At the June 26, 2010 Annual General Meeting of the Cape Roger Curtis Trust Society, Will Husby and Michael Dunn presented information about how Parks Canada works, and the possible creation of a National Park on Bowen Island.
The declared mandate of Parks Canada: “On behalf of the people of Canada, we protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations.”
The following was prepared by Will Husby as a handout for attendees at the AGM:
by Alejandro Frid, alejandro_frid@alumni.sfu.ca, February 28, 2008
Introduction
Here I comment on the PGL (January 2008) report on CRC. To make the best use of the time I can allot to volunteer work, I will focus on ecological issues that complement the expertise and input of local naturalists (e.g. SE Fast, A Whitehead, B. Gowans and others). Read more
Letter from the Directors of the Cape Roger Curtis Trust Society
to Bowen Island Municipality, Attention: Michael Rosen, 81 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island BC V0N 1G0
Re: Cape Roger Curtis — Preliminary Neighbourhood Plan and Implementation Options (dated January 3, 2008)
The Cape Roger Curtis Trust Society has been asked to comment on the three development options for the 631-acre Cape Roger Curtis (CRC) set out in maps on pages 22-23, 24-25 and 2627 of the Ekistics brochure entitled Preliminary Neighbourhood Plan & Implementation Options, dated January 3, 2008.
by Peter B. Banks and Jessica V. Bryant
Biology Letters (2007) 3, 611-613
Dog walking is among the world’s most popular recreational activitiesFour-legged friend or foe? Dog walking displaces native birds from natural areas, attracting millions of people to natural areas each year with diverse benefits to human and canine health. But conservation managers often ban dog walking from natural areas fearing that wildlife will see dogs as potential predators and abandon their natural habitats, resulting in outcry at the restricted access to public land. Arguments are passionate on both sides and debate has remained subjective and unresolved because experimental evidence of the ecological impacts of dog walking has been lacking. Here we show that dog walking in woodland leads to a 35% reduction in bird diversity and 41% reduction in abundance, both in areas where dog walking is common and where dogs are prohibited. These results argue against access by dog walkers to sensitive conservation areas. DOWNLOAD PDF: Four-legged friend or foe? Dog walking displaces native birds from natural areas
by Sara J. Wilson and Richard J. Hedba
January 2008
The projected and real consequences of climate change are now being recognized, along with considerable demand for alternatives to the energy and transportation systems that have dominated the last half century. Public and political response has focused on mitigating human impacts to reduce emissions and expanding on technological solutions. However the protection of natural ecosystems that counter climate change is equally as important. Download PDF of Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change Through Conservation of Nature Report
by Alejandro Frid
Bowen Island Undercurrent, Jan 11, 2008
Development proponents for Cape Roger Curtis (CRC) published two propaganda pieces in the Undercurrent last December. While I credit author Bob Ransford for fine examples of condescending writing, I am disappointed by the biological issues that were not discussed. Below is a non-exhaustive list of questions that would make for more relevant material in future articles by development proponents. Read more
January, 2007 - The Cape Roger Curtis Joint Venture requested a subdivision of Cape Roger Curtis under existing bylaws. Mrs. Isabell Hadford, Chief Administrative Officer, had to determine among other things whether the application was in the public interest. A flood of letters and a packed public meeting indicated that the Joint Venture plan did not address concerns and aspirations of the Bowen Island community. Read more
Bowen Island Conservancy, Jan 2007 update
Read PDF of Biophysical Summary describing the biophysical features of the Cape, establishing the need for a large park on Cape Roger Curtis, Bowen Island, British Columbia.
Pottinger Gaherty Environmental Consultants, Ltd. - Jan 2005
The purpose of this report, prepared for CRC Joint Venture, was to summarize the environmental attributes of the site; and provide a baseline picture of the existing ecological conditions on the site. This info will be used to assess the impacts of the proposed development; and develop an environmental management plan to avoid or mitigate potential impacts and propose enhancement measures. Read PDFs of Overview Environmental Inventory text; or view Figure 1 (Location Map); Figure 2 (Vegetation Classifications); Figure 3 (Wildlife Habitat Characteristics); Figure 4 (Waterbird Species Count); Appendix 1 (Additional Ecological Information); Appendices 2 & 3 (Expected Occurrence of Wildlife Species; and Threatened and Endangered Vertebrate Species Potentially Present); Appendix 4 (Photographs); Appendix 5 (Site Cards)
November 15, 2006 - Cape Roger Curtis need not be cut up into 58 trophy lots. Many examples exist where owners/developers, government and citizens have worked together to produce a solution where everyone wins. Read more
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