Private Land Stewardship

Land is something most of us take for granted, despite our complete dependence upon it. No person, animal or plant is exempt from this truth.

Regardless of one’s background, many find commonality in their appreciation of our natural world. Mark Twain once said, “Buy land, they’re not making it anymore.” No doubt a timeless quote.

Private land stewardship, although not a common term, has been a way of life since the very beginning. From a conservation point of view, the development of private land is a concern globally. To conserve ecosystems provincially, one must come to grips with the opportunities that private land stewardship can provide. In 2014, communications began between the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund and Neil Fletcher of the BCWF Wetlands Education Program. After some communication between all parties, funding was approved from the then National Wetland Conservation Fund and a management agreement was signed. This project was unique from the start and was twofold. Firstly, to create deeper ponds for better amphibian habitat. Secondly, to plant cover so grizzlies with cubs could feed without harassment from the highway.

From an amphibian perspective, some parts of our land, although too wet for agriculture, became too dry for amphibians. Each year, countless numbers of frogs, toads and salamanders died in the larval stage from being dewatered. The ground previously too wet to grow alder, willow and other cover species could now be planted in the mounds of dirt created from the wetland restoration sights. Not too often does one find a project that can benefit frogs, salamanders, toads, rare shore birds and everything up to the grizzly bears on the same piece of ground. It has been an education and certainly raised some eyebrows within the conservation world.

Two kilometres east of our wetland project, a large cloud of mist rises from the spillways on the Duncan Dam. Before its construction, the Duncan valley boasted 30 miles of wide, productive wetlands. My father fought against the construction of this dam, but despite his efforts, the valley went under water in 1967. Many locals believed the dam was a good thing and were critical of those believing in preservation. Fifty years later, many still believe progress and prosperity are paramount. Some praise you for your work. Some are open minded. Some are upset and angry of our efforts to preserve the land for future generations. It is times like this that brings one to ponder our future. This project, however, is not about people. It is about the critters and the land that sustains them. It is about putting back a little of what we as a society have taken. Regardless of our appreciation of wild places, we shall all bear the consequences of our actions in the future.

Since the project began in 2015, two neighbouring farms have completed wetland restoration projects as well. Increased agriculture opportunity from land raised from pond construction has no doubt played some role in this. This has been a rewarding education for us, an education I wish more people will embark upon in the future. Despite some initial concerns, it seems that private land stewardship is doing well in our valley.

As of September 2018, we now have 18 ponds, planted over 2,000 alder, willow, elderberry, hawthorn, saskatoon and wild roses, lifted eight hectares one to two feet in elevation and installed 37 nest boxes.

In the spring of 2018, while walking in the wetlands, a small female grizzly returned to the property. She first appeared five years ago as a yearling cub. To see her back as a mother with two cubs of her own made one realize the importance of land stewardship. It was good to see her again.

Be it farmer, rancher or your own backyard, we can all make a difference. Plant a tree, a shrub, make a pond. Any natural attribute will make a difference. It is not just about large species such as grizzly bears and wolves. Any backyard can become home to native species once plants have been established. We can all make a difference. Don’t depend on government, conservation groups or politicians to protect the land. When it comes to caring for land, we can all make a difference. It is, after all, in our best interest to do so.

As John James Audubon said, “A true conservationist is a man who knows the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children.”