User:Paulhundal/sandbox/Old Growth Conservancy in West Vancouver Canada

Old Growth Conservancy, West Vancouver The Old Growth Conservancy in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is located on lands owned by the District of West Vancouver (a BC municipality) that was dedicated by referendum of the electors in November, 1993. The Conservancy consists of 54 ha (133.6 acres) of which approximately 85 acres is old-growth forest. The Conservancy is located on a plateau at the 2500-2800 ft elevation and straddles two biogeoclimatic zones, the lower elevation Coastal Western Hemlock zone and the mid-elevation Mountain Hemlock zone. As a transition area between the two zones, it supports a rich species diversity since species from both zones are abundant.

The most prominent trees are the old-growth western redcedar trees up to 8 feet wide at breast height and estimated to be up to 900 years old. The old-growth area is in near pristine condition functioning within its natural ecological parameters. The area has never been officially opened to the public but there is no Bylaw closing it to the public either. The Conservancy is managed by the West Vancouver Parks department in collaboration with the Old Growth Conservancy Society, a non-profit society formed for the purpose of acting as stewards for the site. The Old Growth Conservancy Society conducts both winter and summer tours of the area providing the only officially sanctioned access to the Conservancy.

Cypress Bowl Provincial Park is immediately north of the Conservancy and shares a boundary with it. However, the recreational trail systems within the Provincial park are separated from the Conservancy which keeps the area relatively isolated and thus reduces human impacts.

An ecological study of the Conservancy conducted in 2006 states, “Portions of the park are in a near pristine condition and support a diversity of ecosystems functioning within natural parameters. The value of the near pristine quality of the Old Growth Park becomes obvious when compared with other old growth areas such as Lighthouse Park which have been heavily impacted.” The study also points out that due to its elevation, it is located in the transition zone of two major biogeoclimatic zones which gives it a much richer diversity of species.

Golf Course Controversy In June 1990 a proposal went before West Vancouver Council to enter into a 50 year lease with a golf course developer to lease the whole 360 acre plateau so as to build a 27 hole golf course on the site. The proposed golf course included the entire area of old-growth forest triggering a public controversy that led to public protest. The proposal was later modified to protect only 22 acres of old growth. Council then approved the modified plan in July 1990 approving zoning changes and started a formal process to negotiate a long term lease with the golf course developer. However, a technicality over a recreation purposes covenant on title forced the District to hold a referendum over the lease proposal. The electors defeated the proposal in a 58% No vote. The area was later dedicated as park by referendum with 89% support.

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