Xwésam (Salmon) River – Floodplain Forest

Thank you for helping us protect more than 100 acres of floodplain forest along the Xwésam (Salmon) River.

Together with our supporters, The Nature Trust of British Columbia has raised $294,000 to protect 105.6 acres (42.7 hectares) of floodplain forest along the Xwésam (Salmon) River. Conserving this new parcel of land has expanded The Nature Trust of BC’s existing Xwésam (Salmon) River Estuary Conservation Complex, growing the conservation complex to 1,037.8 acres (420 hectares).

Why is the Xwésam (Salmon) River so important?

• The river and estuary provide vital habitat for some of the province’s most iconic species, including the majestic great blue heron, the northern pygmy owl and the Roosevelt elk – the largest subspecies of North American elk.  
• All five Pacific salmon species, along with steelhead and blue-listed cutthroat trout pass through the estuary and depend on the river.
• The floodplain forest has towering Sitka spruce, grand fir, western redcedar and Douglas-fir up to 120 years old. 

Keep reading to learn more about the Xwésam (Salmon) River and what makes this land so special and critical to protect. Thank you for helping us reach our goal! Donate to continue to support ongoing stewardship on this land.

For more than 50 years, The Nature Trust of BC has been working to purchase, protect and restore land along Xwésam (Salmon) River. Conserving this new parcel of land would expand The Nature Trust of BC’s existing Xwésam (Salmon) River Estuary Conservation Complex, growing the conservation complex to 1,037.8 acres (420 hectares). The river and estuary provide vital habitat for some of the province’s most iconic species, including the majestic great blue heron, the northern pygmy owl and the Roosevelt elk – the largest subspecies of North American elk.  

Expanding this conservation complex increases the connectivity and resilience of sensitive estuarine and riparian ecosystems within the river and its estuary. All five Pacific salmon species, along with steelhead and blue-listed cutthroat trout pass through the estuary and depend on the river. Recently, grizzly bears have also returned to the river to feast on the abundant vegetation in the estuary. 

Explore the Xwésam (Salmon) River’s Floodplain Forest

The riparian forest can provide shelter and food for the threatened western screech owl. This small owl with distinct “ear” tufts and yellow eyes relies on these forests to provide important food sources to help raise their young. The western screech owl population on Vancouver Island has been declining over the past couple of decades mostly due to habitat loss.   

The time for nature is now—with immediate action, this vital habitat can be protected forever. Every dollar donated will directly contribute to safeguarding this land for future generations and help ensure the long-term health of the Xwésam (Salmon) River ecosystem.