Comox Valley Naturalists Society

Sunday, October 16, 2005
Dan Buffett
Ducks Unlimited Conservation Efforts on Vancouver Island

The conservation efforts of Ducks Unlimited in British Columbia with special emphasis on the east coast of Vancouver Island will be the topic of the main presentation at the next meeting of the Comox valley Naturalists Society on Sunday, October 16 in the Florence Filberg Centre.

Ducks Unlimited biologist, Dan Buffett, will describe some of the conservation efforts undertaken or planned by his organization. With so many of our wetlands already destroyed or under threat by burgeoning development there is great concern over the continued survival of many species of birds and other forms of wildlife. Loss of habitat and wildlife diversity affects us all so this talk should be of interest to everyone who cares about the environment.

Mr. Buffett will describe the history of Ducks Unlimited and the types of programs undertaken. Ducks Unlimited Canada is a national, private, non-profit organization that has been committed to wetland conservation for more than 65 years. Research undertaken by DUC's scientists helps to guide on-the-ground conservation efforts. In addition DUC works to change policy in favour of wetland and habitat conservation and conducts environmental educational programs.

Within British Columbia, the main habitat areas are divided into four areas: coast, intermountain, peace and western boreal. The challenges and opportunities for habitat conservation throughout B.C. will be discussed. An overview of coastal B.C. will be given including the importance of estuaries and threats to these habitats.

The strategic planning process and implementation plans of DUC will be outlined using the east coast of Vancouver Island as an example. The plan for this area sets habitat and funding objectives in order to conserve waterfowl habitat. These habitats include farmland, wetlands and intertidal habitats. For each habitat, specific conservation tools have been identified such as acquisition of lands, conservation covenants, agreements and education policies that will enable the goals to be achieved.

The range of projects in the Comox Valley area will be discussed including work with farms, wetlands and intertidal projects. The conservation efforts involving trumpeter swans will be covered as well.

Click on a link below to view descriptions of previous guest speakers.