Fund-raising drive saves trail from developer

by LEXI BAINAS - The Cowichan Valley Citizen Newspaper

After months of frantic fund-raising, the Friends of Holland Creek Trail happily announced this week that they have gathered the $130,000 needed to protect the "deep woods" quality of their beloved trail.

The money will purchase 2.88 acres that fronts a proposed development to provide a buffer for the trail area within the Ladysmith town boundaries.

This report is the result of a research project funded by Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, the Cowichan Valley Regional District and the Kaatza Foundation. During this project CCLT land stewards from 11 years of landowner contact programs were surveyed to assess the effectiveness of stewardship education. Land stewards were interviewed to determine what changes in land use practices and other environmentally relevant behaviours occurred and/or resulted from the landholder's experience with these stewardship initiatives.

Many landholders contacted by the Cowichan Land Trust through previous stewardship related projects have expressed a strong need for consistent programs and networking opportunities for them to continue to steward their land. Consistent support and assistance for land stewards is essential for landholders to maximize their protection efforts. Previous studies demonstrate how landholder contact programs are very effective in increasing landholders' commitment to stewardship and ultimately to environmental awareness and protection.