French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan

Thank you to everyone who attended the open house on Saturday, June 22.

If you were not able to attend, you can review the open house info boards in our documents section of this page.

RDN Electoral Area G residents are invited to provide their input on the draft French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan by completing the online comment form open until Friday, July 5, 2024.

RDN Electoral Area G residents are invited to provide their input on the draft French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan. The draft vision, goals, strategies and actions as well as the proposed concept plan and use guidelines are available for review. An online comment form will be open until Friday, July 5, 2024.

The RDN will use the input from the community to confirm the vision, goals, strategies and actions.

The French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan is being developed to guide the protection, restoration and community use of the nature preserve. The vision is to enhance and protect biodiversity by conserving and restoring important natural ecosystems while providing low-impact opportunities for visitors to connect with nature.

The French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan was created in collaboration with the Save Estuary Lands Society, Friends of French Creek Conservation Society, Arrowsmith Naturalists, Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute and the BC Parks Foundation.

The final management plan will:

• Present a vision for the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve
• Provide clear direction for the management, conservation and restoration of ecological resources
• Align with the conservation goals and intended purposes for which the nature preserve was acquired
  

Tips when reviewing the document before providing your feedback:

• Review the draft French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan which includes the vision, goals, strategies, actions, concept plan and use guidelines
• Complete the online comment form - open until Friday, July 5, 2024

Residents can also view the draft Management Plan, ask questions and provide feedback in person at an open house on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve (parking lot located at the end of Admiral Tryon Blvd).

Education and Research

Scientists and volunteers are conducting baseline inventories and studies on plant and animal species within the Preserve. This work produces valuable data to help guide the restoration of sensitive ecosystems and will continue through the delivery of the Management Plan.

Access

A number of trails have been closed due to risk from hazardous trees and to help protect wildlife and limit damage to the sensitive ecosystems found within the Preserve. The future trail network will be designed to balance public access with habitat protection. Please stay on the designated trails, keep your dogs on leash, and walk your bike.

Safety

Hazard trees were removed in December 2022 that were at risk of falling across well-used trails and public roads. For your safety, and for the health of the sensitive ecosystems, please follow the signs and stay on the designated trails.

Restoration

Restoration of an archaeologically sensitive area began in early 2023. User-made bike jumps were removed and split rail fencing and a pedestrian gravel trail were installed. Volunteers will complete the project by planting native species and adding bark mulch to the trail this fall.

The removal of invasive plant species and habitat restoration activities have been paused while the management plan in being developed. Activity will resume once the Plan is complete.