Denman Conservancy Association

The Taylor’s Checkerspot, endangered butterfly, has expanded its Denman territory. Perhaps you have seen the colourful poster asking for reports of sightings of this butterfly? As the only known breeding site in Canada is here on Denman (formerly on Hornby in Helliwell Park, but now gone), two contracts concerning the butterfly have been let by Parks Canada and BC Ministry of Environment, one to study the known population on the Settlement Lands in detail and the other to explore both Hornby and Denman for the presence of the creature. To further protect the butterfly, locations of the sightings will remain unpublished for the present. Studies will continue until mid-summer.

There has been very good response to the call for sightings and it is particularly encouraging that the sightings are widespread on the island, so much so that individual sites are less critical than were first believed.

Note that the checkerspot larva weaves a sticky web not unlike a tent caterpillar although not as large; before destroying it, please consult Andrew or Jenny.

Graham Lake Dock is coming along nicely, a little behind schedule. Work parties are needed to build a staircase to access the shore platform and to finish the new path. The swimming dock should be available for use as you read this.

DCA’s Annual Country Home and Garden Tour will be held June 16 & 17. Tickets are available at the Craft Shop. More volunteers are required: Please phone co-ordinators Laura Busheikin (335 2089) or Riane daSilva (335 1959) to volunteer your services.

DCA staff persons Jenny Balke and Andrew Fyson were hired on May 1, for part-time duties co-ordinating the management of DCA’s lands and covenants.

New Directors were elected at the AGM held on 26 March. The current list of Directors and Officers is:

At the AGM retiring veteran directors Roxanna Mandryk, Patti Willis, Brian Miles and Laura Pope were thanked for their many years of dedicated service to the Conservancy cause.

A Stewardship Plan for the Central Park property will be prepared this year and a key step in this process is consultation with the Community. Look for an opportunity to contribute your ideas to this process. Routing of walking trails is an obvious issue and there will be others to discuss.

Visit Abraxis to see the rug and buy your tickets for the beautiful hand woven rug that is being raffled by DCA. This is a fund raiser for Central Park, our 147 acre property across from the Old School Centre. This rug, which its creators, Denman Island Weavers and Spinners, call "Island Palette", is 40 inches by 96 inches and is made of hand-dyed recycled wool blankets.

The draw of the winning ticket will take place the evening of June 17. Just 500 tickets will be sold at $10 each.

Robert Bateman and Merve Wilkinson will be entertaining us at a fund raising evening presented by DCA on July 13 at the Senior’s Hall.

Newsletter - March 2007

New Board Members Needed

How to save your Land

Sustainability!

Neil Dawe of the Qualicum Institute gave his talk Sustainability: The Possibilities are Endless to about 70 islanders in the Seniors' Hall that evening. For this listener Neil's most compelling point was that sustainability and economic growth are now mutually incompatible because we have used up too much of our natural capital and are now operating "in the red" as it were. His advice for islanders? Be more self-sufficient, grow your own, food that is.

Chocolate Factory Covenant Registered

In late January DCA completed its fourth covenant. It is on the Denman Island Chocolate Factory property protecting the top, slope and foot of the bluff. Owner Daniel Terry has been working with the Conservancy since he bought the land to ensure the long-term protection of this special place.

Robert Bateman and Merve Wilkinson Return to Denman

DCA needs Staff No Complaints Really

Being holders of four covenants, managers of Islands Trust Fund land and owning three substantial properties ourselves, our responsibilities have rapidly increased of late. So we are in the process of looking for someone to fill a paid position that requires a wide range of skills; both office oriented and in the field with a strong suit in communication.

We will be advertising and interviewing soon and hope for a good selection of on-island applicants. Don’t be shy.

Walks and Talks

Our spring season has already begun with the talk given by John Tayless on March 3 on the Spring Herring-spawn Carnival.

In May will be ‘Birds and their Songs’, a ‘Wildflower Walk’ and a trip to Tree Island.

2007 Annual General Meeting: What's New

The Board has made plans during the past year to properly manage the substantial additional responsibilities DCA has assumed.

For the Settlement Lands, Central Park and the Railway Marsh Covenant Area we will be preparing Management Plans during the forthcoming year. We will be asking for your input.

Remember to attend the DCA Annual General Meeting
Monday, March 26, 2007
Back Hall, use the rear entrance please!

Calling Volunteers! Volunteers!

At the Annual General Meeting of DCA, in March 2006, the first “Doug Olstead Award” of two hundred dollars ($200) was given to Robin Michin for his volunteer work at Recycle. Robin was extremely pleased to receive this recognition. Unfortunately, this year, there will not be an award because no student has applied. DCA urges young people to get involved and apply for this award.

Volunteer opportunities abound on Denman; assist a “not for profit” group at the Christmas Craft Faire, help with the House and Garden Tour, assist with trail building, beach clean up, help a senior or a shut-in for free, or work at Recycle. These are just some suggestions. Scholastic excellence is not a primary factor to apply for this award.

Any interested student or a person knowing a student whose name should be brought to the attention of DCA should do so in writing before Dec. 31, 2007 to Box 60 Denman Island, B.C. V0R 1T0. Contact Carol Freeman for further information 335-2535.

Contributors to this Newsletter: Denise, Laura, John, Patrick, Carol, Susan-Marie.

DCA Legal Case against 4064

After six extremely challenging years, DCA has dropped its marathon legal case against 4064 Investments Ltd, having achieved an out-of-court settlement. The settlement includes Conservation Covenants registered in favour of DCA on the Komas Bluff and the Railway Grade Marsh and the title to two parcels of land on Central Road that were transferred to DCA.

We will be posting a full story about the legal case along with descriptions of the new covenant areas and lands in the near future at this site.

Central Park Fundraising

When the dust had settled after the DCA Gala and the books brought up to date, we found that we had reached our target of raising the funds for completing the down payment of $298,000 for Central Park, purchased at the end of September. Our first mortgage payment of $40,000 is due April 1^st next year, so we continue to work at it.

DCA has let a small contract to launch our Institutional Fundraising campaign. We will be seeking capital funds to complete the purchase of Central Park and also funds for the management and restoration projects for Central Park and our other newly acquired land.

Christmas Craft Fair December 2 & 3

Morrison Marsh Covenant Registered

A Conservation Covenant in favour of DCA has now been registered on the title of the 52-hectare Morrison Marsh Nature Reserve owned by the Islands Trust Fund.

Taara Environmental has been contracted as environmental and technical consultants to prepare the Management Plan for the Reserve, expected to be completed by the end of March 2007.

Taara held a public open house on November 18 to brief islanders about the Reserve and seek their input about their use of the Reserve and any activities that they might deem to be incompatible with conservation of its natural features. If you weren't able to attend the open house, you can visit Taara's website on this project at:

Tax Exemptions Supported

DCA’s request for tax exemptions for its newly acquired land has been supported by the Regional District and Islands Trust. This covers Central Park and the two Settlement Land parcels. The exemption is granted because the land is being held for public benefits of conservation and recreation.

The Settlement Lands

As part of the settlement of our legal case against 4064, DCA has received title to two parcels of land located immediately north of the Inner Island Nature Reserve on Central Road. These parcels total 156 acres and yes, they have been logged. (We have not formally adopted the name: 'Settlement Lands' but that is the name most commonly used at present.)

The ecological values of these parcels include the northern extension of the Beaver pond - crossed by the Pickles Road bridge, and the wet lowlands in the northeast where the land extends on to the Swale, just south of the Lake Farm.

In addition the land provides a significant connection between Inner Island and its adjacent Crown Lands, with the Crown land to the west and with Winter Wren Wood and Chickadee Lake. This is a major contribution to DCA's 'Central Park Vision' of conservation land stretching from Denman Road to Chickadee Lake.

Jenny Balke is currently preparing an ecological overview of the land. We expect to have more to relate about its natural values in the future.

Please Stop Dumping Along Central Road

In recent months there have been truckload dumps of land clearing debris left on the Settlement Land beside Central Road. This debris is unsightly and a fire hazard in summer. DCA is also concerned that contaminated material may be introduced. We hope that all Denman residents will respect the conservation status of this land, and that this illegal dumping will stop.

Land Management Tasks

A committee of DCA has been working since summer to prepare for the additional work that will come from our newly acquired land and covenant responsibilities.
We also have some big planning tasks ahead of us to deal with such questions as:

DCA expects that meeting these responsibilities will require the hiring of a land and covenant manager in the New Year.

Logging Railways on Denman

Around about World War I the first logging railroad was built on Denman Island. It ran a total length of 3 miles, from near the cemetery on Denman Road, northwest towards Chickadee Lake and then it followed down the line of Lake Road to reach Denman Point where the logs could be put into Baynes Sound. On the sandy spit of Denman Point traces of the pattern of ties can still be seen.

This railway crossed diagonally through DCA’s Central Park, and through the Crown Block to Inner Island Nature Reserve from where it next traversed the Settlement Lands and another Crown Block to emerge on Lake Road.

Next a longer line, starting in Henry Bay was built. George Piercy, born in 1924 remembers:

"The Henry Bay Logging Co. built a railroad that ran from Henry Bay on the northwest side down through most of the northern section of the Island. One of my earliest memories was when my father took me for my first train ride on this old steam engine to the end of the line where he wanted to show me what logging was all about.
They logged most of the northern and central portion of Denman."

This was the railroad that paralleled the Railway Grade Marsh. The line extended southeast to the vicinity of Swan Road. A railway spike picked up in 1997 only a few hundred meters west from Swan Road suggests that it reached that area. Railway logging was made obsolete when trucks became powerful enough to haul logs.

Newsletter - October 2006

Central Park Bought by DCA

The transfer of title took place at the end of September. Central Park is the 147 acres strategically located for public access across from the Old School on Denman Road. It is also a linchpin in a Protected Area Network for the Island, part of a chain of natural areas along its spine. Immediately to the northwest are major Crown Land blocks, Inner Island Nature Reserve and the 160 acres of former 4064 lands that is part of the legal settlement. Central Park also has the potential to link across the Island towards Beadnell Creek and Fillongly Park. Its major ecological assets are the long wetland areas, one of which is visible from Denman Road, at the Graveyard Marsh.

Funds for Central Park Purchase

The fundraising Committee’s efforts and the Community’s excellent response has produced so far, $40,000 of which $5000 was from a Foundation. We also have, in hand, pledges for additional amounts, some towards payment of our first Mortgage payment of $40,000 due April 2007. Your support at the Gala and Silent Auction will help us reach our goals.

Silent Auction at the Gala

The Lark for the Park Gala starts at the Community Hall when the doors open at5 pm on Friday 20^th October. The first hour is for viewing the Silent Auction items and you can get registered if you want tobid. We will be getting the food ready and the bar stocked. Everything gets underway at 6pm.

Todd Butler, our closing entertainer will be wrapping up around 10 pm and the auction goods will be available to take away then, too. Visitors will be able to catch the 10.40 pm ferries off the Island without missing the fun. (Except of course for the cleanup crew who will have even more fun.)

Shawl, Framed print, Massage, Jewel, more Jewels, 2 hour garden consult, Gift certificate, 6 apple trees, Leaf lamp, Cushion, Ceramic pot, Yoga classes, more Yoga classes, $100 off stonemasonry, 4 hour sculpture instruction, Dinner for four, Pottery, Gift basket, Gift certificate, Organic cotton T-shirt, Framed print, Framed photo, Miso + maybe tamari,

B + B night, Painting or print, B + B night, Aroma therapy basket, Chocolate, 25 Havana cigars, Chair, Shawl, B + B & healing session, 2 hour group gardening, Large plush reindeer, Horse ride (2), Computer desk, 2 hour internal (interior?) design, Chimney cleaning, Computer desk, Framed photo, 4 hour gardening/landscaping, 4 hour Tai Chi.

Settlement of the Legal Case against 4064 Investments Ltd.

As we go to press we are very close to completion of the settlement. If it were possible to compare a ten-year legal saga to a board game, in Snakes and Ladders we would be past the head of the last snake and only have to throw the exact number on the dice to reach Home.

The realignment of boundaries by the Komas Bluff, technically a subdivision, but without a change in density, has been completed. This leaves only the final step of completion of the sale of 4064 properties, transfer of the settlement land, filing covenants and ending the legal case, all this to be completed simultaneously!

Morrison Marsh Nature Reserve

Since 125 acres at the south end of Morrison Marsh were donated anonymously to the Islands Trust Fund (ITF) in late 2005, the DCA has been working closely with the ITF to see that the land's conservation values are preserved in perpetuity. In March, Jenny Balke completed an updated environmental Baseline Report about the property. In early August, the Agricultural Land Commission approved the placement of a conservation covenant over the land (some of it being in the ALR). The ITF and DCA, who will be the Covenant Holder, have finalized the covenant in preparation for its registration on title in October. DCA has responded to a tender call from the ITF to develop the Management Plan for the Reserve and is awaiting a final decision as to whether it will receive the contract for this work. Regardless of who develops the plan, there will be a public process to solicit the input of Islanders as to the future management of the Morrison Marsh Nature Reserve.

This project began in 2000 under the coordination of Patti Willis and Juan Barker. They would like to thank the many people who contributed to ensure its success: Jenny Balke, Louise Bell, Don Chamberlain, Daryl Collier, Leslie Dunsmore, Judy Jamison, Marilyn Jensen, Bentley LeBaron, Guy Marion, Peter Marshall, Peter Mason, Jim Matthew, Kevin Mitchell, Mike Morrell, Doug Olstead, Chris Pielou, Ardice Todosichuk, Ted Trueman, the Board of Directors of the Denman Conservancy Association, and especially the generous owner; and, to EcoACTION 2000 of Environment Canada for its financial contribution in support of this project.

Summer Gallery Nature Photos and Silent Auction

Denman Conservancy would like to thank the supporters, submitters, gallery sitters and bidders of the silent auction of Denman photography, and especially Andrew Fyson for conceiving and almost single-handedly seeing the show to its very successful conclusion on Tuesday September 19.

Andrew matted and framed 40 photographs from a collection of several hundred submissions and also provided an extraordinary photographic display of Denman flora and fauna.

The framed photos were all sold, raising a total of just over $1500 to go toward the purchase of the Central Park property.

DCA’s fundraising campaign is staged, firstly to raise $56,000 to add to the DCA acquisition fund for the down payment of $296,000 and secondly to fund the balance of the purchase ($200,000), to be paid interest-free over 5 years starting in April, 2007.

With the “Lark for the Park” gala evening to be held October 20, the second phase of the campaign will commence. DCA is actively soliciting donations and pledges to cover the long-term effort to complete the purchase. Charitable tax receipts can be issued for monies received.

Walks on Saturday mornings in October

Saturday October 14, Central Park
Join J Thornton and Andrew Fyson for an exploration of DCA’s new acquisition.
Meet 10 am at the Old School Centre

With Patrick Fawkes and Andrew Fyson visit the lands on Central Road donated to DCA as part of the legal settlement with 4064 Ltd.
Meet 10 am at the Old School Centre

Saturday October 28, Railway Marsh
John Millen and Mike Morrel will lead a walk on the Railway Marsh covenant area granted to DCA as part of the legal settlement with 4064 Ltd.
Meet 10 am at the Denman Community Hall

Coming in November: Winter Water Birds. Watch for a notice in the Grapevine.

Protected Area Networks

At the Islands Trust Council Meeting held on Denman Island on September 14 a staff presentation discussed Protected Area Networks as a conservation tool for use in Official Community Plans. The present ecosystem mapping of the Islands Trust Fund is being updated with an order of magnitude more detail. This work, based on new air photography has started in the southern islands and will progress north to cover Denman in 2007. It is expected to enable the determination of Protected Area Networks based on objective criteria.

The presentation further discussed the application of Development Permit Areas as a means of implementing a Protected Area Network in an Official Community Plan.

The PAN maps prepared for Denman Island were noted in the presentation. DCA prepared the first such map in the mid 1990’s and SILVA Ecosystem Consultants produced another in 1998.

The concept is not new to Islands Trust. In its REGIONAL CONSERVATION PLAN 2005 – 2010 the Islands Trust Fund offered planners and Local Trust Committees its expertise to assist them in establishing a network of protected areas. The information provided by the Islands Trust Ecosystem Mapping (ITEM), created by Islands Trust Fund was identified in their Conservation Plan as essential for designing such networks.

Winter Wren Wood

Nearly six years ago, in November of 2000, Winter Wren Wood became the first property held by DCA for conservation purposes. It has since become a community-use parcel providing a great venue for school field trips and a self-guided nature walk. The community has also been very considerate in its use as an access point to Chickadee Lake. Although the property does not actually extend to the lakeshore there has been a path there to the lake for years.

This fall we have extended Peter Karsten’s nature trail over a small marshy area with a short boardwalk, which creates a path around the perimeter of the park on both sides of Lake Road.

DCA has created the Doug Olstead Award of $200, which was first awarded at this year’s AGM and will be given annually for the next four years to a Denman Island Teen volunteer. Please apply in writing to Box 60 Denman Island, outlining your volunteer community service.

This Newsletter was put together with contributions from: J and Ginny Thornton, Denise MacKean, Patti Willis, Patrick Fawkes, Lee Andra Jacobs, Andrew Fyson, John Millen, Carol Freeman, Peter Karsten.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE DENMAN CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION WILL TAKE PLACE ON

The Annual General Meeting will be held in the Denman Conservancy Room of the Marcus Isbister Old School at 7:30 pm on Monday, March 27, 2006

Proposed Acquisition

Central Park Nature Reserve

For some years the Acquisitions Committee of Conservancy has been seeking suitable properties on Denman for purchase. Our aim has been to secure large blocks of land that can contribute to conservation of the natural ecosystems on Denman by their current natural values and their potential for linkage with other areas to form a protected area network.

DCA made several unsuccessful offers to purchase the Chickadee Lake parcel. However with the passage of time, some large conditional grants that would have supported that purchase, expired. The last attempt was made at the end of 2003. Since then the Committee has made a sustained effort to reach agreement with current owners of some other desirable blocks and has now secured an agreement to purchase the Central Park property, subject to the approval of the membership.

Central Park is strategically located both for public access, across from the Old School on Denman Road, and as a linchpin in a Protected Area Network for the Island. It is indeed central, as part of a chain of natural areas along the spine of the Island. Immediately to the northwest are major Crown Land blocks, Inner Island Nature Reserve and the approximately 160 acres of former 4064 lands that is part of the agreed legal settlement. Central Park also has the potential to link across the Island towards Beadnell Creek and Fillongly Park. Its major ecological assets are the long wetland areas, one of which is visible from Denman Road, at the Graveyard Marsh.

The Central Park block was logged around the year 2000, with leave trees in the riparian areas. Owing to the favourable soil conditions forest growth is regenerating remarkably well. Young firs are thriving and most of the skid roads and landing areas scraped bare by logging are already clothed with head-high alders.

Denman Conservancy proposes that Central Park uses will include conservation and public walking trails. We have also told the cemetery search group that we would consider favourably a request to dedicate a small area across from the existing Cemetery for expansion. The whole property is in the Agricultural Land Reserve.

Plans that the DCA Board has made, and that are reflected in the Agreement to Purchase, are for DCA to provide about half the purchase price from its existing cash reserves, to raise another $56,000 prior to closing the sale at the end of September and to grant a mortgage back to the vendor for $200,000. The vendor has generously agreed to take the mortgage on terms most favourable to DCA. An appraisal by Wm. S. Jackson & Associates Ltd. on February 9, 2006 set the value of the property at $500,000.

The Board of the Denman Conservancy Association recommends the membership support the purchase of the Central Park property, and pass the enabling resolution at the AGM on March 27.

Denman Conservancy Association Annual General Meeting will be held Monday, March 27

at the Marcus Isbister Old School Centre. The Board will propose a special resolution to purchase the 147 acres Central Park property.

The doors open at 7 pm. Those who want to join or need to renew their memberships can do that before the meeting will be called to order at 7:30.

Morrison Marsh Property Preserved

A 125-acre block of forested land, adjacent to Boyle Point Park has been donated to Islands Trust Fund, to be preserved in perpetuity for its conservation values.

Part of the original land holdings of 4064 Investments Ltd., this parcel was the first large block sold by the company. The new owner, at the time of purchase, intended to dedicate much of the land to conservation. DCA was then in the throes of its Legacy Project and fundraising to try to purchase the Chickadee Lake property. Nevertheless the owner’s good intentions and the natural values of the land were compelling.

DCA obtained a grant to help with the cost of preparation of a conservation covenant, baseline studies, mapping and surveys. Ultimately the owner decided that a transfer of the bulk of the property to the Islands Trust Fund was a simpler solution. DCA will hold a conservation covenant on the land.

We are sure we speak for the whole Island when we express our great appreciation of the owner’s generosity that has preserved this valuable block of natural landscape.

Memberships Due

Reminder to Denman Conservancy Members. It is time to renew your membership for 2006. There will be a table at Recycle on March 4, 10:00am – 12:00. See you then or at the AGM on March 27^th.

A New Acquisition Target

It has been a while, precisely since November 30, 2000, since the Denman Conservancy Association has made a land acquisition. At that time the property known as Winter Wren Wood was purchased and protected, now a lovely spot enjoyed by the public.

The Acquisitions Committee has been considering several properties, which were ranked in an order of desirability, for many months. We are now giving strong consideration to the 147-acre (approx. 50 Hectare) property across from the Old School Centre. Denise MacKean purchased this property for conservation purposes last year. Denise has made a very generous offer to sell this property to the DCA at no financial gain to her and including an offer to take back a mortgage for part of the price at no interest. As she is a member of the DCA board, Denise has stepped back from these considerations so as not to create a conflict of interest.

Denise has proposed the name ‘Central Park Nature Reserve’ for the property.

The Acquisitions Committee will recommend purchase of the land to the membership to add this link to the protected conservation land. Approval of the membership of DCA is required for the expenditure of funds of this magnitude. Members will be gathered for the AGM on Monday March 27 at 7.30 pm at the Old School Centre.

A Call to All Denman Artists!

The Denman Conservancy is holding a juried competition for a new Tee Shirt design. The design is for the front of small and large sized shirts – printed with two colour screens, on shirts of varied colours. It must include the wording “ Denman Conservancy Association”.

Artists please submit your design by March 15^th to Box 60, Denman Island, B.C. or deliver to 1200 Pickles Road. (Phone Carol Freeman 335-2535 for more information)

The winner will be announced at the Denman Conservancy Association AGM, March 27^th at the Old School.

The reward for the winner, you ask? It will be massive publicity in island newspapers, photo opportunities, seeing your design everywhere on and off island being worn by the young and old and, of course, knowing that you have made a valuable contribution to fundraising for Conservancy.

That Other Central Park

You may know that Manhattan Island is about the same size and shape as Denman Island. So comparisons with their Central Park come rather easily when we propose that name for a block of Denman land. (See the front page). Well, we have some distance to go to equal their example.

Central Park, New York is 843 acres, about 6% of Manhattan’s total area. They have 150 acres in seven water bodies and 250 acres of lawns, though surely we won’t go that way!

A final comparison: Central Park, NY being 6% of Manhattan Island is equivalent to all our Parks and conservation lands, which total 6% of Denman Island.

Announcing the

Denman Conservancy Association

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

March 27, 2006 at 7.30pm

At the Old School Centre

If you would consider serving on the Board of Directors please contact Roxanna Mandryk or Laura Pope.

Walks & Talks – 2006

Progress on the Settlement

Preparation of the covenants for the Railway Marsh and Komas Bluff areas is nearing completion. The work included legal surveys, baseline ecological studies and reaching agreement on the legal text of conservation covenants for each of the two areas.

Once completed the covenants must be submitted to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) as some small parts of the covenant areas are within the ALR. When the approval of the ALC is obtained the covenants can be registered and the settlement concluded.

The agreed settlement involves registration of the conservation covenants as well as the donation to DCA of two parcels of land, which total 156 acres, to the north of the Inner Island Nature Reserve on Central Road. The settlement is conditional on the completion of the sale of the lands to Mr Nielsen’s group. Should that sale not go through, DCA’s suit against 4064 would continue.

During negotiations, the DCA neither discussed nor took a position on any development plans the purchaser may have for the 4064 lands and confined itself to obtaining a fair settlement of its claim against 4064 Investments Ltd.DCA's legal case against 4064 Investment Ltd. Is based on the Hancock sales contract (to 4064 Investments Ltd.), which required that these lands have covenants placed on them. The rights of Hancock to enforce that contract were assigned to DCA.

How Railway Marsh got its Name

In the 1970s and ‘80s one of the places inviting exploration by new arrivals on Denman Island was an intriguing trail heading Southeast off Northwest Road, just south of the entrance to Komas Ranch. Under a canopy of tall firs a wide mossy trail, easy walking despite the regular humps across it, led one to peak-a boo views of a hidden wetland area with large open water stretches. It was apparent that the ‘regular humps’ were indeed the remains of railway ties. The name Railway Grade Marsh was coined.

The railway grade itself starts at Henry Bay, adjacent to Pat McLaughlin’s house, and continues alongside the marshes and then down Island past the gravel pits to within half a mile of Swan Road. It dates from the era of the 1920s and ‘30s when railway logging was prevalent on Denman Island.

According to Winnifred Isbister’s My Ain Folk the Henry Bay Railroad Company logged between 40,000 and 50,000 acres of Canadian Colleries lands at the northern end of the island. (Actually there are not that many acres on Denman Island. Perhaps they logged 4000 to 5000 acres.) The operation began in 1925. Some 50 men were employed and most of them lived in the camp at Henry Bay, except for a few islanders who lived at home. A diminutive and ancient steam loco, a Climax engine that came to Vancouver Island in 1902 was the workhorse of this railroad.

Ecological Significance of the Komas Bluffs

(extracted from the Baseline Study prepared by Ryan Durand of Taara Environmental for the conservation covenant.)

The property lies within one of BC’s rarest forest types; the Coastal Douglas-fir moist maritime (CDFmm) biogeoclimatic ecosystem, which is restricted to low elevations along southeast Vancouver Island from Bowser to Victoria, the Gulf Islands south of Cortes Island, and a narrow strip along the Sunshine Coast near Halfmoon Bay.

The CDFmm lies in the rainshadow of the Vancouver Island and Olympic mountains resulting in warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Growing seasons are very long and feature pronounced water deficits on drier sites. The CDFmm represents the mildest climate in Canada.

Three Biogeoclimatic Site Series were classified on the property. They included: Fd – Salal, FdBg – Oregon grape and CwBg – Foamflower.

The ecological significance of the Covenant Area cannot be overstated. Its steep slopes, high groundwater table, and old forest and mature second growth forests make the area important and highly sensitive.

In a landscape dominated by second growth forests, all old growth areas and trees are ecologically significant. Many species which can exist in second growth forests require large standing trees, snags, or fallen trees for seasonal or periodic habitat. As long as these features are available, they can exist in younger forest habitat.

Jenny Balke of the Denman Conservancy Association described how the Covenant Area has been identified and protected by various government agencies, the community, and scientific assessments:

“The Bluff has been identified by government agencies and the Denman community as a significant area for conservation for many years. In 1984, community intervention resulted in the cessation of logging on the Bluff. The following year, the Bluff was designated a Development Permit Area in the Denman Island Zoning Bylaw. In 1991, the Bluff was included in the Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Development Permit Areas designations in the Official Community Plan by the Islands Trust. The Bluff was one of the important areas identified in the submission to the Vancouver Island, Regional Protected Area Strategy, Goal 2 Initiative in 1993; it was also included in the Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory in 1994. The Bluff was included in the Denman Protected Area Network by the Denman Conservancy Association in 1996.”

Of particular importance are the old forest and older second growth stands that occur on the southeastern slopes of the Covenant Area. These forest stands are increasingly rare due to pressure from logging and development.

Therefore, the conservation of the old forest and older second growth forest on the Komas Bluff is of great ecological significance to the island and constitutes a sizeable portion of a constantly diminishing forest type. In addition, the relatively large contiguous forest stand that will be protected within the Covenant Area is rare on the Gulf Islands and one of the largest on Denman Island. The bluff also contains at least one blue-listed species, the red-legged frog ("Rana aurora"), and several red and blue listed ecosystems.

Denman Island Marsh Donated to Islands Trust Fund

VICTORIA -- After years of cooperation between the Denman Conservancy Association and an anonymous donor, Islands Trust Fund has received a donation of a significant section of Morrison Marsh on Denman Island.

The 50.5 hectare (125 acre) property contains the southern portion of Denman Island's largest marsh, second-growth forest and rock bluffs. Home to more than 80 bird species, the site is a key waterfowl over-wintering and breeding area. Several species of special concern live on the property, including Great Blue Herons, Hutton’s Vireo, Band-tailed Pigeons, and Red-legged Frogs. The property is also home to many other species including beavers, minks, river otters, raccoons, rough-skinned newts, pacific tree frogs, and several endangered/threatened plant communities.

The donor gave the land to the Islands Trust Fund to make sure it would remain in its natural state forever. Under Section 99 of the Land Title Act there is a provision for ecological protection that allowed the donor to keep some of the land and donate the remainder as a newly surveyed lot without the usual subdivision approval process.

This donation is regionally significant as freshwater ecosystems make up only 1% of the Gulf Islands. Marshes are essential for migrating birds, contain some of the richest biological areas of the islands, and act as important groundwater recharge areas,” said Lisa Dunn, Islands Trust Fund Manager. “We are so impressed by the generousity of the donor and the perseverance of the Denman Conservancy Association.”

"It has been a privilege to work with a landowner who has the foresight of 1000 years. The Morrison Marsh is close to the hearts of Denman Islanders and the Denman Conservancy Association looks forward to holding a conservation covenant on the land to further ensure its protection," commented Patti Willis for the Denman Conservancy Association Board of Directors."

The Islands Trust Fund and the Denman Conservancy will be working with the Denman Island community to develop a management plan for the property. This plan will define short- and long-term management goals for this new nature reserve, including the prospects for public access.

The Islands Trust Fund acts as a regional land trust for the Islands Trust Area. With the generous support of island communities and landowners, it has protected important natural and cultural values on 60 properties with a combined value of over $20 million.

Denman Conservancy Agrees to Settlement of

Legal Case Against 4064

On Friday, September 9th, Denman Conservancy Association (DCA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Henning Nielsen who represents the prospective purchasers of the remaining lands held by 4064 Investments Ltd. Mr. Nielsen is authorized by 4064 to negotiate a settlement to the legal case.

The settlement of DCA's Legal case against 4064 is conditional on the completion of the sale of the lands to Mr Nielsen's group. Should the sale not go through, DCA's suit against 4064 would continue.

During negotiations, the DCA did not discuss nor took a position on any development plans the purchaser may have for the 4064 lands and confined itself to obtaining a fair settlement of its legal claim against 4064 Investments Ltd.

The agreed settlement involves registration of conservation covenants on the Railway Marsh lands and on Komas Bluffs (the subject lands of the lawsuit), and the donation to DCA of two parcels of land totalling 156 acres to the north of the Inner Island Nature Reserve on Central Road.

On June 18 & 19 Denman Conservancy will host our 15^th annual Home and Garden Tour. Our Tour is renowned for the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the Island and the unique homes and landscapes.

Amazing rose collections will be found on this year's Tour in the exquisite gardens of Sudasi & Swann Gardner, Joan & Roger Vinnedge, and Sandy & Des Kennedy. After a few year’s absence from the Tour, Glenn & Linda Pollitt, Mikell & Tobey Callahan and Harlene Holm will open their gates once again. On display are artful gates, xeriscaping against drought and the sea and some new custom-designed additions.

New to the Tour this year is Mark Prior and Mitra Ghaffari's wonderful oceanview property on East Road. With the help of a local designer, and after a 6-month flurry of activity, these 2 artists have completely renovated their home and property.

The homestead of Des and Sandy Kennedy has been a popular attraction every year. The Kennedys built their home, more than 30 years ago in the 'back to the land' era, using recycled and hand-hewn materials. (But they have recently been renovating extensively; this year it’s the roof.) A covered deck adjacent to their large pond, is where you will probably find Des on the Tour days.

Joan & David Scruton will open their beautiful custom-built home, furniture workshop, and refurbished barn with a full collection of farm animals, vegetable and fruit beds and a 100' long rose-clematis curved pergola.

Ella Day's home with its curving lines sited atop the high waterfront Komas Bluff also returns this year. Here you weave through the forest past stunning flower gardens, gentle pavilions for healing the body and soul, organic vegetable plots, a Japanese stone garden, and water features.

The idyllic retreat created by Jean Cockburn and Jack Mounce, nestled amongst Douglas firs and only a few feet from the sea, is an oasis of gentle colour, simplicity and peace.

Jack Mounce and Jean Cockburn's curved bridge crosses a stream near the kitchen herb garden. photo by Doug Olstead

A homemade lunch will again be served in the Community Hall, the proceeds going to a local community group and a team of self-employed islanders. Our reservations phone line has been ringing off the hook with calls from across the continent and the special e-mail address is being well used.

Tickets went on sale May 15^th in stores up and down Vancouver Island and at the Denman Craft Shop. Get yours soon. Total ticket sales are limited to avoid overcrowding and we usually sell out. A day pass ticket costs $15. Hours are 9.30 am to 5 pm each day.

Legal Case against 4064 Ltd.

In the meantime, the DCA intends to protect its conservation interests by continuing with the litigation. July 20 has been set as the date for the Examination for Discovery of Mr. Jenks.

DCA has a new lawyer on the case: Cathie Parker. Our law firm, Arvay-Finlay is down-sizing. As a result, Cathie will be forming a new firm with some of the other lawyers from Arvay Finlay. We have agreement from West Coast Environmental Law that our funding from the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund will continue with Cathie in the new law firm.
DCA's legal case against 4064 Investment Ltd. is aimed at securing covenants around the Railway Marsh System and along the Komas Bluff. The Hancock sales contract required that these lands have covenants placed on them. The rights of Hancock to enforce that contract have been assigned to DCA. The suit seeks the covenants as well as damages to compensate for the logging in the Railway Grade Marsh area that the covenants would have prevented.

It is possible to access the old Railway Grade from Northwest Road. It is about a three-quarter hour hike to the overlook of Eagle Marsh. There are a few windfalls to negotiate on the second half of the hike.
The railway grade is about 20 or 30 meters south of the creek and marsh and it looks like another skid road except that is more straight and level than your usual skid road. It dates from the era of railway logging, early last century. Old stumps have roots that can be seen to have grown after the side embankments of the grade were formed, validating its age. John Millen

A Reminder: DCA has created the Doug Olstead Award of $200, which will be awarded annually for the next five years to a Denman Island youth aged 15 or 16.

The award for community service (not academic achievement) will be presented at the AGM to a youth from Denman who is judged to have contributed most to conservation or other community purposes.

Conservancy endorses ‘Park Principles.’

Conservation Covenant Project

In April, in a cost-sharing arrangement between DCA and the Land Trust Alliance, a technician undertook a Baseline Study of the Terry property. The Study documents the existing characteristics of the covenant area and serves as a baseline for covenant monitoring and management in perpetuity. In an effort to increase on-island expertise about conservation covenants, Denman Islander, Erin O'Brien, assisted the technician and was trained in Baseline Study procedures.

Among materials being developed as part of the project are two informational brochures for general distribution on Denman later this year -- Conservation Covenants - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Financial Costs/Benefits of Conservation Covenants: FAQs.

DCA has established the Ruth Terry Conservation Covenant Fund to assist Denman Islanders who may require financial support to place conservation covenants on their lands. Please consider making a donation to support the Ruth Fund.

Deer on Denman

This last year (2004) fawning season differed slightly in that fawns were delivered over a longer time period, and new fawns were still showing up as late as the first week in July. This could be a result of a reduction in bucks, perhaps taking longer to locate and breed the does. Or it could be due to some other seasonal influence we know nothing about.

This last winter saw a very high mortality rate for the nearly one-year-old fawns from last summer. There is no knowing why some years have higher die off rates than others. In asking around (a time honoured way of doing research on Denman!) I talked to John Isbister.

John's theory is that with the mild winters and lack of deep snow the deer have not foraged on the cedar trees, firs and balsams. The needles of these trees seem to act as a natural wormer that helps clean out the parasites from the deer’s gut. John feels there will likely be a boost in the deer population over the next few years. The more open areas up the north end will give the deer a habitat they like, and as we see less hunting there will be less pressure on them from this as well.

With the imminent arrival of the fawns we all need to exercise extra caution on the roads and keep dogs from running loose. Does are heavily pregnant at this time of the year and are very vulnerable to dogs. Fawns are erratic at best on the roads. Some good rules of thumb are to slow down, expect two when you see one, and give them some time to sort themselves out on which direction they will go. Often the fawns will panic and split up on the road, which can be tough for the doe. She will sometimes double back to try and pick up the lagging babe.

Of course we all know the rule about not disturbing fawns that are found stashed in the long grass or in the forest. It is always tempting to imagine they are abandoned - and of course very rarely they are. Always try to give at least a full day and night before deciding they have been left alone. Does sometimes leave them for extended times and fawns are always better off with their mom!

With patience and common sense we'll all enjoy the beauty of the new members of our large deer herd on Denman again this year. Laura Pope

Walk to Tree Island

On the beach we saw shells of several exotic species introduced through shellfish farming and on the Island we encountered a few specimens of broom, an invasive species in this terrain that the Friends of Tree Island have been campaigning to eliminate. However the Friends do not seem to be so antagonistic to the introduced asparagus! We also climbed and admired the wooden steps installed by the Friends on a trail over the sand dunes to focus the foot traffic, which had been damaging the fragile vegetation.

But most we enjoyed the wonderful fields of wild flowers in bloom, many of which are not common in British Columbia as there is little sand dune habitat here and some are quite rare.

Dorrie is anxious to find new members for the Friends group as she is leaving Denman soon and would like to feel that she can leave here with the Sandy Islands Park in good hands.

Membership

Winter Wren Wood

Upcoming DCA Event

An interesting discussion started at the Board meeting on May 16. It concerned the types of properties that DCA should seek to acquire. The issue was whether DCA should buy, for preservation, lands on which public access for recreation would not be permitted. Directors agreed that some of our land should accommodate walking trails for public use, as for instance does Winter Wren Wood.

The issue was whether we would ever buy land intending that there should be no access.

Members of DCA who are interested in this policy question are urged to talk to directors, or perhaps write a letter. Your editor would welcome correspondence on this topic. J.M.

2005 Annual General Meeting

The AGM was held at the Old School on Monday 21 March. Roxanna Mandryk presided over the attentive crowd of forty members.

Yoshihara thanked retiring directors Bentley LeBaron, Concha Dennis and Dorrie Woodward for their years of service to the Association. Token gifts of silly garden ornaments were presented to the retiring directors, seemingly as much for the entertainment of the audience as for the gratification of the retirees. (It appears that a commitment to DCA has to be for life. Ed.)

DCA Directors elected for 2005 are:

Legal Case against 4064 Ltd.

On 16th March the Legal Committee of Denman Conservancy met with Henning and Tomas Nielsen, at their request, to discuss the DCA suit against 4064 Investments Ltd. As was published in a flyer in the Grapevine last week, the Nielsens are in the process of acquiring 4064 Investments, Ltd. One of the 'subject to' conditions of their agreement concerns the DCA legal case.

Among the agreed conditions for the meeting was that the discussion would be confined to the legal case, as distinct from the larger subject of any future development plans for the 4064 lands.

The Legal Committee reiterated that the DCA has always been open to a settlement offer and provided the Nielsens with principles that outline the conditions necessary for asettlement of the case to be acceptable to DCA. The Nielsens suggested that if a settlement were agreed on, it could come into effect on the same date as the transfer of title, at the end of August. It is understood that the Nielsens intend to prepare a settlement proposal.

DCA's legal case against 4064 Investment Ltd. is aimed at securing covenants around the Railway Marsh and along the Komas Bluff. The Hancock sales contract required that these lands have covenants placed on them. The rights of Hancock to enforce that contract have been assigned to DCA. The suit seeks the covenants as well as damages to compensate for the logging in the Railway Grade Marsh area that the covenants would have prevented.

In the meantime, the DCA intends to protect its conservation interests by continuing with the litigation.

Highlights of Reports to the AGM

DEVELOPMENT POLICY

The board adopted a policy on development in 2004. The basis of the policy is that the DCA board does not take a position in support of, or in opposition to, a development proposal whether it is on or off Denman Island, and that we do not undertake projects that include development as a component.

WINTER WREN WOOD

Peter Karsten’s signs were placed along a summer nature trail from June to October. A short extension to this trail with a boardwalk over a small swampy area is planned and will be done when the water is lower this summer.

A monitoring schedule involving neighbours in the area during the hot, dry summer was established. Signage was made clear and the parking area was closed for a short time at the high fire risk period last summer.

This summer the nature trail will be marked again for use. A school workshop day is planned for June similar to the successful event held two years ago.

INNER ISLAND NATURE RESERVE

The Inner Island management committee has recently amended and submitted the Management Plan for the Reserve as required by the Islands Trust Fund.

HOME & GARDEN TOUR

>This years HOME & GARDEN TOUR will be on 18^th & 19^th of June. The number of tickets will be limited to 1500 and they will go on sale on May 15 at the Denman Craft Store and other outlets. Leslie Dunsmore and Roxanna Mandryk will be co-ordinators this year.

LINDSAY – DICKSON NATURE RESERVE

A trail plan has been approved by the owners, Islands Trust Fund, and trail construction (mainly clearing out existing old roads) will commence soon. Two entry points will have signs. Both will be from Mallard Road.

COVENANT PROJECT

DCA’s expertise in creating covenants is being pulled together to establish a user–friendly system to support the placing of Conservation Covenants on Denman lands. The pilot project has been to work with Daniel Terry to create a covenant for the bluffs section of his property at the top of the big hill, the location of his proposed chocolate factory.

A workshop to provide information about covenants to all interested Islanders is planned for later this year.

As announced with a flyer in last week’s Grapevine DCA has established The Ruth Terry Conservation Covenant Fund to assist Denman Islanders who may require financial support to place conservation covenants on their lands. Please consider making a donation to support the Ruth Fund.

SOLICITOR DOUG OLSTEAD HONOURED

Since the first days, writing the constitution and by-laws of the Denman Conservancy, Doug Olstead has provided us with his carefully thought-out advice. With his semi-retirement from practice, he is also retiring from his role as DCA’s solicitor, although he has agreed to see a few ongoing files to their conclusion.

The extent of Doug’s contribution to DCA is hard to measure. As he didn’t send us any bills we don’t even have a $$$ count that would be some indication. From the legal leverage he devised for us to intervene, and ultimately to preserve the Lindsay-Dickson lands, to the creation of new tools for covenanting, Doug has helped DCA throughout its existence. His clear explanations of the law to baffled Board members will certainly be missed.

To honour Doug’s service DCA has created the Doug Olstead Award of $200, which will be awarded annually for the next five years to a Denman Island youth aged 15 or 16.

The award for community service (not academic achievement) will be presented at the AGM to a youth from Denman who is judged to have contributed most to conservation or other community purposes.

Upcoming DCA Events

April 2 Medicinal Plants: talk by Sheila Salas (see item in today’s Grapevine)

Denman Conservancy Notes

DCA legal action against 4064 Investments Ltd.

I would like to take you back, back more than seven years to a meeting at the Coast Westerly Hotel in Courtenay on a sunny afternoon, 30th June 1997. The John Hancock Timber Group had invited representatives of the Denman Forestry Initiative (DFI) and the Forestry Committee of DIRA without revealing the purpose of the meeting. As it turned out, it was not a discuss-and-try-to-agree meeting, but more like that meeting at the Pearly Gates where you find out your fate.

Our hosts were late so we sat around in the foyer wondering if we were being stood up, though the clerk at the desk assured us that a room had been booked. Tension built as we waited over half an hour. Finally the other parties arrived and we crowded into the small meeting room. Those from the Corporations arranged themselves at one end of the table and we sat around the perimeter of the room, backs to the wall as it were.

John Davis (from Hancock) announced that their Denman holdings had been sold that day. Mr. Larkam of Northland Development represented the buyer, although it appeared that he had flipped the property immediately to 4064 Investments Ltd. Mr. Davis also announced that, as a sort of parting gift from John Hancock to the Community, covenants were to be placed on two land areas that had been identified to Hancock as particularly sensitive.

To the invited groups Mr. Davis hand delivered a letter dated June 30, 1997 that said in part:

"The sales agreement we structured with Northland also includes protective covenants requiring the new owners to pursue protection of certain sensitive areas on Denman Island(specifically the areas buffering Komass (sic) Bluff and the Railway Grade Marsh) by working with public agencies and/or private conservation groups. We strongly encourage you to express your interest in supporting this effort to Northland and to Mike Jenks, and perhaps to assist them in finding an organization, or organizations, willing to accept responsibility for maintaining the covenants."

Although the Denman Conservancy Association (DCA) had been having some discussions with Hancock about conservation of sensitive ecosystems, DCA was not among the groups invited that day.

DCA promptly expressed to 4064 its interest in assisting with the creation of the covenants, as did the Islands Trust Fund (ITF). Some meetings were held with Mike Jenks and a draft covenant prepared by DCA and the ITF was discussed. With the exception of a few clauses, Mr. Jenks generally agreed to the draft covenant; however, he subsequently broke off discussions. 4064 apparently made no progress towards actually placing covenants on the properties.

By the time logging was stopped, 4064 had removed approximately 80% of the timber from the intended covenant area. In order to preserve its legal rights before their expiry, DCA filed a Statement of Claim in Supreme Court of BC in late June 2002.

Taking any legal action was complicated by DCA’s desire to purchase land from 4064, particularly the Chickadee Lake parcel. Chickadee Lake had been the centre of its fund-raising efforts since 1998. DCA made two written offers to the partners of 4064 for Chickadee in late 2002 and early 2003. Both offers were based on a BC certified appraisal. 4064 was unaware of our pending legal action at the time of those first two offers. Both offers were rejected.

With the serving of the writ to 4064 in 2003, no further purchase offers were made through the spring & summer of that year. Our legal case is based on ‘breach of contract’. We are asking to have covenants placed on the Railway Grade Marsh and Komas Bluffs as well as damages to compensate for the logging, in the Railway Grade Marsh area, which the covenants would have prevented.

We initiated some attempts at out-of-court settlement of the legal action late in 2003, but no progress was made towards a settlement.

DCA has registered Certificates of Pending Litigation (CPLs) on the titles of all the parcels of 4064 lands that were identified by the Hancock’s sales contract to have covenants placed on them.

DCA was approached this year by 4064 to voluntarily lift the Certificates of Pending Litigation registered on some parcels at the south end of the Komas Bluff that were in the process of being sold. Threatened with court action, we chose to write a letter to 4064 that, although we are not required to do so, we are willing, under specified conditions, to lift those CPLs. At present our letter of March 2004 has not been acknowledged and the CPLs remain on the parcels.

The Case continues. Following after the process of ‘Discovery of Documents’, amended Statements of Claim and Defence have now been filed, and we are proceeding to the ‘Examinations for Discovery’. The DCA continues to view litigation as a last resort and would prefer to settle this matter with 4064.

This article has become far too long, but still I have left out some of the twists and turns! Most of these are documented in back issues of the Newsletters, available on this web site.

New Board Member

In August the Board appointed David Freeman as a member of the Board. David has agreed to be treasurer for the Conservancy while Concha takes a break from this responsibility.

DCA Conservation Covenant Project

In July, DCA initiated a new project -- the DCA Conservation Covenant Project. A conservation covenant is a voluntary written agreement that allows landowners to permanently protect natural features of their land. Registered on the property's title, a conservation covenant can be a powerful tool for successfully protecting private land for ecological purposes.

DCA has acquired some expertise relative to conservation covenants in recent years. To facilitate this work into the future, the Board has decided that this important function needs to be better structured, sustainable and user-friendly.

To that end, procedures, informational materials, and templates are being developed by DCA to facilitate placement and maintenance of conservation covenants on Denman.

In the months to come, DCA will introduce these materials to the community in an effort to give profile to this important option by which landowners may protect the ecological values of their property in perpetuity.

Membership

Conservancy will once again have a table at the Christmas Craft Faire on Denman Island, December 4 & 5. Members will be able to check whether their subscription is up-to-date.
We welcome inquiries about our activities and hope to sign up some new members.

A Board Policy on Development Projects

The DCA Board has, for several years wrestled with the issue of its ‘position’ on proposed development projects on Denman Island. Even when the members of the board were unanimous in their judgement about a project it did not seem right to make any statement which would be interpreted as representing the views of the whole membership of the Association.
Conservancy has a membership of over 200 Island residents and we believe that they all support our constitutional purpose, the first clause of which reads:

To preserve, protect and enhance the quality of the human and natural environment of the Denman Island area;”

However it is easy to see that opinions on the merits of a project that proposes to include enhancement of the human environment as well as protection and/or enhancement of the natural environment can vary among members. The Board believes it is best for individual members to represent their own views in the democratic processes of decision-making on the Island. However, this does not preclude that there may be occasions where an organizational position is warranted, as the following Board policy provides.

In May of this year the Board adopted a policy for guidance of its decisions about projects.

DCA Policy re Development
Adopted by DCA Board 17 May, 2004

The Chickadee Lake Saga

The Conservancy established the Island Legacy Fund in 1997 to acquire some key properties to be part of a Protected Areas Network because they were imminently threatened by industrial logging.

Since then Chickadee Lake has been the centre of our fund-raising efforts, and for it we have made four purchase offers to the owner, all of which have been rejected.

Our first two offers were made in late 2002 and early 2003. Both offers were based on a BC certified appraisal (which included a certified timber valuation) commissioned by DCA. The property was appraised at $585,000 and this figure constituted our first offer. Our second offer was 5% above this figure. This was reported in the Grapevine about a year ago. 4064 Investments has continued to suggest an acceptable price at somewhere around $1.3 million, but we never received a certified appraisal from them that might validate this asking price.

It is noted that the Owner was unaware of our pending legal action at the time of those first two offers. The DCA sued 4064 Investments over an unrelated matter arising from the failure of 4064 to comply with terms of its purchase agreement regarding placing covenants on the Railway Marsh and Komas Bluff properties. With the serving of the writ to 4064, no further purchase offers were made through the spring & summer of 2003.

Funds for our original offers were from five sources: cash-on-hand (made up of donations, some Home & Garden Tour funds, Lindsay Dickson surplus, etc); individual pledges; institutional pledges; funds held on our behalf at the Seattle Foundation, Islands Trust Fund & Nature Conservancy of Canada; and a mortgage.

We tried very hard to reach an agreement for the purchase of Chickadee Lake because December 31, 2003 was a significant date in this whole 6 1/2 year odyssey. On that date Mountain Equipment Coop's $50,000 pledge was withdrawn. In addition, at the end of March 2004 another institutional pledge of $75,000 from Habitat Conservation Trust Fund expired. You can imagine after our years of concerted efforts to raise these funds, just how discouraging it is to have to let them go.

Most individual pledges have now technically expired though some people hung in for three years. Thank you so much for your support.

The implication of the foregoing is that since December 31, 2003, our resources available to purchase Chickadee have diminished significantly. Coupled with the wide discrepancy of perspectives on the value of this property, DCA's purchase of Chickadee Lake is not considered feasible at this time.

What now will happen to all the funds that have been raised? It's a question the Conservancy Board takes very seriously. A daylong Special Board Meeting at the beginning of April began a review of our priorities and will result in a proposal for new endeavours.

Creating Moist Biotopes, Part 2, Making a Pond

I have created several ponds, because I like the wonderful diversity of plant and animal species that can be attracted or planted there. Another real plus is you do not have to water a water garden during our long, dry summers.

It is simple to build an amphibian habitat. Dig a bowl-shape depression or pick an existing one in a spot with dappled shade. The size of the bowl is dictated by the size of a piece of rubber pond liner you must acquire first.

Rubber pond liners come in 10-foot width and cost about 85 to 95 cents a square foot. One can “weld” pieces together for large ponds, but a 10 by 15 or 20 foot piece will make a good size habitat. A rubber liner works best: it does not break down in UV light, as plastic does, and it is quite resistant to puncturing, provided you prepare the bed for it by removing sharp rocks and padding it with discarded carpet. The carpet outlets are happy to let you pick it out of their garbage dumpsters.

Put two layers of carpet down and cut the overhangs the way you want the pond’s edge to form. Now drape the pond liner on it with about 8 to 10 inches of overhang. Next, fill the pond with water and let it shape itself to the walls and bottom until it begins to run over.

By tugging and pushing the carpet and liner, even out the water level to match up the shape of the final edge of the pond. You may have to back fill in some spots to keep the liner up and dig away a bit more in others. The idea is not to waste expensive pond liner. Leave the water in the pool and fold any surplus liner to create a ridge. Tamp more earth under it to form the rim.

The final touch is a “sausage” of stiff concrete poured on the rim to give it a solid edge. While the concrete is still wet, sprinkle earth of the surrounding area on it to match colour and texture to give it a natural look. You can also drape chunks of moss over it. It will establish itself and “soften” the edge even more.

Because some concrete will drop into the water and create chemical conditions harmful to aquatic animals, you should drain and refill it before you slide pots with water lilies and other plants into it. You will find many species at nurseries or you can use native plants such as water plantain and sedges.

Red-legged frogs and tree frogs will show up on their own, in time. Newts probably need to be imported as larvae. Amphibians can be “planted” in new ponds if they do not exist in the area. To introduce amphibians to a breeding pond one must start with eggs or tadpoles and larvae, NOT adult animals. Adults must stay at their home pond to which their productive pattern is keyed. Emerging froglets and newtlets will make their home in the vicinity of the pond in which they were raised and return to it to breed. This is nature’s way to improve the chances for the species to survive.

Technically one is not supposed to capture and transplant wildlife in BC. There are, however, situations where a small water hole is about to dry up early in the summer. It may have newt larvae, which will not mature in time to breathe with lungs rather than gills and would be lost. I don’t think it is a crime to rescue them. [Transferring animals within Denman Island should not cause problems but we advise against bringing them from off-island wild locations. Ed.]

You will be astounded how many creatures are attracted by water. Peter Karsten

The Mysterious 12%

I have often wondered why so many governments have as their environmental goal to protect 12% of the land in its natural state in order to preserve a sample of the natural diversity of living things. They usually say that the Bruntland Report (e.g. The Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development entitled “Our Common Future”) suggested the 12%, although I can’t find any mention of it in my copy. Few people, I believe, know how devastating it would be if only 12% were protected. (Our Common Future P 166: ‘the total expanse of protected areas needs to be at least tripled if it is to constitute a representative sample of earth’s ecosystems.’ In the previous paragraph the report quoted existing percentages of protected areas such as Russia 2.5%, North America 8.1%. Ed)

Professor E.O. Wilson of Harvard has studied the effects of land area on biodiversity. From studies and experiments in many parts of the world he has derived a correlation linking area with the number of species of flora and fauna present. Put simply, as a rule of thumb: “a tenfold decrease in area cuts the number of species in half.” (see “The Diversity of Life,” by E.O. Wilson, p. 220 et seq)

So by protecting only 12% of the province, we are unknowingly accepting the fact that approximately 48% of the existing flora and fauna will eventually become extinct! If more people knew this, we would be aiming at protecting something like 50% of the province and the country.

HOME & GARDEN TOUR 2004

The 2004 HOME & GARDEN TOUR ticket has been filled for Conservancy’s biggest annual fundraiser. Eleven generous property owners will open their homes and gardens for public viewing on June 19^th and 20^th. And more than 100 volunteers make this huge undertaking possible.

Islanders and visitors alike will have a chance to visit the amazing rose collections found in the exquisite gardens of Sudasi & Swann Gardner, Joan & Roger Vinnedge, and Sandy & Des Kennedy. After a hiatus of some years, Danni Crenna/Bentley Le Baron, Dennis Forsyth/Marilyn Jensen, Jean Cockburn/Jack Mounce, and Effie & Harold Gluesteen have kindly agreed to be on the Tour once again. With expanded perennial beds, fanciful ponds, new house additions and artful gates, these already stellar properties have become fabulous.

With the support of loving friends and volunteers, Ruth and Daniel Terry’s garden has been turned into a celebration of Ruth’s life - with her love of nature, brilliant sense of garden design, and generosity to Denman’s community. Ruth passed away March 19^th, but she will be with us in spirit on Tour Days, amongst the beauty she created in her intimate, vigorous garden nestled against their home at Snakehaven.

New to the tour this year are 3 amazing properties. Concha & Tom Dennis, over a 30-year period, have created a wonderful, healthy oasis of gardens surrounded by farm fields at the Lake Farm. Joan & David Scruton will be opening their beautiful custom-built home, furniture workshop, and refurbished barn – with a full collection of farm animals, vegetable and fruit beds and a 100’ rose-clematis curved pergola. Ella Day’s home with its curving lines sits atop a high waterfront bluff. Weave through the forest past stunning flower gardens, gentle pavilions for healing the body and soul, organic vegetable plots, a Japanese stone garden, and water features.

In the coming months, the coordinators (Rochelle Allison and Leslie Dunsmore), will once again arrange Art in the Garden. Denman artists will be selected to show samples of their large garden art on site. Village events for the weekend will include a Garden Club Plant Sale (with a percentage of the proceeds to Conservancy), the DIACS-sponsored Garden Art Show in the Sr. Gallery, and an opening of the heritage Denman Anglican Church.

Tickets go on sale at the Denman Craft Shop as of May 15^th. A $3 ticket gains you entry to individual sites to see the creativity of fellow islanders. A $15 ticket gives you access to all the homes and gardens.

UPDATE: Our legal action against 4064 Investments Ltd.

Attempts to settle the case are reported in the Chickadee Saga above. We were also recently approached by 4064 to voluntarily lift the Certificates of Pending Litigation (CPLs) registered against some portions of the southerly end of the Komas Bluff that are the subject of an imminent sale. As we were threatened with court action, we chose to write to 4064 that we are willing, under specified conditions, to lift those CPLs. As we go to press our letter has gone unacknowledged and the CPLs remain on the parcels.

DCA has registered CPLs on all the titles of parcels of 4064 lands that were identified by Hancock’s sales contract to have covenants placed on them. The rights of Hancock to enforce that contract have been assigned to DCA. Our suit seeks to have covenants placed on the Railway Grade Marsh and Komas Bluffs as well as damages to compensate for the logging in the Railway Grade Marsh area that the covenants would have prevented.

DCA Directors for 2004

Carol Freeman J Thornton
Bentley LeBaron Patti Willis
Denise MacKean Dorrie Woodward

Nature Walks and Talks

Saturday, April 10 Mike Morrell, marine biologist and enthusiastic clam digger, will give a short talk on “Denman Island Clams” followed by a clam field-trip in the Fillongley/Cable Beach area. Because we need a low tide for this expedition, we will meet at 2:00 pm at the Old School.

Saturday, April 17 at 10:00 am, Sheelagh Salas will lead a search for “Medicinal Plants” in the area around the Old School. The will be a great opportunity to get a taste for the ages old tradition of collecting and using medicinal plants. Sheelagh teaches an on-going one-year herbalist program on Denman.

Saturday, May 8 there will be an extended trip “Botanizing and Birding on Tree Island,” led by Dorrie Woodward and Patrick Fawkes. Dorrie was a founding member of the Friends of Tree Island and is familiar with the island’s flora. Patrick knows the birds in the area from the monthly Coastal Waterbird Survey he carries out for Bird Studies Canada. The tides will be exceptionally low on May 8, so we will have plenty of time to explore. Watch the Grapevine for the time and place to meet.

Jenny Balke and Patrick Fawkes will present “Denman Island Birds and Birdsongs” later in May. (Watch the Grapevine for this date). Jenny, a professional biologist and birdsong recorder has given short courses on D.I. birds several times, using her own recordings and photographs. Patrick is an enthusiastic birder and neophyte recorder.

Saturday, June 5, John Tayless, marine biologist, will lead the ever-popular “Minus Tide Beach Walk”. Those who came to John’s “Herring, Plankton and Sea Lions” talk in March have first hand experience of his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm about anything to do with marine life.

The series ends with Hamish Kimmins’ exploration entitled “Ecological Detective--Discover the Ecology of Your Own Property” when he will lead us round his property giving clues to help us discover the ecological relationships of plants and animals on our own properties. Hamish is a professor of Forest Ecology at U.B.C. This outing will be in June, after the house and Garden Tour. The date and time will be given in the Grapevine.

Anne de Cosson ‘Mother’ of the Conservancy

Every community has its unsung heroes. You know these folks. They are people who, while raising their families, going to work, in the course of everyday life just go out and save the world. Here on Denman Island, my particular heroes are those who do the hard work required to protect the forests and nature of this special place.

Anne de Cosson is one of our unsung heroines. She is one of the main instigators of the Denman Conservancy Association and the impetus behind the formation of this organization. We think of her as the Mother of the Conservancy.

Anne and her husband, Larry Berg, raised their sons, (who are now three grown up men but at that time were lively little boys), and created their organic apple orchard, all the while trying to save the Lindsay-Dickson lands next-door to them. Many people tried to find a way to save that magnificent forest, but it was a small group consisting of Des Kennedy, Dave Fraser, Phyllis Fabbi, Glen Snook, and Anne (of course with the dedicated support of others who came on board later--George Ferry and Juan Barker particularly come to mind), who got together and made it happen. The initial board of directors spent nearly every Friday night that first year huddled around Anne and Larry’s kitchen table and got the Conservancy up and running.

Anne has worked tirelessly for the Conservancy. Many times she has served as the board co-chair or secretary, taking responsibility for moving the organization forward. From the very first House and Garden tour Anne has been involved in some major part of the event. In those early days there was quite a bit more work to do because the DCA organized both the kitchen and the dessert table on top of everything else. Anne has been a volunteer co-organizer of the tour on several occasions. As well her home, the East Cider Orchard, has been featured on the Tour at least twice.

In 2001 one of our long struggles ended and the Lindsay-Dickson forest was saved. Anne is a member of DCA’s Lindsay-Dickson Management Committee.

Our “mother” is stepping down from the board, but of course, not from the Conservancy. The DCA became the effective organization it is today thanks to the diligent efforts of people like Anne de Cosson. Thank you so much, Anne. Susan-Marie Yoshihara

Island Legacy Project -- Chickadee Lake

On the morning of August 16, residents near Chickadee Lake were startled awake by neighbours calling Sunday sleepers with the worst of messages: "Fire at the Lake!" Grabbing hoes, shovels and buckets, volunteers followed the smell of smoke. With flames creeping along the bone dry duff of the forest floor and stretching close to crown in the old cedars, it was only the quick work of the fire department with help of neighbours and island visitors who managed to contain the fire at about an acre. By afternoon, the unmistakably acrid smell of saturated and charred wood greeted those who came to inspect the sad wound at Chickadee.

This close call has reinforced the need for the perpetual protection of this special area, which is a "hotspot for biodiversity" and is among the top 100 most critical properties for conservation in the Georgia Basin Ecosystem Catalogue. As previously reported, the Denman Conservancy Association has made two purchase offers at fair market value to the owners of the 32.5ha Chickadee property. Though both offers were turned down, funding for the purchase remains in place. However, significant institutional pledges will begin to expire at the end of the year and the promise of the five-year odyssey to acquire Chickadee will fade. However, DCA still hopes that this fragile sanctuary, dear to the hearts of so many on Denman, may yet be saved. ~ Patti Willis

Winter Wren Wood at Chickadee Lake

The much anticipated fall rains have revived Winter Wren Wood: mushrooms are sprouting, step mosses are adding another layer to their carpet, sword ferns stand tall, and the Winter Wrens are calling.

It will take a few more weeks of rain to fill the small wetlands and get the frogs to return.

There was lots of activity in the Wood in June when 28 students from grades 4, 5 & 6 at the Community School biked in to learn some natural history “in the field”. Four islanders with expertise in small mammals, birds, lake life and edible plants, showed small groups of students some of the animals and plants that can be seen and heard, if you really look and listen.

When the fire hit 4064’s nearby property in August, the Wood was closed to the public and a group of local residents organized to patrol the Wood to ensure no-one was there, especially after dark. The closure lasted till mid September. Previously, on several occasions during the summer, campers had been encountered and were asked to leave. Camping and campfires are not permitted in the Wood at any time and prominent signs are posted near the entrance.The public is encouraged to enjoy Winter Wren Wood in all its seasons - there is always something interesting to experience. ~Patrick Fawkes

Nature Walks & Workshops Starting this Fall

A series of Saturday morning Nature Walks will be lead this Fall through to next Summer. These walks are for all ages - adults, youths, children and families. Although we have experienced leaders for the walks we welcome anyone who has knowledge to share on these topics to come along. Meet 9.30 at the Old School.

Watch for dates and more details of each Walk to be published in the Grapevine and posted in the Conservancy box outside the General Store. Walks we are planning for 2004 are:

Nov. 8 - Winter Waterbirds: Patrick Fawkes & Mike Morrell

Nov. 22 - Bird Nestbox Building Workshop: Peter Karsten

Lindsay-Dickson Nature Reserve

The trails committee has produced a recommendation for the location of trails in the reserve. We are currently awaiting Islands Trust approval of this plan so work can commence. Trails where the small amount of remedial work was done last fall on some of the heavily rutted areas, are looking mellower with the passing of the seasons. ~ Linda Mather

This Place…Sometimes, it’s when we are away from Denman that those special places loom largest. Sitting in traffic in Vancouver, or in the middle of a round of endless town stops, or during a stressful emotional time, a Denman scene will flash brightly and leave a measure of peace. Those of us lucky enough to live here have many special places, visitors a few they often return to year after year ... McFarlane beach on a summer afternoon, kids splashing, adults visiting, hot, hot sun ... the cool of a swim in the middle of Chickadee Lake, silver quiet ... being enveloped by the ancient greenness on a path in Fillongley ... summer sunsets off Millard Rd. beach, when everyone at the potluck goes silent and watches, awed yet again ... the dinosaur-days flavour of the path to Betty’s beach where one could easily sight a large head munching on ferns ... places that become part of each of us, forever.

To honour those places of and by themselves and respect that interaction between people and place, the Denman Conservancy Association was born in 1991. The DCA continues to give those places a voice, 12 years later. Without people willing to speak to that interplay between nature and society, without people willing to be vocal about the need to preserve a distance between use of the land and simple untouched existence of the land, we would all have fewer and fewer special places.

The Denman Conservancy is there to ‘preserve, protect and enhance the quality of the human and natural environment of Denman Island.’ In a tangible way: we now have the Pickles Rd. reserve, the Lindsay-Dickson Nature Reserve and Winter Wren Wood on Chickadee Lake, all thanks to enormous community effort spearheaded by the DCA. The huge task of preserving Chickadee Lake still lies before us, and the DCA continues to keep that effort in the forefront.

In the past few years, the DCA has been taken to task by some members of the community for advocating so strongly for the natural environment. There was public eye-rolling about the DCA role in the Great Logging Disaster of 1997, about its clear voice during the OCP process, about a 101 decisions made that were seen to be valuing place over people.

That is the whole point of the Conservancy. The DCA does speak for place, does fight for the retention of untrammelled land, and does say people must respect their intrinsic tie to the natural world around them. The voices shouting for the need to "use" all land are becoming louder and louder. We must have equally strong voices advocating simply leaving some land alone.

Of course there will be controversy. If the DCA is fulfilling its mandate, there will be voices raised in discussion about where the balance lies between use and land stewardship, between immediate human needs for housing and work and the long-term human need for a peaceful connection to land around them. To be a strong and sure community, we must speak of these things openly, we must discuss and agree or agree to disagree. This is not divisive, an "us and them" scenario of right and wrong, but rather a debate about the best way for our island to be. When all have been heard, and there is moment of silence, we, the lucky people of Denman Island can reflect on those special places, and be grateful that they exist and that we can hold them dear for ourselves, all our Denman children and children to come. ~ Leslie Gillett

Creating Moist Habitats

After the persistent efforts in the last century to “drain the swamps” for arable lands and urban real estate we welcome the new trend to protect and even recreate wetlands in many countries.

I was amazed to see the work of community volunteers in and around my old hometown in Germany in the eighties. Wetland advocates had banded together to clean up former water holes, previously used as refuse dumps, and to restore wet habitats on public land.

I saw many rich little ponds and wet ditches, where I remembered as a child searching for tadpoles and newts. These had been destroyed between 1950 and 1980, but now teamed with life again. This work had been done on many scales from several hectares to back yard ponds.

My friends who took me around to see the wet biotopes had a recycled bathtub behind their house, filled with aquatic plants, inhabited by three species of newts, and a frog. They lived in a residential district bordering on a forest. That area used to have an orchard, pasture land and wet ditches plus a small pond. All had been levelled and erased.

Amphibians had lived in this macro habitat for eons and every spring wandered to the water bodies to breed. They could not find their water holes and instead entered swimming pools in their confusion and desperation. They died, either trapped there or poisoned by the chemicals in the water. Water, which they needed to reproduce, became a death trap.

The local naturalists had encouraged people to set up mini ponds, no more than clean freshwater with certain plant species, which the newts select to attach their eggs. Marsh forget-me-not is one of the “magnetic” species that lures the amphibians to the man made ponds. Newts of the genus Triturus fold the leaves under water and place one egg in the fold, while holding it for a few minutes for the gel to cure and fix the egg nicely in a little envelope.

Our indigenous rough-skinned newt does not use this method, it simply attaches the eggs to plants, and other objects near the bottom. For those with swimming pools, floating a good size board on the pool with a ramp leading to the edge can save small animals (in Germany, hedgehogs) from drowning. Newts would use these ramps to escape and look for more suitable “ponds”.

We do not have to go to Europe to see wetland restoration. We must applaud the designers of the Inland Highway 19, who created many such habitats along the highway where run-off is ollected in ponds before it is released. There is also a toad migration under-pass towards Campbell River. I have stopped at these ponds and indeed tadpoles and newts can be seen there in the spring. ~ Peter Karsten
(In our next issue Peter will describe the ponds he has built on Denman Island ~Ed.)

DCA Legal action against 4064 Investments

Without going before a Judge agreement-in-principle was reached on issues arising from the Security for Costs application. Denman Conservancy Association will keep a sufficient amount of funds in its bank account to cover the estimated costs. We will drop that part of our suit that names Mike Jenks personally and in exchange, the Defendants will agree that they will not claim that the Defendant, 4064 Investments Ltd., (of which Mike Jenks is a director and part owner), was not a party to, or obligated under, the Contract of Purchase and Sale that is the basis of our action. Denman Conservancy will have no liability for the Defendants' costs relative to the "Security for Costs" action, nor for any costs Mr. Jenks may have expended for his personal defence to date.

Our suit seeks to have covenants placed on the Railway Grade Marsh and Komas Bluffs as well as damages to compensate for the logging in the Railway Grade Marsh area that the covenants would have prevented.

The contracts by which 4064 bought these properties from Hancock on June 30, 1997 required that covenants be placed in these two areas. When logging occurred in the Railway Grade Marsh three years ago without the covenants in place, DCA asked Hancock to enforce the contract, which Hancock declined to do. However, they assigned their rights in the matter to DCA. Our action continues. ~ DCA legal committee

Buffalo Laundry Soap (A Soap Operetta)

Not so long ago I was amazed to see that someone has taken that “waste” product and turned it into something useful, Buffalo Laundry Soap. The soap that goes into Buffalo Laundry Soap is collected from hotels and motels in Victoria and the Lower Mainland. It is dried, powdered, and finally mixed with borax and washing soda, two environmentally friendly disinfecting and water conditioning agents.

I’ve been using Buffalo laundry soap in my front-loading washing machine for about a year now. I like it because it reuses something useful that would otherwise end up in a dump somewhere, but also because it doesn’t make much foam and my washing machine seems to like that.

Washday Test Results
While the soap works fine for me, a little more research was in order so I asked two intrepid volunteer researchers to test the laundry soap. Both volunteers have hard water.

The first volunteer found that with a warm water wash and rinse, the soap cleaned her laundry quite acceptably. However, she mentioned that she missed the bubbles that her usual brand of commercial laundry detergent produced.

Our second volunteer washed a load of really dirty work clothes and was also satisfied with the results. She, too, noticed that there were few soap suds. Both volunteers wondered if the assumption that soap bubbles equal cleaning power is conditioned by detergent advertising more than by experience.

Questions that came out in the wash
The volunteers wondered if laundry soap was safe for a septic tank. They also wondered if any germs could be transported by the recycled soap. Finally, they wanted to know if the quality of the laundry soap would be consistent given the variety of bar soaps that could be used to make it--different colours, scents, quality.

An e-mail from the manufacturer, Roger Sevigny, addressed these concerns. “Soap is simply saponified fat, that is lye mixed with oil or fat. [Most] detergents are petroleum-based surfactants that contain florescent optical whiteners, nitrates, biocides, etc. I have been told by a chemist that soap is milder and better for septic fields,” he wrote.

According to the manufacturer bacteria cannot live on soap, something that he had confirmed with a lab test. Regarding consistency, Mr. Sevigny said that “almost all hand soap is saponified oil not tallow, (animal fats) mainly because it is cheaper than tallow and almost all the oil is palm or canola. The difference lies in how it is milled, scented, air content and colouring. Basically there is very little difference.”

The issue of scent is a concern to many Denman Islanders. Buffalo Laundry Soap smells like--soap. It has a light, pleasant scent, but those of us who react to scent may find this a problem. I did not.

Buffalo Laundry Soap can be found in the laundry detergent section of Thrifty’s Stores. I paid $6.25 for a two kilo bag. ~ Susan-Marie Yoshihara

Catching the Sky

Now, in October he shows me that he has about 275 gallons left in his tanks. He and Donna have been using storage at 32 gallons per day in late September, and perhaps the dew has been adding 20 gallons some days. This supplies their needs for careful washing and cooking and some essential laundry. Their toilets are flushed with non-potable well water, and that well also supplies irrigation water for the garden.

They started this summer of drought with 6000 gallons stored in their cisterns, a total of five poly tanks of 1000 or 1500 gallons each. Three tanks are in the basement and two black ones are outside under a deck. Outside tanks must be black to avoid growing algae. John thinks poly tanks should also be shielded from the sun to prolong their life.

Did the Millens make it through until the rains finally come? Or did they resort to getting 1000 gallons delivered, pumped into one of their empty outside tanks? Hear the answer on November 5th, the first of two evenings of presentations and discussions on this subject at the Community School.

Learn About Cisterns Catching the Sky (for your domestic water stash) is a short course in the basics of low-tech and high-tech cistern water storage installation. Over the two evenings participants will learn about the different types of cisterns, the costs involved and the technical aspects of installation. Questions about cistern overflow, filtering, freeze damage, water quality, and water testing will be addressed.

Local Islanders who have already installed cisterns will tell us what worked and what didn’t. Information from cistern suppliers and installers will also be available.

Lindsay-Dickson Nature Reserve

A copy of the Management Plan with maps and colour photos of the Reserve is in the Dora Drinkwater Library – ask at the desk.

Conservation Calendar

Winter Wren Wood

The car-park area has stood up well and those who are launching boats seem happy with their access. Several boats found a summer home by the lake. Plant regeneration looks good.

Presently we are placing a covenant on the property to be held by Islands Trust Fund. In preparation for this we drew up a management plan and did some tentative future trail planning. The present Nature Trail, with Peter Karsten's signs that were up all summer, is popular - especially with visiting grandchildren. Stop by any time and enjoy the tranquillity of the woods and the view of the lake.

Membership

The Legacy Fund -- Chickadee Lake

While creatures of various kinds enjoyed the Lake, behind the scenes in dim offices, at computer screens, on telephones and in meetings, the Acquisition Committee continued its work to raise the funds to save this cherished spot from logging and development. Among activities were site visits to Chickadee by various agencies, including both the Islands Trust Fund and the BC Nature Trust, who have confirmed the critical regional and provincial importance of Chickadee's ecology.

The intense efforts this summer "paid off " with substantial institutional and individual pledges. In particular, the generosity and foresight of Denman Islanders continues to have no bounds -- our gratitude!

2003 has been designated by the United Nations as the "Year of Freshwater." It is the Denman Conservancy's intention to ensure that in 2003 Denman's largest body of fresh water -- the 14 hectares of Chickadee Lake and its shores -- will finally be protected in perpetuity in concert with next year's world-wide aspirations. Stay tuned for more updates.

Valens Brook Salmon Project

This project was made possible by the support of the Ministry of Highways and the Ministry of Water Land and Air Protection.

Morrison Marsh South

Thanks to Newsletter Contributors: Jenny Balke, Leslie Dunsmore, Denise MacKean, John Millen, Patti Willis, Susan-Marie Yoshihara.

Conservancy Notes

The Annual General Meeting was held 25 February, and twenty seven dedicated folk attended.

There has been so much done by the Conservancy in the past year that it took till 9.20 pm to get through all the Committee reports. Most of these activities have been covered in this space before, so I will spare the reader.

Highlight of the year was securing the Lindsay Dickson property for conservation, culmination of the project that has been at the centre of our efforts for more than ten years.

The extensive support of the Association by the community is appreciated when reports of the year's activities are brought together and so much volunteer effort is recognised. Our paid membership this year reached 180.

The ten directors for this year are:
Juan Barker, Anne de Cosson, Concha Dennis, Patrick Fawkes, Marilyn Jensen, Des Kennedy, Bentley LeBaron, Denise MacKean, John Millen and Patti Willis.

AGM Minutes and our Annual Report will be available in our folder in the Dora Drinkwater Library.

This year's Home and Garden Tour will be held on June 22 and 23. Co-ordinators are Veronica Timmons and deNeen Baldwin.

Surveys and mapping for the Lindsay Dickson Nature Reserve management plan have been done and ideas will be presented for public discussion on Wednesday March 13, 7.30 pm in the Back Hall.

Conservancy Notes

Discussions have been continuing with Mr Jenks, owner of 4064 Investments, towards the purchase of the 80 acre Chickadee Lake parcel. We have exchanged our (different!) appraisals of the value of the property. On the adjacent Lake Road property, which the Association bought in 2000, we have begun a survey of its natural features with the intention of preparing a map of the property and its surrounding ecosystem.

The Baseline Report and Map for our project on the protection of the Morrison Marsh South property have been completed. These, with the draft Management Agreement and Covenant have been given to the land owner. This has been a major effort, partly supported by an EcoAction Grant, requiring a large amount of volunteer time from our members. We hope that the exemplary work will assist others to more easily prepare covenants for the protection of natural values.

At the AGM, Reports from the Directors will bring members up to date on all our activities. A feature presentation will be a review of our 10 years of progress in securing the conservation of environmentally sensitive lands on Denman. We will be holding an election for members of the Board of Directors. Any member who wishes to stand for election to the Board should contact Patti Willis or Juan Barker, our co-chairs. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor.

There will be a special resolution put forward to amend Part 5 Directors and Officers, of the Bylaws.

Islands Trust Fund has awarded the Association a small contract to prepare a Management Plan for the Lindsay Dickson Nature Reserve. The biological survey and mapping will be done by Denman Island professionals. A Public Consultation Meeting is planned for March when we expect to have draft map and Plan for discussion.

Elsewhere you will see notices for our spring Natural History Lectures. The next in the series will be by Jenny Balke on February 23.

Grapevine - November 29, 2001

Denman Conservancy Association Update

submitted by Des Kennedy

In the long-gone days of 1979 this community produced the first"Scrooge: A Denman Island Christmas Comedy." Scripted by Des Kennedy,the play took place on the small stage located at the far end of thecommunity hall. The production, which raised funds to renovate theAnglican Church, featured thespian stalwarts such as Gordon Wright,Diane Rains and Marcus Isbister as bewildered shepherds, three generations of Kellys, and Hamish Tait,Glen Snook and Dr. GeorgeStafford-Meyer as three dim-witted Wise Men.

Ten years later Des updated the script and a new, expanded production was mounted as the first-ever event on the new stage in the renovated community hall and raised money to help complete the renovation job. And another first: it was the first-ever public appearance of the fabulous Carmen Mirandas whowent on to blaze a glittering trail of glory across the social and political landscape of the island.

The 1989 version featured a stellar cast of 49 performers, including an Oscar-worthy turn by Norm Kelly in the role of old Ebenezer Scrooge; Theresa Comeau as the alluring Belle; a reprise of their Wise Men roles by HamishTait and Glen Snook; a best-supporting-actor nomination for Stirling Fraser playing Richard Nixon playing little Tiny Tim; smouldering performances by JohnKirk and Michael Lindsay as dysfunctional fire fighters; an all-too-familiar scene with Mike Comeau cracking corny jokes across thecounter; a sacrilegious stint by Louise Fraser and David Graham asthe expectant Mary and Joe searching for suitable accommodation;Jude Kirk as the Ghost of Christmas Present proclaiming her signatureline: "Touch my Tutu!" And much, much more.

The 1989 version was captured on video by Eddie Johnston wielding the island's first known video camera. Now, twelve years later, Denman Conservancy invites you to a feature screening of this local Christmas classic. The 75-minute video will be shown on the big screen at the Senior's hall on Saturday, December 8th at 8 pm. Come early if you want to stock up on popcorn. Admission is $5 with proceeds being split between Conservancy's Chickadee Lake campaign and the Community Hall's grand piano fund.

Please note that the show would not be of interest to children andwe're unable to provide childcare. Bringing a cushion to soften yourseat is a good idea. Also, be aware that this is an archival tape, shot on a hand-held camera in a darkened hall - it's a long way from technicolour panavision with Dolby surround sound. But it's pure Denman Island, laced with topical references of the day, and a "must see" for those who were here at the time, as well as for more recent arrivals with a healthy curiosity about how things were.

Our efforts to purchase Chickadee Lake continue unabated and undaunted. You may have noticed that our fundraising is intense, unremitting and downright shameless to save Chickadee! Generous individual donations and pledges of $10 to $10,000 from islanders and other supporters continue to arrive. Fund-raising activities, such as the Home &mp; Garden Tour, have also helped bolster the total. This summer, we specifically reached out to businesses and professions. We wish to honour those who so generously answered this call. In the months to come we will publish a list of all our donors. In the meantime, we are escalating our fundraising in the hopes of seeing Chickadee Lake out of harm's way as soon as possible. We need your help now. For information on making a donation or pledge, please contact: Denise MacKean (335-1608), Patti Willis (335-0351), Concha Dennis (335-2295) or Leslie Dunsmore (335-2918).

Our Vision, Our Reality

The crisis was two-fold: the beginning of logging in the Pickles Road woods surrounding the beaver pond, and the imminent logging and subdivision of the Lindsay-Dickson Forest.

The dream was of creating a protected areas network across the island - a landscape quilt of areas set aside forever because of their ecological or historic importance, their recreational value or scenic beauty, and stitched together by private holdings managed through a voluntary land stewardship program.

Community response was instantly enthusiastic; in less than a year, memberships and donations had raised over $11,000 and fund-raising events - primarily the first-ever home and garden tour - had brought in another $13,000. The Association acquired charitable taxation status and by December of 1992 had raised $70,000 to purchase 9.6 hectares of land on Pickles Road. After purchase the land was donated to the Islands Trust Fund to be held as the Inner Island Nature Reserve. This acquisition was part of a larger vision first articulated in 1988 in a study conducted by the Ratepayers and Residents Association.

Back in 1977 the community had succeeded in having the Vancouver Foundation and Raven Forest Products donate 23 hectares of land, including most of the beaver pond and surrounding forest, to the Crown to be held in perpetuity as a nature reserve. The parcels bought by Conservancy in 1992 connect the pond reserve with the quarter-section of Crown land that crosses Pickles Road. The vision we had - and still have - is to create Denman's largest protected natural area by combining the original 23 hectare pond parcel and the 9.6 hectare purchase property with the adjacent quarter-section of Crown land as well as the nearby quarter-section of Crown land just south of Chickadee lake. Our vision was that all these parcels could and should be retained as Crown land but be transferred to the Islands Trust Fund.

Unfortunately, successive provincial governments of all stripes have refused to act upon repeated requests and applications to have these Crown parcels transferred to the Trust Fund. For the past thirty years - long before Conservancy came into being - the community has consistently and repeatedly stated its desire to have all Denman vacant Crown land set aside for conservation and low-impact recreation uses. A meeting is scheduled this month with MLA Stan Hagen to again press for permanent protection of these lands through completion of the Inner Island Nature Reserve.

In the interim, the sale of Weldwood's Denman holdings to Hancock Timber, and the subsequent re-sale to 4064 Investments, dramatically escalated the urgency of securing more protected land, squeezed the time-line and inflated land prices. Racing against time, Conservancy struck a new acquisitions committee to develop a Legacy Project which identified nine parcels with high priority for conservation. Unhappily, six of the nine have subsequently been clear cut and their conservation values severely degraded.

An exception is the 30-hectare Chickadee Lake parcel which borders three sides of the lake. Conservancy gave top priority to purchase of this property from 4064. Again with consolidation in mind, in 2000 Conservancy purchased the 2.7 hectare Lake Road property which abuts the 4064 land to its east, the vacant Crown land quarter-section to its south and Chickadee Place to its north. Chickadee Place extends along the western shore of the lake and is held by the Ministry of Highways.

Success in acquiring the 4064 Chickadee Lake parcel would ensure that the entire lake was surrounded by protected land and, joined with the Crown parcels and nearby Inner Island Nature Reserve, would form a magnificent protected area of more than 200 hectares encompassing the lake, pond, wetlands, streams and upland forest. The purchase of Chickadee Lake and transfer of the Crown parcels remain ongoing challenges in pursuit of this dream.

But one of the many things we've learned over the past decade is not to give up on dreams. The other crisis that brought Conservancy into being - acquisition of the Lindsay-Dickson Forest - took more than ten years of fund-raising, lobbying and negotiating. It teetered repeatedly on the brink of collapse. Portions of the forest were badly mauled by patch logging and skidder trails shortly before it was acquired. And yet in the end it got done.

Notwithstanding the various difficulties and setbacks, and the Province's unfortunate decision to broker a deal involving exchange land on Quadra Island, at least Lindsay-Dickson has been spared the fate of far too much forested land on Denman, Quadra and many other islands. The property's outstanding conservation values have not been permanently compromised and will remain as a living legacy for those who come after us.

Throughout this decade of hard work and tough decisions, Conservancy has enjoyed tremendous support from across the community and beyond our shores. Supporters' generosity of spirit - in joining the organization, serving on the board of directors, volunteering for fund-raising events, serving on committees, lending technical support to our projects, donating funds, making pledges and loans, participating in the stewardship program, attending Conservancy workshops - has kept the initial dream alive and indeed allowed it to grow.

With your continued support, and a bit of luck, Denman may still achieve, beyond the clear cuts, a protected network of nature reserves and private lands in stewardship of which we can all be proud.

Conservancy's Lake Road Property

The Habitat Conservation Trust Fund is the group that so generously funded a large part of our Stewardship Project and we like to think of the 6 Acre Lake Road Property as Conservancy's own stewardship showcase.
by Denise MacKean

Lindsay-Dickson Nature Reserve

To achieve this goal, the following general management objectives have been established:

Thanks to the Newsletter crew:

Morrison Marsh South: Covenant

Other Activities this year

Elsewhere on our website:

Denman Conservancy Notes, 27 September 2001

Pickles Road: The bureaucratic SNAFU of the moment is that the agency which would decide on a road through the Pickles Road Crown Land block is not, as we were advised, the Ministry of Forests. It turns out they don't have any say in the use of that land. The British Columbia Assets and Land Corporation (BCALC) are the Jonnies on this spot. Now don't panic. All those letters you wrote are being forwarded to the BCALC office.

As I write this, BCALC had not received an application. If an application is received (by BCALC) it will be referred to the Islands Trust Local Committee for their input.

The Conservancy truly appreciates the work of the ad hoc 'Last Stand' committee on behalf of the community.

Chickadee Lake 80 acre parcel: The Islands Trust Fund has agreed to be a partner with us on the Chickadee block acquisition and is seeking additional sources of funds to help with the purchase. Our Project Partners now include: Islands Trust Fund; Nature Conservancy of Canada and The Land Conservancy of British Columbia.

Home and Garden Tour: We have selected June 22 - 23, 2002 as the weekend for next year's Home and Garden Tour. That is easy to remember, its the weekend of the summer solstice.

Our current membership is 165. If you have not had the opportunity to pay your membership for the current year perhaps you will drop by our booth at the Christmas Craft Faire.

Denman Conservancy - Hornby-Denman Island Grapevine August 30, 2001

The August meeting of Conservancy Board was well attended considering it's summer time! Maybe the cold weather had us fooled. The Home and Garden Tour reported a net intake of $14,835,which is about average although less than last year due mainly tohaving printed fewer tickets. Expenses remain nearly the same. Soall those wonderful volunteers deserve another pat on the backbecause that is the major consistent income we have. Thank youDenman.

Can you believe it was just one year ago the Lake Road propertycame on the market? I hope folks have been up to visit it this summereither on their own or with visitors. Peter Karston's Nature Trail is stillthere and feedback has been very positive. In general visitors to thesite have been respectful and caring about what we are trying to do tolessen impact on that corner of the lake. We appreciate that. A moreformal management plan is in the works.

The Denman Island Marine Stewardship Committee asked us toconsider shellfish culture on our shoreline and perhaps submit ourviews of present activity and the future planning proposals to theappropriate authorities. We will look at their material and go fromthere.

We spent some time going over the future management of theLindsay-Dickson property now held by the Islands Trust Fund.Conservancy is considering taking on management duties and working out a management plan with the Trust Fund. It seems prudentto keep these duties close to home. We will keep you apprised of thisproject, as it will require public input at some point - maybe inconjunction with a wee celebration!

Two dates to circle on your calendar: the exhibit of the Salish Seamapping project in the gallery at the Seniors' Hall Aug.31 - Sept. 4and sale of Memberships at the Fall Fair Sept. 2. We are up to 135members so far and you can help push us over 200! Both eventsshould be fun - see you there.

CONSERVANCY NOTES, 26 July 2001

The Lindsay Dickson Property is finally securely in the hands of The Islands Trust Fund and will be known as the Lindsay Dickson Nature Reserve. The next step is preparation of a Management Plan for the property. Denman Island public will be consulted before the plan is finalized.

Our Legacy Project has focussed on getting the Association into a position to purchase the 80 acre parcel surrounding the East side of Chickadee Lake. Fundraising is ongoing. To gain support from funding agencies we also need a strong representation of the Island's population in our membership. Current paid membership in the Association is 91. We will be wanting to sign up more of you. We will have a sign-up desk at the Recycle Depot on Saturday August 4th and also on the Porch of the General Store that weekend.

This year's Denman Conservancy Association - David Fraser Bursary was awarded by the North Island College Foundation to Jennifer Waller of the Comox Valley Campus.

CONSERVANCY NOTES, 31 May 2001

Your humble messenger reluctantly brings the news that the closing of the Lindsay/Dickson land sale has been postponed to June 12. We are assured there are no reasons for concern, just a technicality... The DCA Board has however decided that a celebratory event should not take place before the sale transaction has closed.

Richard Martin has started a biological survey of the Conservancy's recently acquired property on Lake Road. He has so far identified over 90 species for the bio-inventory. The property will be a featured visitor stop on the Home and Garden Tour scheduled for 16th and 17th of June.

The kayak trip to Tree Island on May 12th was enjoyed by a dozen people. The Spring flowers were well appreciated.

The Islands mapping project of last year has culminated in a travelling display called "Islands of the Salish Sea". This art show will be at the Art Gallery on Denman at the end of August and over the Labour Day weekend. Posters and sets of printed cards of the Denman maps are available at the Craft Shop.

Conservancy Notes, May 2001

Lindsay - Dickson: The Conservancy Board has agreed to contribute $75 000 to the Provincial Government towards their purchase of the Lindsay Dickson property. This is substantially less than had been previously provided for, freeing some DCA funds to go towards the purchase and preservation of additional land on Denman Island.

Earthday On April 22, about 30 people walked between Lindsay Dickson and the Conservancy's recent Lake Road purchase, to celebrate the two acquisitions. The Home and Garden Tour, June 16 &mp; 17, will identify both of these properties on the ticket for our visitors.

The Salish Sea mapping project has resulted in a booklet containg the six colourful maps, copies of which have been deposited with the Library, the Museum and the Community School.

The Conservancy was pleased to support the nomination of Denman Chocolates for the Mountain Equipment Co-op Ethics in Business Award. Denman Chocolates has been a constant and valued contributor to DCA's funds for purchase of properties for conservation.

Jenny Balke is congratulated for her leadership and conservation work which has been recognized by the presentation by BC Environment and Fisheries Urban Salmon Habitat Program of their 2001 Appreciation Award "In recognition of the DCA for the Stewardship of Denman Island Streams."

Denman Conservancy report to the Grapevine 12 April 2001

By now most islanders will have heard that the Lindsay-Dickson Forest has at long last been saved! After twelve years of heavy slogging and innumerable disappointments, this is a day that we'd almost given up dreaming would ever dawn. Those of us who've worked on the project are still a bit numb. Six week ago we had accepted the painful reality that the134-acre forest would be lost to logging and development. Magnificent Douglas firs were already falling, as they have been on so much else of the island. But islanders rallied yet one more time and the resultant publicity finally pushed the deal to completion. Now, with a deal signed, there's a mounting sense of relief as we realize that this very special place, though battered and bruised, will remain forever in its natural state as an ecological reserve in the Islands Trust Fund.

Our relief, however, is tempered by the fact that the lands exchanged for Lindsay Dickson are on Quadra Island. This is a waterfront parcel of second-growth hemlock forest owned by Timber West that has been for sale for about four years. Denman Conservancy was alarmed upon learning that the province was considering using these lands as part of the exchange, and immediately communicated our concerns to Crown Lands, who were bartering the deal. We expressed a desire not to export a Denman problem to Quadra and urged that, if this deal were to proceed, certain safeguards for the Quadra community be built into it. As well, we contacted Quadra Conservancy and have since then met with them and other island representatives. From our point of view, the preservation of the Lindsay-Dickson forest will be a full victory only if the Quadra Island community's concerns are taken into account. We have urged both the Province and the Schellincks to do everything possible to ensure that these concerns are satisfactorily addressed, and it appears as though this can and will be the case.

Certainly some heartfelt thanks are in order. First we would like to thank the provincial government for its foresight in ensuring that the Lindsay-Dickson forest was saved. We particularly appreciate the leadership of former Minister of Environment, Lands and Parks, Moe Sihota, and current Minister, Ian Waddell. Special thanks to former MLA Margaret Lord and current MLA Evelyn Gillespie. Staff at Crown Lands worked doggedly and against all odds to find a way of making this happen and their work is much appreciated. Our local trustees have been immensely supportive over the years, as has our area director Roxanna Mandryk. Thanks to all the organizations, groups and individuals from around the region who leant their voices in support of this initiative, especially the Comox and Sliammon Indian Bands, The Nature Conservancy of Canada, B.C. Nature Trust, B.C. Federation of Naturalists, Comox-Strathcona Regional District, Comox Valley Environmental Council, IWA Local 1-363 along with many others.

Finally, and most especially, we would like to thank the wonderful community of Denman Island. For the last 12 years you have stood fast in your dedication to the Lindsay-Dickson Project. You have written hundreds of letters, made thousands of phone calls, raised money and answered appeals to action each time the need arose. You did so with consideration and respect toward all involved, and today all British Columbians reap the reward of your efforts. With island forests being systematically dismantled all around us, Lindsay-Dickson stands as one small but hugely important victory. Next up: Chickadee Lake.

Conservancy News March 2001

Mapping of natural values of Morrison Marsh South is progressing well using GPS. Mike Morrell is coordinating the mapping. Half the grant for this purpose ($10,000) has now been received from Ecoaction. Mapping is a first step in establishing the protective covenant for this property.

DCA has received a letter from Mike Jenks indicating a strong intent to co-operate in negotiations towards Conservancy's purchase of the Chickadee Lake 80 acre property.

The first Conservancy Field Trip of the season was declared a success by the 10 persons who turned out with kayaks to paddle across Lambert Channel to view the sea lions. About 500 sealions, both Californian and Stellas put on a magnificent show for their visitors.

A big thank-you to the 18 people who came and helped plant trees around the mouth of Valens Brook.

Earthday Walk
Everyone is invited to join us for the Earthday (April 22) walk from Fillongly Park along Denman and Pickles roads to the recently purchased Conservancy site on Lake Road. The walk is 8 kilometers. We will start at 10 am. Participants are asked to bring lunches. DCA will provide some refreshments at the Lake Road site. Non-walkers are invited to join us after we arrive at the site to see our new property dressed in its spring colours.

Lindsay Dickson Forest
(A cat with nine lives?)
Negotiations between the provincial Government and the owners of this property for a land swap to preserve the Lindsay/Dickson forest have been progressing. In the meantime, landowner Schellinck has ceased logging at the head of Mallard Road.

Denman Conservancy Association February 2001

Preparations for the annual house and Garden Tour are underway. Coordinators are Leslie Dunsmore and deNeen Baldwin. This year funds raised will go towards the purchase fund for the 80 acre Chickadee Lake parcel.

In response to the request for availability of DCA records, Concha will put a binder in the Dora Drinkwater Library containing financial statements, the constitution and other records of the Association.

The Covenant Committee has met with Mike Jenks and discussed the Komas Bluffs covenant. They also discussed the acquisition of the Chickadee Lake parcel. Mike Jenks said he was interested in any form of swap or purchase. Proposal packages for help in funding the purchase have been sent by DCA to both Federal and Provincial governments.

We plan to hold an Earthday (April 22) walk from Fillongly Park, along Denman and Pickles roads to the Lake Road parcel recently purchased by DCA.

A schedule for this season's Workshops and Field Trips has been published in the March issue of the Flagstone.

This month we got two for the price of one - a regular meeting and ourAnnual General! Some of the first was spent planning the second.However, the OCP Housing section as well as island hunting werediscussed and our views on housing were sent to the Trustees while weare hoping DIRA will be tackling the hunt. Lake Road Property committeereported on fund raising to date and we moved that the remainder,perhaps $3,000, be paid off by Conservancy allowing us to concentrate on"Big Chickadee". It also encourages us to form a committee, make somemanagement decisions and weigh the pros and cons of our ownership versussome other conservation group.

Very good news; we received a grant from Environment Canada's EcoActionprogram for $20,000 to be used in putting together covenants forMorrison Marsh South which adjoins Boyle Point Park. The owner iswilling to let the public use walking trails on large parts of this 156acre property and is cooperating in placing covenants. It can be acostly business to survey and make them legally binding so this help iswelcome.

Our AGM welcomed Patrick Fawkes and John Millen to the Board. We alsohave a new committee to oversee the Lake Road Property. They would loveto hear from interested community members who can help when work isneeded. It is good to have a willing body accompany ideas - we needboth.

Other committee reports and the year's run-down of events were presentedby Juan Barker and have been covered in this space before.As of Jan. 1, 2001 your Millennium Memberships expired so should berenewed; 76 people have already done so. These dues go towardsadministrative expenses.

We would like to thank Jenny Balke for her tireless conservation effortsas a Board member. She will surely be carrying on with many projects butstepped down from the Board. We want, once again, to thank you for thegenerous donations that made the Lake Road Property possible. You're agreat bunch!

CONSERVANCY NEWS December 2000

December's meeting was a bit early to avoid the Christmas rush and we ran through a lot of business. Juan Barker and Peter Karsten were out stalking a "red listed" sedge species at Chickadee Lake and found one (maybe). Not the best time of year! Folks from Conservation Data Centre of BC alerted us to the likelihood of two species on the Chickadee Lake Legacy parcel that are very rare and worth protecting.

Of course there is always a Lindsay/Dickson slot on the agenda which elicited comments on the recent Echo articles and possible FRBC involvement so the issue slumbers in the background and funds for its settlement are still set aside.

A group continues to work with 4064 regarding covenants on Komas Bluffs and infringements on Railway Marsh area.

Our acquisitions committee received a grant for "capacity building" which means we can pay someone to do the detailed preparation of grant applications and corporate outreach. Fund raising is a long-term effort and initial contacts need constant revisiting and applications require updating. Another task for which we are applying for financial help is designing and enacting covenants - an important conservation tool.

We started the planning of our Annual General Meeting and wish to invite interested parties to consider joining the board by calling a present board member. Look for more details on the actual meeting which is January 22 and plan to attend. The new Lake Road property will be featured. Remember we still need some dollars to pay it off completely and Box 60 will get it to us safely.

DENMAN CONSERVANCY November 2000

Lindsay/Dickson is a subject that refuses to die but seems to be barely twitching now. R. Schellinck has cleared a "logging road" through the property and applied for a Christmas tree development permit. The Board is disappointed that it cannot report a happier ending to this story.

The Salish Sea mapping project's final maps will find a home in the Conservancy room at the Old School for all to enjoy and maybe use for appropriate community projects.

Conservancy will hold its Annual General Meeting January 22 when we hope to explore our future direction. It is also an opportunity to review our activities over the past 10 years. Circle the date and plan to attend; your input is important to us.

Speaking of input, we still need some very real dollars to realize the total cost of our new land acquisition on Lake Road. The sale will close November 30 so please get on board. Apparently many people did not see the insert in the October 19 Grapevine describing the property. (A few copies are there for the taking outside Abraxas Books. ) It is six beautiful acres at the southwest corner of Chickadee Lake, home to some big trout I hear, and is bisected by Lake Road. It is truly a valuable community asset and speaks for itself so please drive through it and then send a donation to Conservancy at Box 60. The property abuts a quarter section of Crown Land. On Nov. 16 the Trust is holding a "public lands" meeting and Conservancy will be encouraging protection of Crown Land. This recent purchase enhances that request. Call me at 335-1608 if you need more details.

GRAPEVINE JULY 2000

July's meeting embraced a wide range of topics from moths to mariculture with lots in between.

Sightings of two rare moths were made on Tree Island recently and captured the attention of the Parks Branch. An overall stewardship program is being set up for the Island whereby a Denman group, Friends of Tree Island, and the Comox Valley Yacht Club are working in cooperation with Parks on an agreement to protect the island's fragile marine habitat. Dorrie Woodward initiated a moth study which is being carried out by many people guided by John Troubridge, entomologist with Agriculture Canada and finding these rare moths gives one more reason to look after the island.

Once again the intense logging activity of 4064 was discussed with concerns about Railway Marsh topmost. We have worked for three years with Mike Jenks to assist him in fulfilling his contractual obligation to Hancock regarding covenants. On July 12 it was brought to Conservancy's attention that logging appeared to be proceeding in the planned covenant zone. Since that time various actions have been taken including consultation with Hancock Timber Resource Group. Logging has now ceased in the proposed covenant zone and we will report on further action to the community.

Although the immediate threat of large scale expansion of shellfish leases seems over, the board will be going on record to ask for a study to determine overall management for Baynes Sound to include sustainability and the impact of all the various activities associated with that area.

We would like to remind everyone that raffle tickets are available for a beautiful hand-painted trunk donated by Velda Parsons at the Craft Store. Proceeds go to Conservancy and it's a good way for summer guests to express their appreciation for our beautiful island!

DENMAN CONSERVANCY June 2000

The dust has settled after the Home and Garden Tour and our lives can return to normal! What a beautiful weekend and what a lot of guests came to visit and shower praise on our island. We have a lot to be happy and grateful for. Not least of all the organizers who make this possible - the tour co-ordinators and the food folks as well as a myriad of volunteers and of course the ones who open their homes and gardens to 1000 plus visitors. But it is a wonderful fund raiser and worth the effort. We will have a more detailed financial report soon. Hope you got some Denman Chocolates as we benefit from that too!

Another note of thanks, this time to Peter Karston who has gussied up our Denman welcome sign and anchor at the ferry which was in desperate need of a face lift. Please take note and Thank You Peter.

The David Fraser Bursary award went to Maria Emerson at North Island College this year. Contributions to the endowment fund are welcome and are matched by the Ministry of Education. Denise MacKean can give you information about this.

Recent mariculture bylaw activity is of concern to Conservancy and we spent time developing a position to present to the local Trust Committee. This tends to highlight the fact we expend a lot of energy on many diverse environmental issues which sometimes creates a fragmented feeling. In fact, we will be meeting one day in July to review Goals and Objectives through a Board Development workshop which will help keep us on course.

Our Acquisition fund is growing through direct donations and pledges with the Chickadee goal still on the horizon. The present push is for corporate donors. The membership base continues to increase and we are raffling a lovely hand-painted trunk kindly donated by Velda Parsons. Tickets are at the Craft Shop so get a few.

DENMAN CONSERVANCY February 2000

It's time to dip into the mixed bag called Conservancy Agenda! Lindsay-Dickson leads the pack for longevity with its discouragement and frustration. Des and Juan along with our Trustees and CSRD rep are hanging on to any shred of hope. Who knows what the status of it may be when you read this?

We are planning at least one background session about Crown Lands before they come up for general discussion in April.

The covenants on areas of 4064 land are nearing completion. We also supported a delegation to the Trust meeting on Denman March 3rd.

John Tayless has been involved with Hornby people trying to designate Marine Protected Areas and bring understanding to their benefits compared to "special conservation areas". Boundaries for either designation are needed. John will also be giving a Marine Plankton Workshop March 18th at the Old School from 10 to 12:30 to coincide with the herring run.

Conservancy will be lending its support to an Earth Day walk and we hope everyone will join us April 22 to celebrate and enjoy the natural beauties covering much of our island. Details will be forthcoming. Our new Board members have joined right in bringing new energy and fresh ideas and it is greatly appreciated. And don't forget, we are still selling Millennial Memberships good until our next AGM in November so call Wendy Pope if you have missed this opportunity to support Conservancy.

Denman Conservancy Association

Conservancy News File

New Board Members Needed

How to save your Land

Sustainability!

Chocolate Factory Covenant Registered

Robert Bateman and Merve Wilkinson Return to Denman

DCA needs Staff No Complaints Really

Walks and Talks

2007 Annual General Meeting: What's New

Calling Volunteers! Volunteers!

DCA Legal Case against 4064

Central Park Fundraising

Christmas Craft Fair December 2 & 3

Morrison Marsh Covenant Registered

Tax Exemptions Supported

The Settlement Lands

Please Stop Dumping Along Central Road

Land Management Tasks

Logging Railways on Denman

Central Park Bought by DCA

Funds for Central Park Purchase

Silent Auction at the Gala

Settlement of the Legal Case against 4064 Investments Ltd.

Morrison Marsh Nature Reserve

Summer Gallery Nature Photos and Silent Auction

Walks on Saturday mornings in October

Protected Area Networks

Winter Wren Wood

Proposed Acquisition

Central Park Nature Reserve

Morrison Marsh Property Preserved

Memberships Due

A New Acquisition Target

A Call to All Denman Artists!

That Other Central Park

Walks & Talks – 2006

Progress on the Settlement

How Railway Marsh got its Name

Ecological Significance of the Komas Bluffs

Denman Island Marsh Donated to Islands Trust Fund

Denman Conservancy Agrees to Settlement of Legal Case Against 4064

Legal Case against 4064 Ltd.

Conservancy endorses ‘Park Principles.’

Conservation Covenant Project

Deer on Denman

Walk to Tree Island

Membership

Winter Wren Wood

Upcoming DCA Event

2005 Annual General Meeting

DCA Directors elected for 2005 are:

Legal Case against 4064 Ltd.

Highlights of Reports to the AGM

DEVELOPMENT POLICY

WINTER WREN WOOD

INNER ISLAND NATURE RESERVE

HOME & GARDEN TOUR

LINDSAY – DICKSON NATURE RESERVE

COVENANT PROJECT

SOLICITOR DOUG OLSTEAD HONOURED

Upcoming DCA Events

DCA legal action against 4064 Investments Ltd.

New Board Member

DCA Conservation Covenant Project

Membership

A Board Policy on Development Projects

DCA Policy re Development Adopted by DCA Board 17 May, 2004

The Chickadee Lake Saga

Creating Moist Biotopes, Part 2, Making a Pond

The Mysterious 12%

HOME & GARDEN TOUR 2004

UPDATE: Our legal action against 4064 Investments Ltd.

DCA Directors for 2004

Nature Walks and Talks

Anne de Cosson ‘Mother’ of the Conservancy

Island Legacy Project -- Chickadee Lake

Winter Wren Wood at Chickadee Lake

Nature Walks & Workshops Starting this Fall

Lindsay-Dickson Nature Reserve

Denman Conservancy Agrees to Settlement of

Legal Case Against 4064

DCA Policy re Development
Adopted by DCA Board 17 May, 2004

Chickadee Lake Aquisition Parcel
Inner Island Nature Reserve
&mp; Surrounding Lands

Denman Conservancy Association
Directors for 2001