The Nature Trust of BC is launching a fundraising campaign to conserve an area near Prince George.
The area in question is the Ferguson Lake-Wetlands, approximately 19 kilometres northwest of Prince George.
The parcel of land is 129.2 hectares, and is adjacent to an existing Nature Trust of BC conservation area.
“In these parcels, it’s wetland habitat mixed with mature forest, riparian forest, it’s pretty thick on the property and quite wet,” said Jason Emery, Director of Land Management.
“One portion of the parcel is bisected by Ferguson Creek, so a number of species use the creek, rainbow trout, pike minnow.”
Emery noted they’re still doing more detailed inventory on the wetlands themselves.
“We know the property has current use from deer, black bear, grizzly bear, moose, and a lot of different bird species as well.”
The Nature Trust of BC is hoping to raise $850,000 to purchase the property.
“The property itself, ultimately in it’s proximity to Prince George, the threat is there of course of the property developed,” he said.
“Deforested, loss of forest, loss of wetland, and being replaced by lots, and/or succumbing to some sort of forestry operation.”
They’re hoping to raise the money by March 31st, 2024, to ensure it cannot be developed or sold.