90.66-acre conservation area created in Squamish

The Land Conservancy of British Columbia (TLC) and the District of Squamish have announced the creation of a 90.66-acre conservation area known as Garibaldi Springs Ecological Reserve.

In a press statement, District said the centrally located conservation area protects and expands critical habitat for provincially red-listed species, and its stewardship will also include the re-wilding of altered forest and riparian areas. The ecological reserve was made possible through land dedication and site remediation work by Polygon Developments Ltd. as part of an overall development plan for this previous golf course site.

The land will be accessible to the public.

“Squamish is internationally known for its breathtaking natural beauty,” says Cathy Armstrong, TLC Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with the District of Squamish and Polygon in creating a conservation covenant to expand and protect riparian and forest habitat for species at risk and wildlife migratory opportunities.”

Garibaldi Springs largely consists of aquatic and riparian habitat, as well as previously disturbed area that will be restored to wetland, riparian, and upland forested habitat. The conservation area also contains creeks and wetlands that feed into salmon-bearing Meighan Creek and the Squamish River via Harris Slough.

“The Garibaldi Springs Ecological Reserve and Park will benefit the entire community of Squamish and this covenant will ensure its protection for all to enjoy, for many generations to come,” says District of Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford. “As the District works to balance a range of objectives from providing housing within our growth management boundary, to protecting greenspace, this project exemplifies how this can be achieved. We are appreciative of The Land Conservancy of British Columbia, Polygon and all those involved for their work in supporting conservation efforts in our community.”

Polygon is responsible for habitat restoration on the site under plans approved by the District, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Province of B.C. for the initial 5-year period. The conservation partnership includes the District of Squamish and TLC as joint signatories to a conservation covenant registered on land title to protect the Garibaldi Springs land.