NCC conservation lands closed to public
By Contributor
As a result of the current impact of COVID-19, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has announced the closure of all its conservation properties and trails to the public until further notice, including the likes of the former Darkwoods property between Nelson and Creston.
Advisories have been placed on the organization’s website and social media channels.
“We urge residents to follow public health advisories and stay at home and respect physical distancing guidelines at all times,” said John Lounds, president and CEO for the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
“We sincerely hope that by taking these steps now, everyone can get back to enjoying these conservation areas and trails as soon as possible.”
The closure includes all publicly accessible NCC conservation areas in British Columbia.
“We know nature is important in our lives and good for our health and well-being, especially in stressful times,’” said Nancy Newhouse, BC regional vice-president, Nature Conservancy of Canada.
“Many of our properties are popular with nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. But this closure is necessary, as together we protect our communities and do our part to ‘flatten the curve
NCC’s website offers opportunities for people to enjoy nature at a distance by taking virtual hikes — thanks to 360-degree Google Trekker footage — coast to coast.
These can be seen at natureconservancy.ca/trekker. NCC also plans to launch a series of online activities to help people of all ages get their nature fix.
People can visit natureconservancy.ca and watch for updates and activities being added regularly.
For public inquiries regarding our conservation sites, please contact bcoffice@natureconservancy.ca.
Some of the locations in BC, include:
WEST KOOTENAY:
- Darkwoods
EAST KOOTENAY
- Dutch Creek Hoodoos
- Luxor Linkage
- Columbia Lake – Lot 48
- Marion Creek Benchlands
- Kootenay River Ranch
- Elk Valley Heritage Conservation Area
- All lands in the Wycliffe conservation corridor
KAMLOOPS AREA
- Lac du Bois Conservation Area
- Rattlesnake Bluffs
- Napier Lake Ranch Conservation Area
SOUTH OKANAGAN
- Sage and Sparrow Conservation Area
- Osoyoos Oxbows: Ted Pendergraft and Sons Conservation Area
About
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962, NCC and its partners have helped to protect 14 million hectares (35 million acres), across Canada. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.
