The Nature Trust of BC launches a fundraising campaign to conserve 13 acres of important habitat along Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River. 

April 23, Parksville, Vancouver Island: The Nature Trust of British Columbia, a leading non-profit land conservation organization in B.C., announces that it is raising funds to protect 13 acres (5.2 hectares) of precious wildlife habitat along the Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River at 130 Shelly Road. The Nature Trust of British Columbia needs to raise $350,000 to secure the land acquisition, ensuring that this culturally and ecologically important river corridor remains protected for generations to come.  

For over 40 years, The Nature Trust of BC has diligently worked with its partners to protect the Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River and watershed. We have made significant strides in recent years with the protection of two conservation areas – the Emil Anderson Legacy Forest and Wilson Nature Park. However, there is still more work to be done.  

Once purchased, the acquisition will expand The Nature Trust of BC’s existing conservation area along the Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River, increasing connectivity for wildlife and strengthening a lifeline for land, wildlife, and people.  

“For more than 40 years, The Nature Trust of BC has worked to conserve the Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River – a vital lifeline for land, wildlife and people. Now we are committed to protecting Shelly Road, which is in danger of being lost forever to development. We can’t afford to lose this crucial habitat that is home to five species of Pacific salmon, three species of trout, and provides immeasurable benefits to wildlife, habitat and the community. When you donate today, you protect forever. Every dollar counts!” said Dr. Jasper Lament, CEO of The Nature Trust of BC.

The Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River provides habitat for all five species of salmon – chinook, chum, coho, pink, and sockeye. It also contains three species of trout – rainbow, cutthroat, and steelhead. Salmon are an iconic and ecologically vital species, with their life cycle providing many benefits for people, wildlife, and the environment. As salmon spawn and eventually die, their nutrients are then dispersed throughout the ecosystem and support the surrounding forests helping to stabilize riverbanks, promote healthy riparian areas and provide food for many different species. 

The area also contains important floodplain, riparian, and forested ecosystems and is an internationally significant habitat for migratory and breeding birds, including over 250 species, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as black bear, cougar, deer, river otter, and Roosevelt elk. 

For several years, Snaw-Naw-As First Nation and The Nature Trust of BC have collaborated closely on stewardship, restoration and monitoring work in the lower river and estuary. This has included implementing the large-scale restoration project on the Wilson Nature Park, in-stream fish habitat improvements and the long-term monitoring of the resilience of the estuary.  

Once acquired, The Nature Trust of BC will continue to work closely with the Snaw-Naw-As (Nanoose) First Nation for the management and long-term stewardship of the conservation area as part of an existing Stewardship and Management Agreement for conservation lands within their traditional territory. 

“Everything is connected. 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 and other stewardship groups with the watershed in mind for future generations. Working together and moving forward is the goal.” said Chris Bob, Snaw-Naw-As community member.

In addition to the acquisition of 130 Shelly Road, The Nature Trust of BC and the City of Parksville have also committed to working in collaboration with Snaw-Naw-As First Nation to create a community pathway. Not only will this pathway improve trail connectivity in the area and support community sustainability goals but it will also include improved interpretive signs on the cultural and ecological significance of the area. 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 conservation and land management. 

The purchase of this vital habitat adds to The Nature Trust of BC’s legacy and unwavering commitment to protecting B.C.’s most vulnerable ecosystems for the benefit of wildlife, the planet, and people.  

You can support The Nature Trust of BC in purchasing and protecting Shelly Road and The Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River by donating to our campaign. The deadline for fundraising is June 30, 2024. 

  • Help raise the remaining $350,000 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 

VIDEO AND IMAGES: Here 

CONTACT:  

The Nature Trust of BC 

Alicia Collyear, Account Director 

Naturetrust@yulupr.com 

604-558-1656