WOLF PRESS RELEASE SEPTEMBER 16

Watchers of Langley Forests

~ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ~

Langley, BC. Monday, September 16, 2013.

The group Watchers of Langley Forests (WOLF) would like to thank the Blaauw family for their very generous gift of about $2.5 million that has enabled Trinity Western University to purchase ecologically valuable forest land in Glen Valley, Langley. “It is incredibly uplifting that the Blaauw family would be so generous to enable this key part of Langley’s natural heritage to be preserved forever,” said Petrina Arnason, WOLF board member.

WOLF had been working hard to raise public awareness of the regional significance of this forest over the last year, which had been offered for sale by the Township of Langley. WOLF previously held an option to purchase the land but was unable to raise the funds required by December 2012. In response to an outpouring of public concern, in January the Township decided to withdraw three of the five lots from the market, but left two for sale.

“That’s when Mrs. Ann Blaauw came to the rescue,” said Arnason. “She called one of our members and expressed interest in purchasing the forest so it could be protected for future generations.”

WOLF understands that the property will be owned by Trinity Western University, but protected by a conservation covenant that precludes development and allows for public access. “WOLF will thoroughly review the documents pertaining to this agreement between TOL and TWU as they become available to us” said Kirk Robertson,Chair of WOLF.

“We look forward to working with the Environmental Studies Department of TWU, which has invited us to help develop a conservation plan for this ecological treasure” added Robertson. “The significance of this property is well documented, and having faculty and students carry out further research will only increase our understanding and appreciation of this and other Langley forests.”

WOLF is grateful for the extensive support received from Langley residents, artists and writers across Canada, and will continue to advocate for the preservation of other ecologically significant forests in Langley.

Contact

savemclellanpark@gmail.com