The Sunshine Coast's Sensitive Ecosystems

I was on the hunt for some information and found myself in the BC's Ministry of Environment website. Now, this is site to get lost in! Eventually, I found my way to "The Ecological Reports Catalogue" which in turn to me to a report titled "Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory of the Sunshine Coast and Adjacent Islands." How many of us know this exists? Would anybody care? This report was published in October 2005 and I would like to quote from its first page:

"The Sunshine Coast, with its small population and limited urban development, provides the last opportunity in the Georgia Basin to conserve viable representation of the diverse ecosystems and species which occur here."

Now, given the way the coast is developing and the methods the developers are using, one has to wonder if anyone is even remotely aware of this extensive report and its maps despite the fact this is the very reason the report was undertaken: "The goal of the SEI is to encourage informed land-use decisions that will conserve sensitive ecosystems." According to this report, these ecosystems that are being completely erased from the face of the earth "regulate climate, clean water, generate and clean soils, recycle nutrients and pollinate our crops. To protect these areas, sensitive ecosystems must be located, identified and mapped." Was this done here on the coast? Have these areas been flagged for the APCs, and planning personnel of our towns and regional government? Or, does this fall on the shoulders of concerned citizens once again?

The report raises the question "What can be done to protect sensitive ecosystems?" and proceeds to list the following:

1) Retaining or creating vegetated buffers around sensitive ecosystems to isolate them from outside disturbance;
2) Controlling land and water access to fragile ecosystems;
3) Controlling invasive species;
4) Allowing natural disturbances to occur;
5) Maintaining water quality

That last point is interesting, isn't it? The report also makes suggestions for individuals depending on what 'hat' they are wearing. For example:

A developer: consider a design for your project that is creative and flexible enough to protect and enhance sensitive ecosystems. Treed lots and neighbourhood greenspaces can increase market values. (Hmmm, not many developers in and around Sechelt heeded that advice judging by their now totally cleared building sites).

Further roles are outlined for planners, decision-makers (i.e. politicians or resource manager), advocacy group member, etc. But, to what avail? So much tax money and effort went into this report and who is taking its message to heart? Yes, Sunshine Coast Conservation Association does but this is only one group of dedicated people who can only stretch themselves so far. It really is up to us to become involved and learn what is in our own backyard and make the effort to save these ecosystems while they still exist.

(If you would like to see what sensitive ecosystems exist near you or that have been lost to the Sunshine Coast, follow the blue link above. Scroll down until you get to the bottom of the list under 'Image Document' and download the 'SEI Map Index.' Find the number for the area of interest and download the map listed in that same column.)