Several small islands on the Salish Sea are now going to be protected thanks to a handful of volunteers and generous donations from key supporters.
Smuggler Cove and Jeddah Point will be preserved forever thanks to support from the Wilson 5 Foundation, Environment and Climate Change Canada and BC Parks Foundation which has preserved more than 250 acres of land in the Salish Sea.
Both areas encompass unique geographical features, a salmon estuary and wetland, and an at-risk waterfront on the Sunshine Coast, and according to CEO of the BC Parks Foundation, Andy Day, protecting the area will help preserve the beauty of the province.
“This is about British Columbians coming together to keep BC beautiful,” he says. “By protecting these valuable places now, people and wildlife can enjoy them forever.”
Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault says climate change poses a risk to the aspects of the islands that help define them, which is why the government is working to protect them.
“These natural treasures help define the westcoast, yet their future is not guaranteed,” he says. “This announcement highlights our collective commitment to protecting our coast, ensuring these beautiful lands and the species they sustain are preserved for all generations.”
According to a media release, this is the second major land protection announcement in partnership with the Wilson 5 Foundation in the Salish Sea.
The new protected areas include Secret Cove, Jeddah Point, Deep Bay, Marine Island, Salt Spring Island.
The properties will not be available for public access until use and management plans are developed with stakeholders, governments, First Nations and other groups.
In 2021, the Wilson family donated $4 million to protect 365 acres of threatened Coastal Douglas Fir on Lasqueti Island.
