The last piece of Richmonds northeast bog forest has been snapped up by the city.
Mayor Malcolm Brodie, accompanied by B.C.s Environment Minister, Terry Lake, marked the purchase on Wednesday at the site, along with Grade four students and staff from Hamilton elementary.
The acquisition of the northeast bog forest is a significant action the city has taken to advance community sustainability, the mayor said in a press release.
We recognize the importance of preserving this unique bog forest adjacent to the Fraser River as a dynamic and productive environment that builds upon our rich Island legacy.
The landscape will provide many important benefits for the region, now and in the future. In addition to providing parkland, heritage and environmental benefits, the purchase of the bog helps the city take action on climate change.
The bog forest is six hectares (15 acres) in size and adds directly to the adjacent city-owned 13-hectare (33 acre) bog forest creating, in total, a 19-hectare (48 acre) parkland forest.
Natural park areas of this size support the preservation of Richmonds unique island environment and provide community access to experience local natural areas.
The Lesser Lulu Bog is unique to Richmond and the bog forest purchase preserves the last remaining piece. Natural areas and bogs, in particular, also help address climate change by serving as carbon sinks absorbing and retaining carbon dioxide, and reducing levels in the atmosphere.
The newly acquired portion, which cost $2.48 million, will be named the Sun Hor Lum Conservation Area to recognize the original owners legacy and family history. The late Mr. Lum moved to Canada from Guangzhou, China as a teenager. He raised his family on this property, which he actively farmed for vegetables while respecting the bog landscape.
