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Photo by Daisy Sunshine
Protecting Precious Land
The two maps below illustrate how much forested land is being lost to development in the community of French Creek. Conserving these 23 acres of ecologically important land at the French Creek Estuary is now more important than ever.
Creating an Eagle Preserve will protect this vital wildlife habitat beside the estuary in perpetuity. Let's work together to raise funds toward the purchase of the five acres to complete the Preserve.
Click on images for a magnifier to see more details
Gift of Land
The proposed Eagle Preserve is outlined by a green line. Property owner, French Creek House Ltd., is poised to generously gift over 12 acres of their land for the Eagle Preserve.
The green shaded area is the 5 acres of land the owner wishes to sell for the Eagle Preserve. When added to the existing Community Park this conserves 23 acres of rare, remaining wildlife habitat beside the estuary.
The significance of conserving and caring for this precious pocket is critical to Bald eagles and other wildlife.
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Proposed Eagle Preserve Land Gift by French Creek House Ltd.
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5 Acres (2.02 ha) French Creek House will sell to add to the Eagle Preserve
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Elkay Property 2.47 Acres (1 ha)
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Marina Proposed Development
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Properties under Development
Water Supply Stress
The Ministry of Environment warns that with the relatively high population in French Creek, further development and the effects of climate change it is likely that low flow water conditions will worsen.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) reports an urgent need to better manage groundwater in this area. Recent RDN data shows a greater rate of decline with 2020 groundwater levels below seasonal averages.
Protecting forested land beside waterways is vital to maintaining water supply for fish populations and other species including people.
The RDN reports concern about fish habitat due to excessive water extractions from the creek and aquifers. Yet development continues along its banks with over 34 acres recently logged upstream.
Courtesy of Elkay Developments Ltd.
Relative surface water stress in the French Creek Watershed (shown in red) was reported at 123% by the Ministry of Environment. French Creek was overdrawn by 23% more water than was available.
French Creek Water Region (WR3) outlined in green identifying known water licenses as red dots by the Ministry of Environment MOE. This may be as little as 50% of the known existing wells.
Land Sold Remains Undeveloped
Elkay Developments Ltd. purchased 2.47 acres of French Creek Estuary Land in March 2019 and submitted a Development Permit application. The RDN required Elkay to produce aquifer, ground and rainwater assessments and info re: form and character of buildings and landscaping which they haven't received.
The maps below show "Lot A" and an architectural depiction of the housing plan as provided by Elkay.
Elkay Developments Ltd. subdivision plan indicating the 2.47 acres purchased in 2019 and shown as "Lot A" on the diagram.
Architectural depiction of Elkay housing proposal plan for "Lot A."