PlaceDossier / Questions
Are there species at risk or protected habitat on my property?
The BC Conservation Data Centre records where species and ecosystems at risk have been found. A report checks its public records on the lot and within 500 m, and the province's designated wildlife areas.
The report opens at this answer, with the lot drawn on the map and every other check alongside. A PID (on the tax notice or title) always finds the lot; an address works when it's an exact match.
What the answer means
- Red and Blue
- Red-listed species and ecosystems are at risk of being lost from BC; Blue-listed ones are of special concern.
- What a record means
- It shows where a species was found, sometimes decades ago. No record doesn't mean nothing lives there: most land has never been surveyed.
- Hidden records
- The Conservation Data Centre hides the exact location of some sensitive species. It shares details with landowners and their consultants on request.
- Wildlife areas
- Wildlife Habitat Areas and ungulate winter ranges mainly limit logging and range use on Crown land. On private land they don't stop building by themselves.
- What can limit building
- A local environmental development permit area, or federal critical habitat, can. Ask the local government before planning work.
These are the public records only, as they stood when the report was made. Confirm with the local government and a qualified environmental professional before you buy or build.
Source: Species and Ecosystems at Risk, publicly available occurrences, BC Conservation Data Centre (Open Government Licence – British Columbia); Wildlife Habitat Areas (approved), Province of BC (Open Government Licence – British Columbia).
Other questions: is my property in the Agricultural Land Reserve · is my property on a floodplain map · has my property burned in a wildfire · is there a mineral or placer claim on my property · does my property have road access · how close to a creek or lake can I build · how strong could earthquake shaking be at my property · are there water wells on or near my property.