French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan

Share French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan on Facebook Share French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan on Twitter Share French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan on Linkedin Email French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan link
Photo credit: Deborah Freeman

Welcome to the project page for the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management planning process. This page will be updated as the project progresses.

The development of a management plan is underway that will guide the protection, restoration and community use of the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve. The Management Plan will present a long-term vision for the 23-acre Nature Preserve and identify goals, strategies, and actions to work towards over the next ten years.

The plan is being developed in collaboration with representatives from Save Estuary Land Society, Friends of French Creek Conservation Society, Arrowsmith Naturalists, Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Institute, BC Parks Foundation and Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN).

Purchased from a developer by the BC Parks Foundation and the RDN in 2022, the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve (FCENP) is managed by the RDN under the Electoral Area G Community Park Service through a 99-year renewable lease agreement with the BC Parks Foundation. Under the lease agreement, the RDN is responsible for managing the lands to ensure the protection, preservation, and conservation of its natural state for ecological, environmental, and aesthetic reasons.

Map of French Creek Estuary Nature PreserveMap of French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve
How can I get involved and learn more?

  • Subscribe to this page to receive email notifications with news and updates
  • See the What's New updates below to learn how the project is moving forward
  • Review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Review the Background Documents
  • Check out the Important Links
  • Ask us questions using the Questions & Answers tab below

Welcome to the project page for the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management planning process. This page will be updated as the project progresses.

The development of a management plan is underway that will guide the protection, restoration and community use of the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve. The Management Plan will present a long-term vision for the 23-acre Nature Preserve and identify goals, strategies, and actions to work towards over the next ten years.

The plan is being developed in collaboration with representatives from Save Estuary Land Society, Friends of French Creek Conservation Society, Arrowsmith Naturalists, Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Institute, BC Parks Foundation and Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN).

Purchased from a developer by the BC Parks Foundation and the RDN in 2022, the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve (FCENP) is managed by the RDN under the Electoral Area G Community Park Service through a 99-year renewable lease agreement with the BC Parks Foundation. Under the lease agreement, the RDN is responsible for managing the lands to ensure the protection, preservation, and conservation of its natural state for ecological, environmental, and aesthetic reasons.

Map of French Creek Estuary Nature PreserveMap of French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve
How can I get involved and learn more?

  • Subscribe to this page to receive email notifications with news and updates
  • See the What's New updates below to learn how the project is moving forward
  • Review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Review the Background Documents
  • Check out the Important Links
  • Ask us questions using the Questions & Answers tab below

  • What's been happening in the Nature Preserve while management planning is underway ...

    Share What's been happening in the Nature Preserve while management planning is underway ... on Facebook Share What's been happening in the Nature Preserve while management planning is underway ... on Twitter Share What's been happening in the Nature Preserve while management planning is underway ... on Linkedin Email What's been happening in the Nature Preserve while management planning is underway ... link

    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.

Page last updated: 25 Apr 2024, 01:44 PM