The islands of the Salish Sea are a special place in Canada and the world. Towering Douglas-fir forests, fern-laced streams, wildflower meadows, and a rich diversity of wildlife are just a few of the many wonders of nature that we all enjoy on the islands. Most of this land is privately owned, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be protected.
Join Us!
Join the growing community of island landowners who are deepening their relationship with the land and building natural legacies for the future.
If, like us, you believe that island communities need healthy ecosystems to survive, that endangered species deserve protected habitat, and that the generations that follow us should have opportunities to experience the same beautiful landscapes we see today, consider how you can make a difference where you live.
There are a number of tools you can use to protect the land you love. These options vary in cost, tax benefits, and degree of protection, but they will all help you ensure that your land is protected for nature and for future generations.
Create a Nature Reserve
Imagine the land you love protected as a nature reserve. Gift your ecologically significant land to Islands Trust Conservancy and we’ll establish a nature reserve that is protected and cared for in perpetuity. Learn more
Protect with a Conservation Covenant
A conservation covenant is a voluntary legal agreement between you and a conservancy or land trust that allows you to permanently protect nature on your land while still owning and even living on the land. Learn more
Receive Property Tax Relief with NAPTEP
Protecting your land through the Natural Area Protection Tax Exemption Program (NAPTEP) gives you the opportunity to receive a receive a 65% exemption on property taxes for the protected portion of your property each year. NAPTEP makes conservation affordable in the islands. Learn more
Protect Land During Development
If you are proposing the development of a property that includes ecologically significant or sensitive land, consider preserving and protecting nature through a partial transfer of land or a conservation covenant. This can be voluntary or a requirement of development. Learn more
Care for Your Land
We are fortunate to live in a region of high biodiversity. You share your land with native plants and animals that have called the islands home for millennia. There are actions you can take to ensure your land continues to be a place where nature can thrive. Learn more