As a result of the current impact of COVID-19, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has announced the closure of all its conservation properties and trails to the public until further notice.

“We urge residents to follow public health advisories and stay at home and respect physical distancing guidelines at all times,” said John Lounds, president and CEO for the Nature Conservancy of Canada. “We sincerely hope that by taking these steps now, everyone can get back to enjoying these conservation areas and trails as soon as possible.”

The closure includes all publicly accessible NCC conservation areas in British Columbia, including locally: Dutch Creek Hoodoos; Luxor Linkage Conservation Area; Columbia Lake – Lot 48; Marion Creek Benchlands; Kootenay River Ranch; Elk Valley Heritage Conservation Area; All conservation lands in the Wycliffe conservation corridor.

“We know nature is important in our lives and good for our health and well-being, especially in stressful times. Many of our properties are popular with nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. But this closure is necessary, as together we protect our communities and do our part to ‘flatten the curve,’” said Nancy Newhouse, BC regional vice-president, Nature Conservancy of Canada and Columbia Valley resident.

NCC’s website offers opportunities for people to enjoy nature at a distance by taking virtual hikes — thanks to 360-degree Google Trekker footage — coast to coast. These can be seen at natureconservancy.ca/trekker. NCC also plans to launch a series of online activities to help people of all ages get their nature fix. People can visit natureconservancy.ca and watch for updates and activities being added regularly.

Lead image: A view of Columbia Lake and the Rockies from the Marion Creek Benchlands property. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW file photos

Nature Conservancy of Canada

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