Island View Beach Natural Environment Presentation Introduction

Island View Beach Regional Park from the Beginning A Review of Natural History and Ecology Updated: April 9, 2015

The Dune/Beach/Spit Complex

Introduction This scientific information was generated from a slide show and talk presented as part of the public participation process for preparation of the Island View Beach Regional Park Management Plan. Based on public response and input, this revised version was completed April 9, 2015.

Outline Introduction: Natural History: Coastal Process: Geography: Biology:

Information and Context about CRD Parks The evolution of Island View Beach The Dune/Beach/Spit Complex Describing Ecosystems and Habitats Species of Interest at Island View Beach

About CRD Regional Parks The Capital Regional District manages park lands on Southern Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands.

CRD Regional Parks manages: •

13,000 hectares

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30 parks and reserves - 214 kms of hiking trails

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3 regional trails - 88 kms of recreational trails

Regional Parks Strategic Plan

Regional Parks Strategic Plan Regional Parks Strategic Plan 2012-2021 provides a long-term vision for regional parks and trails.

The vision of Regional Parks is to provide nature conservation and connect people with nature.

Parks protect and restore our region’s biodiversity, offer compatible outdoor recreation and education opportunities, and accessible connection with the natural world and our cultural heritage.

CRD parks and trails secure the region’s ecology and quality of life by establishing, in perpetuity, an interconnected system of natural lands.

Regional Park Classification System

Regional Park Classification System All regional parks are classified by their predominant characteristics and purpose. Park classifications provide direction for management planning documents. A park’s classification can only be changed by a resolution of the CRD Board.

There are four regional park classifications: •

Wilderness Area

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Conservation Area

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Natural Area

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Recreation Area

Island View Beach Regional Park is a Regional Conservation Area based on its unique and sensitive ecosystems and number of rare and endangered species that depend on the park environment.

Island View Beach Regional Park Fast Facts

Island View Beach Regional Park Fast Facts Island View Beach Regional Park was established in 1966. It is currently ~52 hectares.It’s prized for its long, sandy beach, easy accessibility, abundant birdlife and sensitive ecosystems, and panoramic views of Haro Strait and Mount Baker. The park conserves an important coastal beach, dune and wetland ecosystem and offers varied recreational opportunities.

Island View Beach Regional Park is part of the larger landscape of Island View Beach. Both of these terms are used to refer to the park within the larger landscape.

The park operates under a 1989 park management plan – 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; • 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.

Park Management Planning

Park Management Planning A park management planning process began in 2011.

A Draft Interim Park Management Plan was completed in 2013.

The Regional Parks Committee tabled this plan and directed staff to engage in a new public participation process to complete a plan in 2015.

We are engaging in that process now.

We recognize there are outstanding issues to resolve.

The new public participation process provides many opportunities to help with the development of the park management plan.

We want you to participate in this process with us.

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

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Step 2 – Identify park management issues and interests

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Step 3 – Hold community dialogues

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

Step 1

Photo Mary Sanseverino

Step 1 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.

The purpose of Step 1 is to: •

develop a common understanding of the natural environment found within Island View Beach Regional Park, and

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

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

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