For Immediate Release 

SAYWARD, B.C. – The Nature Trust of British Columbia, a leading land conservation charity in B.C. today announced an urgent fundraising campaign to raise $294,000 by April 9th to purchase and protect more than 105.6 acres (42.7 hectares) of floodplain forest along the Xwésam (Salmon) River. 

 “The risk of losing towering Sitka spruce, grand fir, western redcedar and Douglas-fir in this floodplain forest to development is real and the need to purchase and protect this vital habitat is urgent,” says Dr. Jasper Lament, CEO of the Nature Trust of BC.  “Trees in this forest are up to 120 years old and five Pacific salmon species, steelhead and blue-listed cutthroat throat depend on the Xwésam (Salmon) River.   

For more than 50 years, The Nature Trust of BC has been working to purchase, protect and restore land along Xwésam (Salmon) River. Conserving this new parcel of land would expand The Nature Trust of BC’s existing Xwésam (Salmon) River Estuary Conservation Complex, growing the conservation complex to 1,037.8 acres (420 hectares). The river and estuary provide vital habitat for some of the province’s most iconic species, including the majestic great blue heron, the northern pygmy owl and the Roosevelt elk – the largest subspecies of North American elk. 

Expanding this conservation complex increases the connectivity and resilience of sensitive estuarine and riparian ecosystems within the river and its estuary. All five Pacific salmon species, along with steelhead and blue-listed cutthroat trout pass through the estuary and depend on the river. Recently, grizzly bears have also returned to the river to feast on the abundant vegetation in the estuary. 

The riparian forest can provide shelter and food for the threatened western screech owl. This small owl with distinct “ear” tufts and yellow eyes relies on these forests to provide important food sources to help raise their young. The western screech owl population on Vancouver Island has been declining over the past couple of decades mostly due to habitat loss.   

The time for nature is now—with immediate action, this vital habitat can be protected forever. Every dollar donated will directly contribute to safeguarding this land for future generations and help ensure the long-term health of the Xwésam (Salmon) River ecosystem. 

Donate here to help the Nature Trust of BC raise $294,000 to buy and protect Xwésam (Salmon) River Estuary – Floodplain Forest now and forever.  

Find out more about the Nature Trust’s current conservation projects here. 

The Nature Trust of British Columbia is a leading non-profit land conservation charity with over 50 years of success protecting and caring for B.C.’s most critical habitats. Since 1971, The Nature Trust of BC and its partners have conserved more than 180,000 acres (73,000 hectares) of ecologically significant land to save vulnerable wildlife, fish and plants. 

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NOTES 
  • This project is an addition to The Nature Trust of BC’s existing Xwésam (Salmon) River Estuary Conservation Complex and is located approximately 600 meters upstream. If this additional area can be protected, the conservation complex will be expanded to 1037.8 acres (420 hectares), increasing resiliency and connectivity for fish and wildlife. 
  • The Nature Trust of BC and partners have been working to conserve land along Xwésam (Salmon) River since 1978. 
  • The Nature Trust of BC and partners have completed significant restoration work along Xwésam (Salmon) River, including reconnecting tidal channels and constructing two 15-metre-wide breaches to restore natural water flow and connectivity, the removal of 600 cubic meters of fill, the construction of two 15-metre bridges to allow visitors to access the site safely, and replanting nearly 800 native plants on 485 square metres of land.   
  • Xwésam (Salmon) River Estuary – Floodplain Forest with its Sitka spruce, grand fir, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, western redcedar, big leaf maple, red alder, and black cottonwood trees that are up to 120 years old, has merchantable timber value and its conservation will protect its forests from logging or development in perpetuity.  
  • The Nature Trust of BC has been working collaboratively with several Nanwakolas Council Nations on the Estuary Resilience Program for several years, including partnering with the K’omoks First Nation to implement several monitoring and restoration projects in the estuary.

Visit: www.naturetrust.bc.ca 

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IMAGES here. Photos by Tyler Cave (Cave Productions)

CONTACT 

The Nature Trust of BC 

Alicia Arruda, Senior Account Manager 

Naturetrust@yulupr.com 

604-558-1656