the comox valley conservation strategy

The COMOX VALLEY CONSERVATION STRATEGYis supported by:

Comox ValleyWater Watch Morrison Creek Stream Keepers

Portuguese CreekWatershedStewards

What is the Comox Valley Conservation Strategy?

What is the Comox Valley Conservation Strategy?

The CVCS is a regional land-use planning framework for the Comox Valley in which conservation is the primary focus.

It identifies critical ecosystems for protectionand restoration and links them together toform a network.

Why do we NEED aConservation Strategy?

• To STOP the loss of vital ecosystems

• To RESTORE degraded ecosystems

• To PREPARE for future population growth

• To ENSURE a REGIONAL ecosystem-based approach to land use planning

• To PREPARE for coming climate change

Why do we NEED aConservation Strategy?

Growth Management …


The Comox Valley is projected to grow by

at least 21% by 2020 and up to 40% by 2030.

With 4 local and 1 tribal governments, we need

a REGIONAL and PROACTIVE approach to

the protection of natural systems and biodiversity.


The Conservation Strategy shows that with careful

management, restoration and conservation the

Comox Valley can continue to provide the

resources needed for human and non-human

survival for many generations to come.

PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL AREAS

RIPARIAN AREAS

RIPARIAN AREAS

• strips of vegetated land alongside bodies of water

• highly productive ecosystems

• maintain shoreline stability, water quality, in-stream structure and stream temperature

• provide water storage and conservation

SENSITIVE ECOSYSTEMS

Older Forest

• With average tree age of over 100 years, Older Forests support a rich community of biodiversity

Older Second Growth Forests

• Maturing forests have significant biodiversity values and connect fragmented ecosystems

Woodlands (including Garry Oak habitat)

• Occur as widely scattered fragments


Historic and Current Abundance ofGarry Oak Woodlands in the Comox Valley


Wetlands

• are extremely productive and provide habitat for most animal species during part of their lifecycle

• prevent flooding by holding water like a sponge and releasing it slowly when water levels are low

• purify water and recycle nutrients

UPLAND WILDLIFE CORRIDORS

UPLAND WILDLIFE CORRIDORS

• provide natural routes of passage and migration

• provide linkages between significant ecological areas and habitats

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

• help maintain healthy, natural functions of ecosystems

CRITICAL WATERSHEDS

Browns River

Tsable River

ESTUARIES

ESTUARIES

Estuaries are the “nurseries of the sea,”providing fish with sheltered waters

for spawning and safe habitat for juvenilesto develop. They are among the mostproductive ecosystems on the planet.

Although estuaries cover less than 3% ofBC’s shoreline, 80% of all species on the

coast use them at some point in their life.

What Will This Look Like on the Ground?

What are the BENEFITS of the CVCS?

• Protects Ecosystem Amenities and Biodiversity




• Promotes Local Farming and Supports the ALR




Local food production reducesour ecological footprint and

encourages good farming practices.




• Expands the Restoration Industry





• Attracts investment and skilled labour






• Lowers infrastructure costs by redeveloping existing areas







• Natural rain water management avoids need for costly infrastructure and reduces flooding








• Buffers Climate Change









• Protects / Enhances Tourism & Hospitality Industry









• Protects / Enhances Tourism & Hospitality Industry

• Increases Recreation Amenities & Protects Quality of Life

Is the CVCS economically FEASIBLE?


• Local government can develop opportunities and incentives to reduce/recover costs

(for example: through the use of density bonuses to protect ecological amenities)

With Bonus Without Bonus



• Green infrastructure reduces long term costs of development




• Developers have greater certainty about where to build and developments are planned correctly from the start





• Can partner with / utilize skills of local NGO’s





• Can partner with / utilize skills of local NGO’s

• Utilize/create incentives for landowners to protect Sensitive Ecosystems on private land

We Can’t Afford to WAIT!

We Can’t Afford to WAIT!

The Conservation Strategy is animportant tool for integrated,

regional land use planning.

It protects ecosystem services and

biodiversity, attracts green investment and skilled labour,and creates certainty and

a level playing field for developers.

It reduces infrastructure costs, grows the restoration industry, promotes tourism,

increases property values and protects our health and quality of life.

It will buffer climate change by maintaining the ability of ecosystems to adapt

and allow for increased CO2 absorption.

The CVCS supports a Balanced Approach:Growth and development that protects biodiversity

How Will the Comox Valley Conservation Strategy

Achieve its Goals?

• Activities are coordinated by a Steering Committee

• Community Partnership of 9 local environmental groups has been formed and is working to:

• conduct conservation projects and activities

• educate the community/build support for the Strategy

• improve land use planning, policy and standards

• Join the CVCS Community Partnership as a Partner, Supporter or Volunteer today!

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

a) have a representative sit on the steering Committee or on an Implementation Team, and/or

b) assume responsibility for a project and report backon its progress

• Formally endorse the CVCS

• Keep their membership informed about the CVCS

• May consider a financial contribution to the CVCS

• Formally endorse and actively participate in the CVCS and:

SUPPORTER ORGANIZATIONS

BENEFITS of MEMBERSHIP

Offers an opportunity to work together toward aregional ecosystem-based approach to land use planning

Offers the opportunity to advance protection ofLands of concern to your organization

Can provide resources for environmental education

Can help with recruitment of volunteers

Sharing information, resources and expertise

Can offer support in your dealings with localgovernment

BENEFITS of MEMBERSHIP

YOUR ROLE in the CVCS

Educate yourself and others about the values of conservation

Donate to or Volunteer with the CVCS

Reduce your use of natural resources, water, toxics,electricity and packaging, and walk or bike instead of driving.

Let Your Voice Be Heard:Get involved in community and regional planning initiatives

Be a responsible landowner: - dispose of hazardous materials safely - use water-saving devices, compost - protect natural areas on your property - plant native species in gardens

GET INVOLVED: VOLUNTEER!

Volunteer! We can use your HELP! Sign the list today!

Share Your Skills with the CVCS or one of ourMember Organizations in your neighbourhood:

• Comox Valley Land Trust• Project Watershed• Comox Valley Water Watch• Tsolum River Restoration Society

GET INVOLVED: VOLUNTEER!

• Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society • Millard Piercy Watershed Stewards • Comox Valley Environmental Council• Morrison Creek Stream Keepers• Portuguese Creek Stream Keepers• Oyster River Watershed Mgmt. Committee

OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• local governments are working with us to adopt regional conservation planning practices

• sharing knowledge, expertise and resources

• Mapping Centre and Development Assessment

• Education and Outreach Program

• input to RGS and Sustainability Strategies

Website: www.cvconservationstrategy.org

the comox valley conservation strategy

Education

ecosystem amenities

local farming

restoration industry

bodies of water

water quality

water storage

water levels

critical ecosystems