Donor Stories
Bob and Fran Rose bought property on North Pender Island in 1987. Their
dream was to create a home for retirement. Before work was started on their
house, Bob and Fran worked to create a sanctuary for native species on their
property, pulling the scotch broom that had invaded the Garry oak meadow.
Today, their dream has come true. From a happy retirement home perched on
top of the hill, they can catch glimpses of the ocean beyond Hope Bay through
the trees. The Roses are delighted by the camas, fairy-slippers, buttercups
and blue-eyed Mary that carpet the meadow where the broom once stood.
In 2011, the Roses made a commitment to protecting the habitat on their
land, donating a conservation covenant to the Islands Trust Fund and Pender
Islands Conservancy Association. The terms of the covenant restrict future
landowners from cutting native vegetation, and developing or subdividing
the property. By donating the covenant to these conservation agencies, the
Roses have protected the Garry oak meadow and surrounding forest on their
property forever – a gift habitat for the future.
"We were inspired to protect our land by other families on Pender Island
who’ve been doing the same,” said Fran. “Realizing the development pressures
that exist on the island, we’re reassured that by registering the covenant
we are protecting the natural habitat on our property from being broken up or
built on in the future."
Island property owners who give a conservation covenant are donating a
partial interest in their land to the Islands Trust Fund to be held in trust for the
future. Like the tax benefi ts of a cash donation, some covenant donors are
able to reduce their income tax based on the value of their covenant, as well
as lower their property taxes. Learn more about the benefits of conservation
covenants.
Contact Information
To learn more about the projects the Islands Trust Fund is raising money for, please contact:
Communications and Fundraising Specialist
(250) 405-5171
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