Session Title: Narvaez Bay Day-Use and camping
Convenor: David Pemberton
Note taker: David Pemberton
Participants: Kathy Stonehouse, Lorne Fuller, Nancy Angermeyer, Rick Mayher, Ron Hall, Bev Lowsley, Bill Schermbrucker, Joan Selby.
Summary of discussions:
A good discussion, which was begun with a brief overview of the planned development at Narvaez Bay and trail construction to Monarch Head. The Parks Canada Environmental Assessment (EA) for this project was the document of focus; other issues were discussed as noted below. The group consisted of new and seasoned residents of Saturna Island, a community passionate about land use and its protection, and a Park warden (Pemberton). Anonymous notes for this session have been recorded, noted, and posted as part of the forum, and will be forwarded to the Environmental Officer for GINPR. Participants were encouraged to make formal concerns in written form to Park offices as per the posted public notice regarding the EA. Some of the topics covered did not relate directly to the EA but are still noted to show the concern and interest of the plan. The convenor did not have all of the answers to questions asked, but will provide answers to each individual in writing. Each participant was provided a copy of the EA to take away.
The one question that EVERYONE wants a clear answer to is: What will be done with comments solicited by Parks Canada at this late date, is the project a done deal, or will this input be considered for project revision? i.e. – is asking for comments by Parks simply an obligation of process, or is there value and faith it will be used to address concerns?
Points of discussion included:
· Encouraging the existing wetland area near little bay and leave the dugout as it is to fill with run-off. It provides drinking water for deer, expresses an element of cultural heritage at the site, is used by dragonflies and could be a water source for any unforeseen fire.
· Lots of questions regarding the choice of seven (7) campsites. What was the criteria for choosing this number. Generally, people seemed to think less sites were better – perhaps 4 would be a better number to start with.
· It was unanimous that once word of the campsite got out, use would increase. What is the contingency plan for people who arrive to find all the sites full…overflow area? It seemed that people would rather have overflow campers spend a night offsite rather than random camp and encourage further ecosystem degradation.
· Parking – not much room for parking at the gate as it is. This is not addressed in the EA and it should be. Visitor use will require a need for enlarged/parking facilities
· Pets – dogs must be on leash
· Garbage – no facilities will be provided on site; pack-in/pack-out policy.
· Information signage for protection of sharp-tailed snakes and orchids would be helpful in preserving ecosystem integrity.
· Site seems to be a bit of an experiment for this park. Will there be site monitoring to assess site disturbance and a need to reduce or expand development based on results? Yes.
· Would like monitoring to include before and after documentation of project work, as well as periodic assessments of site health.
· Will potable water be provided on site? – No
· An objection to the wording on page 14, “The campsites will provide a long requested service on Saturna Island”. Felt that this was offensive/arrogant (towards local community)
· Enforcement – realizing staffing limitations, concern over patrolling of the site on a regular basis. Parks Canada will make every effort to patrol the site regularly within operating priorities and limitations. When wardens not on island, other GINPR wardens will be responsible for patrol.
· Reservations – no site reservations will be available; this is a first come-first serve self registration site. Park Facility Operators will be in charge of maintenance and fees.
· Road access – the gate will remain closed and hikers will access by foot. PFO’s and wardens will generally access the site by water. Land based patrols will be walk in.
· EA should note that there is erosion potential in Echo Bay, particularly when there is a storm tide and strong South Easterly winds
· No discussion in the EA regarding FireSmarting the site to protect from site and discourage firewood collection for illegal fires.
· Group feels they are being ‘heard’, but to what end? Where is the Goodwill and what good are the comments?
· What is going to happen if the campsite becomes wildly popular? If the site is changed/expanded the group would like to be confident they would be CONSULTED (not just heard), before any changes were made. There is concern that once the site is established, the Park might make changes unannounced.
· This is an ecologically sensitive and finite area – there is a risk for fire and the community
· Why during planning for a campsite was East Point not considered? It has a high visibility parks presence and is easily accessible. It was noted that perhaps it would be better to have campsites near park staff for easy monitoring and control, rather than remote where things could get out of hand.
· There was positive feedback on the camping area from others, citing the need to encourage camping on Saturna; we have something special and worth sharing. As there is illegal camping on the island already, it’s worthwhile to provide a place for campers to go and focus them in one area rather than abroad.
· Seven campsites might not be enough, more should be added.
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