The 'Save Puntledge Forest' Campaign Launches

A $500,000 community fundraising campaign has been launched to protect the Puntledge Forest.

The Comox Valley Land Trust learned that the park-like forest on BC Hydro land was not protected when logging plans were announced in 2020.

The Trust has already purchased 61 hectares of the forest using government grants received in 2023 and 2024.

This campaign is to purchase the remaining 37 hectares.

“We are thrilled to kick off this community fundraising campaign to acquire the Puntledge Forest, ” said CVLT Executive Director Tim Ennis.

“These maturing stands of trees are tomorrow’s old growth, and the biodiversity they contain is incredibly valuable.”Executive Director Tim Ennis says the maturing stands of trees are tomorrow’s old growth, and the biodiversity they contain is incredibly valuable.

The K’ómoks First Nation has expressed their support for this project, issuing a statement that says in part that securing the remaining portion of the timber reservation would positively contribute to protecting fish habitat in the Puntledge River.

“Protecting these pockets of high-value ecosystems will only help mitigate climate change, and work towards reducing rising river temperatures,” the statement read.

The Puntledge forest supports dozens of species of conservation concern, including an endangered summer run of Chinook salmon.

The forest is also highly valued by the K’ómoks First Nation for cultural purposes, is the gateway to multiple popular swimming holes such as ‘Palm Beach’ and is the site of historic coal mining works.

The B.C. and federal governments, and seven land trust and conservancy organizations have collaborated to protect 316 hectares of critical old growth and habitat for species at risk across eight sites, including Puntledge River.

Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard is welcoming the investment.

“I am grateful for the commitment and capacity of the Comox Valley Land Trust to identify needs and work positively with our government, as it has been instrumental in achieving our shared goals to conserve old growth and protect at-risk wildlife,” she said in a statement.

Funding for the initiative included $7.9 million from the Old Growth Nature Fund and $8.2 million from private donors and organizations.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is providing $50 million over three years to support the preservation of old growth forests in BC.

To date, the province says it has earmarked about $31 million from the Old Growth Nature Fund to prevent harvesting or development in these areas, aligning with the Old Growth Strategic Review.

For more information, visit CV Land Trust.