The Nature Trust of BC launches fundraising campaign to raise $1.5M to conserve essential ecosystems in the Robson Valley and Prince George
October 25, 2023, Vancouver, BC, Canada – Today, The Nature Trust of British Columbia, one of the province’s leading non-profit land conservation organizations, announces that it is raising funds to protect two critical conservation areas, totalling 115.2 hectares (284.6 acres) of rich ecological landscape across Northern BC. The Nature Trust of British Columbian needs to raise $1.5M to purchase these properties and ensure that this vulnerable habitat remains undisturbed and protected in perpetuity for the benefit of people and planet.
The two properties The Nature Trust of BC plans to acquire are known as Crescent Spur and Cranberry Marsh-West and they are located within the traditional territory of both the Simpcw and Lheildli T’enneh First Nations. The Nature Trust of BC and the province are forging meaningful and collaborative land stewardship initiatives with the Simpcw First Nation and Lheildli T’enneh First Nation, rooted in a deep appreciation for the unique cultural and ecological significance of the lands, to preserve and protect their existing ecological integrity for future generations.
“Conservation depends on collaboration, cultural appreciation and community. Our partnerships are at the center of everything we do, allowing us to help steward and safeguard the natural areas that we all love. Together, with the community’s support, we can protect Crescent Spur and Cranberry Marsh for generations to come.” said Dr. Jasper Lament, CEO of The Nature Trust of BC.
Crescent Spur, which includes ancient inland forests with trees older than 1,000 years.
The Crescent Spur property is comprised of three parcels totalling 76.9 hectares (190 acres) of land and located 55 km northwest of the community of McBride and within the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. The property includes ancient inland forest, with trees older than 1000 years, and rare riparian ecosystems. The area contains two different types of ecosystems – the Sub-Boreal Spruce and the Interior Cedar-Hemlock. Both exhibit a very wet and cool climate and are at-risk ecosystems. Currently, only 4 per cent of the Sub-Boreal Spruce and 11.2 per cent of the Interior Cedar-Hemlock are protected provincially. The property provides critical habitat for a variety of endangered, threatened, and at-risk species, including the Little Brown Myotis, Barn Swallow, Short-eared Owl, Common Nighthawk, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Horned Grebe, Grizzly Bear, Rusty Blackbird, and the Wolverine.
Cranberry Marsh-West contains 38.3 hectares (94.6 acres) of wetlands as well as low shrub and grass ecosystems with pockets of forest. The property is adjacent to the Cranberry Marsh/Starratt Wildlife Management Area, and once this property is purchased, the total conservation area will be 357 hectares (882 acres), increasing connectivity for wildlife.
Cranberry Marsh – West
Cranberry Marsh-West is located approximately 292 km southeast of Prince George, within the Regional District of Fraser – Fort George. It has a hot and dry climate and provides habitat for several species of wildlife, including the endangered Black Swift and the of Special Concern Western Toad. The wetlands contain crucial breeding grounds for birds as well as a migratory bird stopover along the Pacific Flyway.
“Northern BC’s unique terrain and ecology is diverse, from rainforest and riparian ecosystems to wetlands. However, they are united in their importance for climate and biodiversity. These ecosystems provide vital habitat and breeding grounds for migratory birds as well as countless other species of fish and wildlife.” said Dr. Jasper Lament, CEO of The Nature Trust of British Columbia.
The purchase of these ecologically and environmentally valuable properties adds to the legacy of The Nature Trust of BC, demonstrating its steadfast commitment to protecting BC’s most vulnerable ecosystems to tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
You can support The Nature Trust of BC in purchasing and protecting these vital land properties by donating to our campaign. The deadline for fundraising is March 31, 2024
- Help raise the remaining $1.5M for these endangered ecosystems here.
- Find out more about all of The Nature Trust’s current projects here.
About:
The Nature Trust of British Columbia is a leading non-profit land conservation organization 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 acquired more than 73,000 hectares (180,000 acres) of ecologically significant land to save vulnerable wildlife, fish and plants.
LEARN MORE:
Visit: www.naturetrust.bc.ca
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CONTACT:
The Nature Trust of BC
Alicia Collyear, Account Director
604-558-1656