This fall the west coast has been experiencing unseasonably warm and dry weather with record breaking temperatures and dramatic drought. Smoke filled skies remained late into October causing poor air quality well beyond the devastated communities impacted by B.C.’s raging wildfires. Late last month the government continued to rank the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Fort Nelson, and the north, south, and east Peace regions with drought levels of 5. The highest and most severe rating, this signals that adverse effects to socio-economic or ecosystem values are almost certain. Our province is not alone in experiencing these impacts: eastern Canada has recently witnessed catastrophic weather events in the form of hurricanes that have resulted in millions in damages from wind and flood damage, and the tragic loss of life. Unfortunately, as our climate warms, we can expect greater intensity and frequency of these destructive weather patterns.
These weather events – uncontrolled wildfire, extreme rainfall, and damaging floodwaters – have detrimental effects on our biodiversity. TLC’s properties and covenants, from northern pine to coastal Douglas-fir forests, are experiencing extreme stress to species. B.C.’s top scientists have identified that 42% of species are of provincial conservation concern. B.C.’s youth agree: 95% are concerned about the environment and climate change, and their top priority is conservation and habitat loss. As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, protecting our biodiversity becomes critical for our survival.
Forests, wetlands, and wildlife corridors are critical habitats for supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation. In addition to seasonal migrations, wildlife migratory opportunities encourage greater resiliency and adaptation opportunities as climate conditions shift. When resources are lacking in one section of a specie’s range, migrating to connected areas with more plentiful resources can improve survival and breeding success. TLC’s protected areas throughout the province offer resources and refuge to species from Moonwort Ferns (Botrychium spp.) in the Clearwater Wetlands and Wildlife Corridors to gray wolves (Canis lupus) on Cortes Island.
TLC’s Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area, the traditional territory of the Sinixt people, provides refuge and migratory opportunities for mega fauna including elk (Cervus canadensis), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), black bear (Ursus americanus), and cougar (Felis concolor), amidst growing habitat fragmentation and increasing urban development. Fort Shepherd borders 8 km of the Columbia River before it flows through Washington and Oregon, and finally outflows into the Pacific Ocean after running its 2,000 km course. While the Conservation Area provides 2,382 acres of contiguous forest and grasslands, the species that rely on Fort Shepherd are not deterred by our property borders; by land, air, or water, by providing plant and animal life with safe, intact travel corridors for migration, we can support the adaptation and ultimately the survival of these species.
The variety and richness of our landscapes – our province’s biodiversity – provides critical ecosystem services including cleaning our air and water, mitigating drought and flooding, and helping to regulate local climates. Wetlands play a critical role in this weather-buffering equation: wetlands are considered the most effective carbon sinks on the planet. These sinks are naturally occurring ecosystems in which atmospheric carbon is captured and stored or sequestered. Unfortunately, more than 80% of Canada’s wetlands in urban areas have been degraded or lost entirely.
TLC’s protected areas include a variety of wetlands including swamps, bogs, and fens, each of which has its own characteristics. In the Clearwater River Valley we protect 141 acres of contiguous marsh, meadow, open water, and forest ecosystems. These wetlands act as giant sponges to ease some of the areas most extreme weather events. As wetlands cover 6% of the worlds land surface and 13% of Canada’s land area, these carbon stores would have a devastating impact on climate change if altered or destroyed.
In more urban areas, conservation teamed with ecosystem restoration and pollinator enhancement projects can rehabilitate wildlife diversity by providing native plant species with opportunities to thrive. In the Blenkinsop Valley on southern Vancouver Island, TLC recently received a bequest from local conservation hero Joan Alston-Stewart. The three contiguous parcels cover 8 acres of Garry oak, Douglas-fir, and wetland to provide opportunities for wildlife whilst offering examples of what conservation-minded stewards can achieve in impacted urban settings. While this project is funded through a legacy gift from Joan, most of TLC’s projects do not have endowments attached to support their ongoing stewardship.
Every day, our team works to protect and steward 250 conservation covenants covering a combined 12,868 acres, and a further 2,784 acres of habitat where we manage and hold title. Working in partnership with other conservation organizations and communities has been pivotal in creating contiguous corridors and healthy habitats: land trusts in B.C. protect a combined 550,000 acres through conservation covenants and fee simple lands to create critical networks of conservation areas.
On the east coast of Salt Spring Island, this year TLC was able to partner with the Salt Spring Island Conservancy to protect a further 15.5 acres of rich rainforest, preserving the carbon sequestered in ancient trees and supporting critical salmon habitat during drought. Contiguous to previously protected forests, wildlife corridors, and vital watersheds, Creekside Rainforest was conserved through the generosity of land trust supporters like you who know that protecting networks of sites with a diversity of species and ecosystems will give B.C.’s flora and fauna the greatest chance to adapt to changing conditions.
Will you join us in protecting B.C.’s biodiversity in perpetuity?
To support TLC’s vital conservation work, this fall we are aiming to raise $50,000. Your gift to support the stewardship, management, and expansion of our province’s protected areas can make a difference in providing a future in which we can all thrive. Please consider donating online, calling 1-877-485-2422, or mailing your donation today. Donations are eligible for 2022 tax receipts.
Throughout the province our protected lands conserve precious forests, wetlands, and wildlife corridors for the benefit of biological diversity including humankind. Thank you for your support of this critical work.
With gratitude,
Cathy Armstrong
Executive Director
