The Nature Trust of British Columbia, one of the province’s leading non-profit land conservation organizations, March 6 announced that 165 acres (66.9 hectares) of ecologically important land near Fairmont Hot Springs has been purchased for conservation.

The property is known as the Columbia Lake North – Wetlands and is located near the north end of Columbia Lake and within the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation and the Secwépemc Nation.

After learning of the property’s crowdfunding campaign, which began in early November 2022, Teck Resources Limited (Teck) contributed a generous donation to take this campaign over the finish line.

“Thanks to the generosity of Teck and many other donors, the Columbia Lake North – Wetlands have been conserved and are now protected from purchase and development, the Nature Trust stated on its website.

Columbia Lake North – Wetlands is located approximately 1.3 km southeast of The Nature Trust’s Hoodoos Conservation Area, which is one of its largest properties at nearly 10,000 acres.

The ecologically rich property contains a rare riparian wetland complex, which includes open water, marsh, and swamp wetlands as well as willow-dominated riparian communities.

The wetlands along the Columbia River within the Columbia Valley are designated as a wetland of International Importance (Ramsar) and are one of only three sites in B.C. and 37 in Canada, the Nature Trust pointed out.

“The conservation area, located within the very dry and cool Interior Douglas-fir (IDFxk) – a bio-geoclimatic zone of conservation concern – will protect vital staging areas for waterfowl, winter range for ungulates, and strengthen a regional wildlife connectivity corridor. In turn, this conservation area will increase the resiliency of adjacent nearby protected and conserved lands, including the East Side Columbia Lake Wildlife Management Area, which it directly borders.

“Wetlands provide incredible services to the environment as they regulate and filter water flow, preventing potentially catastrophic flooding.”

The Columbia Lake North – Wetlands conservation area is also of continental significance to waterfowl under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and provide habitat and breeding grounds for the American Wigeon, Trumpeter Swan, and Common Goldeneye among other species.

The provincially identified Ungulate Winter Range (UWR) is crucial to meeting the winter habitat requirements of ungulate species such as Moose, Elk, Mule Deer, and White-tailed Deer. It also provides an important movement corridor for Grizzly Bear, Elk, Wolverine, and American Badger.

The Columbia Lake North-Wetlands provide sanctuary for a diverse variety of at-risk and endangered species, including the Great Blue Heron (of special concern in BC) and American Badger (endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act [SARA]), the Barn Swallow and Common Nighthawk (both threatened under SARA), the California Gull (endangered in B.C.) and Western Painted Turtle (of special concern under SARA). The threatened Bank Swallow and endangered American Badger have designated Critical Habitat on the property, the Nature Trust outlined.

“The purchase of this land ensures that the delicate ecosystems and vibrant biodiversity has a chance to thrive. The conservation of land is key to tackling the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.”

“We are incredibly grateful for all the generous donations we have received and are humbled by Teck’s contribution in the final stages to bring this over the line. As a result of their support, we are able to protect these vital wetlands, and the species that call it home, for generations to come,” said Dr. Jasper Lament, CEO of The Nature Trust of BC.

“This property is teeming with life and the benefits these wetlands and forests provide to our planet are nothing short of awe-inspiring. By protecting the Columbia Lake North-Wetlands, we are able to ensure that the at-risk species within are able to thrive and that its climate benefits continue in perpetuity.”

“Teck has set a goal to become a nature positive company by 2030. As part of that commitment, we are working cooperatively to conserve ecologically and culturally important wetlands such as those in the Columbia Valley. We are pleased to support the Nature Trust of B.C. to help ensure this internationally recognized wetland area is protected for future generations,” stated Jeff Hanman, Teck’s Senior Vice President, Sustainability and External Affairs.

e-KNOW file photos

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