About
Rodney and Penny Polden bought their island property, perched high overtop of Cusheon Lake, over 25 years ago, building their home and raising their children there. The spectacular views, magical beauty of fir and arbutus groves, and rocky ridge topped with moss and wildflowers originally drew them to this property. Throughout the summer, rarely are the skies above the Polden's home empty of turkey vultures which roost in the trees below their house and ride the up-draughts over the ridge all day long. During their time here, they've stewarded the natural features on their property, providing habitat for a diversity of wildlife species.
The Poldens wanted the assistance of a covenant to extend their care and preservation efforts beyond their own lifetimes, even beyond the lifetimes of their daughters. In 2007, they donated a conservation covenant through the Natural Area Protection Tax Exemption Program, allowing them to reduce their annual property taxes in exchange for permanently protecting the natural habitat on their land. The covenant allows the Poldens to continue the life they've always lived here, taking from the land only what's necessary, while giving back to the land in all the ways they can.