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
SCCA's 2022 Year-End Newsletter
In our year-end newsletter, Executive Director Suzanne Senger recaps the busy year that 2022 was for the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association.
She remembers the challenges of the year (water shortages!), celebrates a recent important 'win' here in BC, and shares how you can help the SCCA continue our important work.
The newsletter also contains:
- A brief review of campaigns we're currently involved in to protect biodiversity on the Sunshine Coast.
- Links to background research and other information on our conservation activities.
- Ways we've engaged and support others to advocate for environmental protection.
If you'd like to get caught up on what we've been doing, grab a coffee and have a read.
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, reduced land value and property taxat. Conservation organizations agree to monitor the land and ensure that the intentions and objectives of a covenant are maintained.
As a registered 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
Paul Harris Jones
Paul Harris Jones
Marbled Murrelet Protector
Paul Jones has had a special relationship with birds ever since his childhood days in India. He has been a leader in the local campaign to protect marbled murrelets. In 1993 Paul's team discovered an active nest in the Caren Range, the oldest closed-canopy temperate rain forest in Canada. Further sightings led to the creation of Spipiyus Provincial Park. Spipiyus is the shíshálh name for the murrelets, which are revered in many coastal First Nations communities. Old-growth logging, climate change and other factors continue to put the survival of the species at risk. Paul continues to advocate for the murrelets through a proposed Jervis Inlet Biosphere Conservation Area.
(Know a biodiversity hero who deserves to be recognized here? Contact us!)
The Sunshine Coast Community Forest is seeking feedback on its 2022 - 2025 Operations Plan.
This plan is going to dictate which areas of local forest get logged in the coming three years, so it's important that they hear from the general public and those concerned about the well-being of our forests and local wildlife.
Logging is proposed for the following areas: Angus Creek, Trout Lake, East Gray Creek, Burnett Creek, Gray Creek, Chapman Creek, East Wilson Creek and Wakefield Creek.
Here is the information available for review:
The SCCA has compiled the early history of the Community Forest.
What YOU can do Today to Make a Difference
Sue Big Oil
For decades, oil and gas corporations have known that burning fossil fuels is causing climate change. But they lied about it. The SCCA is teaming up with regional partners to enlist local government support to Sue Big Oil.
BC's Coastal Marine Strategy
Until April 14, 2023, you can provide input to the Province of BC as they develop a coast-wide strategy to address the health and stewardship of marine ecosystems and resilience of coastal communities.
Saving BC's Old Growth
Sign the declaration "United We Stand For Old Growth Forests".
SCRD Climate Action Plan
Register now to engage with the SCRD on its Community Climate Action Plan.
Learn about Water Policy
Learn about water policy and governance in Canada by attending the online webinar Fourth Annual Water Research Roundup.
Support Local Conservation
Donations fund our research and advocacy activities.
We gratefully acknowledge support from
