Provincial Land Acquisition Fund

Why we need the BC Land Acquisition Fund:

• Many of the most endangered and biologically rich ecosystems in BC, including ancient forests, are found on private lands, which make up 5% of BC’s land base. These endangered ecosystems include Coastal Douglas-fir and Dry Maritime forests on the southern coast of BC; Ponderosa Pine forests, grasslands, and “pocket desert” in the Interior of BC; wetlands, and deciduous forests along many of the largest river valleys in BC; and many other important habitats.
• These private lands are important First Nations cultural and resource sites and support large concentrations of endangered species, important scenery, clean water, wild salmon habitat, drinking watersheds, the climate, and first-rate recreational opportunities. Yet, many are under threat from logging, real estate, or other developments.
• Currently, the burden of purchasing and protecting private land typically falls on local or regional governments, private land trusts, or community groups to raise the money. While important, these efforts are simply unable to raise funds fast enough to buy all the endangered private lands in BC that are at risk.

That’s why we’re calling on the BC government to establish a dedicated $70 million Provincial Land Acquisition Fund.