A strategy to balance the needs of growth and development with conservation. Created for the Comox Valley, this unique and innovative approach, integrates natural connections into land-use planning. The intent is to protect, preserve and restore biodiversity for the benefit of current and future generations. Healthy living starts here!

1. in
Nature Without Borders II
Connecting Communities Naturally

2. Who is the CVCS-CP?
A partnership of 20 local organizations!
They have come together to promote and
implement Nature Without Borders.
Comox Valley Land Trust
Project Watershed
Tsolum River Restoration Society
Millard-Piercy Watershed Stewards
Morrison Creek Streamkeepers
Comox Valley Water Watch
Comox Valley Environmental Council
Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society
Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society
Black Creek Streamkeepers
Perseverance Creek Streamkeepers
Saratoga and Miracle Beach Residents Association
Oyster River Watershed Management Committee
Comox Town Residents Association
Comox Valley Nature
Forbidden Plateau Road Residents Association
Friends of Comox Lazo Forest Reserve
Friends of Strathcona Park
Merville Area Residents and Ratepayers Association
Arden Area Residents Association

3. What is the Strategy?
A regional conservation plan that was initiated
to protect the natural areas of the Comox Valley
which are needed to maintain ecological
health and quality of life
The Strategy is based on the report: Nature
Without Borders

4. Natural Areas Network
The Strategy envisions
Connecting Communities Naturally...
Photo: A.Millham

5. Natural Areas Network
... through a network of healthy land and water
ecosystems.
Photo: A.Millham

6. Natural Areas Network
By linking clean water, wildlife habitat, biodiversity
and public trails into a network of natural areas,
we can sustain a high quality of life for future
generations.
Photo: A.Millham

7. Natural Areas Network
These systems connect ecosystems and habitats from
coastline to alpine, allowing the widest range of
native species to flourish and adapt to changes in
land use and climate.
Photo: A.Millham

8. Natural Areas Network
These areas would be accessible to residents of the
Comox Valley through an improved system of
regional recreation trails.
Photo: A.Millham

9. Why do we need a
Conservation Strategy?
To:
STOP the loss of vital ecosystems
RESTORE damaged ecosystems
PREPARE for population growth
PROTECT our quality of life

10. Timelapse of the Comox Valley
1984-2011
The next imagery shows dramatic
changes which occurred in a 25 year
period.

11. Timelapse of the Comox Valley
1984-2011

12. Timelapse of the Comox Valley
1984-2011

13. Timelapse of the Comox Valley
1984-2011

14. Timelapse of the Comox Valley
1984-2011

15. Timelapse of the Comox Valley
1984-2011

16. Timelapse of the Comox Valley
1984-2011
These changes are the cumulative
impacts caused by modification of the
land for residential & industry demands.

17. Managing Growth
Over 84,000 residents by 2030!
The Comox Valley is expected to grow to 84,000 full-time
We are a community under construction!

18. A Balanced Approach
The Conservation Strategy provides a plan that balances
growth and conservation concerns.
With 4 local and 1 tribal governments, we need a
regional and proactive approach to the protection of
natural systems which support healthy living.

19. Priority Conservation
The Strategy has identified Priority Conservation Areas;
which form a natural area network. When the natural
area network functions properly, we have a strong and
resilient network for our community to rely on.
Photo: K.Dawson

20. Sensitive Ecosystems
Sensitive Ecosystems support biodiversity and provide
often unseen benefits to us; to our families and our
communities. These areas provide natural fish farms,
flood protection, water purification, climate regulation,
and supply our energy needs.
Photo: A.Millham

21. Priority Recreation Trails
Linking the Comox Valley together and providing
increased access to natural areas through walking,
cycling and other non-motorized use.

22. Drinking Water
We all get our drinking water from a
watershed!
Maintaining the natural function of all
watersheds ensures that residents have safe,
clean drinking water.
Photo: K.Dawson

23. Upland Habitat Corridors
If protected, these conceptual corridors
would, over time, provide crucial areas for
animals to breed and find food.
Photo: A.Millham

24. Connecting Fragmented Areas
Corridors connect isolated areas of core
habitat and increase the ecological value of
isolated and fragmented areas.
-They are essential to the long-term survival
and sustainability of biological diversity.

25. Aquatic Habitat Corridors
Water resources like our lakes, estuaries, streams,
aquifers and springs are home to 7 species of
salmon, an array of shellfish, resident and
migratory birds.
Photo: A.Millham

26.  Insert map here
ConnectingCommunities Naturally
This map shows how these priority conservation
areas would look connected on the ground.

27. Benefits
There are social aspects that many enjoy, such as
enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Photo: A.Millham

28. Economic Benefits
$ Natural resources form the basis of local economy
$ Lower taxes, as infrastructure lowered over long-term
$ Increases property values
$ Promotes tourism
$ Attracts green investment
labour

29. Ecological Benefits
Stops more sensitive areas from being lost
Allows adaptation to climate change
Maintains ecological amenities, also known as
Ecosystem Goods and Services

30. Ecosystem Services:
provided by nature for free and largely not
accounted for over time.

31. We can’t afford to wait!
Blue listed species, like the Great Blue Heron,
are vulnerable and are at risk from disappearing
from our landscape
Photo: A.Millham

32. Our Accomplishments:
• Nature Without Borders was endorsed by all local
governments
• Input into RGS and Sustainability Strategies
• Helped save NE Woods
• Produced an Annual Conservation Calendar
• 9 new Recommendations in NWB II

33. 9 New Recommendations:
1. Protect and restore remaining sensitive ecosystems
2. Develop and maintain landscape connectivity
3. Maintain natural systems function
4. Conserve healthy drinking water resources
5. Protection of forests and tree cover
6. Conserve, protect and restore estuaries and foreshore areas
7. Fill in gaps in environmental information
8. Develop and maintain a regional recreational trail network
9. Incentives for redevelopment of serviced urban lands

34. How will our Goals be
achieved?
Working with local governments
• Providing environmental information and
education
• Advocating for and monitoring actions
- Activities are guided by a Steering
Committee with decisions made by consensus

35. Membership
Supporter Organization:
a) Have a representative sit on the steering Committee
b) Representatives keep their group informed
• May consider making a financial contribution
Partner Organization:

36. Our Supporters:

37. Thank You!
Visit us at: www.cvconservationstrategy.org
or
Show your support and
Photo: A.Millham