Planned purchase to preserve wetlands near Qualicum Beach decades in the making
Following decades of advocacy, Hamilton Marsh near Qualicum Beach appears on its way to becoming a protected area. Earlier this month the Regional District of Nanaimo announced it had reached a conditional agreement with Mosaic Forest Management to buy 360 hectares of land for $30 million. That land includes the marsh itself, which is about 36 hectares in size, and a mature forest, that if undisturbed, will reach old growth status within 150 years.
The purchase will require long term borrowing of over 21 million dollars, to be paid back over 20 years.. For an average Nanaimo household, it’s expected the annual repayment cost will be around 19 dollars. The RDN is also looking to raise $7.5 million from partners like the provincial government and conservation groups. The Nanaimo and Area Land Trust (NALT) has committed to raising $250,000. Midcoast Morning met up with longtime advocate Ceri Peacey at the marsh, and spoke with NALT Executive Director Paul Chapman in studio.
Notes:
Guests:
Ceri Peacey — President, Hamilton Wetlands and Forest Preservation Society.
Paul Chapman — Executive Director, Nanaimo and Area Land Trust.
Program Team:
Joe Pugh — Host and Producer.
Jesse Woodward — Executive Producer.
Arbie Fru — Technical Assistance.
Podcast Photo:
Ceri Peacey in front of the Hamilton Marsh. Photo by Joe Pugh.
Theme Music:
Have a tip? Email: news@chly.ca.
Find us on social media:
Bluesky: @chly.ca
Transcript:
Incoming.
Report Transcription errors by emailing production@chly.ca.
Funded by Sustaining Donors and the Community Radio Fund of Canada’s Radiometres program. Sustain CHLY’s News Department for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.