Connecting Communities Naturally

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Nature Without Borders II

Connecting Communities Naturally

Who is the CVCS-CP?

A partnership of 20 local organizations!

They have come together to promote and implement Nature Without Borders.

Comox Valley Land Trust

Project Watershed

Tsolum River Restoration Society

Millard-Piercy Watershed Stewards

Morrison Creek Streamkeepers

Comox Valley Water Watch

Comox Valley Environmental Council

Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society

Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society

Black Creek Streamkeepers

Perseverance Creek Streamkeepers

Saratoga and Miracle Beach Residents Association

Oyster River Watershed Management Committee

Comox Town Residents Association

Comox Valley Nature

Forbidden Plateau Road Residents Association

Friends of Comox Lazo Forest Reserve

Friends of Strathcona Park

Merville Area Residents and Ratepayers Association

Arden Area Residents Association

What is the Strategy?

A regional conservation plan that was initiated to protect the natural areas of the Comox Valley

which are needed to maintain ecological health and quality of life

The Strategy is based on the report: Nature Without Borders

Natural Areas Network

The Strategy envisions

Connecting Communities Naturally... Photo: A.Millham

Natural Areas Network

... through a network of healthy land and water ecosystems.

Photo: A.Millham

Natural Areas Network

By linking clean water, wildlife habitat, biodiversity and public trails into a network of natural areas, we can sustain a high quality of life for future generations.

Photo: A.Millham

Natural Areas Network

These systems connect ecosystems and habitats from coastline to alpine, allowing the widest range of native species to flourish and adapt to changes in land use and climate.

Photo: A.Millham

Natural Areas Network

These areas would be accessible to residents of the Comox Valley through an improved system of regional recreation trails.

Photo: A.Millham

Why do we need a Conservation Strategy?

To:

STOP the loss of vital ecosystems

RESTORE damaged ecosystems

PREPARE for population growth

PROTECT our quality of life

Timelapse of the Comox Valley

1984-2011

The next imagery shows dramatic

changes which occurred in a 25 year

period.

Timelapse of the Comox Valley

1984-2011

Timelapse of the Comox Valley

1984-2011

Timelapse of the Comox Valley

1984-2011

Timelapse of the Comox Valley

1984-2011

Timelapse of the Comox Valley

1984-2011

Timelapse of the Comox Valley

1984-2011

These changes are the cumulative

impacts caused by modification of the

land for residential & industry demands.

Managing Growth

Over 84,000 residents by 2030!

The Comox Valley is expected to grow to 84,000 full-time

We are a community under construction!

A Balanced Approach

The Conservation Strategy provides a plan that balances growth and conservation concerns.

With 4 local and 1 tribal governments, we need a regional and proactive approach to the protection of natural systems which support healthy living.

Priority Conservation

The Strategy has identified Priority Conservation Areas; which form a natural area network. When the natural area network functions properly, we have a strong and resilient network for our community to rely on. Photo: K.Dawson

Sensitive Ecosystems

Sensitive Ecosystems support biodiversity and provide often unseen benefits to us; to our families and our communities. These areas provide natural fish farms, flood protection, water purification, climate regulation, and supply our energy needs.

Photo: A.Millham

Priority Recreation Trails

Linking the Comox Valley together and providing

increased access to natural areas through walking,

cycling and other non-motorized use.

Drinking Water

We all get our drinking water from a watershed!

Maintaining the natural function of all watersheds ensures that residents have safe, clean drinking water.

Photo: K.Dawson

Upland Habitat Corridors

If protected, these conceptual corridors would, over time, provide crucial areas for animals to breed and find food.

Photo: A.Millham

Connecting Fragmented Areas

Corridors connect isolated areas of core habitat and increase the ecological value of isolated and fragmented areas.

-They are essential to the long-term survival and sustainability of biological diversity.

Aquatic Habitat Corridors

Water resources like our lakes, estuaries, streams, aquifers and springs are home to 7 species of salmon, an array of shellfish, resident and migratory birds.

Photo: A.Millham

Insert map here

Connecting Communities Naturally

This map shows how these priority conservation areas would look connected on the ground.

Benefits

There are social aspects that many enjoy, such as enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Photo: A.Millham

Economic Benefits

$ Natural resources form the basis of local economy

$ Lower taxes, as infrastructure lowered over long-term

$ Increases property values

$ Promotes tourism

$ Attracts green investment

labour

Ecological Benefits

Stops more sensitive areas from being lost Allows adaptation to climate change Maintains ecological amenities, also known as Ecosystem Goods and Services

Ecosystem Services: provided by nature for free and largely not accounted for over time.

We can’t afford to wait!

Blue listed species, like the Great Blue Heron,

are vulnerable and are at risk from disappearing

from our landscape

Photo: A.Millham

Our Accomplishments:

• Nature Without Borders was endorsed by all local governments

• Input into RGS and Sustainability Strategies

• Helped save NE Woods

• Produced an Annual Conservation Calendar

• 9 new Recommendations in NWB II

9 New Recommendations:

1. Protect and restore remaining sensitive ecosystems

2. Develop and maintain landscape connectivity

3. Maintain natural systems function

4. Conserve healthy drinking water resources

5. Protection of forests and tree cover

6. Conserve, protect and restore estuaries and foreshore areas

7. Fill in gaps in environmental information

8. Develop and maintain a regional recreational trail network

9. Incentives for redevelopment of serviced urban lands

How will our Goals be achieved?

Working with local governments

• Providing environmental information and education

• Advocating for and monitoring actions

- Activities are guided by a Steering Committee with decisions made by consensus

Membership

Supporter Organization:

a) Have a representative sit on the steering Committee

b) Representatives keep their group informed

• May consider making a financial contribution

Partner Organization:

Our Supporters:

Thank You!

Visit us at: www.cvconservationstrategy.org

or

Show your support and

Photo: A.Millham