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Contents - 2010

Newsletter, February 2010

The AGM business will include:

• The Directors’ Report, Treasurer’s Report, Committee Reports
• A Special Resolution to approve the transfer of one hectare of Central Park land to DIMS
• Election of Directors

A Cemetery for Natural Burials

The DCA Board is recommending to members the approval of the transfer of approximately one hectare (2.6 acres) in the southeast corner of Central Park to Denman Island Memorial Society (DIMS) for a cemetery.

DIMS is a charitable society formed early in 2009. Its purpose is to establish and maintain a second burial ground for the residents of Denman Island and members of their families, as the original cemetery has reached its capacity.

This proposed use of a small portion of Central Park land has been made known to DCA members from the first discussions of the purchase of Central Park. The land is suitable for burials and it is located at the corner of Denman Road and North Central Road, kitty-corner from the existing cemetery.

DCA and DIMS have agreed that a Conservation Covenant will be attached to the title of the cemetery land when it is transferred. This will provide for maintaining only native vegetation on the land and its use for natural burials. The covenant will give DCA a continuing interest in the management of the land.

Natural burial aims to return human remains to the earth in their natural state, with little or no impact on the land and without the emissions that result from cremation.

The process of defining the parcel of land to be transferred and gaining approval for the change of use (it is currently zoned for agriculture) has been launched. Applications have been made to the Agricultural Land Commission for removal of the land from the ALR and to Islands Trust for rezoning. Neither of these processes has been completed.

The 60 hectare Central Park block is the NE ¼ Section 17 Denman Island except those parts in Plans 14174 & 17286; PID 006-639-411.

The DCA Board recommends the transfer of one hectare of Central Park to DIMS because protection of its conservation values will continue and a valuable service will become available to the community.

Danes Creek Watershed Covenants

During the Islands Trust review of applications for rezoning of the North Denman Lands and The Point the Local Trust Committee asked the two proponents to grant conservation covenants over land in the Danes Creek watershed that was proposed to be zoned Conservation. Danes Creek is at the north end of Denman Island and flows into Henry Bay.

The proponents have approached DCA to hold these covenants and we have commenced discussions. A first draft covenant text has been exchanged. DCA views these areas as valuable conservation areas but does not believe they are suitable areas for public access or recreation. The land is expected to remain privately owned.

Maps of Trails
on DCA managed land on Denman Island

Printing of the maps was generously funded by the Coastal Community Credit Union.

Whalewatch

To report your sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises:

phone: 1 866 I SAW ONE

e-mail: sightings@vanaqua.org

web: www.wildwhales.org

Walks & Talks

New Sign on Lake Road

photo by Andrew Fyson

Eagle-nest Stewardship

As 77% of eagle nest-trees are on private land, and only 23% are in protected old-growth reserves, the participation of land-stewards in the protection and monitoring of eagle nest-trees on Denman is essential. For more information on this survey and eagle-nest stewardship visit:

Newsletter, May 2010

Danes Creek Conservation Covenant

The covenant area is a wetland complex. Cattail marsh pockets are widespread and beavers have created flooded impoundments and are actively altering the habitat. Numerous creek channels flow through the area, both in and under forested stands, as well as in the open. The area was most recently logged in 1999.

The area is host to the endangered Taylors Checkerspot butterfly, adult butterflies were seen there in May 2009, and this wetland complex has small sites of potential breeding habitat for the butterfly. These breeding sites may remain un-forested and available long term. Six other endangered species are also found in the covenant area.

Given that the vulnerable swamp wetland character of the area does not lend itself to trail development, there is no public access afforded by this covenant, though Denman Conservancy has the right to monitor and conduct scientific studies. This covenant brings the total land protected by DCA’s efforts over the past 20 years to 374.2 ha equalling 7.5% of the Island area.

Taylor's Checkerspots in May

photo Andew Fyson
Taylor's Checkerspot on Railway Grade Marsh covenant area, May 2009

The endangered Taylor's Checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha taylori) whose only known Canadian breeding sites are on Denman Island is flying through May and early June. It is most likely to be seen on sunny days as a brown smear whizzing past, sunning itself on roads and trails or drinking nectar from flowers. It is more commonly seen in the northern part of the island (around Denman Road and areas to the north) in clear-cuts, meadows and gardens but there are scattered reports from elsewhere. It is usually seen with its wings open as in the photo below.

The Taylor's Checkerspot has a wingspan 4-4.5 cm (1.5-1.75 inches) across and is the only orange-brown butterfly with a bold checkered pattern flying at present. The often mistaken Mylitta Crescent is smaller and has patterns of black lines and not a checkerboard. If you think you see a Taylor's Checkerspot, note the time and place and let me, Jenny Balke or J Thornton know. Information on sightings is important in our quest to conserve this beautiful creature. Andrew Fyson, DCA Land Manager (250-335-9047).

At the AGM – March 1

DCA Directors for 2010

Cemetery Planning Workshop

The great puzzle for all attendees was how to effectively use the area for natural burials while preserving its natural vegetation and allowing a forest ecosystem to eventually reclaim the site.

A Conservation Covenant will be attached to the title of the cemetery land when it is transferred. This will provide for maintaining only native vegetation on the land and its use for natural burials. The covenant will give DCA a continuing interest in the management of the land.

Natural burial aims to return human remains to the earth in their natural state, with little or no impact on the land and without the emissions that result from cremation.

Spring Walks and Talks

Central Park Update May 2010

At this time of year it is most important that you keep your dogs under your complete control and out of any wetlands because of the risk to nesting waterfowl.

A big thank you to the volunteers who put in a good morning’s work a few weeks ago cleaning up Alder Trail and Trumpeter Trail. It was nice to see the old faithful volunteers as well as several new faces. We will continue working away at our ‘to do’ list as we develop Central Park and hope that you will feel free to give us feedback, make suggestions, or ask to be added to our volunteers list.

There is now a copy of the Central Park Management Plan in the Dora Drinkwater library for those who are interested in having a look at it.

Contributors to this Newsletter: Annie Corddry, Patrick Fawkes, Carol Freeman, Andrew Fyson, John Millen.

For newsletters published in other years, select from the following:

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Site Updated on 22 May, 2010 © copyright  Denman Conservancy Association