NANAIMO — A large swath of environmentally valued land is now officially in the hands of the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN).
The purchase of the forested area west of Qualicum Beach known as Hamilton Marsh was officially completed on Wednesday, Feb. 25, putting the 360 hectare wildlife-rich property under RDN control.
RDN board chair Stuart McLean stated they’re grateful for their funding partner, community organizations, and residents’ collective support to make this purchase possible.
“This achievement is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when government, not-for-profit organizations and the community unite for a shared vision. Together, we are protecting a vital natural legacy for current and future generations.”
Hamilton Marsh itself only makes up about 36 hectares of the area, with the surrounding forest making up the rest of the land purchased by the RDN. (Image Credit: RDN)
Originally owned by Island Timberlands and managed by Mosaic Forest Management the purchase price was lowered from $30 million to $28 million in January.
The RDN board approved the long-term borrowing of $21.2 million, and committed over $4 million in capital reserve funds.
B.C. government contributions of $1.25 million in partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada and Parks Canada, who said in the RDN’s release they recognize the “ecological significance and the important role it plays in preserving biodiversity and ecosystem health.”
The Nature Trust of BC (NTBC) received $841,832 in funds under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, which provides grants to conserve wetland habitats across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Nanaimo & Area Land Trust, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, Hamilton Wetlands, Forests Preservation Society, and Ducks Unlimited-Oceanside Chapter raised almost $550,000 combined.
Vancouver based on-profit society Sitka Foundation pledged $100,000 through the NTBC.
Ariel map showing the borders of Hamilton Marsh. (Image Credit: Hamilton Wetlands and Forest Preservation Society)
Once the sale is expected be be finalized at the end of March, the RDN informed NanaimoNewsNOW it anticipates a management plan would be developed with their funding partners, and would include resident engagement.
Any proposed amenities, as well as an annual operating budget, would be presented at a future RDN board meeting.
Hamilton Marsh, part of the French Creek watershed and home to several forms of wetland habitat, is contains numerous bird species, amphibians, fish, insects, and also contains a valued Douglas Fir ecosystem.
Popular with nature enthusiasts such as bird watchers, Hamilton Marsh contains a 1.3 kilometre loop walking trail accessed off Hilliers Rd. S.
At three kilometres long and a half kilometres wide, Hamilton Marsh is the largest wetland between Nanaimo and the Comox Valley.
Hamilton Marsh is poised to be the RDN’s thirteenth regional park and conservation area, comprised of over 2,814 hectares of land, including 216 community parks in the RDN.
More information can be found here at the RDN’s website.
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