SILT became one of the first in Canada to receive Conservation Excellence Certification (CLC) from the national Centre for Land Conservation on March 20, 2025

In making the announcement, the CLC stated this marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Canada’s land conservation sector.

At this point, SILT is the only land trust in Western Canada to be certified, in company with four in Ontario and one in New Brunswick.

"For our small volunteer land trust, achieving this certificate demonstrates that excellence in conservation isn't about size – it's about commitment to best practices and measurable results," commented SILT president Judie Steeves. "This recognition will help us build stronger partnerships and secure more habitat for wildlife."

Acquiring conservation properties is just the first step. Sometimes, those parcels require restoration to improve their habitat for wildlife, and they always need constant maintenance to keep them healthy and productive natural areas that support both wildlife and people. Sometimes, that involves keeping people from degrading the environment with motorized vehicles or from ‘overloving’ the property’s important natural features, while other times it just means monitoring.

But, it all costs money, and as a small, non-profit relying on a board of volunteers, SILT does not have deep pockets.

That’s where you come in. Simply select a zone or several zones on a map of one of our properties, fill out a form and make a donation to become a sponsor and steward of one ‘zone’ of that property.

You’ll receive a stewardship certificate and a receipt for income tax purposes—or you can make your donation on behalf of a loved one, or in memorium.

Sponsorships are valid for a period of 12 months from the date of payment.

SILT stands up for nature

The BC Forest Practices Board has upheld a complaint from the Southern Interior Land Trust (SILT) that non-compliance by two Crown-land ranchers and a lack of government enforcement resulted in trespass cattle damaging habitats on land purchased for wildlife by SILT.

“Trespass livestock grazing and unauthorized entry became an issue immediately after SILT acquired the property” said SILT’s President Judie Steeves, “we tried to find a cooperative solution but neither rancher was interested, and the ministry seemed fully onboard with what the ranchers were doing.”

Ginty's – Phase 2 Completed

SILT and its partners have completed Phase 2 of the Ginty’s Pond - nʔaʕx̌ʷt wetland restoration project in Cawston. Phase 2 restores another one hectare of open water and adds 0.7 hectares of newly created riparian shrub thicket-woodland habitat to this previously cattail-dominated marsh.

Read all about the project here.