Local Governments:

• regulate land use on much of the private property where species at risk occur.
• are responsible for relatively small areas, similar in size to the areas of distribution of many listed species.
• own many important habitats. For example, the entire Canadian populations of Kellogg's rush and poor pocket moss are located in municipal parks.

Local government roles will vary regionally

• Species at risk are concentrated in the most densely populated areas of the province: the Okanagan/Similkameen Valleys, the Fraser

Valley, and southern Vancouver Island. Species at risk planning will need to be closely integrated into planning and operations in these areas.

• Northern regions have relatively few species at risk, and their operations and planning are likely to be less affected.

Species at risk stewardship also leads to:

• improved ecosystem services such as water and air purification, temperature buffering, drainage and recreation opportunities.
• additional sources of funding from senior governments for parkland acquisition, and innovative capital works projects and maintenance activities.
• healthier populations of economically or socially important species such as salmon.

Local government jurisdiction:

• does not include federal and provincial lands, although these may comprise a large proportion their area.
• is limited within the Agricultural Land Reserve and on designated Managed Forest Lands.