The Nature Trust Acquires Interest in Unique Savary Island Forested Dune Property
The Nature Trust of British Columbia, the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection and Environment Canada today announced the acquisition of a substantial interest in a 147 hectare parcel of land on Savary Island that contains Western Canada's only intact example of a rare forested-dune ecosystem that is home to numerous rare and endangered species of plants and animals.
"This is truly a significant conservation achievement that will ensure the unique and sensitive forested dune complex on Savary Island and its associated rare plants and animals will be conserved for future generations of Canadians to enjoy," said Tom Lester, Executive Director of The Nature Trust.
The acquisition was made possible by a private donation as well as significant contributions from the provincial Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection through the federal/provincial Pacific Marine Heritage Legacy program and from Environment Canada through Georgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative.
Joyce Murray , Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection, said: "Our government has helped The Nature Trust secure a truly unique and sensitive ecosystem in the Gulf Islands under the Pacific Marine Heritage Legacy program. This is an excellent example of how public sector/private sector partnerships can work effectively to conserve British Columbia's natural legacy."
"Savary Island is one of the best examples of the forested dune ecosystem in this country. Its unique natural features provide habitat for many species of plants and animals at risk," said Environment Minister David Anderson. "Taking an ecosystem approach and working cooperatively with a variety of partners is exactly what stewardship and conservation in Canada should be about."
Savary Island is approximately 400 hectares in size and is located at the entrance to Desolation Sound, about 28 kilometers northwest of Powell River.
The Nature Trust of British Columbia is one of the oldest and largest conservation organizations in the province. Over the past 312 years, The Nature Trust and it's conservation partners have secured 17,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive habitat throughout the province in an effort to conserve British Columbia's magnificent natural legacy.
|