Over 38 hectares of Denman Island rainforest may be protected in the future if it is bought by the Nature Land Trust of B.C.
The trust says they are looking to raise $1 million to buy the land, which is home to many rare and at-risk species such as the Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly.
The area is also home to many mature coastal Douglas-Fir trees, wetlands and Beadnell Creek – a major salmon spawning stream.
Located next to a Denman Conservancy Association conservation area called Central Park and the Denman Island Provincial Park and Protected Area, conservation would increase to 187 hectares if the land is bought.
With its benefits to the surrounding area, Nature Trust of B.C. CEO Dr. Jasper Lament says its protection is very important.
“Coastal rainforests are some of the wettest non-tropical ecosystems on earth,” said Lament. “The Denman Island-Coastal Rainforest is an ecological powerhouse and provides tremendous benefits to wildlife, people and our planet.”
The area is located within an area of continental significance to waterfowl under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, according to the trust. They say it is home to 10 bird species under the federal Species at Risk Act including the western screech owl and great blue heron.
Lament adds the area and others like it are important to protect as they are some of the rarest ecosystems in the world, and only just over 11 per cent are protected.
“Not only do mature forests provide clean air and cooler temperatures, they provide breeding and foraging habitat for mammals, birds, and invertebrates,” said Lament.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that these majestic forests can continue to grow and thrive for the benefit of the planet and people.”
More information about protecting the area can be found here.
