Like many city folk, I rarely have a chance to explore wild forests. I don’t drive, don’t have access to a car, and work way too much. This is one of the reasons I was very excited for the opportunity to organize a crew of people from Victoria for a hike in the Nanoose Endangered Wetlands and Wildlife Sanctuary. 

This parcel of crown land is important not just for its incredible diversity but also because of its proximity to the town of Nanoose. Being able to access wilderness areas right in our own backyard is something unique to British Columbia, and something people from all over Vancouver Island treasure.

As I wandered through the Nanoose Endangered Wetlands and Wildlife Sanctuary, I stood between trees over 200 years old, and listened to ravens and birdcalls. I waded through forest ponds and came across a red-legged tree frog, a federally listed species at risk. I stood on the edge of a salmon bearing stream and marveled that there are still places like this right next to our communities.

This is why the Home Town Forest Campaign is so special. We are so lucky on Vancouver Island to live next to beautiful wild forests, many home to species only found in this part of the world. Furthermore, so few crown parcels of Coastal Douglas Fir like this one remain, and it needs to be protected.

Currently the Integrated Land Management Bureau is undertaking a process to turn 5 similar parcels of land into parks. But this Nanoose site, which is amoungst the most valuable in terms of diversity is slated to be logged.

Let’s not let this happen. We need to rally together to ensure that this land, and all of the other Hometown Forests are protected.

Please spend five minutes to write the Integrated Land Management Bureau today, using our simple online letter writing tool. I know that if we stand together we can save these special places.



Tria Donaldson | Vancouver Island Outreach Coordinator
Wilderness Committee