The Comox Valley Land Trust invites the public to a guided walk to learn about the ecology of the Puntledge Forest and why CVLT considers this area a high priority for conservation.

The Puntledge Forest is 250 acres containing a 120-year-old second-growth forest. It is made up of conifer and deciduous trees situated on a rich low-elevation site with many tall Douglas-fir and Western Red Cedars.  It is a great example of a biologically rich, maturing, naturally regenerated coastal forest. These are becoming harder to find as they are logged and replaced by tree plantations.

The site offers habitat and opportunities for salmon enhancement for the endangered Puntledge River summer Chinook. It has very high carbon capture and storage values and is accessed by the K’ómoks First Nation for cultural purposes.

The forest is located on BC Hydro lands between the Comox Lake dam and the power station along the Puntledge River. BC Hydro has developed a well-used recreation trail system at the site. Though BC Hydro owns the land, the trees are owned separately by way of a  Timber Reservation owned by Comox Timber and managed on their behalf by Manulife Investment Management. Notice was given in 2020 that the forest was going to be logged. The community has been rallying to save the forest ever since. Currently, Manulife has deferred logging the site as the Comox Valley Land Trust works diligently “behind the scenes” to try to find a conservation solution to protect it.

The walk will commence sharp at 1 p.m., rain or shine, at the trail access parking lot at the Comox Valley Regional District water treatment facility on 4701 Lake Trail Road. The trail is flat and well graded. Please dress for the weather, footwear for muddy conditions are recommended. There is a public washroom at the start of the trail. Water bottle filling station is available. Please RSVP below. We will follow B.C. public health order guidelines that currently allow for optional wearing of masks.

Guided Walk Date: Saturday, April 23, 1-3 p.m.  Space is limited so please register!

Please provide name, phone number, and number of people attending to [email protected].