Island View Beach Natural Environment Presentation Executive Summary

Island View Beach Regional Park

Executive Summary of the Natural History and Ecology Updated: April 9, 2015

Introduction

Introduction This is an Executive Summary of the scientific information presentation for Step 1 of the public participation process to prepare a park management plan for Island View Beach.

It includes an outline of the management planning process and summarizes the park’s: • • • •

Natural History: evolution of Island View Beach Coastal Process: Dune/Beach/Spit Complex Geography: Ecosystems and Habitats Biology: Species of Interest

Park Management Planning

Park Management Planning The park operates under a 1989 park management plan that is now 26 years old. It is time to update the plan due to changes in and around the park since 1989, including: • • • • • • •

A 261% increase in the size of the park; Increased knowledge of, and responsibility for protecting, the park’s natural environment; An increase in visitation: 335,000 visitors in 2013; The park’s status as the 3rd most visited park in the region; The addition of RV and tent camping in 2010; Increased public interest in the park and its management; and Greater recognition of related ecological systems with the Tsawout First Nation.

Public Participation Process

Public Participation Process The Parks Committee approved a four-step public participation process to prepare a park management plan for Island View Beach Regional Park: •

Step 1 – Present information about the park’s natural environment

•

Step 2 – Identify park management issues and interests

•

Step 3 – Hold community dialogues

•

Step 4 – Prepare and present a draft plan, seek feedback, and prepare a final plan

The purpose of Step 1 is to: •

Develop a common understanding of the current knowledge of the natural environment found within Island View Beach Regional Park; and

•

Add to the information base about the natural environment through public feedback.

Step 1: Park’s Natural Environment

Photo Mary Sanseverino

Step 1: Park’s Natural Environment Step 1 is very important because it presents information on the park’s natural environment, which will contribute to Steps 2-4 of the process.

We are meeting with federal and provincial government staff, District of Central Saanich staff and Council, First Nations, park visitors, adjacent landowners, interest groups, and regional residents throughout this process.

We will ensure public issues and interests are acknowledged, understood, documented, and considered in preparing the park management plan.

Natural History

Natural History Summary The key points covered in the Natural History section of the Island View Beach Natural Environment presentation are: Island View Beach has been evolving for at least 15,000 years.

It is a system that continues to change.

The land is composed primarily of sands and gravels.

Modification of the land has resulted in changes to local hydrology and vegetation.

The Dune/Beach/Spit Complex

Coastal Processes

Coastal Processes Summary The key points covered in the Coastal Processes section of the Island View Beach Natural Environment presentation are: Island View Beach Regional Park is part of a regional beach/dune/spit ecosystem from Cowichan Head to Cordova Spit. These ecosystems have high conservation value.

The bluffs of Cowichan Head provide shore material to the park through erosion and deposition of material on the beach, driven by wind, tide and wave energy.

Dynamic coastal processes occurring on the landscape enable adaptation to changing environmental conditions.

The park is at or near current sea level and there is a complex interplay between freshwater and saltwater.

Ecosystems and Habitats

Ecosystems and Habitats Summary The key points covered in the Ecosystems and Habitats section of the Island View Beach Natural Environment presentation are: Island View Beach Regional Park is dominated by dune, coastal marsh and old field habitats.

Terrestrial Ecosystems Mapping (TEM) is a standardized mapping approach representing physical and biological features.

Interpretation is limited by scale and resolution.

Terrestrial ecosystems of Island View Beach Regional Park reflect the dynamic processes of a coastal landscape.

Cultural history affects ecosystem expression and function.

Species of Concern and their Habitats

Species of Concern and their Habitats Summary The key points covered in the Species of Concern and their Habitats section of the Island View Beach Natural Environment presentation are: Island View Beach Regional Park supports a complex of habitats that are limited in supply across the region. These habitats are important for a wide range of resident and migratory species.

There are 33 confirmed species at risk in or adjacent to the regional park. There are 9 confirmed resident or breeding in the park.

Many of the conservation risks to both rare and common species are linked to modification of habitat and direct disturbance by human activities.

Current legislation and policy require that land stewards provide effective protection for species at risk and their critical habitat.