Photo Credit: Nature Trust of B.C.

By Sam Bennison

Conservation

Conservation Non-Profit is looking to raise $1.5M to protect habitats near Prince George

Oct 25, 2023 | 6:36 PM

NORTHERN B.C.—The Nature Trust of B.C. is looking to raise $1.5 M to purchase two properties of ecological importance across Northern B.C.

The two properties that the Nature Trust of B.C. hope to acquire are known as Crescent Spur and Cranberry Marsh-West and are located within the traditional territory of both the Simpcw and Lheidli T’enneh First Nations. The properties combined total 115.2 hectares (284.6 acres) of land.

Conservation depends on collaboration and community. Our partnerships are at the center of everything we do, allowing us to help steward and safeguard the natural areas that we all love. Together, with the community’s support, we can protect Crescent Spur and Cranberry Marsh for generations to come.

Dr. Jasper Lament, CEO of The Nature Trust of B.C.

The Crescent Spur property is comprised of three parcels totalling 76.9 Hectares (190 acres of land) and are located 55 km northwest of McBride and within the Regional District of Fraser Fort George. The land features an ancient forest with trees that are 1000 years old and older. It also features a rare riparian ecosystems, which protect streams and are significant to biodiversity of an area.

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The area contains two different types of ecosystems-the Sub-Boreal Spruce an the Interior Cedar-Hemlock, which are at risk ecosystems.. The property provides critical habitat for a variety of endangered, threatened, and at-risk species, including the Little Brown Myotis, Barn Swallow, Short-eared Owl, Common Nighthawk, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Horned Grebe, Grizzly Bear, Rusty Blackbird, and the Wolverine.

The second property, Cranberry Marsh-West contains 38.3 Hectares (94.6 acres) of wetlands as well as low shrub and grass ecosystems with pockets of forest. The property is adjacent to the Cranberry Marsh/Starratt Wildlife Management Area, and if purchased, will expand the total conservation area to 357 hectares (882 acres), increasing connectivity for wildlife. It also provides habitat for the endangered Black Swift and the of Western Toad. The Western Toad is of special concern as according to the E.O.L. its population has been decreasing.

By purchasing these locations the Nature Trust of British Columbia hopes to ensure that the vulnerable habitat remains undisturbed and protected in perpetuity for the benefit of people and planet. You can learn more on their website www.naturetrust.bc.ca