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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
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
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
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: