The combined efforts of environmental groups, individuals and local governments have successfully raised the funds needed to purchase the French Creek Estuary, to be preserved as an eagle sanctuary.
含羞草研究社淭his is a fantastic story,含羞草研究社� said Andy Day, CEO of the BC Parks Foundation. 含羞草研究社淭here has been an incredible outpouring of goodwill in the community, making the longstanding dream of an eagle sanctuary come true. A lot of people feel like they are soaring with the eagles right now.含羞草研究社�
With the assistance of BC Parks Foundation, more than $5.1M in donations were raised to purchase 18 acres of estuary land and join it to the five acres of existing protected area, for a 23-acre nature reserve. It also is a realization of a dream of creating a protected eagle reserve within the forested property.
The land hosts bald eagles who come by the thousands from as far away as Alaska to join resident and nesting eagles and feast on the teeming abundance of the Salish Sea.
Donations came from all sides, with the biggest coming from the landowners, French Creek House Ltd., who agreed to gift $3,280,000 of land value. That was followed by a $1 million donation from British Columbiam Dax Dasilva and his non-profit Age of Union Alliance. The Regional District of Nanaimo then agreed to provide $400,000.
含羞草研究社淭he Regional District of Nanaimo is proud to be a partner in this important land acquisition,含羞草研究社� said Electoral Area G (Englishman River, San Pareil, French Creek, Little Qualicum, Dashwood) director Lehann Wallace. 含羞草研究社淲e extend our gratitude to the many in our community whose efforts and generosity helped make this nature preserve a realit. 含羞草研究社淭he eagle sanctuary at French Creek Estuary is a truly special place, and we are delighted that it will continue to be vital habitat for many threatened species and a natural green space for the community to enjoy.含羞草研究社�
The remaining amount of more than $500,000 came from people from every walk of life.
含羞草研究社淚t was thousands of people like you and me, who want to keep B.C. beautiful,含羞草研究社� said. Day, who noted some special donors honouring loved ones who had passed on. 含羞草研究社淭hat含羞草研究社檚 the beauty in this 含羞草研究社� many people being moved in some way to do what they could, in a spirit of gratitude and celebration, and all of that adding up to make something wonderful and lasting happen.含羞草研究社�
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Day credits the efforts of volunteers, in particular the Save Estuary Land Society and Friends of French Creek Conservation Society, who spearheaded local efforts and have worked for years to protect the estuary.
含羞草研究社淚t含羞草研究社檚 been so inspiring to see people come up with such creative ways to raise awareness and donations for the French Creek Estuary eagle sanctuary,含羞草研究社� said Denise Foster, chair of the Save Estuary Land Society. 含羞草研究社淲hen we come together in our local neighbourhoods to help protect nature, it含羞草研究社檚 an amazing feeling. It unites us as a community.含羞草研究社�
Supporters ranged from youth to elders in the community. Students from Ballenas and Kwalikum Senior Secondary schools planted hundreds of native trees along the lower corridor of French Creek含羞草研究社檚 riparian zone during the campaign. The Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association (PGOSA) held a cycling event for the eagles. Barry Mountain, 86 years young, was thrilled to take part.
The French Creek Estuary is a diverse and rich ecological system supporting 180 species of birds, 60 species of waterfowl, salmon, river otters and beaver. Nineteen of the species in the estuary are considered at risk. It will remain private and off-bounds to visitors for the coming months as the deal closes and restoration and planning begin.
Once the purchase is finalized, the RDN will be a co-owner with the BC Parks Foundation, and will manage the lands as a nature preserve under the Electoral Area G Community Park Service through a 99-year renewable lease agreement with the foundation.
含羞草研究社� NEWS Staff, submitted
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