The Settlement Lands is a 157 acre block of recovering forest lands located along Central Road between (Chickadee) Lake Road and Pickles Road. It was acquired about ten years ago by DCA in settlement of a law suit against the logger, 4064 Investments Ltd.
The Settlement Lands is a conservation treasure. The property has various significant wetlands, noteworthy ancient old-growth trees and a diversity of landforms where steep bluffs and slopes connect lowlands with upland plateaus. In addition the Settlement Lands provides an important protected-land link between the adjacent Provincial Park properties and the Islands Trust and Conservancy Nature Reserves.
It was on this property that the Checkerspot butterfly’s presence on Denman Island was first discovered, together with 10 other species and communities at risk. More recently we have had the opportunity to observe beavers re-creating a complex habitat, now teaming with life, in a formerly drained lowland area.
Denman Conservancy is now in the process of confirming the conservation status of these lands. DCA will be:
- Offering a conservation covenant to Islands Trust Fund
- Asking the Local Trust Committee to rezone most of the property to Conservation Zone. (A 12 Hectare portion in the ALR will retain its Agriculture zoning)
- Preparing a Management Plan for the property further defining how use of the property will be managed.
Much more information about the property and DCA’s plans for its use will be on display at the Open House at the Old School 9.30 am – 12.30 pm on Saturday 26th September.
