For Immediate Release

MILLSTREAM CREEK WATERSHED PROPERTY PROTECTED

Charity acquires 11.1 hectares of Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem in the District of Highlands

JANUARY 18, 2021, VICTORIA, BC – The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) is pleased to announce the successful fundraising for and acquisition of 11.1 hectares (27 acres) of Coastal Douglas-fir (CDF) ecosystem in the Millstream Creek Watershed. Located in the District of Highlands, this lush and diverse mature forest includes characteristic veteran trees and three different wetland types (sedge marsh, hardhack marsh, and skunk cabbage swamp) found between undulating hummocks topped with rocky outcrops of Garry oak and arbutus.

TLC successfully raised more than $600,000 towards the acquisition of this ecologically significant site. This project was made possible by the generosity of TLC donors – including an anonymous donor who matched gifts 4:1 and contributed more than $380,000 – and the Government of Canada through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund. Funds raised include a $68,500 endowment fund with the Victoria Foundation for the ongoing stewardship of the site.

The smallest and most at-risk zone in British Columbia, the CDF biogeoclimatic zone is home to species at risk including the Northern red-legged frog (Rana aurora) (listed as Special Concern under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA)). Of all the zones in the province, the Coastal Douglas-fir zone has been most altered by human activities. Less than 1% of the CDF remains in old growth forests and 49% of the land base has been permanently converted by human activities.

The Millstream Creek Watershed property provides connectivity for wildlife and the local watershed. With two defined creeks and numerous ephemeral streams, the parcel functions as a water source for the sensitive lake system found to the south. Protecting this parcel secures a more intact watershed ecosystem. Further, this mature forest supports greater connectivity of wildlife corridors including the adjacent 17-hectare (42-acre) Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary and established parks in the area.

Quotes

“By working with partners like The Land Conservancy of British Columbia, we are protecting nature in British Columbia and across the country. Through programs like the Canada Nature Fund’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program, we are protecting our iconic Canadian biodiversity and making progress toward our goal of conserving a quarter of Canada’s land and a quarter of its oceans by 2025.” – The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“On behalf of TLC’s Board of Directors and staff, I wish to thank all who contributed to protect the Millstream Creek Watershed property. In addition to our conservation and restoration activities, we look forward to increased partnership opportunities on site with local organizations and Indigenous communities to support education surrounding the importance of conservation from both scientific and traditional perspectives.” – Cathy Armstrong, TLC Executive Director

About

The Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) is a unique public-private partnership to support new protected and conserved areas by securing private lands and private interests in lands. The program is managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). Federal funds invested in the program are matched with contributions raised by NCC and its partners, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the country’s land trust community.
The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) is a non-profit, charitable Land Trust working throughout British Columbia. TLC’s primary mandate is to benefit the community by protecting habitat for natural communities of plants and animals. Founded in 1997, TLC is membership-based and governed by an elected, volunteer Board of Directors. TLC relies on a strong membership and volunteer base to help maintain its operations.

Learn more about TLC’s Millstream Creek Watershed Campaign, other projects, and programs at www.conservancy.bc.ca.

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Media contact:

Cathy Armstrong
TLC Executive Director
Office (250) 479-8053
Cell (250) 588-4945
Email carmstrong@conservancy.bc.ca