You have probably heard about hibernation, but what is hyperphagia? This term means intense eating, and is a phase that bears go through in the fall to increase their body weight and prepare for winter denning. Bears need to increase their body weight by approximately 30% in order to have enough energy stores to survive winter denning.
As the fall progresses bears may move to lower elevations where there is still lush greenery to snack on. These lower elevations are where many of our communities in BC lay, which means an increased chance of conflicts with bears this time of year.
Bears have an excellent sense of smell which they use to guide them to food sources. This can also lead them straight into towns if attractants are present. Access to unnatural food sources like garbage, domestic fruit trees and even bird seed can lead to bears becoming food conditioned and/or habituated to humans. This can result in unsafe situations for both bears and people.
People have an important role to play as wildlife stewards. You can help keep bears safe and your neighbourhood free from bear conflicts by practising attractant management. Our friends from WildSafeBC have a Top 10 List you can use to keep bears wild and your community safe!
Keep your garbage secure – store it indoors, in a secure shed, or in a bear-resistant enclosure.
Only put your garbage/yard waste/recyclables out on collection day – never the night before.
Manage your fruit trees so that fruit is picked as it ripens, and no windfall accumulates.
Bring bird feeders in from April through November – and when they are out, ensure that the ground underneath is kept free of seeds.
Feed pets indoors.
Maintain your compost so that it doesn’t smell. Add fruit slowly. Never add meat or dairy.
Protect fruit trees, beehives and small livestock with properly installed & maintained electric fence.
Respect wild animals by not feeding them. Food-conditioned wildlife are more likely to come into conflict.
Keep barbecues clean and odour free.
Report any wildlife in conflict or bear, cougar, coyote or wolf sightings in the community to the Conservation Officer Service 24/7 at 1-877-952-7277.
Most encounters can be prevented by:
making noise
travelling in groups
keeping pets on a leash, and;
avoiding areas where there are signs of recent wildlife activity such as scat.
If you do encounter a bear, stop, try to stay calm and do not run!
Back away slowly from the bear and talk to it in a calm, firm voice to signal that you are not a threat, nor a typical animal they would prey on.
Be sure to have bear spray accessible, like carried on a hip holster, and know how to use it. Bear spray is a low-cost and lightweight option to stop a bear attack.
In the unlikely event a bear charges or is exhibiting stalking behaviour, stand your ground and use your bear spray.
Wildlife in BC’s Parks
Wildlife stewardship starts with managing attractants around your home, and extends into responsible recreation when you visit parks and natural areas. Always be prepared for wildlife encounters, carry bear spray, and be sure to give wildlife plenty of space.
One of the best ways we can support bear conservation is by protecting their habitat. Bears require large and connected habitats to thrive.
Large natural areas allow bears to meet all their seasonal food requirements. In the spring they need protein rich green shoots that first appear at lower elevations, to help build back muscle after winter denning. In the summer, they need berry rich slopes and meadows. And in the fall, salmon bearing streams offer a critical food source so bears can build up their winter fat stores.
Bears bring the salmon into the forest to eat, where the remains decompose and provide essential soil nutrients that help the trees grow. This helps make bears a keystone species, as they have a major role in healthy BC ecosystems.
Protecting habitat for bears is important to ensure they have enough sources of nutritious food, and reduces their risk of conflict in urban spaces. The goal to protect 30% of land in BC by 2030, will be important for bear conservation and ensuring healthy, functioning ecosystems in BC.
The Day-Use Pass Program is returning to some of BC’s provincial parks including Golden Ears, Joffre Lakes, and Garibaldi Provincial Parks this season to reduce vehicle lineups, parking pressures, and overcrowded trails.
BC’s provincial parks are a haven for wildlife and millions of outdoor enthusiasts across the province. They provide opportunities for us to explore, spend time with family outdoors, and connect with Nature.The growing use and enjoyment of BC’s Parks is incredible. An increase in demand for park services comes with increased pressures on wildlife, natural areas, park staff, and recreation infrastructure.
The Day-Use Pass Program is one tool in a suite of solutions that can help manage and plan for high levels of visitation as parks struggle to keep up with visitor demand.
This article aims to shed light on the growing pressures BC’s provincial parks are facing and the need to manage visitation and support sustainable levels of recreation so parks can continue to support Nature and people for generations to come.
Why is a Day-Use Pass Required?
Their close proximity to Metro Vancouver and stunning vistas have made Golden Ears, Joffre Lakes, and Garibaldi Provincial Parks three of the most popular provincial parks in BC. These parks are seeing visitation skyrocket as more and more people get outside for adventure and to connect with the lands and waters that make BC unique. Between 2012 and 2018, park visitation to these three parks grew by 75%.
From overcrowded trails to packed parking lots and cars lined up along the highway, the evidence of the rising interest and limited management capacity in provincial parks is difficult to miss.
Limited parking availability at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park leads to illegal parking along Highway 99, putting pedestrians, drivers and BC Parks staff at risk. Photo: Steve Jones via CBC
The surge in visitation is challenging BC Parks’ mission to balance safe outdoor recreation with the protection of natural environments. Rising visitation is overwhelming park infrastructure and natural areas in many popular parks, leading to diminished visitor experiences, visitor safety concerns, and impacts on Nature that parks were created to protect. BC Parks staff are seeing impacts such as improper disposal of human waste and garbage, and damage to sensitive areas like alpine environments.
Overcrowding can lead to people wandering off trails, which can cause trail braiding (when multiple paths split off and rejoin the main trail), erosion, and trampled vegetation. This impacts the long-term health of the forests and wildlife in parks.
Trail braiding. Photo: BC Parks
Underlying Issues
BC Parks has been starved of funds for decades. Years of chronic underfunding have:
Created a backlog in the upkeep of recreation infrastructure like boardwalks and trails;
Stalled the development of management plans, limiting the development of recreation opportunities in parks; and
Restricted the establishment of new parks, trails, and infrastructure such as toilets and campsites to meet the rising demand of park visitors who love to get outside.
Recent injections of funds into the BC Parks system are welcomed, and BC Parks is now in a state of playing catch-up while facing sustained demand.
Park agencies worldwide are looking to visitor-use management as park visitation soars. The US National Park Service implemented a day-use management tool in 2020 to reduce overcrowding and protect Nature in several popular parks, including Arches and Glacier National Parks.
The planning, expansion, and construction of new facilities and trails take time, consultation, and careful consideration. As BC Parks continues to play catch-up and work to improve trails, upgrade infrastructure, and build more campsites, the Day-Use Pass Program helps reduce the impacts of recreation on Nature while also improving visitor safety and the park experience by reducing overcrowded trails, roads and parking lots.
The Day-Use Pass Program should be complemented with other tools to support the growing demand for parks and recreation. This includes increasing transit access to parks to alleviate parking pressure and investing in recreation planning and park expansion near city centres.
Expand parks, both in size and recreation infrastructure, to keep up with visitor demand, relieve pressure off of existing trails and infrastructure, and protect habitat for endangered wildlife;
Increase park ranger staff to maintain infrastructure and enforce rules that keep visitors and wildlife safe;
Modify trail infrastructure and design to protect vegetation (e.g. installing boardwalks);
Improve visitor education to mitigate impacts on wildlife and sensitive natural areas; and
Support BC Parks’ dual mandate to provide high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities and protect diverse natural environments for world-class conservation.
Increased funding for trail maintenance and upgrades would help protect sensitive plant and animal habitats like this sub-alpine meadow in Manning Provincial Park.
Heather Trail in Manning Provincial Park. Photo: Andy Gibb via Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC
Parks and protected areas are a fundamental part of our health care system, they provide many opportunities to get outside and connect with Nature, from canoeing to horseback riding to multi-day hiking adventures. They are also a critical ally in our fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. Increased, sustained funding will not only support people getting outside to connect with Nature, it will also support BC’s commitment to safeguard biodiversity by protecting 30% of lands by 2030.
Take action to increase funding for BC’s provincial parks
Let your elected leaders know that you want to see increased funding for BC Parks by clicking the button below.
Traditional unceded Coast Salish Territory / Vancouver, BC – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is welcoming new measures announced to protect old growth forests and expedite conservation across BC. New forest policy changes announced by Premier David Eby and Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston signal hope that forest management in BC will prioritize ecosystem health, biodiversity and Indigenous values.
“BC has made ambitious commitments to protect biodiversity and shift the way that resources are managed in the province, and today’s announcement gives the conservation community a welcomed signal that Premier Eby’s government will follow through,” said Tori Ball, Terrestrial Conservation Manager for CPAWS-BC.
The announcement includes several key measures and reaffirms commitments that will advance forest conservation, including:
Removing problematic wording in the Forest and Range Practices Act which hampered wildlife and habitat protections by requiring them to go forward “without unduly reducing the supply of timber from British Columbia’s forests”;
$25M for new Forest Landscape Planning (FLP) to support eight regional tables that will include local knowledge and community priorities, including approximately 50 First Nations, to guide forest management on the ground;
Creating a new conservation financing mechanism to leverage philanthropic funding to support the protection of lands, waters and biodiversity;
Implementing the Old Growth Strategic Review and the creation of a parallel action plan, in collaboration with First Nations.
“Forest ecosystems in BC have long been prioritized solely for their timber value over the cultural, ecological and carbon values that they hold,” continued Ball. “Our ancient forests host irreplaceable ecosystems and spiritual significance, and immediate action is needed to expedite their protection before they are lost forever.”
In December 2022, Premier Eby announced BC’s commitment to protect 30% of lands by 2030, including Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). These announcements show a commitment to protecting nature across BC while bolstering Indigenous rights to land and culture, and accelerating action on climate change.
“Biodiversity is the backbone that our communities, economies and climate rely upon,” said Ball. “While we welcome these signals, there is still work to be done to make sure these policies create meaningful action to prioritize ecosystem health on lands and waters across BC.”
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For interviews, contact:
Tori Ball, Terrestrial Conservation Manager, CPAWS-BC tori@cpawsbc.org | 604-685-7445 x24
About CPAWS-BC
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is part of one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation groups. We protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978, and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Our work to safeguard large parks, protected areas and wildlife corridors has been instrumental in protecting precious places across the province.
January 26, 2023
Unceded Coast Salish Territory / Vancouver, BC – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) joins Taku River Tlingit First Nation in celebrating the Declaration of an important new protected area in their traditional Territory.
Located in the far northwestern corner of BC is the sprawling Taku watershed, a biodiverse ecosystem that sustains five species of Pacific salmon and a vibrant network of life. The T’akú Tlatsini Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (T’akú IPCA) will encompass 60 percent of the Taku River system to preserve critical landscapes, and the remaining 40 percent will be in specially managed landscapes.
“This Declaration is an example of how Indigenous-led conservation is at the forefront of work to halt and reverse biodiversity loss,” says Meaghen McCord, Executive Director CPAWS-BC. “Support for IPCAs are an important opportunity for BC to honour Indigenous rights, further reconciliation efforts and are central to the province’s commitments to protect 30% of land by 2030.”
The Taku is the largest fundamentally intact watershed on the Pacific Coast of North America and CPAWS has long recognized its significance and supported additional measures to protect it. The inclusion of diverse and critical habitats within the T’akú IPCA, including lush valley bottom wetlands, important salmon streams, and high elevation caribou range, is a testament to their ongoing and longstanding stewardship.
CPAWS-BC Terrestrial Conservation Manager Tori Ball adds: “We fully support the Taku River Tlingit and urge the Government of BC to recognize that the T’akú IPCA hits the mark in safeguarding a range of species and ecosystems and, very importantly, protection of Lingit Kusteeyí (Tlingit way of living).”
Congratulations to Taku River Tlingit First Nation on the Declaration of the T’akú IPCA.
Main photo: View north on Inklin River, just below Sutlahine confluence in Northern British Columbia
June 13, 2022
Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories / Vancouver, BC – As hot and sunny weekends arrive across the province, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, British Columbia Chapter (CPAWS-BC) surveyed British Columbians about what their expectations are as they visit BC provincial parks this summer. The results illustrated an enthusiasm to get out into nature this summer, as well as concerns about overcrowding and not enough staff in provincial parks.
“We share the concerns of park users. A long-term lack of resources for BC Parks has created problems with accessibility, wildlife conflicts, and failing infrastructure inside our parks,” said Kristina Charania, Conservation Coordinator at CPAWS-BC. “Nature supports our health in every way, and it should be made a priority in every corner of the province.”
Despite the immense popularity of parks during the COVID pandemic, 82.8% of respondents said they still expected provincial parks to be busier this summer than the previous two summers. When asked about what concerns them about their visits to provincial parks, their top concerns were:
– Inadequate parking (62.8% of respondents were at least somewhat concerned) – Limited enforcement of park rules (59.4% of respondents were at least somewhat concerned) – Not enough staff or park rangers (54.5% of respondents were at least somewhat concerned – The top improvement respondents recommended for BC’s provincial parks was more staff in parks (42.9%)
The jury was still out on the day-pass program that limits the daily number of people that can enter three of BC’s busiest parks: Garibaldi, Golden Ears, and Joffre Lakes. When asked whether the program effectively addresses park impacts like crowded trails, packed parking lots, and impacts on wildlife during peak periods, many respondents (44.0%) said they weren’t sure. However, a majority of British Columbians (52.1%) said they supported the program and only 16.9% opposed it.
The survey results also reiterated how much British Columbians value nature. 93.9% of respondents agreed that provincial parks were important or very important to protecting nature in the province. 84.4% said they’d like to see more provincial parks created in the future.
“Our parks have been short-changed for decades, and park users are feeling the effects of that more and more every year,” said Kristina Charania, Conservation Coordinator at CPAWS-BC. “It is time to address the cracks in the system. We need to increase staff presence, park maintenance, and ecosystem monitoring to improve recreation experiences and protect the diverse nature in parks.”
Half of those who answered the survey said they planned to visit a provincial park at least once a month, with 8.0% of respondents saying they planned on multiple trips to parks each week. The most popular provincial parks amongst respondents were Golden Ears, Strathcona, Manning, and Goldstream.
The survey was completed by 905 British Columbians, with a margin of error of 3.26% and confidence level of 95%.
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only nationwide charity dedicated solely to the protection of our public land, ocean, and freshwater, and ensuring our parks and protected areas are managed to protect nature. Since 1963, CPAWS has played a leading role in protecting over half a million square kilometers. Our vision is to protect at least half of Canada’s public land and water in a framework of reconciliation – for the benefit of wildlife and people.
The CPAWS British Columbia chapter (CPAWS-BC) works to protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978, and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Nature is BC’s best hope.
Golden Ears Provincial Park, 2022. Photo by staff photographer Adam Combs.
Klemtu, June 21 2022. The Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation declare a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Gitdisdzu Lugyeks. Credit: Tavish Campbell/Moonfish Media (CNW Group/ Kitasoo Xai’xais Stewardship Authority
New Protected Area: Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation Declares Gitdisdzu Lugyeks (Kitasu Bay) Marine Protected Area on the central coast
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) celebrates the announcement by the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation last week on the establishment of a new marine protected area (MPA), Gitdisdzu Lugyeks (Kitasu Bay).
Nestled along the coast of the Great Bear Rainforest, this new MPA will protect 33.5 km2 of the ocean. The Gitdisdzu Lugyeks MPA includes essential marine ecosystems such as tidal lagoons, estuaries, and kelp forests. Seabirds, whales, salmon, herring, and shellfish depend on the area for food and shelter.
“We know these waters better than anyone, Kitasu Bay has been part of our home for thousands of years through to the present day,” says Hereditary Chief Nies’los (Kelly Robinson).
The draft management plan for the MPA outlines the stewardship vision for this marine area to ensure environmental, community, and cultural sustainability.It weaves together traditional Kitasoo Xai’xais knowledge and management practices, and the latest science-based marine research. The waters will continue to be monitored and cared for by the Kitasoo Xai’xais Watchmen, which recently announced a pilot program with BC Parks recognizing guardians with the same legal authority as BC park rangers. The Kitasoo Xai’xais Watchmen continue the work of their ancestors in protecting and managing coastal territories through stewardship, monitoring, and sustainable management.
The Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation is advancing Indigenous-led conservation by protecting these marine waters within their territory, which means they are also protecting their culture and heritage for generations to come. The Gitdisdzu Lugyeks MPA announcement brings renewed hope for growing marine protection coverage while nurturing Indigenous reconciliation through conservation.
A network of MPAs is also underway in the Great Bear Sea, officially known as the Northern Shelf Bioregion. This network would connect new and existing protections along the north and central coast.
Kate MacMillan Ocean Conservation Manager, CPAWS-BC
To learn more about Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation, visit www.klemtu.com
Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation announces the Gitdisdzu Lugyeks (Kitasu Bay) MPA.
Background:
An MPA network in the Great Bear Sea will connect new and existing protections. All of these sites will contribute to the ongoing development of the MPA network, working together to safeguard ocean biodiversity:
The Kitasoo Xai’xais, Nuxalk, Heiltsuk, Wuikinuxv First Nations, Parks Canada, and the BC government are conducting a joint feasibility study for a National Marine Conservation Area Reserve (NMCAR) on the central coast.
However, the next phase of development for the MPA network is unclear without a clear timeline for the next critical phase, public consultation. It is vital that a public consultation takes place and British Columbians are given a clear and transparent timeline to have their voices heard. With the dual crises of climate catastrophes and species die-off, the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the provincial government must continue to work with coastal First Nations to complete the network.
For more information, please contact: Rippon Madtha Communications Manager rippon@cpawsbc.org 604-685-7445 (x23)
May 04, 2022
Young British Columbians make bold entrance in parliament, sound alarm for urgent action on climate and nature
Youth are asserting their right to a just and livable future, with some of the first in-person provincial parliament meetings since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic
Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories / Vancouver, BC – On Wednesday, 20 young British Columbians—from Coast Salish (Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island) to Ktunaxa territory (West Kootenays)—are congregating in Victoria’s parliament building to demand action on one of the top issues affecting young Canadians today: climate change, and its threat to nature.
Throughout the day, the youth are meeting with Cabinet ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and other government officials to express their concerns on the dire state of global warming and species extinction in BC, and demand swift action to halt the twin crises. Their visit includes meetings with the new Minister of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship, the Honourable Josie Osborne, the leader of BC’s Green Party, Sonia Furstenau, and several other key elected officials.
With nearly 18% of BC’s population between the ages of 15 and 29, it’s critical that youth—especially those from underrepresented communities, or visible minorities—are included in provincial decision-making. Of these youth, many are also not eligible to vote; yet, their lives will be disproportionately impacted by climate change events relative to older generations. Already, 71% of young Canadians agree that they will suffer from more environmental health problems than their parents.
“As we’re seeing in Victoria today, youth are hungry to have their voices heard. Decisions made by government today will impact their futures for decades to come,” says Brynna Kagawa-Visentin, Youth Engagement Coordinator with CPAWS-BC. “It’s crucial that youth—who belong to BC’s mosaic of underrepresented communities and include visible minorities—are invited into rooms where climate and biodiversity decisions are made. Diversity is the hinge on many doors that could open if youth are actively invited into decision-making spaces.”
Youth advocating for youth—and pushing for environmental protections—carves space out for future conservation leaders to uplift the community’s voices and build careers that support conservation initiatives. With Canada’s commitment to protecting 25% of lands and waters by 2025 and 30% by 2030, and an effective Nature Agreement to be signed between the federal and provincial governments, strong voices for nature are needed more than ever. BC is home to over 1900 species-at-risk, and both Indigenous Knowledge and western science agree that safeguarding more habitat for BC’s biodiverse plant and animal life is key to slowing down climate change.
“My hope is that these meetings set a precedent by showing other civically-interested youth that your voices won’t reverberate in an empty room. Leaders are listening for your fresh ideas and input to help protect BC’s incredible wildlife and landscapes, and build a better future for all,” says Kagawa-Visentin. “We look forward to seeing government officials further engage with young British Columbians on future biodiversity and climate change projects, including those informed by the upcoming Nature Agreement.”
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For more information, contact: Rippon Madtha Communications Manager 604-685-7445 (x23) rippon@cpawsbc.org
Background and Key Facts:
70% of the youth lobbying in parliament today identify as part of an underrepresented group or visible minority
According to Ipsos polling, 4 in 10 young Canadians state that they have been impacted by climate change
In 2020, the youth unemployment rate was 15.5%—more than the US or UK. Real life experience and training opportunities—like advocating for conservation in government meetings—are key to elevating youth out of unemployment and into green careers that address climate change and biodiversity loss
In February 2021, the BC and Canadian governments announced the development of a Nature Agreement. Negotiations have been underway since then. The agreement is expected to act as a framework for bi-lateral collaboration, and include recovery measures for at-risk species including Spotted Owl and caribou
Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories / Vancouver, BC — The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) celebrates the BC government’s announcement to implement the Declaration Act Action Plan to fulfil the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) commitments.
This historic announcement further bolsters the provincial governments’ efforts in reconciling with Indigenous Peoples in BC. Premier John Horgan took an empowering step in November 2019 by adopting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) into law, making BC the first Canadian jurisdiction to implement the UN Declaration through legislation.
The plan outlines 89 measurable actions every ministry in the BC government will undertake to create a more inclusive province for all Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia. Indigenous leadership and meaningful collaboration outlined in the plan supports a bright oath for lands and water conservation. Created in consultation with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, the plan claims to reflect the priorities and aspirations of all Indigenous Peoples living in BC.
“This important announcement ushers in renewed hope for Indigenous communities in British Columbia, knowing that the provincial government is taking a step in the right direction to correct historical injustices, facilitate self-determination, and ensure Indigenous Territories are brimming with healthy landscapes, waters, and biodiversity. These places have been thriving for millennia under Indigenous stewardship,” says Kevin Barlow, Executive Director of CPAWS-BC. “We hope that this significant step-change also looks to fast track conservation projects on the ground and in the ocean, while recognizing unilaterally-declared Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) as part of this reconciliatory action plan.”
We acknowledge that reconciliation and decolonization is an ongoing process that requires all of us to be actively involved. As we work toward the protection of diverse ecosystems, CPAWS-BC will do so in the spirit of decolonization, recognizing the essential leadership of the Indigenous stewards who have cared for these lands and waters since time immemorial. We are committed to deepening our relationships with Indigenous partners and we recognize that it is our responsibility to support Indigenous Peoples to safeguard their land and water.
As a team, we are advancing awareness, knowledge, and capacity on our staff and board by providing cultural competency learning opportunities and workshops with Indigenous speakers, Elders, storytellers, and facilitators.
Unceded Coast Salish Territory / Vancouver, BC – After years of campaigning—CPAWS-BC is celebrating the surrender of Imperial Metal’s mineral tenures in the Skagit donut hole, a patch of wilderness between Skagit Valley and E.C. Manning provincial parks. A new agreement between the BC Government, Imperial Metals, and the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission (SEEC) will see that Imperial Metals rescind its mining rights to the area (also known as Silverdaisy watershed), providing an opportunity for its protection.
This is a significant step towards protecting biodiversity in BC—and creating more large, contiguous, protected landscapes—as Canada pushes towards protecting 25% of its lands and waters by 2025.
“We’re thrilled that the threat of mining has been resolved in the Silverdaisy watershed and Skagit Headwaters,” says Tori Ball, Senior Campaigner with CPAWS-BC. “We’ve worked alongside an international coalition of First Nations, Tribes, and conservation and recreation organizations to halt logging and mining threats to the area. This huge success is thanks to the thousands of people who spoke up for this special area.”
The 5,800 hectare donut hole falls on the Traditional Territory of the S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō), Syilx (Okanagan), and Nłeʔkepmx Tmíxw (Nlaka’pamux) Nations, who have depended upon the area’s forests and streams since time immemorial. It also provides habitat for key species like grizzly bears, salmon, spotted owl, and +200 bird species, and includes Skagit River’s sparkling headwaters and lush forests.
“The Skagit headwaters hold a special place in the hearts of many. This agreement is one more step towards meaningful, lasting protection for these waters,” says Kevin Barlow, Executive Director with CPAWS-BC. “The area holds deep cultural meaning for several First Nations, Tribes and British Columbians, with numerous species like salmon depending on the health of these ecosystems.”
This announcement comes off the heels of relentless efforts by an international coalition made up of nearly 300 conservation and recreation organizations, Tribes and First Nations, elected officials and local businesses, as well as over 6,000 individuals, who have opposed Imperial Metals’ application to mine in the Skagit.
The agreement to protect the Silverdaisy watershed and Skagit Headwaters is good news for recreation and wildlife in BC and to our neighbours to the south in Washington. We applaud the BC government and SEEC for their work to bring this area one step closer to protection.
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For more information, please contact: Tori Ball Senior Campaigner tori@cpawsbc.org 604-685-7445 (x24)
For more information, please contact: Rippon Madtha Communications Manager rippon@cpawsbc.org 604-685-7445 (x23)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2022
All Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Glass Sponge Reefs Now Protected From Bottom Contact Fishing
Five new fisheries closures have been implemented to protect newly confirmed living glass sponge reefs in Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound
Unceded Coast Salish Territory / Vancouver, BC – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is pleased to see five new protections announced for glass sponge reefs in Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound. These new fishing closures prohibit bottom contact fishing such as trawling and prawn trapping from destroying these rare and ancient ecosystems. These protections extend 150 metres around the reefs. This buffer prevents sediment kicked up from trawls and traps from choking the sponges.
“With this new announcement, all of Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound’s glass sponge reefs are now protected by 15 fishing closures,” says Carlo Acuña, Ocean Campaigner for CPAWS-BC. In 2019, nine glass sponge reefs in Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound were protected from bottom contact fishing. These new fishing closures protect the additional living reefs confirmed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) report with the aid of the Marine Life Sanctuaries Society in 2020.
The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) played a key role in securing these protections. They agreed to prohibit Indigenous bottom contact Food, Social and Ceremonial fishing activities for the closures announced in 2019. Consultations are ongoing regarding Food, Social and Ceremonial bottom contact fishing in the five new closures.
These protections safeguard biodiversity, improve ocean health and support the local economy. “Glass sponge reefs are ocean superheroes,” adds Acuña. “They provide habitat for rockfish and shrimp, store carbon in the ocean floor to fight climate change, filter bacteria out of the water, and fertilize ocean water for plankton and marine plants.”
The work to protect Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound’s glass sponge reefs does not end with these fishing closures. Fishing closure designations do not ensure permanent protection like marine protected areas (MPAs) do, as they are more easily removed. The 300 prawn traps found in a glass sponge reef fishing closure near Sechelt last year also indicates the need for stronger enforcement.
These protections show Canada’s intent for strong ocean conservation. With the 5th International Marine Protected Area Congress being held in Vancouver this September, CPAWS-BC looks forward to even bolder announcements to reach the government’s target of protecting 30% of the country’s ocean by 2030.
For more information, please contact: Rippon Madtha Communications Manager rippon@cpawsbc.org 604-685-7445 (x23)
Photo by: Kim Conway
About CPAWS-BC:
The CPAWS British Columbia chapter (CPAWS-BC) works to protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978, and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Nature is BC’s best hope.
CPAWS-BC’s office is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.
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