Sunshine Coast Conservation Association
We Are the SCCA
Who We Are
We're an association of individuals and groups dedicated to protecting the biodiversity and integrity of the Sunshine Coast for all time. Our work is carried out by a small paid team and dozens of volunteers.
Our Goals
We endeavour to conserve lands and marine areas – from Howe Sound to Bute Inlet – in their natural states and to protect ecological values and restore biodiversity throughout the Sunshine Coast Natural Resource District.
What We Do
We engage in research, educational outreach, and advocacy activities, holding decision makers to account and encouraging government to protect biodiversity and ecosystems. We also assist member groups with their objectives.
Latest News
Old Growth Forests & Species-At-Risk Habitat Protected
After more than two decades of working to protect old growth forests for marbled murrelet nesting habitat, the SCCA is thrilled to share some exciting news!
On December 2, 2021, the provincial government issued an Order under the Land Use Objectives Regulation (BC Land Act) to protect an additional 60,000 hectares of suitable old growth forest for murrelet nesting habitat on provincial Crown land in southern BC.
A minimum of 25,732 hectares of old growth will be protected in the Sunshine Coast Natural Resource District (SCNRD) and 7,242 hectares in the Sea to Sky landscape units in East Átl’ḵa7tsem Howe Sound.
Now that these thresholds for protection have been set in law, the SCCA will engage with the Provincial government in the coming months to formally define the boundaries of these 33,000 hectares as Marbled Murrelet Wildlife Habitat Area.
Land Covenants
Protecting Biodiversity
A conservation covenant is a voluntary, legal agreement between a landowner and a conservation organization where the landowner promises to protect ecological values on the land. Covenant agreements are attached to the property title and stay with the land forever, regardless of who owns it.
This allows property owners to secure natural values for biodiversity, natural asset management and enjoyment of nature. Financial benefits may include tax receipts and reduced land value and property taxation. Conservation organizations agree to monitor the land and ensure that the intentions and objectives of the covenant are maintained.
As a registered member of BC Land Trust, the SCCA partners in holding and developing conservation covenants for Cliff Gilker Park, Mt Artaban Nature Reserve, Long Bay Nature Reserve and Brigade Bay Bluffs Nature Reserve on Gambier Island, Sandy Beach on Keats Island, Rainfrog Sanctuary in Roberts Creek and Gospel Rock in Gibsons.
Are you passionate about biodiversity?
Volunteer with Us!
There are many ways you can leave your mark.
Biodiversity Hero
Ryan Matthews
Dedicated Streamkeeper on the Sunshine Coast
A stream seldom tires but it can often use a helping hand. Monitoring water flow and quality, conducting species surveys, removing obstructions and replacing invasive growth with native plants are ways to assist in the protection of these waterways.
The Sunshine Coast Streamkeepers Society is fortunate to have volunteers such as Ryan Matthews. Their work is vital to sustaining the salmon which have long been a cornerstone of our coastal ecosystems. Ryan is dedicated to the rehabilitation of three creeks near Langdale.
(Know a biodiversity hero who deserves to be recognized here? Contact us!)
What Happens Next, after Unapproved Logging in Gospel Rock?
On December 31st, 2020 the SCCA was informed by citizens of Gibsons that a large area of protected forest had been cut down in the sensitive ecological area on Gospel Rock, Block 7. The cutting took place in violation of local government bylaws and permits. Consequently, the Town of Gibsons issued a Stop Work Order for this site on December 21.
The SCCA and our partners at The Land Conservancy (TLC) have since engaged the property owner and the Town of Gibsons to determine how the unauthorized tree cutting affected the sensitive area and how to ensure ecological values are maintained on Block 7 moving forward.
We are working through these and other final questions and issues with all parties. We expect to have a final covenant agreement signed by the end of the summer.
What you can do Today to Make a Difference
#GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesday is a global movement for giving and volunteering. On November 30th, communities around the world come together to support organizations like ours to make a difference in the world.
Please join the movement and help us continue our work to protect fragile habitats, drinking water sources, species at risk, old growth forests, and more!
Natural Gas Royalty Review
The province is seeking public feedback on its Natural Gas Royalty Review to establish a new, modernized royalty framework. Please provide your input on options for the revised framework before December 10th at 4:00pm.
BC Biodiversity Law
BC needs a law to protect biodiversity and West Coast Environmental Law is leading the charge to achieve this. Show your support for creating a new law to safeguard nature and ecosystem health by reaching out to our Premier, Ministers, and local MLA, Minister Nicholas Simons.
Support Local Conservation
Donations fund our research and advocacy activities.
We gratefully acknowledge support from
