I recently met with a landowner in Nanoose Bay to discuss options for protecting the forest in her backyard. As development in her neighbourhood is fragmenting local habitat, she reached out to learn how she could protect the land that she has called home for the last 20 years. With minimal alterations, the site is an intact example of B.C.’s at-risk Coastal Douglas-fir (CDF) forest. For her, the survival of the habitat, and the species that rely on it, are top of mind as she completes her estate planning.

Spanning a significant elevation change from the start of her driveway to the crest of the hill where her home is situated, the 5-acre property has surprising nuance. Arbutus and Douglas-fir dominate the tree layer with Garry oak near the upper grassy bluff. Common camas (Camassia quamash), Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana), trailing blackberry (Rubus ursinus), and two species of shooting star dominate the top of the property. While our late summer visit showcased the health of the system and the diversity of species across the sloped landscape, the spring is bound to be a brilliant display of blossoms and blooms given the native species that fill the understory and meadow areas.

Beneath the many mature Arbutus found mid-slope, we observed honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa), Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor), salal (Gaultheria shallon), and a variety of moss species as we hiked. Down near the bottom of the property, where we could feel a drop in temperature and an increase in moisture in the air, the habitat shifted subtly to include maple, bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), salal (Gaultheria shallon), vanilla leaf (Achlys triphylla), and sword fern (Polystichum munitum). These species are common to moister CDF sites.

Unfortunately, these undisturbed examples of the CDF are becoming increasingly at-risk. The CDF biogeoclimatic zone is one of the smallest zones in B.C. with only 0.3% of the province within its classification. As the least protected zone in the province, areas of CDF habitat at risk of degradation or development are of great concern. Already 49% of the CDF land base has been permanently converted by human activities.

As a land trust supporter, you can make a difference in protecting at-risk habitats like these.

Conservation covenants are one tool for protecting vital ecosystems like the CDF.

As you’re likely aware, conservation covenants are an agreement between landowners and a covenant-holding organization like TLC. These legally binding agreements detail the areas on the land to be protected, the restrictions for land use (e.g., removal of native species, subdivision of the parcel), and the penalties for breaching the agreement. The covenant is registered on the title and remains with the property regardless of changes in ownership.

This fall we announced our newly registered covenant on Keats Island that protects 3.55 hectares (8.77 acres) of forest and foreshore known as the Sandy Beach Nature Reserve. Co-held with the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association, the covenant is on the island’s northwest coast – the traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). The property is dominated by Douglas-fir, Western redcedar, Western hemlock, and bigleaf maples. Beneath the canopy, salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium), sword fern (Polystichum munitum), salal (Gaultheria shallon), thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus), and dull Oregon grape (Mahonia nervosa) abound. At-risk species and ecological communities have also been identified: great blue heron, fannini subspecies (Ardea herodias fannini) and double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) were documented during the baseline study for the covenant.

In addition to the protection that the covenant provides, Sandy Beach Nature Reserve has been acquired by the Islands Trust Conservancy (ITC). ITC’s purpose for holding the nature reserve is to protect the natural ecosystems and archaeological features of the site for the benefit of Keats Island residents, local First Nations, the public, and its stunning flora and fauna. This shared vision between our covenant-holding land trust and the landowners is of great importance: Landowners play a critical role in the continuing protection of sites upon which TLC holds conservation covenants.

While covenants continue to remain on title regardless of changes in ownership, our work to protect the site requires continued engagement. Monitoring is a critical factor in ensuring that the terms of the covenant are being upheld. Unfortunately, so too is enforcement. We consider landowners our partners in the protection of these sensitive areas, but our duty to protect B.C.’s biodiversity does require that we take covenant breaches and the defence of our covenants seriously. Thankfully, breaches are few and far between, and those who call our covenants home usually care about these habitats as much as we do.

Will you support TLC in our mission to conserve critical habitat?

Today, TLC protects 5,261 hectares (13,000 acres) around the province through the use of conservation covenants, and we have four new covenants currently in the drafting process. Conversations between TLC staff and concerned landowners looking to protect habitat are becoming more and more frequent. We are hearing from many baby boomers as they prepare to downsize or make estate planning decisions with the places they love in mind. In my 15 years with the organization, I cannot recall a time when we were so sought after to aid in planning for the next generation of stewards to come.

TLC’s new covenant application and registration process was adopted last year in an effort to streamline our decision-making and make the most of our limited resources. We may wish to protect every site brought to our attention, but with seven staff members, we must be mindful to make the greatest impact with our time and energies. This process also enables the organization to select our next projects with factors like climate change adaptation, species migration, and connective corridors in mind.

From initial inquiries to final registration, successfully completing the covenanting process can take a significant amount of time and financial resources. Through the covenant application process, landowners provide background on the ecosystems found in their backyard including natural features, human impacts, and the landowner’s vision for its long-term protection. Once the application has been approved by our acquisition committee and Board of Directors, we start with getting a fulsome picture of the state of the area today. This includes a biological baseline and surveying. With that critical background to guide the discussion, drafting occurs between TLC staff, our legal team, and the landowner. And finally, when all parties are comfortable with the agreement, it is registered on the property title. Despite the best of intentions from landowners, the timing and duration of some aspects of this process are out of their control; Bringing in experts to complete ecological baselines, surveyors to determine boundaries, and lawyers for drafting and final registration requires a network of professionals.

We are also witnessing this generational land transfer impact our existing, long-held covenants. As some of TLC’s conservation covenants are now more than 20 years old, we are seeing an increase in new landowners on sites we protect. A change in ownership, while anticipated, requires greater investment of TLC’s human resources as we build new relationships and educate folks about covenants, the particular restrictions on their property, and recommendations for respectful stewardship.

Protecting at-risk ecosystems throughout the province requires our continued investment to ensure our protected areas are supporting healthy ecosystems.

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 $75,000 to support the stewardship, monitoring, and expansion of our province’s protected areas. Your gift will make a difference in ensuring ecosystems like our Coastal Douglas-fir forests remain intact for the benefit of all species. Please consider donating online or calling 1-877-485-2422 to make your donation today. Donations are eligible for 2023 tax receipts.

Together we can protect B.C.’s most precious ecosystems and habitats for generations to come. Thank you for your support of this critical work.

With gratitude,

Dianna Stenberg
Executive Director