Raincoast Conservation Foundation is a team of conservationists and scientists empowered by
our research to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of coastal BC. Raincoast uses rigorous, peer-
reviewed science and community engagement to further our conservation objectives, an approach
we call ‘informed advocacy’. The Pender Islands Conservancy Association is a charity and land
trust committed to land protection and restoration; long-term ecological research and monitoring;
and public education on Pender Island. Together, our organizations are working toward the
purchase and protection of 45 acres of globally rare Coastal Douglas-fir (CDF) forest, known as
KELÁ_EKE Kingfisher Forest on S,DÁYES or North Pender Island. This conservation initiative
seeks to protect threatened species and habitats in the Gulf Islands, and contribute to a broader
regional effort to enhance ecological resilience and connectivity around the Salish Sea.
The KELÁ_EKE Kingfisher Forest campaign aims to reframe land protection in this region by
safeguarding ecological sanctuaries for future generations, guided by management regimes that
support W̱SÁNEĆ local food systems and youth education programs. We seek to involve all
surrounding communities in the ongoing restoration and healing of the land. Further, this work is
designed to enhance climate resilience, ecological integrity, and biodiversity in the community we
serve. Without adequate protection measures these precious CDF ecosystems remain vulnerable
to development and degradation. This is of particular concern in the context of climate change, as
research shows that intact ecosystems provide a plethora of climate change mitigation services.
We need to protect these ecosystems so they can protect us.
Since launching this campaign, Raincoast and the Conservancy have made huge strides toward the
permanent protection of KELÁ_EKE Kingfisher Forest with nearly $1.4 million raised so far. They
have until the end of this year to reach their final target of $2.1 million.
To help raise awareness
about the campaign, the two organizations are hosting an EcoFair on Pender Islands from October
22-23, 2022 alongside grassroots group PenderPOD.
Any proceeds raised will support the
permanent protection of KELÁ_EKE Kingfisher Forest.
or email the Gulf Islands Forest Project
Coordinator, Shauna Doll
You can also visit
and/or visit the Conservancy in person at
the Hope Bay Nature Centre on North Pender Island!
