Present ...
The following is a summary of what is taking place as you view
this site. Applications for acquisition grants, development
initiatives, tours, advertisements and many other activities
are taking place. If you live in the Qualicum Beach area or
are simply visiting, have you been to visit this forest? Please
take the time to walk through this unique property and enjoy
what it has to offer. Follow these links for more information
on what is happening.
Summary:
In May 1999 the Brown Property Preservation Society, in conjunction
with the Town of Qualicum Beach, purchased for $910,000 35 acres
of the remnant old-growth forest known locally as the Brown
Property. This figure represented a contribution of $426,000
from the Society and $484,000 from the Town. Subsequently, the
Society has succeeded in raising an additional $633,200 - enough
to purchase 10 more acres, and with the acquisition of a 2-year
loan from the Royal Bank in the amount of $282,922, all of the
50 acre forest has been preserved subject to repayment of the
bank loan. The loan has been reduced to a few thousand dollars
and will soon be gone as donations continue to come in. The
property is now officially known as the Heritage Forest of Qualicum
Beach. Title to the property is held by the Town on behalf of
the community. The property has been rezoned to a Conservation
#3 category and a restrictive covenant has been placed on the
property to ensure it remains as an ecological reserve in perpetuity.
Conservation 3 category states: A natural site of scenic
or environmental significance that is preserved, protected and
enhanced for the benefit of the natural environment, its ecosystems
and biological diversity, and may include walking trails, boardwalks
and trails, an interpretive centre and other buildings that
provide the public with an opportunity to observe and appreciate
nature.
Now that the property is secured, The Heritage Forest Commission
has developed a Covenant with the Land Conservancy of BC. The
BPPS is designated as a Grantee and will act as a Monitor for
the Land Conservancy. The Covenant will preserve the natural
environment and habitat while welcoming the community and its
visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings that this Forest
provides. This fulfills the BPPS’ vision to preserve the
natural environment while ensuring access to residents and visitors
alike.
Existing Conditions:
The pristine condition of this forest is a testimony to the
Brown family, who throughout the years have controlled access,
use and development on the property. Since the initial acquisition
of a portion of the property in 1999, volunteers from the Society
have constructed over 3 Km of trails to provide access for the
public to appreciate and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of
the forest while at the same time preserving the natural environment,
ecosystems and biological diversity. An infrastructure project,
subject to the availability of infrastructure grants and gifts,
will eliminate unwanted trails and will limit access to selective
areas of interest through formal trail development, including
wooded staircases, viewing stands, etc. Again this is subject
to the availability of funding from the community. This approach
ensures protection of the unique habitat while still ensuring
public access to the reserve.
Today thousands walk the Forest's bark mulch trails and marvel
at the pristine wilderness right in their own back yard. It's
now a Town of Qualicum Beach Park, called the Heritage Forest
of Qualicum Beach. The Parks Department, with the help of members
of the BPPS are maintaining this lovely forest.
The BPPS role has changed from Provider to Protector and our
Society welcomes all members, as well as all interested citizens,
to take an active part in protecting the forest. Our Society
must continue to exist as a watchdog for the forest. If you
are interested in becoming a member, please contact the Town
of Qualicum Beach Municipal Offices at 752-6921 and they can
put you in contact with the BPPS.
HERITAGE FOREST COMMISSION:
Council has formed a Heritage Forest Commission made up of 2
members from the BPPS Society, 2 from the Town Council and a
community member at large. The Commission has been set up to
provide direction and guidance for the management and operation
of the Forest.
This commission will oversee the management and development
of the Forest, ensuring that the vision of the Society and the
community is realized. The community will be kept informed of
activities in the Forest by the Town Council, Heritage Commission,
and the BPPS.
Long term environmental benefits of the project will be guaranteed
through the restrictive covenant and zoning designation attached
to the property. This will allow for the Heritage Forest Commission
and Town to ensure the property remains as an ecological reserve
in perpetuity.
