Little Qualicum Estuary by poecile05
The Land Conservancy has worked in partnership with the Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV) to secure a site integral to the protection of freshwater wetland habitat for migratory birds and wildlife along Little Qualicum River. The entire estuary, located five kilometres west of Qualicum Beach, consists of 40 hectares of intertidal marshes, sandflats and forests. This estuary has been identified as one of the three most important estuaries along the east coast of Vancouver Island as it consists of intertidal mudflats, large eel grass beds and extensive sand bars. It is a rearing and spawning habitat for salmon such as Coho, Chum and Chinook. As well, clam and mussel beds are found in the outer beach areas. The spit provides habitat for many duck species, however it is the use by spring migrant black brant which use the spit and eelgrass beds for feeding, resting and preening that makes the spit renowned.
The purchase is adjacent to a 29 hectare donation made by the Marshall family in 1974 known as the Marshall-Stevenson Wildfowl Sanctuary (now owned by Environment Canada and managed by Canadian Wildlife Service). This ocean-front parcel protects the estuary from the threat of residential development and prevents future agricultural use which, in the past, involved dyking and cattle grazing in the marsh areas. The Little Qualicum Estuary also has archaeological and historical significance as it is one of the oldest settlements on the Island. A log house built in 1884 serves as an office for the Canadian Wildlife Service.
Acquisition Information
The parcel was purchased for $494,600 (including appraisal and closing costs). TLC‘s contribution through the PCJV is $100,000 ($50,000 over the next 2 years). Partners in this acquisition include Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Regional District of Nanaimo and the Canadian Wildlife Service. Other partners through the PCJV include the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Nature Trust, the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund and the Provincial Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection.
Access to the Site
Little Qualicum River Estuary is located five kilometres west of Qualicum Beach. The property does not have visitor access however the adjacent Marshall-Stevenson Wildfowl Sanctuary has a boardwalk accessible off Surfside Drive just outside Qualicum Beach.
