Clayoquot Island
In 2008, the old growth forest on Clayoquot Island (also known as Stubbs Island) was protected forever, when The Land Conservancy registered a conservation covenant on the property. The conservation covenant covers 70 percent of the Island, and is the first step toward future measures that will see the entire Island protected.
Valued at over $4 million dollars, the covenant on Clayoquot Island is the largest single gift ever received by TLC. The owner and donor, Susan Bloom, made the gift under the federal Ecological Gifts Program. It is Susan’s intention to see the Island’s significant natural and heritage values protected for all time.
“We have been collaborating with Ms. Bloom since 2005 to protect the Island from the possibility of future development,” said TLC’s Executive Director, Bill Turner. “We are committed to protecting the Island in years to come, and it is wonderful to know that now the beauty of this special place will remain forever.”
Clayoquot Island is located near Tofino, at the entrance to Clayoquot Sound. Long used by the local First Nations, it was also the original site of European settlement in the area and a once thriving Japanese-Canadian community. The Island contains a mature old growth Coastal Hemlock forest, second growth forest, beaches, sand dunes, forest boardwalks and extensive gardens.
Clayoquot Island has become a wildlife refuge to many species of animals. Seasonal changes to the tides make it possible for larger animals to swim across the strait from the mainland. Bears, cougars and wolves are occasional visitors. An assortment of birds thrives on the Island, including Brant Geese during the spring migration on their only pit stop along their 6,000 mile journey to the North Pole. Since the 1990s, the Island has been open to visitors on a limited basis, usually on the May long weekend of each year.
A conservation covenant is one of the primary options for landowners who want to preserve natural or cultural places in BC. A covenant is a voluntary, legal agreement between a landowner and a conservation organization, such as TLC, in which the landowner promises to protect the land in specific ways. The promises the landowner makes will be attached on title to the land forever, regardless of who owns the land. In return, the conservation organization agrees to monitor the covenant and ensure that the objectives of the agreement are being maintained.
In the case of Clayoquot Island, the conservation covenant ensures that the old growth forest, historic Japanese Village site, and valuable shoreline for bird-nesting habitat on this property will remain in its natural state. In the future the property could be used for educational and recreational purposes. The terms outlined in the covenant were decided by Ms. Bloom herself. TLC will be working with her to make sure her goals are maintained over the years.
