobcat and other wildlife also use the property and rainbow trout and other fish live in the creek.

SILT works to keep its properties open to all types of wildlife-related recreation. SILT believes that doing so rewards the people that contribute to habitat conservation. Partial funding to purchase the R.E. Taylor Conservation Property came from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. SILT appreciates the hunters, trappers, guides and anglers that support the foundation through their licence fees, and SILT’s other donors that help make our habitat acquisitions possible—for all living things.

Contributed by Al Peatt of the Southern Interior Land Trust