Coastal Inlets and Estuaries
The central and northern coast of British Columbia is sparsely populated. Deep coastal fjords cut through coastal mountain ranges, and run up to 100 km into the interior. Great rivers flow down from the glaciers and interior plateaus into the tips and branches of the fjords. These rivers, their fertile estuaries, and the spawning salmon they attract, constitute the life blood of the surrounding watersheds. Although these estuaries make up a tiny fraction of the land base, their value as habitat is incalculable. Some inlets and estuaries are still pristine, but not surprisingly, many others have attracted human settlement and activity--First Nations originally, then canneries and sawmills in twentieth century, and resorts and vacation homes today. Much of this land is now privately owned.
Our program has two objectives: first, conserve those inlets and estuaries that are pristine and thriving; second restore those that have been compromised by industrial activity and ensure that any future activity or development is consistent with the conservation of habitat.
Our strategies: acquire private land from willing sellers, including resource companies; put convenants in place to guarantee habitat-friendly use; support ongoing stewardship, working in conjunction with local organizations and resource companies.
Partner Organizations to Date
Nature Conservancy of Canada, BC Chapter
Rivers and Smith Salmon Ecosystems Planning Society
Princess Louisa International Society
Coastal fjords (Bute Inlet)
Estuaries at the ends of the fjords (Knight Inlet)