On September 30, 2015, TLC completed the transfer of 26 properties, including Natasha Boyd Wetland Conservation Area, to the Nature Conservancy of Canada for their continued stewardship. For more information please view the news release.
On December 22, 2016, the Province of British Columbia announced the transfer of four properties from the Nature Conservancy of Canada, including the West Twin parcel previously owned by TLC, to the Province to ensure these important properties remain protected for future generations to enjoy. Read the full press release.
The Natasha Boyd Wetland Conservation Area comprises 160 acres of low-lying wetlands and upland forest. The upland forests of paper birch, trembling aspen, white and black spruce, lodgepole pine and western redcedar surround clusters of inter-connected wetlands. The wetlands include bogs (areas with deep, nutrient poor, acidic soils), fens (nutrient rich areas with deep peat soils vegetated by sedges and grasses) and shallow pools and ponds. This area provides habitat for moose, mule deer, grizzly and black bears, wolves, coyotes, beavers and snowshoe hares. A wide range of songbirds and waterfowl also inhabit the area. These include Common Yellowthroat, Orange-crowned Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow, American Redstart, Sandhill crane, Great Blue Heron, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck and Bufflehead. It was was carefully selected for its conservation value, as wetland habitats are becoming increasingly rare throughout BC.
This acquisition was made possible by a unique partnership made up of TLC, Mr. Carl Boyd, a local resident, and the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program. Carl Boyd was a long time resident of the Robson Valley (he passed away in 2006). The extensive wilderness and striking beauty of the Robson valley drew Carl and his wife Natasha to retire there in 1973. After Natasha’s death in 1999, Carl decided that the best way to honour her life as an avid naturalist, wilderness advocate, and wildlife artist would be to purchase land conservation purposes. Together we were able to purchase this wetland area that is located approximately 15 km south east of McBride.
This donation was formally recognized during a community celebration at the community hall in Dunster in March of 2004. This ceremony included the unveiling the sign that is now housed adjacent to the property on Highway 16, speeches by local residents and partnering organizations, and a general celebration of the life and memory of Natasha Boyd. The official unveiling of the sign that commemorates the establishment of the Natasha Boyd Wetland Conservation Area in the Robson Valley occurred at the Baker Creek Rest Area on October 30, 2004.
We are currently working with the Fraser Headwaters Alliance to fulfill Mr. Boyd’s vision of making this site available to the public by carefully planning a system of trails and interpretative signs.
You can help TLC preserve this vital wetland by becoming a TLC Member. Click here to join now.
