A conservation covenant is a promise.
Usually, conservation covenants restricts use and development to prevent damage to natural areas. For example, a covenant can be used to limit logging to ecologically sustainable forestry, to protect a wetland from being drained for development, or to prevent a large property from sub-division and development. Every covenant is tailored to the unique character of the land and the conservation goals of its owners. When you place a conservation covenant on your land, you are creating a legacy of natural areas for wildlife, your community, and future generations.
Photo: Ayum Creek Covenant
Additional information about covenants, and the tax benefits of conservation covenants, can be found at these links:
- Land Trust Alliance of British Columbia
- West Coast Environmental Law
- Ecological Gifts Program (a federal government incentive program)
Current Covenants
This map shows some of the covenants that HAT currently holds on public owned lands. Many of these natural areas are open to the public, and some, such as Trincomali, discourage visitors due to the potential of disturbing sensitive wildlife.
View HAT Covenants on Public and Conservation organization- owned Land in a larger map
Since its inception in 1996 HAT has become a covenant holder for over 20 public and private properties and every year this number grows. Displayed on the adjacent map is a list of all of HAT's public covenants. These properties feature some of this region's last remaining Garry oak meadows and Douglas fir-Arbutus ecosystems. Many of these areas are owned by the CRD and all of them are open for public use. HAT encourages you and your families to enjoy these lovely places that are close to home while reminding you to be mindful and respectful when you're there. Together we can work together to keep nature and wilderness in our backyards.
