NEWS RELEASE

CONSERVATION COVENANT CREATED TO
PROTECT 90 ACRES WITHIN SQUAMISH

Restored conservation area to expand and protect critical wetland and riparian habitat

FOR RELEASE: February 21, 2023

Squamish, B.C. – The Land Conservancy of British Columbia (TLC) and the District of Squamish are pleased to announce the creation of a 36.69-hectare (90.66-acre) conservation area known as Garibaldi Springs Ecological Reserve. The centrally located conservation area protects and expands critical habitat for provincially red-listed species. Stewardship will also include the re-wilding of altered forest and riparian areas.

The ecological reserve was made possible through land dedication and site remediation work by Polygon Developments Ltd. as part of an overall development plan for this previous golf course site.

“Squamish is internationally known for its breathtaking natural beauty,” says Cathy Armstrong, TLC Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with the District of Squamish and Polygon in creating a conservation covenant to expand and protect riparian and forest habitat for species at risk and wildlife migratory opportunities.”

Garibaldi Springs largely consists of aquatic and riparian habitat, as well as previously disturbed area that will be restored to wetland, riparian, and upland forested habitat. The conservation area also contains creeks and wetlands that feed into salmon-bearing Meighan Creek and the Squamish River via Harris Slough. The area neighbours 1.17-hectares of new active community park, Garibaldi Springs Park, in addition to existing nearby wildlife habitat in the South Coast Mountain Range including Alice Lake Provincial Park and Garibaldi Provincial Park. The land will be fully accessible to the public.

“The Garibaldi Springs Ecological Reserve and Park will benefit the entire community of Squamish and this covenant will ensure its protection for all to enjoy, for many generations to come,” says District of Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford. “As the District works to balance a range of objectives from providing housing within our growth management boundary, to protecting greenspace, this project exemplifies how this can be achieved. We are appreciative of The Land Conservancy of British Columbia, Polygon and all those involved for their work in supporting conservation efforts in our community.”

About Habitat Restoration and Species

Polygon is responsible for habitat restoration on the site under plans approved by the District, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Province of B.C. for the initial 5-year period. The conservation partnership includes the District of Squamish and TLC as joint signatories to a conservation covenant registered on land title to protect the Garibaldi Springs land.

Red-listed Species:

  • Peregrine Falcon
  • Roell’s Brothera Moss
  • Pacific Water Shrew

Coastal Species: 

  • Western redcedar (Thuja plicata)
  • Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)
  • Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
  • Shore/lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)
  • Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)
  • Red alder (Alnus rubra)

About Conservation Covenants

Conservation covenants are collaborative and legal agreements, voluntarily entered by a landowner and an eligible conservation covenant holder such as a charitable land trust. The covenant runs with the land in perpetuity and protects against the destruction of natural features and habitat fragmentation. Covenant holders enforce the terms of the covenant in perpetuity.

TLC holds, monitors, and enforces more than 250 ecologically sensitive areas with conservation covenants throughout the province, and will continue to monitor and collaborate with the District of Squamish and Polygon in the re-wilding and ongoing protection of Garibaldi Springs.

For more information about TLC’s conservation covenant program and supporting B.C.’s critical ecosystems, 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.

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.

About the District of Squamish

Inspired by nature and hardwired for adventure, the District of Squamish is the local municipal government servicing a growing and diverse community with a population of 24,000+, inclusive of members of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) upon whose traditional unceded territory we live, work and play. Nestled between ocean and mountains, the vibrant and entrepreneurial town-feel, lush natural environment, and unmatched outdoor recreation make for a one-of a-kind lifestyle and business destination. Guided by the Squamish 2040 Official Community Plan, Council and staff work to effect meaningful change on the most important community issues of our time under five main goals: Resilient, Healthy, Connected, Liveable and Engaged.

Media contacts:

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

Rachel Boguski
Media Relations and Content Specialist
Office/Cell (604) 815-4967
Email rboguski@squamish.ca