Along the BC Hydro property, just along the Puntledge River and below Comox Lake lies an area of Puntledge Forest that does not have protection to its timber rights.
When touring this area of Puntledge Forest, the history of the area is evident. Only 100 years ago, the forested area was all industrial, serving the coal mines of the area. It is a testament to the strength that the forest has reappeared naturally, boasting large trees of Douglas fir, cedar, yew and maples. Ferns scatter the forest floor and the area is popular for birding.
Many people walk or bike in this area, making it vital for recreational purposes. The public can paddle the lake through the launch area in a canoe, kayak or paddle board. Dogs are welcome and during a recent educational walk, many were present. The trails are well maintained and an easy walk for those looking to escape into nature.
The Puntledge River is home to a significant amount of salmon. It is the second-largest producer of chinook, coho and pink salmon and fourth-largest producer of chum salmon. There are two chinook runs, fall and a much smaller, endangered run in the summer. It also has a winter and summer run of Steelhead, and resident trout including cutthroat.
鈥淪aving the Puntledge Forest means the public can continue to enjoy its beauty. From an ecological perspective, Valley-bottom mature forests are rare in the Comox Valley,鈥� said Tanis Gower, Comox Valley Land Trust (CVLT) communications lead and biologist. 鈥淭his makes the Puntledge Forest very important for its biodiversity and for carbon capture. With the addition of these 37 hectares, the CVLT will soon hold covenants on 670 hectares of forest in the Valley, all of which will be allowed to mature into old growth for future generations.鈥�
CVLT is looking to save this area by fundraising $500,000 from public donations, which are now matched and tripled by generous donors, Frank and Bobbi Denton, Gael Arthur and Rick Helmer, and two more donors who wish to remain anonymous. The CVLT is in the final stages of raising that money to buy the remaining 37 hectares of forest.
This area of the forest is owned separately through a Timber Reservation that is registered to the land title. The 37 hectares of land is owned by Manulife Investment Management and the hope is to raise most of the needed $1.9 million price tag through government grants and charitable foundations. Only the outstanding $500,000 is needed through public donors in the local community.
The CVLT has already purchased 61 hectares of the land to preserve and keep as a vital ecological site. One last push means the whole area will be saved and enjoyed by the public currently and in the future.
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