Siskin Lane introduction

The Siskin Lane Conservation Project on Cortes Island
This exciting new concept on Cortes Island combines residential lots with forest conservation. There are Twenty-three residential lots of 1.5 hectares each under a bare land strata subdivision (the Siskin Lane Strata). Conservation and the protection of biodiversity and ecological values are included in conservation covenants on the land. There is a Public Park and a network of public trails. There has been significant community participation in the planning process making this a true community project.

MANAGEMENT ZONES:
There are four management zones on the property, each of which is subject to different rules and restrictions.

FOREST CONSERVATION AREA:
A 52-hectare zone dedicated to conservation and forest management, with priority given to the protection of biodiversity and the restoration of old-growth forests. A conservation covenant will ensure that riparian areas, wildlife trees and other sensitive areas are protected. This area will be common property under the joint ownership of the Siskin Lane strata residents. The Forest Conservation Area encompasses fifty percent of the total property.

RESIDENTIAL USE AREA:
A 0.75 hectare zone on each of the clustered residential lots where owners can build a home and establish gardens and outbuildings (e.g. woodsheds). A minimum of 25% of the trees in this zone must be permanently protected. Each residential lot is limited to one dwelling, and the combined footprint of all structures on the property cannot exceed 5000 square feet. Roughly 18 hectares is allocated to this zone, or nineteen percent of the total property.

RESIDENTIAL CONSERVATION AREA:
A 0.75 hectare zone on each of the residential lots where conservation and privacy are prioritized. Timber harvesting and other forms of development are restricted in this zone, and no structures can be built. 18 hectares is allocated to this zone, or nineteen percent of the total property.

PUBLIC PARK:
A 12-hectare zone dedicated to forest preservation, recreation and public access. The park will be donated to the Comox-Strathcona Regional District to manage in partnership with the Cortes Island community. A conservation covenant held by The Land Conservancy of BC will protect the park in perpetuity. The Park zone encompasses twelve percent of the property.

TRAILS:
The 8 kilometers of wonderful hiking trails have been a labour of love for Nancy Caruso and Mark Appleyard. The have hauled truck loads of sawdust and sand onto the tails and created many new trails as well as beat back the bushes on the old trails. The results are amazing and are being enjoyed by many islanders and visitors alike.

ON SITE MANAGEMENT:
Vicki deBoer worked as on site manager from 2003 until it was time to market the properties in 2006. She is intimately familiar with all the lots and infrastructure and enthusiastic about the concept.