Community support and a family’s commitment to conservation helped realize ambitious conservation project - The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is announcing some good news for nature with the protection of a large Salt Spring Island property. The site supports one of British Columbia’s most rare and imperilled ecosystems: Coastal Douglas-fir forests.

The 161-hectare property sits on Reginald Hill at the south end of the island and hosts a thriving diversity of rare and at-risk species. The new conservation area nurtures a maturing Coastal Douglas-fir forest, with mossy outcroppings, Garry oak plant communities, rocky bluffs and multiple wetlands. These woodland ecosystems are amongst the most imperilled in Canada and are vital habitat for many unique threatened or endangered species.

The Coastal Douglas-fir zone (CDF), like what is found on Reginald Hill, is the smallest and most at-risk biogeoclimatic zone in BC. Within Canada, it is found only on southeastern Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and a small part of the mainland. The mild, dry climate in this zone allows for the survival of some of the province’s most at-risk species. According to the BC Conservation Data Centre, the CDF zone is home to the highest number of species and ecosystems at risk in BC, many of which are ranked globally as imperilled or critically imperilled. The global range of the CDF lies almost entirely within BC, underscoring both its global uniqueness and BC’s responsibility for its conservation. Several at-risk plant and animal species have been identified throughout the Reginald Hill area, including the sharp-tailed snake, rigid apple moss and great blue heron.  The forest on Reginald Hill is regenerating from selective logging in the 1940s and a small amount of eco-forestry in the 1990s. Nearly a third of the trees in this area are estimated to be older than 100 years old.

Given its size and location, the Reginald Hill property was a prime candidate for subdivision and development. However, the family that had held the land for decades was keen to see it conserved and worked with NCC to achieve this outcome.

“I am thrilled that the Nature Conservancy of Canada is providing protection for this super special land in perpetuity,” said Nancy Beach, one of the family members who worked with NCC to conserve Reginald Hill. “The peaceful walk up the hill to the awe-inspiring hilltop view is undeniably enriching, and it was our parents’ dream to have the nature of this land preserved forever.”

The project garnered support from many local groups and individuals, including Salt Spring Island Conservancy and the Islands Trust Conservancy. In addition to donations from further afield, Salt Spring Island residents were important contributors to the success of the project, bringing local and ecological knowledge, donations and enthusiasm.

“In the face of the grim news about climate change and loss of biodiversity, the establishment of this conservation area is a huge win for nature on Salt Spring Island,” said local ecologist and conservation biologist Susan Hannon. “By treating the land with respect and care we can protect the sensitive habitats and species at risk in perpetuity, so our descendants can enjoy them. Many thanks to the Beach family, the NCC and all the donors and supporters for coming to together to conserve this jewel in the crown of protected areas.”

Many at-risk species have been observed in the area, including several that are listed on the federal Species at Risk Act such as common nighthawk (special concern), barn owl (western population; threatened) and a lichen known as peacock vinyl (special concern). Conserving this habitat and natural land cover will also help to hold and filter fresh water as it flows through the land, a vital function in this relatively developed landscape.

Reginald Hill Conservation Area is embedded in a larger landscape of undeveloped and protected land. It is bordered by the Tsawout First Nation’s reserve lands, a municipal park and lands protected by conservation covenants. It is also located near two provincial parks and two conservation areas already held by NCC. This effectively extends the area of protection and creates a greater connected area for wildlife to thrive and move freely.

NCC’s management focus for the Reginald Hill Conservation Area is to protect and nurture the sensitive ecosystems found there. Walk-in public access will be permitted only on designated trails (trail and access information available at natureconservancy.ca/reginaldhill). While a management plan is being developed, NCC requests the community’s cooperation in treading lightly on the land by staying on trails and refraining from bringing dogs, mountain bikes, motorized vehicles and horses into the conservation area. Camping and campfires are also not permitted.

“It has never been more important to protect forests and ensure they grow and thrive into the future,” said Steven Godfrey, West Coast Program Director with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. “Protecting this rare large piece of coastal Douglas-fir habitat is key for the at-risk plants and animals that rely on these ecosystems. We would like to thank all those who have recognized the value of this land and are helping to make this project possible.”

NCC acknowledges the rich Coast Salish culture that has been present since time immemorial in the Southern Gulf Islands and recognizes the long-standing presence and connection of the Coast Salish Peoples to the lands and waters on and around Salt Spring Island.

This project was supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada Nature Fund. Additional funding was provided by the Gerald A. Cooper-Key Foundation and the generous contributions of over 140 individual, corporate and foundation donors. A full list of donors can be found at natureconservancy.ca/reginaldhill

Photos and video credit: Fernando Lessa