| Type | Non-governmental organization |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 Victoria, British Columbia, Canada |
| Location | Victoria, British Columbia, Canada |
| Key people | Bill Turner, Executive Director Alasdair Craighead, Chairman |
| Area served | British Columbia |
| Focus | Environment, Culture, History |
| Method | covenants |
| Revenue | $18,221,132 (2008) |
| Website | http://www.conservancy.bc.ca |
TLC The Land Conservancy of British Columbia is a not-for-profit, charitable land trust based in British Columbia, Canada.
The purpose of the Society is to protect plants, animals, natural communities and landscape features that represent diversity of life on earth, by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive, and to protect areas of scientific, historical, cultural, scenic or compatible recreation value. This is accomplished by acquiring protective control of these lands and waters through ownership of the land, long-term leases or conservation covenants. The Land Conservancy has protected more than 300 properties covering 50,600 hectares of land.
The Land Conservancy achieves its conservation objectives by working in a non-confrontational, businesslike manner. TLC works with many partners, all levels of government, other agencies, businesses, community groups and individuals to ensure the broadest support for its activities. The goal of the TLC is to protect all of its properties in perpetuity.
The Land Conservancy draws much of its finances from membership revenue. It is operated by both paid staff and a large network of over 800 volunteers. It has five regional offices in Victoria, Burnaby, Penticton, Nelson, and Prince George. The Land Conservancy claims 8,600 members worldwide.
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TLC was formed in 1997, with strong influences from The National Trust of England, Ireland and Wales, with whom it partakes in staff exchanges.
South Winchelsea Island, a 25-acre (100,000 m2) island near Nanaimo, was The Land Conservancy's first acquisition. It is important habitat for steller sea lions and several migratory bird species. The island also contains a 3-bedroom cottage used as a holiday cabin rental.
Music star Nelly Furtado has been a strong supporter of the work of the TLC. The Land Conservancy first contacted Furtado when they discovered her interest in the Sooke Potholes, a place she used to enjoy as a child. The singer has been involved in the campaign to protect and promote the area ever since.[1]
The Harlequin Duck is the symbol of the Land Conservancy of British Columbia. The Harlequin ranges throughout BC, from rocky coastal shores and islets to turbulent inland mountain creeks and calm lakes. A vulnerable species, the Harlequin population is endangered due to habitat loss and degradation. The plucky Harlequin is said to be an inspiration for the TLC to persevere in overcoming their obstacles.[2]
The Land Conservancy accomplishes its work through the use of covenants, land purchases, long-term leases and agreements with local and provincial governments. The land assets of the TLC are valued at well over $30 million[3]:
Kootenay Region Covenants & Other Properties - Kootenay Region, Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area, SS Moyie, Wycliffe Wildlife Corridor
Lower Mainland Region Centre Creek, Codd Wetland, West Creek Wetlands, Thwaytes Landing, Eagles Estate Heritage Garden, Historic Joy Kogawa House (Childhood home of Joy Kogawa), B.C. Binning Residence, Baldwin House
North Region Avola Creek, Horsefly River Riparian Conservation Area, Natasha Boyd Wetland Conservation Area, Talking Mountain Ranch
Okanagan Region Eagle Bluff (South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls), Hardy Mountain Doukhobor Village Historic Site, Lehman Springs, Max Lake, Okanagan River Cottonwoods, Similkameen River Pines, Skaha Bluffs
Vancouver Island Region Abkhazi Garden, Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, Clare Winnett Copeland Property
Covenants & Other Properties - Vancouver Island/Coast Region Cowichan River, Craigflower National Historic Sites of Canada, Gorge-Selkirk Restoration Project, Horth Hill, Keating Farm Estate, Koeye River, Little Qualicum River Estuary, Matthews Point, Galiano Island, Nanaimo River Other Properties - Vancouver Island/Coast Region Qualicum Bat House, Ross Bay Villa, Sea to Sea Greenbelt, Sooke Potholes, South Winchelsea Island, Wildwood