French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan

Photo credit: Deborah Freeman

Thank you to all who have provided input!

The French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve (FCENP) Management Plan is now finalized (October 2024).

The RDN will continue to work together with the BC Parks Foundation and local stewardship groups through next steps for plan implementation.

The Nature Preserve is located in the community of French Creek, just north of Parkville. It lies along the north side of the French Creek Estuary, at the corner of Island Highway 19 and Columbia Drive.

In 2022, the BC Parks Foundation and the Regional District of Nanaimo acquired 8.4 hectares of land from a developer. This property, along with the previously existing 0.84-hectare Columbia Drive Community Park, now forms the 9.22-hectare FCENP. The RDN manages the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve (FCENP) through the Electoral Area G Community Parks function.

The French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan outlines a vision for protecting ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and providing low-impact recreation opportunities. It focuses on prioritizing environmental preservation while allowing the community to experience the area's natural values. Developed in collaboration with local conservation and stewardship organizations, the plan includes clear goals, strategies, and actions to guide future management efforts.

Location


Community Engagement

The planning process is complete including community engagement.


The FINAL Management Plan and Appendices are available at the links below:


Input from the community provided valuable insights that informed the development, refinement, and finalization of the Plan. Engagement opportunities (now closed) included:

  • Working Group – representatives from local conservation and stewardship groups
  • Community Comment Form
  • Open House (x1)


Thank you to all who have provided input!

The French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve (FCENP) Management Plan is now finalized (October 2024).

The RDN will continue to work together with the BC Parks Foundation and local stewardship groups through next steps for plan implementation.

The Nature Preserve is located in the community of French Creek, just north of Parkville. It lies along the north side of the French Creek Estuary, at the corner of Island Highway 19 and Columbia Drive.

In 2022, the BC Parks Foundation and the Regional District of Nanaimo acquired 8.4 hectares of land from a developer. This property, along with the previously existing 0.84-hectare Columbia Drive Community Park, now forms the 9.22-hectare FCENP. The RDN manages the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve (FCENP) through the Electoral Area G Community Parks function.

The French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan outlines a vision for protecting ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and providing low-impact recreation opportunities. It focuses on prioritizing environmental preservation while allowing the community to experience the area's natural values. Developed in collaboration with local conservation and stewardship organizations, the plan includes clear goals, strategies, and actions to guide future management efforts.

Location


Community Engagement

The planning process is complete including community engagement.


The FINAL Management Plan and Appendices are available at the links below:


Input from the community provided valuable insights that informed the development, refinement, and finalization of the Plan. Engagement opportunities (now closed) included:

  • Working Group – representatives from local conservation and stewardship groups
  • Community Comment Form
  • Open House (x1)


  • Management Plan Finalized!

    The Management Plan was approved at the October 22, 2024 Board meeting.

    Thank you to all who contributed to the planning process. The final phase of engagement concluded in August with input from the community, interest groups, and the Management Plan Working Group. A summary of the comments received and the final draft plan was presented to the RDN Board for consideration on October 22, 2024. The Board unanimously approved the plan.

    Stay tuned for next steps as the RDN works with local stewardship and conservation groups and partners to implement this plan!

    The Management Plan was approved at the October 22, 2024 Board meeting.

    Thank you to all who contributed to the planning process. The final phase of engagement concluded in August with input from the community, interest groups, and the Management Plan Working Group. A summary of the comments received and the final draft plan was presented to the RDN Board for consideration on October 22, 2024. The Board unanimously approved the plan.

    Stay tuned for next steps as the RDN works with local stewardship and conservation groups and partners to implement this plan!

  • Thank you for providing feedback

    Thank you to everyone who participated in the open house and provided your feedback on the draft management plan. The comment period is now closed. The input will be compiled, summarised, and presented in a "What We Heard" report and posted on this project page.

    The RDN will use the input from the community to confirm the vision, goals, strategies and actions for the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve management plan.

    Thank you to everyone who participated in the open house and provided your feedback on the draft management plan. The comment period is now closed. The input will be compiled, summarised, and presented in a "What We Heard" report and posted on this project page.

    The RDN will use the input from the community to confirm the vision, goals, strategies and actions for the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve management plan.

  • Open House to review the draft plan and provide comments

    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.


    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.


  • Review the draft French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan and provide your feedback

    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:

    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).

    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:

    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).

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

    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.

    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: 30 Oct 2025, 02:44 PM