About Us

Established in 1990 by the Islands Trust Act of British Columbia, the Islands Trust Fund acts as a regional conservation land trust for the Islands Trust Area. This legislation recognizes the ecological significance and sensitivity of the Islands Trust Area and authorizes the Islands Trust Fund to acquire land for the purpose of carrying out the object of the trust.

Our Vision

The vision of the Islands Trust Fund is to create a legacy of special places in the Islands Trust Area, protecting both natural and cultural features forever. Fragile ecosystems on these islands are at risk due to population growth and escalating development. To direct our efforts to the ecosystems most in need of protection we have created a Regional Conservation Plan that identifies priority areas for conservation. The plan will guide the policy-setting, decision-making and work programs of the Trust Fund Board until 2010.

Working in Partnership to Protect Land

The Islands Trust Fund receives the majority of its funding from the Islands Trust, the federation of island governments in the Islands Trust Area, which undertakes local land use planning and addresses issues of mutual concern. The Islands Trust Fund also has strong relationships with regional, provincial, and federal governments and land conservancies.

As one of British Columbia's leading conservation trusts, the Islands Trust Fund works with other agencies, community groups and landowners to protect special places through voluntary land donations, conservation covenants, land purchase and stewardship education. Partnerships are an essential part of our work and we strive to maintain excellent relationships with landowners, donors, partner agencies, and the general public.

Thanks to the vision, dedication and generosity of island landowners and island communities, the Islands Trust Fund is building a lasting legacy in a fragile region. The Islands Trust Fund currently has 75 protected areas established and carefully managed for conservation. More than $31 million worth of land and cash has been donated and the Islands Trust Fund now protects properties on 12 of the 13 main islands within the Islands Trust Area.

The Islands Trust Fund’s ability to acquire and preserve significant lands depends upon contributions received from individuals, businesses and other organizations. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to land protection - donations are not used to cover day-to-day operating costs. Receipts for tax purposes are provided for all donations.