by Wylie Thomas, conservation biologist
Please send a message to BC’s new Minister of Water, Lands, and Resource Stewardship, Randene Neill, to let her know how important it is to protect Harewood Plains in the Nanaimo area on Vancouver Island (and please cc the community group shp@nalt.bc.ca so they can track how many messages have been sent).
If you have time, sending an individual unique message will carry the most impact. However, this form letter, can also be used:
Cc: Sheila.Malcolmson.mla@leg.bc.ca; Stephanie.Higginson.MLA@leg.bc.ca; shp@nalt.bc.ca
Subject: Harewood Plains Needs Protection
Dear Minister Neill,
I am writing to you about a place in the Nanaimo area, the Harewood Plains, that requires your help to be protected.
Harewood Plains is a collection of Garry Oak Meadows, Coastal Douglas Fir stands, and vernal pools. The meadows, woods and pools are connected hydrologically and combine to create rare habitat conditions.
Harewood Plains is home to endangered species such as Hosackia pinnata, Nanaimo’s official flower. The unique features of the Plains, the seasonal flow of water and vernal pools, are critical habitat for the Hosackia pinnata and other endangered and rare species.
Protecting the Harewood Plains will require effort from all levels of government.
I am asking you to join with the community, the City of Nanaimo and other levels of government to acquire this land for conservation. The Harewood Plains area is too valuable to lose.
Thank you,
Your Name, Address