SSI Conservancy Guide

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As Aldo Leopold advised us, let us think like a mountain,with a sense of permanence and a long view, looking aheadto be certain that our actions today will make the world abetter and richer and more varied place for our grandchil-dren and their grandchildren.

Robert Bateman

Living With NatureA Guide for New Property Owners on Salt Spring Island


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Liv ing With Na tu re Liv ing With Na tu re

Salt Springs Fragile EcosystemsPeople love the stunning beauty, gentle climate, and rural characterof the archipelago of 470 islands known as the Gulf Islands. In 1974the Province of British Columbiadesignated these islands for specialprotection and governance,recognizing their beauty andvulnerability as places to live forhumans and wildlife. But why arethey so special?

Picture the map of North America.On its western edge a cloud-catch-ing rainforest stretches from north-ern California to Alaskas KodiakIsland. Tis forest itself is a worldtreasure, but imbedded within it isanother treasure, the Gulf Islands. Sheltered by mountains to the westand southwest, these Islands and small strips of adjacent shorelineshave far less winter rain than the rainforest region as a whole.

Summers are sunny and dry. Its aMediterranean climate combiningnorthern and southern character-istics, which leads to plants and

animals uniquely adapted to thecombination. Where else, onan island in a salty sea, can youphotograph prickly pear cactus ona rocky bluff only meters from anold tree festooned with moss andepiphytic ferns?

Examples of ecological raritiesare all around us on Salt SpringIsland. Our most common tree,the Douglas-r, is the signature

species of the dry coastal Douglas-r forest, found in Canada onlyfrom Victoria to the Sunshine Coast. Within these forests, onespecially dry and shallow soils, the Garry oak meadows form anotherecosystem one that is only found in parts of Washington andOregon and reaching its northern limits here. Lovely arbutus trees,sure sign of a winter-wet and summer-dry climate, mingle with the

oaks and the adjacent rs. Tese woods are home to dozens of plantspecies found nowhere else in Canada.

No surprise: the Island animal ar-ray is pretty special, too. Many ofour butteries and other insects areon official lists of rare or endangeredspecies. Tis diversity in such a smallarea is highly unusual. Many speciesof insects inhabiting the dry coastalDouglas-r ecosystem are foundnowhere else. Te Island supportsred-legged frogs, alligator lizards(Dont panic: they are small!) and theharmless, small, endangered sharp-tailed snake. Birds abound. Mild winters entice many songbirds to stay, but winter is most notable forthe throngs of seabirdsaround Island shores.Summer is the season

for nesting songbirdsand eet-winged hawks. Among mammals aresome that are uncommon,like several species of bats,the short-tailed weasel,black bears and cougar;and at least one theblack-tailed deer that isall too numerous to suit

casual gardeners.

Te yellow montane violet is an en-dangered species recently discoveredon Salt Spring Island. With over 65 species of butteries,

the Salt Spring / Southern VancouverIsland region is the buttery hot spotof Canada.

Te endangered sharp-tailed snake is found in

Canada only on Salt Spring Island and a fewnearby locations.

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Salt Springs natural eco-systems have been stressedduring the 150 years ofexpanding settlement. Ourforest trees, cut repeatedlyover the decades, are very

young; the unique environ-ments of ancient forests arealmost gone. Te changesin forests have hindered the work they normally do incleaning water, replenishingsoil, recycling nutrients and producing oxygen. Natural wetlands aremuch reduced. Te ocean around us is still blue and sparkling, butunfortunately is less full of life because of pollution and overharvest-ing. Te orcas in our region have huge burdens of toxins in their bod-ies from the polluted salmon and other sh they eat.

On the positive side we are learn-ing all the time about what naturerequires and how we affect naturalprocesses. Scores of things we do when designing and building homesand gardens make all the difference.Tere is no single recipe or cookie-

cutting instruction manual that tsall wildlife and human needs. Wehave to tailor what we do to theplace we do it.

Our hope is this booklet will makeit easier for everyone to make goodstewardship, second nature. Wethink youll discover, as so manyhave, that protecting the extra-

ordinary beauty and well being ofnature is one of the most enjoyablebenets of living here.

A Short History At rst glance, our Islands earliest history is a microcosm of BritishColumbias story, characterized by over 5,000 years as an aboriginalhomeland, followed by the gutsy frontier society of loggers, shermen,and farmers. Events that would dene Salt Spring were initiated in

1859 when Governor James Douglas began to encourage settlement onoutlying native lands. Anxious to increase population quickly in orderto quell the threat of United States expansion and aware that availableland near Victoria was scarce and expensive, he offered immigrants anenticing deal: settlers would pay 5 shillings ($1.25) an acre, greatlyreduced from the previous cost of 5 pounds; families could acquire upto 200 acres; and no payment would be required until a land surveyhad been requested by a majority of homesteaders.

It was this offerthat marked thetransition of SaltSpring from a nativehomeland to onepopulated byhopeful settlers fromall over the world. About half of theserst settlers were

African-Americans,many of whom werefreed slaves. Tey were optimistic about Douglas promise ofboth equal rights and cheap land. Although many returned to theUnited States after the Civil War, some families stayed to establishthe Salt Spring we know today.

Many people journeyed from Australia, United States, and Europe insearch of British Columbias gold, eventually making Salt Spring theirhome. Some were former Hudson Bay Company employees, including

several Hawaiians. Japanese also came to sh, farm and labour.By 1895, Salt Spring was dotted with farms, pastureland, and orchards home to a multicultural array of Islanders.

Te SSI Conservancy has a protection program for the endangered Western painted turtle.

Te SSI Conservancys bluebirdnesting box program is designed toattract this beautiful endangeredbird back to the Island.

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Tips for Treading Lightly Salt Spring Island is home to many species of wild plants, animals,and other life forms that enhance our environment. Plants deliveroxygen to the air and absorb atmospheric carbon, insects pollinateowers, birds disperse seeds, bats control mosquitoes, fungi createsoil, and pond life lters water. It is in our best interest to treadlightly and conserve these wild organisms. Tis requires someattention to the etiquette of island living, as outlined below.

Landscaping and Gardening

Conserve Natural FeaturesMany of us are eager to create a garden setting for our home. Beforesignicant landscaping and garden development, including treeremoval, it is helpful to make an inventory of the plants, wildlife,and habitat features of your property. Tere are several dozen wildspecies at risk on Salt Spring, some of which may inhabit or feed onyour land.

Te Salt Spring Island Conservancy may be able to help with a bio-diversity inventory and a nature restoration plan appropriate for yourproperty. Te SSI Conservancy also offers assistance protecting privateland through a registered conservation covenant, which can result inlower property taxes.

Plan to conserve wild ecosystemsor at least corridors of nativeplants, and protect naturalfeatures used by wildlife.Tese features include trees,snags, bluffs, rock piles, woody debris, ponds, streams,and seepage areas. Fragile areas

or rare and unusual plants can beprotected from trampling and grazing with use of netting and fencing.

Despite enormous challenges, the hospitable climate, spots of fertilesoil, and abundant seafood sustained the newcomers as they hadaboriginal people for centuries. By 1900, Salt Spring was known forits rich harvests of fruit. Dairying prospered and, in 1904, the SaltSpring Island Creamery began producing its well-known butter.

Poultry and sheep also thrived, establishing the Islands worldwidereputation for its lamb.

Gradually, services improved, and the population of the Islandclimbed. By the 1930s, travellers had discovered the Island, andresorts opened to welcome them. Cottagers from Vancouver andVictoria also began to arrive. Fueled by this inux of vacationers,a growing number of Islanders began subdividing their land in the1950s, sparking an ongoing spiral of growth. By the 1960s, another

wave ofimmigrantsarrived artists andcraftspeople.oday, mostemploymentis in tour-ism, educa-tion, healthservices,construction,real estate,and retail.

Salt Spring society contains a wide assortment of beliefs, economiclevels, careers, and other interests, although it is not as ethnicallyvaried as it was a century ago. Salt Spring is home to about 10,000people, a population with more seniors and fewer youngsters than theprovincial average.

Fulford Harbour - Salt Spring Island Archives

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Native trees are home to many species, including insects,lichens, birds, and bats. (A single bat can consume 1000mosquitoes per night!) rees also provide wildlife forage,such as acorns, seeds, and berries. Old veteran trees areespecially valued by large birds, bats, and other animals.

Wildlife trees are dead anddying trees, which providefood and nest sites for woodpeckers, and treecavities provide nest sitesfor dozens of other speciesincluding owls, ycatchers,chickadees, squirrels, ducks,frogs, and salamanders. Ifa dead tree is a potentialhazard, it can be topped, leaving a stub of at least threemetres that will serve as a valuable habitat.

Woody debris logs and branches lying on the ground protects the soil from erosion, conserves soil moisture,nurtures the growth of plants and fungi, and providesnest sites, shelter, and feeding areas for many smallanimals.

Loose rocks are used by many insects, spiders, snakes,and lizards for concealment and sun basking.

Wildlife occupancy can be fur-ther encouraged by erection ofbirdhouses, bat houses, masonbee houses, and by creatingponds and other natural habi-tats, such as rock piles. Whenpossible, leave meadows wild.

Tey support a greater diversity of plants and wildlifethan mowed lawns and require less water.

Although we like wildlife to live nearby, note that it is illegal to captureand possess most native wildlife, including their bones, feathers, andother parts, without special license or permit.

Dont feed wildlife other than birds, bees, and butteries, as feedingconcentrates animals, promotes the spread of disease, and may

increase the density of predators, such asraccoons, which prey upon species at risk.

Hooded merganser, one ofmany tree-nesting bird species.

Broom pullers for removingScotch broom from your landcan be borrowed from theConservancy.

Avoid InvasivesPlantings for ornamental gardens shouldbe chosen carefully to avoid introducingforeign invasive species and plant diseases.Native grass seed is available on the Island.If invasive species (such as Scotch broom

and English ivy) are introduced, they candisplace native plants and increase the risk ofre (broom and gorse are highly ammable).Entrenched invasive plants should be pulledand replaced by native or benign plants. Te impact of invasive bullfrogs (seethe Conservancy web site to distinguishbullfrogs from native frogs) can bereduced by ensuring garden pondsremain as natural as possible.

Leave LeavesFallen leaves have many benets. Teyenable nutrients from trees to berecycled back into the soil, they serveas food for numerous animals and soilorganisms, and they create a habitatfor many small creatures, including thelarvae of butteries. Fallen leaves can becollected for vegetable or ower bed mulch to provide nutrientsand to protect plants and soils over the winter.

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Construction and Conservation

Minimize BlastingBlasting destroys the natural topography of theland and can convulse groundwa-ter aquifers. Careful planningcan often adapt drivewaysand building foundationsto natural surface features.

Minimize Driveways,Roads, Paths andParking Areas Although most dwellingsrequire a driveway, excessiveconstruction of roads, trails, andparking areas can impact nature. Driveways eliminate habitat for avariety of plants and animals and alter rainwater dissipation pat-terns. Road sediment is a major source of waterway pollution, andpoorly designed driveways and parking sites can spread gasoline,oil, and other pollutants. Random parking of vehicles on vegetatedareas can compact soil, impeding natural water inltration andclosing air spaces required for plant roots.

Paths and driveways can be designed to complement existing to-pography by minimizing steep side slopes, steep grades, and exten-sive cut-and-ll. Paths anddriveways should be con-toured to shed water gentlyrather than over long slopesthat increase water velocityand erosion potential.

Wetlands should be left

undisturbed wheneverpossible. Stream crossings

should be at right angles, well above ood-prone areas. A bufferof vegetation should always be maintained between wetlands and driveways, roads, and paths.

When possible, avoid using asphalt, which contains pollutantsthat can leach out into adjacent soil. Also, asphalt manufacturing cre-

ates a wide array of air pollutants. Surfacing of driveways with porousconcrete, gravel, soil, grass, or other natural materials isusually preferable.

Conserve Energy Maximize the efficiency of your home heating and lighting by usingzonal heating, insulation, weatherstripping, and energy-efficient windows. Use clotheslines when possible: sundried laundry smells great

Home heating systems, using wood as a fuel, should use onlycertied, efficient, low-emission stoves. Woodsmoke includes a widearray of toxic chemicalcompounds. Dry rewoodpollutes less than wet, andis better for the environment.Chimneys should be inspected

and cleaned annually.

ransportation energy can be conserved by purchasing local produce,using energy-efficient vehicles, patronizing our local bus, andconsolidating trips. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissionsthrough transportation, minimize the use of carbon-emitting lawnmowers, trimmers, and generators. Avoid noise and air-pollutingleaf blowers by raking leaves up for organic mulch.

Outdoor res are a signicant source of smoke pollution and maybe avoided by mechanical mulching. Salt Spring requires a permitto burn (obtained from the Fire Department) and prohibits outdoor

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burning when dry, usually April through September when extremere hazard conditions may prevail. Even when res are permitted, BCSmoke Control Regulation prohibits the burning of many substances.

Composting is a wonderful way to turn kitchen waste into soil,although compost bins should not be used for sh and meat residues,

which attract rats. Lids of garbage containers should be well-securedto avoid rat and raccoon problems, and on the rare occasion whenbears are nearby, garbage should be kept indoors.

Recycling outlets are available on Salt Spring and are heavily used byresidents.

Conserve Water As many homeowners depend upon wells for their water, wisestewardship of our water resources is essential to both our health andthat of our Island. Water overuse threatens its availability andquality, resulting in well draw-down. (Please note: All wells must havea government-issued identication plate, and unused wells must be

deactivated and capped.)

o compensate for scarce water resources, manyIslanders harvest rainwater,employ drip irrigation

systems, and select drought-resistant plants. Tey also use water conserving appliances,including low-ush toilets, water-miser dishwashers,shower ow restrictors, andonly fully loaded washingmachines. Reading your wa-ter meter frequently allowsyou to monitor usage andset targets.

Living in Harmony With the Land

Control PetsEven well-fed dogs and cats can harassand kill valuable native wildlife,including songbirds, shrews, turtles,snakes, lizards, and bats. It has beenestimated that a single pet can kill,or injure, over 1000 native animalseach year. (Do remember to locatebirdbaths and feeders in areas inac-cessible to pets!) Some pets compete with native predators, such as weasels, which are scarce on Salt Spring. Petscan infect native animals with diseases

and parasites, in addition to being vulnerableto contracting these illnesses themselves.

It is wise to keep pets and native animalsapart. Dogs should be leashed, and catsdesexed and kept in an enclosed area,especially after dark. Placing bells on theircollars may reduce their success as predatorsby as much as half, but it is not a substitutefor conscientious containment.

Pet excrement can affect water quality, andowners should retrieve the droppings of theirpets from beaches, roadways, parks, and otherpublic lands. Exotic pets should be cagedand never released into the wild. (Rabbits,for example, are not native to Salt Spring.

Imported rabbits can disrupt ecosystems as well as cause considerableexpense to gardeners and farmers.) If you can no longer care for yourpets, they should be donated to the SPCA.Especially in the summer, Salt Spring has a

very limited supply of fresh water which weshare with extensive communities of wildlife.

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Protect Our Heritage SitesMany millennia before the rst settlersarrived, Coast Salish ancestors livedthroughout the islands of the Salish Sea.Varied remnants of their villages,houses, sacred burial grounds, and dailyactivities exist in the islands and speakto a time when cultural and naturalenvironments were more closely in-tertwined. Concentrated but not limited to the coastal areas of theislands, shell middens are fragile records of traditional island life.Tese are the most commonly encountered archaeological remains inthe region. Please treat these areas and all other First Nations heritagesites and artifacts with respect. Do not disturb or remove anything.Te Heritage Conservation Act (RSBC 1996) prohibits the destruc-tion and/or disturbance of any archaeological remains.

Protect Wetlands and GroundwaterStreams and ponds are used by a myriad of life forms. Terefore it isimportant to protect and restore these precious ecosystems. Wetlands

and riparian areas (at watersedge) are essential to wildlifefood chains because theyserve as water quality lters, water volume regulators, andnutrient traps. In healthy wetlands, mosquitoes will becontrolled by native predatorssuch as salamanders, tadpoles,swallows, bats, and dragonies.

An important wetlandprotection strategy is topreserve a buffer of trees and

shrubs between waterways and developed land (trails, roads, gardens,etc.). Tis vegetation intercepts excessive runoff, prevents erosion ofsediment into the water, moderates water temperature via shading,provides a food source for pondlife, and offers concealment toamphibious animals. Non-nativespecies that often thrive in theseshoreline buffers, such as reed

canary grass and yellow ag iris,should be removed.

It is also important to preventharmful runoff into all watersystems: wetlands, groundwater,lakes, and ocean alike. Carefullycontrol household chemicals,antifreeze, and septic effluent,and avoid using fertilizers andpesticides.

Protect Ocean ShorelinesOur shores host a vast array of marineanimals, plants, lichens, and algae.Environmental damage can resultfrom dumping yard debris, tramplingeelgrass, raking seaweed, quarryinggravel, grading, and driving vehicleson the beach. All beach projects,including grading, pier construction,and mooring platforms, require a per-mit. In many areas, permit require-ments also apply to the backshoreand adjacent uplands. Check beforeyou proceed.

Many shoreline protection issues canbe addressed by conserving a buffer of shoreline vegetation, observ-ing development setback rules, employing proper waste disposal, andscheduling regular septic eld inspection and maintenance.

Hundreds of animal species suchas the ochre star live mostly unseenalong our shores.Te long-toed salamander is one of

several sensitive amphibian speciesthat rely on healthy Island wetlands.

Over 21 species of shorebirds visit ourshores, including the greater yellowlegs.

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Decisions about Salt Spring land use issues are made by a Local rustCommittee (L C) that regulates land use by adopting an OfficialCommunity Plan (OCP) and land use bylaws. Salt Springs L Cholds monthly public meetings that you are welcome to attend.Each L C is composed of the two local trustees and an appointedchair from the rust Council Executive Committee who represents

the broader rust-wide perspective and provincial interests, usuallybringing years of rust experience to the table.

Our Unique Form of GovernanceIn 1974, faced with rapid growth throughout the Gulf Islands,particularly the subdivision of large lots into small parcels, BritishColumbian legislators passed a bold and imaginative initiative. Tisinitiative created the Islands rust, a special form of local governancedesigned to regulate land use on 13 major and 450 smaller islands inthe Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound.

Te purpose of this trust is to: preserve and protect the rust area and its unique amenitiesand environment for the benet of the residents of the rust areaand of British Columbia generally, in cooperation with munici-palities, regional districts, improvement districts, other personsand organizations and the Government of British Columbia.

In doing so, the provincial government made the commitment toprotect the islands from excessive and inappropriate development.Te Islands rust remains our nations only institution charged withthe stewardship of a particular environment and the preservation of aspecial, rural quality of life.

Trust Council and LocalTrust CommitteesTe Islands rust is governedby a rust Council, composedof twenty-six elected trustees,two from each major islandarea. Elected for three-yearterms, trustees are charged withthe mandate to preserve andprotect the islands. Te rustCouncil also makes decisionsabout overall policy, staff re-sources, and budget. An Execu-tive Committee of the Council a chair and three vice-chairs manages the day-to-day activities of rust Council.

Burgoyne Bay, with its r ich natural and cultural history,was recently preserved through a citizen action campaign.

Bylaws and planning policies of each L C must be approved by therust Executive Committee to ensure that they comply with themandate of the rust. Primary nancing for the rust is derived froma portion of your local property taxes.

Land Use RegulationEach L C administers its own Land Use bylaws which prescribe whatcan be built on each parcel, including the permitted uses; number,location, height and size of structures; as well as its subdivisionpotential; and lot coverage. Under existing zoning, it has beenestimated that Salt Springs current population of about 10,000 couldgrow to about 18,000 residents.

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For properties located in specic designated areas known as Develop-ment Permit Areas (DPAs), there are additional guidelines designedto protect a variety of environmental concerns, such as ocean and lakeshorelines and community water systems. DPAs are on a map postedin both the Islands rust and CRDs Building Inspection offices.

Capital Regional District (CRD)Te CRD provides a wide range of local services to Salt Spring,including building code inspection, several water districts, two sewagetreatment plants, parks and recreation, recycling, and transportationservices (most notably, the Islands new bus system.) Te CRD alsoenforces various regional bylaws, such as animal control regulationsand a noise bylaw. CRD functions are overseen by our elected CRDDirector and CRD staff, together with volunteer advisory commis-sions appointed by the CRD Board.

Coordinationbetween the CRDand the Islands Trustrustees and the CRDDirector work togetheron issues of broad com-munity interest. TeCRD Director is invitedto attend all monthlyL C meetings, includingparticipation in town hallsessions where anyone canask questions or present local concerns.

Be InformedIf you are considering purchasing land on Salt Spring or have alreadydone so, it is your responsibility to nd out what is and what is not

allowed on your property by consulting the OCP and Land Usebylaws. If you have specic questions, please feel free to contact the

helpful folks at Islands rust(250-537-9144) and theCRD Building InspectionOffice (250-537-2711).Since some regulationsimpact land clearing con-

ducted prior to obtaining abuilding permit, it is wise toobtain this information be-fore beginning any projectson your property. Land usemaps are available from theIslands rust at 500 LowerGanges Road and on its website at www.islandstrust.bc.ca.

Provincial Services and JurisdictionRoad maintenance and police protection on the Island are providedby the Province. In addition, the provincial government has retainedauthority throughout the province, with limited or no local control,over certain activities such as mining, logging on Private ManagedForest Land, sh farming, and farming in the Agricultural LandReserve. If you are considering purchasing land in or near PrivateManaged Forest Land or the Agricultural Land Reserve, you shouldbe aware of permitted and non-permitted activities there.

Tirty-ve yearsago, our provincialgovernment createdthe Islands rust toprotect the Gulf Islands.Tis unique structurecontinues to symbolizethe mission to preserveand protect Salt Spring.

Riders guides for the CRD-sponsored Salt Springbus are available at the ourist Info Centre.

Hours for the Recycling Centre at 349 Rain-bow Road are 10 am to 5pm, ues. to Sat.

Te RCMP station is located at 401 LowerGanges Road.

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Environmental Directory

Salt Spring is rich with organizations and resources committed to protecting our natural environment. Te following are just some of

the resources. Tese were chosen to provide a starting point in yoursearch for more information. A more extensive list is available onthe Conservancy web site.

SSI Associations, Clubs and Groups

Salt Spring Island Conservancy (250-538-0318) Dedicated to pro-tecting the biodiversity of natural habitats and special land featuresthrough public education, working with private landholders wish-ing to place conservation covenants on their land, and acquiring andholding environmentally sensitive land. All efforts and funds stay onSalt [email protected] We are your local conservancy, independent of other conservancies. We provide:

Identi cation guides to plants and wildlife Salt Spring species at risk materials and programs Information on invasive species Tips for green living Natural history talks and eld trips

School nature studies for all Salt Spring grade 1-8 students Tax information on land covenants Volunteer opportunities

www.saltspringconservancy.ca

SSI Energy Strategy (250-537-4567 or 250-537-2616)Promotes saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions andair pollution. www.saltspringenergystrategy.org

Farmers Institute (250-537-4755) Provides agriculturally orientedcourses, runs the Fall Fair and encourages the preservation of Islandheritage and community involvement. www.ssi.org

Friends of Salt Spring Parks (250-537-4007) Supports existingparks, as well as new park [email protected]

Garden Club (250-537-8720) Helping island gardeners with speak-ers on all aspects of horticulture.

Gulf Islands Alliance - Dedicated to the protection of the BC GulfIslands, their natural environment, rural nature, and unique culturesfor future generations by supporting the Islands rust in achieving itslegislative objective. www.gulslandsalliance.ca

Hedgerow Preservation Society (250-538-0185)Dedicated to the preservation of SSI hedgerows.

Institute for Sustainability Education and Action (250-537-4400) Providing sustainability education opportunitiesand community project work on the Island and regionally. Web pageincludes an Eco-Build Directory. www.i-sea.org or [email protected]

Island Pathways (250-537-5043) Promotes a safe, healthy,non-motorized environment through construction of pathways,educational events, and making SSI bicycle and pedestrian friendly. www.islandpathways.ca

Island Natural Growers (250-537-5511)Helping Islanders grow and source local organic food.

Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre (250-537-0777)Dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wildanimals. www.sealrescue.org

Mary Hawkin Memorial Library (250-537-4666) A community library staffed mostly by volunteers that is part of the

Island Link Library Federation. www.saltspring.bclibrary.ca

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S.S. Salmon Enhancement (250-537-8983)Dedicated to restoration of all the creeks on [email protected]

Trail and Nature Club (Box 203, Ganges PO, V8K 2V9)Purpose is to stimulate interest in walking/hiking and natural history.

www.saltspringtnc.ca

Transition Salt Spring (250-537-4859)Rebuilding a resilient community in a time of [email protected]

Water Preservation Society (250-537-4649)Dedicated to the protection and preservation of Salt Springs lakesand fresh water supplies. www.ssiwaterpreservationsociety.ca

Waterbird Watch Collective (250-537-4515)Monitors and documents waterbird populations around the coast,lakes and ponds of SSI.

Government Resources

Islands Trust

Salt Spring Island Office (250-537-9144)

www.saltspringtrustees.ca

Victoria Office (250 405-5151) Responsible for preserving andprotecting the unique environment of the Islands rust Area, throughplanning and regulating land use in cooperation with other agencies. www.islandstrust.bc.ca

Islands Trust Fund (250-405-5186) A regional conservancy with the goal to create a legacy of specialplaces in the Islands rust Area, protecting both natural and culturalfeatures forever. www.Islandstrustfund.bc.ca

Capital Regional District

Local CRD Director (250-537-1567) [email protected] Victoria Office 1-800-663-4425, local 3030, for environmental

issues. www.crd.bc.ca

Recycling Depot (250-537-1200)

Parks and Recreation Commission (250-537-4448) PARC is a vol-unteer Commission responsible for the development, operation andmaintenance of all community parks and recreation facilities. www.crd.bc.ca/ssiparc

Building Inspection Office (250-537-2711)Responsible for building permits and inspections.

Transportation Commission (250-931-1372)Deals with public transit, pedestrian pathways, bike lanes and othertraffic related issues. www.crd.bc.ca/saltspring/transit.htmBus Information: www.busonline.ca/regions/ssi/

Water and Sewer (250-537-4314)

Provincial Government(Enquiry BC: oll Free 1-800-663-7867)

BC Ministry of Environment General environmental inquiries.Vancouver Island Region, Nanaimo (250-751-3100). ConservationData Centre (species at risk), [email protected]

Provincial Government Agent Services (250-537-5414) www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca

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Be sure to get a free copy of the SaltSpring Island Sustainability Checklist, which provides further guidelines andresources for ecologically sustainableliving on the Island. Te checklistis available at: Islands rust Office,500 Lower Ganges Road, or theCRD Building InspectionOffice, Unit #206,118 Fullford-Ganges Road.

Government of Canada

Environment Canada (604-666-5892)Canadian Wildlife Service, Vancouver Island Region www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada www.pc.gc.ca/np/bc/gulf/index

Maps for Land Use PlanningExcellent resources for viewing lot boundaries, natural features, Islandparks and protected areas.

Natural Areas Atlas www.crd.bc.ca/maps/natural/atlas.htm

Community Mapping Network www.cmnbc.ca/atlasgallery/southern-gulf-islands

Southern Gulf Island Atlas CreditsTis booklet was conceived, written and designed by members of the Salt SpringIsland Conservancy.Robin Annschild - biologistGayle Baker - editorDavid Denning - writer, biologist Jean Gelwicks - project coordinatorCharles Kahn - writerMaxine Leichter - writer

Tanks to the many readers who provided valuable input.

Photo Credits:Robin Annschild (p. 2u); Birgit Bateman (back cover); Robert Bateman (p. 8u);Kevin Cole (p. 4l); David Denning ( front cover, pp. 2l, 3u, 3l, 12l, 14u&l, 15); JeanGelwicks (pp. 9u, 12, 13u & l, 19u); odd Harmer (p. 4u); Wendy Hilliard (pp. 1,5, 7, 8lt, 9l, 10l, 11); Peter Lamb (pp. 16, 17, 18, 19l); Peter Ommundsen (pp. 8l).

Design/Layout: David DenningProduction: Imagine Tat Graphics

Margery Moore - community liaisonPeter Ommundsen - writer, biologist Arlene Richardson - researcherMark Starik - community liaisonBob Weeden - writer, biologist

Te Conservancys Stewards in Training Program provides every grade 1-8 studenton Salt Spring with hands-on studies of the Islands natural habitats. Contact theConservancy Office to become a volunteer in this program (250-538-0318).

Printed 100% PC Recycled FSC, Cert., Green-E Energy, Chlorine Free Paper

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SSI Conservancy Guide