Species at Risk within the Coastal Douglas-Fir and Associated Ecosystems
Malaspina Land Conservancy Society is working together with biologists from a company called Athene Ecological in the Vancouver area on a project that relates to the species found within our local Coastal Douglas-Fir forests.
Powell River is situated upon a very narrow biogeoclimatic zone. This is the Coastal Douglas-Fir zone. As humans, we are attracted here for the incredible views, remote location, easy access and great recreation. We have built our homes with mostly ocean views. Before we arrived, there was a lot of forest where we now live.
This was the case for a lot of the coast along the eastern shores of Vancouver Island, too. It has led to the Coastal Douglas-Fir biogeoclimatic zone being altered hugely from what it was. There is now only 1% of the original forest cover left, and only 9% of that is preserved from development.
Imagine all those animals and plants that found their habitats within the Coastal Douglas-Fir forest. They have had to adapt and move in order to survive. Unfortunately, there are some that will likely never be found again and some that are on the brink of extinction.
The research study is concentrating on the Powell River region and on six species at risk. Because the study has been funded by the federal Habitat Stewardship Program, these are federally-listed species at risk.
We are hoping for the public’s help in finding these species. If you know where any of them can be found, please contact us. You can do so in one of 3 ways:
- call 1-604-989-1007
- email atheneecological@gmail.com
- email info@malaspinaland.ca
Thank you.
Here you will find the study brochures in both English and in French. They detail the species and how to find them.
If you missed one of our public presentations about the study and how you can help, tune in here to a 15-minute YouTube video of the PowerPoint slides and audio.
The study is for two years, finishing in March 2018. As we learn where to find each species, we will look at what to do to maintain the area, ensure the species can thrive where it is. This is where the land conservancy comes in and its ability to preserve and conserve land.
