Natural Habitat & Sensitive Areas
Richmond is home to a diverse mix of natural features and habitats including mudflats, wetlands, inland waterways, urban forest, riparian vegetation, fallow fields and grasslands. These areas provide valuable habitat for birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife.
Natural areas in Richmond contribute to community well-being by supporting natural processes and reducing impacts from development. The City has made a concerted effort to protect natural areas such as the Richmond Nature Park, the Northeast Bog Forest, the Terra Nova Rural Area, and numerous foreshore properties.
Richmond's Official Community Plan designates and maps our Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs). ESA protection is sought through a number of ways including:
- requiring development permits prior to subdivision or construction in or near an ESA;
- providing guidance in or near natural areas through the City's Environmentally Sensitive Area Development Permit Guidelines and the accompanying Criteria for the Protection of Environmentally Sensitive Areas;
- requiring additional environmental impact assessments in cases where development is likely negatively affected;
- securing permanent protection through the development review process;
- encouraging community groups and other levels of government to acquire or secure key ESAs;
- integrating ESA management into the City's Parks and Open Space strategy; and
- encouraging restoration and re-creation of natural habitat of those areas under Richmond's control.
The City also encourages residents to grow and preserve native plants and wildflowers on their properties in order to help ensure the survival of native species and to raise awareness of our natural heritage.
