Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle

The City of Campbell River regulates development around Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle nest trees. Nest trees are trees that: 

  • Have a nest, whether it is active or not
  • Have a nest remnant (any remaining sticks are still visible)
  • Have been previously identified by a Qualified Environmental Professional where the nest is currently down
  • Have a nest under construction 

If a tree meets the definition of a nest tree, a 60-metre area around the tree becomes a Development Permit Area (DPA). If the tree is a blue heron nest tree outside of the urban containment boundary, then there is a 200-metre DPA around the tree. This DPA help to slow habitat loss and manage the impact of development in the area. 

If you are planning development within the DPA of a nest tree, including soil disturbance or vegetation removal, you will need a development permit for that area. This permit costs $750. Additionally, you will need a technical report by a Qualified Environmental Professional with expertise in bird assessments. 

Prior to starting any work within a possible DPA, contact the City at planning@campbellriver.ca or 250-286-5725 to determine if you will need a permit.

To help you find out if your property is near a nest tree, we have an interactive map: 

Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle Nest Tree Location Map

For complete information of the Bald Eagle and Great Blue Heron Nest Tree Development Permit Area, please refer to Schedule B of the Official Community Plan (OCP). 

Sustainable Official Community Plan - Schedule B [PDF/6.2MB]

Great Blue Heron Nest Tree Amendment

In 2022, Council adopted an amendment to the OCP. This amendment added Great Blue Heron Nest Trees to the Bald Eagle Nest Tree Development Permit Area and improves the guidelines.

Herons are Blue-Listed, or considered vulnerable, provincially and are a federal Species of Special concern due to their small population. This species is susceptible to eagle predation, human disturbance and development-related habitat loss. Adding Great Blue Heron nest trees to the DPA helps protect this species. 

This amendment also updated the text of the OCP to add clarity to the existing guidelines. 

Habitat Restoration 

Restoration of environmentally sensitive areas by planting native vegetation, removing non-native invasive vegetation and removing garbage is generally exempt from the Development Permit process. However, depending on the specifics and the scale of the restoration proposed, an environmental management plan may be required. 

For restorations on public lands, consider working under the umbrella of a stewardship group, such as Greenways Land Trust, as they would be able to assist with oversight, landowner permissions and other resources.

For restorations on private land, please contact Development Services, email planning@campbellriver.ca or phone 250-286-5725 to ensure works fit within the proposed exemption criteria.