Conservation Campaign Protects The Puntledge Forest Forever

The Comox Valley Land Trust is celebrating after succeeding in protecting the final 37 hectares of the Puntledge Forest.

The CVLT says the 100-hectare (247 acre) forest was at risk from logging before it began acquiring the timber reservation in 2023.

The third and final phase of the acquisition is now complete.

“It shows what can be achieved with community support” says David Stapley, a CVLT board member who helped lead the fundraising effort.

“Our target was to raise 80% of the cost through grants, with the hope the community would contribute the rest. The response was amazing!”

Almost $500,000 was raised from 635 donors since last summer. During this same period, $1.5 million was granted from four agencies and foundations.

BC Hydro’s Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program subsequently provided $400,000 to take the project over the finish line.

The Puntledge Forest surrounds the Puntledge River downstream of Comox Lake and is at the heart of the K’ómoks First Nation’s traditional territory.

Nicole Rempel, Elected Chief Councillor for the K’ómoks First Nation, says protecting the forest will contribute to protecting the valuable fish habitat in the Puntledge River.

The CVLT bought the timber rights from Manulife Investment Management through three separate purchase agreements beginning in 2023.

The trees on the property, which is owned by BC Hydro, are now protected under a covenant that ensures they will never be logged.

To learn more, visit Comox Valley Land Trust.