Marsh Lands Added To Nanaimo Parks

PARTNERSHIP PURCHASE ADDS WEST MARSH LANDS TO NANAIMO PARKS

This past fall the City of Nanaimo and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) announced that they had purchased the wetland area adjacent to Buttertubs Marsh commonly known as the ‘West Marsh’. While both the City and DUC contributed funds towards the purchase, a third party provided substantial funding by way of an ecological gift through the Federal Government of Canada’s ‘Ecological Gifts’ Program.

The City of Nanaimo and DUC have worked together on creating a park management plan that outlines the primary goals and issues for the marsh. The well known local wetlands are home to several species of birds such as; Great Blue Heron, Mallards and Ring-Necked Ducks. With Buttertubs Marsh already being a popular spot for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts the option to open ‘West Marsh’ to similar limited and passive public use will be explored. That being said, the primary goal is of the management plan is environmental conservation which includes; habitat enhancement, reduction and control of invasive species, and regular monitoring to ensure ecological integrity.

The City and DUC have a long history of working together in the co-management of Buttertubs Marsh and look forward to continuing this relationship to ensure that ‘West Marsh’ also remains a protected green space for all to learn from and enjoy. Join us along with DUC, Council and volunteers on Tuesday, March 12th at 10:00 am to give recognition to all those that have helped to make this project possible.

Ducks Unlimited Canada is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. Learn more at ducks.ca.

For more information about this project please contact Richard Harding, Director of Parks, Recreation, & Culture at 250-755-7516 or email Richard.harding@nanaimo.ca.