NEWS RELEASE
TLC REACHES FUNDRAISING MATCH GOAL TO
SUPPORT SISȻENEM (HALIBUT ISLAND)
Donor steps forward to match a further $15,000 worth of donations
FOR RELEASE: May 17, 2021
Victoria, BC – The Land Conservancy of British Columbia (TLC) is pleased to announce that donors have raised more than $60,000 towards restoration work, baseline monitoring, and the registration of a conservation covenant on 9.67-acre SISȻENEM (Halibut Island). This feat was made possible by three generous TLC donors who stepped forward to match gifts 2:1 this spring. An inspired donor has offered to match further gifts dollar for dollar up to $15,000 to support this ground-breaking project.
SISȻENEM, located off the east coast of Sidney Island, is supports Garry oak, arbutus, and Douglas fir woodlands, and open wildflower meadows. Garry oak associated ecosystems support many of Canada’s species at risk including the common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) and popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys tenellus). Currently, spring meadows are carpeted with ḰȽO,EL (Great Camas; Camassia leichtlinii), Fawn lily (Erythronium Oregonum), and Chocolate lilies (Fritillaria affinis). Due to the lack of deer browse on SISȻENEM, researchers have identified an abundance of native species with cultural significance such as ḴEXMIN (Indian consumption plant; Lomatium nudicaule) and ḰȽO,EL (Great Camas; Camassia leichtlinii).
TLC was able to acquire the island for $1.55 million with the support of one major donor to protect the site’s cultural, ecological, and geological significance after the island and donor was brought to the charity’s attention by Dr. Tara Martin, UBC Faculty of Forestry’s Conservation Decisions Lab Head.
Long-term stewardship of the landmark project will see the transfer of title of SISȻENEM from the charitable land trust to the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council as an act of reconciliation. The transfer will be historically significant as the first of its kind between a land trust and an Indigenous community in Canada. TLC will work together with the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council to draft and register a conservation covenant and develop a co-management plan that will incorporate Indigenous land management principles that will provide access for cultural, education, research, and monitoring purposes. Scientific research and educational programming regarding the eco-cultural restoration of the island will continue in partnership with the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council, TLC, and UBC’s Dr. Tara Martin.
“We are currently working with W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership and Dr. Martin on eco-cultural restoration and covenant baseline work,” said Cathy Armstrong, TLC Executive Director. “COVID-19 precautions are impacting our ability to gather, however, we have been grateful for the for the opportunity to facilitate a visit for W̱SÁNEĆ Elders to visit this culturally and ecologically important place.”
For more information about SISȻENEM and how you can get involved, please visit www.conservancy.bc.ca, email membership@conservancy.bc.ca, or call TLC at 1-877-485-2422.
About
The Land Conservancy of B.C. (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 by visiting www.conservancy.bc.ca.
Media contacts:
Cathy Armstrong
TLC Executive Director
Office (250) 479-8053
Cell (250) 588-4945
Email carmstrong@conservancy.bc.ca
