BC Parks Newsletter June 2000 Volume 11, Number 3 Guide Earns $50,000 Strong sales of the new BC Marine Parks Guide are paying off for the B.C. Marine Parks Forever Society (BCMPFS). Pacific Yachting presented the BCMPFS with a $50,000 cheque at the magazine’s annual Vancouver Boat Show exhibitors’ party. The funds are proceeds from the sale of nearly 5,000 copies of the guide since it was published last October. The BCMPFS is a non-profit organization whose mandate is to acquire land for future parks. Published in partner- ship by Pacific Yachting, the BCMPFS and BC Parks, the guide is a full- Undisturbed flood plain ecosystems colour official reference to more than Gitnadoix River Provincial Park. 80 coastal parks; all net proceeds Ecological will go to BCMPFS. Many thanks go Recently, many government agen- to Parks staff, both in Headquarters Integrity: A cies and conservation organizations and in the District, for their across the globe have begun to rec- assistance in supplying information Conservation ognize that in order to achieve or for the publication and ensuring that maintain preservation of biodiversity the material was accurate. Direction for and natural processes in protected The book is available for $16.95 areas, one must effectively manage plus taxes at selected chandleries BC Parks for ecological integrity as the funda- and bookstores, or direct from Pacific mental objective of the park system. Yachting (604) 606-4644. by Brandin Schultz, Victoria Ecological Integrity Project Manager (continued on page 2)

Are we at a crossroads in the conser- vation, preservation and management of protected areas in British Inside Columbia? Currently there are over E-Teams Battle Weeds in Okanagan Parks ……3 600 parks and ecological reserves now in the system – and more on the Wildlife Viewing ………………………………4 way – and almost 12% of the province Wildlife Viewing Code of Ethics………………4 is classified as a protected area and Dreams Do Come True ………………………5 PHOTO: SEAPHOTO: SNAPS under the jurisdiction of BC Parks. Special Visitors to Manning Park ……………5 Pacific Yachting publisher Rex Armstead Now more than ever this organiza- Feed the Tree Program ………………………6 (right) presents B.C. Marine Parks tion must subscribe to sound, pro- Conservation or Recreation? …………………6 Forever Society president Keith Stockdale gressive conservation management (left) with a cheque for $50,000, assisted principles to adequately conserve and An Ecosystem Creating Its Own Space? ……7 by Vicki Haberl of BC Parks (second protect the land and environments Scoutrees for …………………………8 from left) and PY editor Duart Snow. entrusted to the agency. Tenth Annual MELP Squash Tournament……8 (“Ecological Integrity…” continued from page 1) for it. The intention is to provide In fact, one of the major conclusions staff with the skills and tools to man- VISIONS is produced six times per from the final report of the Legacy age for and protect the integrity of year by BC Parks, Ministry of Panel in 1999 was that the protection the natural and cultural values and Environment, Lands and Parks to and maintenance of the ecological features of the park system. As well, maintain commitment to quality integrity of provincial parks and it is hoped the course material will service and stewardship and to protected areas should be the be able to better equip personnel encourage innovation by everyone priority in managing and planning with information and material need- directly involved or interested in for ’s protected ed to develop and deliver appropri- BC Parks. area system. ate outreach messages related to eco- VISIONS Newsletter is posted on In recognition of this message, our logical integrity. BC Parks’ web site: www.elp.gov.bc. agency has initiated a number of Why is managing for ecological ca/bcparks/whatsnew/what.htm. new programs, including developing integrity important? As VISIONS is now available on the a staff training plan, designed to internet, please let us know if you bring the objective of managing for Given the scale of human influence would like to be removed from our ecosystem conservation and ecologi- affecting parks and protected areas, mailing list. cal integrity to the forefront of our BC Parks must increasingly engage To contact us regarding changes park management efforts. in active management in order to to the VISIONS mailing list or to maintain ecological components and What is ecological integrity? receive a free subscription: processes where they are needed. call (250) 952-6709 Ecological integrity refers to Human activities and facilities such whole and complete biological sys- as roads, urbanization and high levels send an email note to tems, including species, landscape of visitation in and around parks may [email protected] elements, and natural processes. have serious consequences on the write to: VISIONS, BC Parks, A more technical definition used animal and plant communities that PO Box 9398, Stn Prov Govt, by Parks Canada suggests that make up these ecosystems. Increasing Victoria, BC V8W 9M9 Canada ecological integrity is: “the condition impact on natural features and Articles from readers are welcome. of an ecosystem where the structure biodiversity means declining ecologi- Deadline for material in the next issue and function of the ecosystem are cal integrity which means the natural is July 1, 2000. unimpaired by stresses induced by processes and environmental value human activity, and the ecosystem’s of the protected area are diminishing Editor biological diversity and supporting as well. Nancy Chave processes are likely to persist”. And What are some threats to ecological finally, the 11 member Panel on the integrity? Contributors Ecological Integrity of Canada’s Kathie Eldred National Parks concluded that: “An Within parks, some infrastructure Dave Foreman ecosystem has integrity when it is such as visitor/tourism facilities or Andrew MacLeod deemed characteristic for its natural road networks tend to remove or Cheryl Noble region, including the composition fragment wildlife habitat and facili- Dave Richmond tate potential invasion of exotic Hans Roemer and abundance of native species and biological communities, rates of species, while high visitor use often Brandin Schultz leads to a reduction of native species Andy Smith change and supporting processes. Ecosystems have integrity when and an increase in foreign species. Minister they have their native components Outside protected areas, land use Joan Sawicki (plants, animals and other organ- practices such as mining, forestry or agriculture can also fragment Deputy Minster isms) and processes (such as growth and reproduction) intact.” wildlife habitat, create barriers to Derek Thompson natural movement patterns and Assistant Deputy Minister How can I learn about ecological allow new uncontrolled access points Denis O’Gorman integrity? to protected areas. As well, policies BC Parks has initiated the design of the past and historic practices and development of a staff training such as forest fire suppression have program scheduled to begin this fall interfered with natural systems and that will inform and educate staff resulted in significant changes in the about what ecological integrity is composition of the ecosystem.

and how we may plan and manage (continued on page 3)

2 VISIONS June 2000 (“Ecological Integrity…” continued from page 2) the various ecosystem components biodiversity and natural processes. and processes and how they work From proper accounting procedures How can we manage for ecological together. Threats and stresses to the for monitoring of conservation- integrity? ecological integrity of the park must related expenditures; to progressive It is important to recognize that be identified monitored and assessed. recruitment policies and practices parks and protected areas cannot be When changes or trends exceed which select highly qualified and managed as isolated places within the acceptable limits it is likely the knowledgeable personnel; to office greater landscape. Few parks are ecosystem is experiencing a loss in staff whom can supply related large enough to sustain a complete integrity. As there are limits to the information directly to the public; to and functioning ecosystem by amount of stress and impact an the various staff whom manage, plan, themselves. Therefore, managing ecosystem can absorb, acceptable uses develop and direct the ongoing for ecological integrity requires an and activities in each protected area operational and day to day programs ecosystem management approach must be determined. Recreational and projects of the agency. Learning which recognizes the interconnected- activities, developments and visitor about what ecological integrity is ness of ecosystems and their access to protected areas must be and how you can help maintain and components both within and outside evaluated in terms of their impact on protect it is an ongoing process, and of parks. Managers must also recog- ecological integrity and incompatible a challenging one for every staff nize the importance of allowing uses must not be permitted. member. The ecological integrity natural ecosystem processes to project is designed to help with this Whose job is it to manage for take priority over human use or learning and provide information ecological integrity? intervention. Information must be and guidelines for staff to assist them collected about the area to establish a Everyone in BC Parks plays an in this task. baseline and basic understanding of important role in conserving the

E-Teams Battle Weeds in Okanagan Parks by Andrew MacLeod, E-Team Communications

Bull thistle, parasitic dodder, leaf work at Trout Creek, Sun-Oka, Summerland and Osoyoos crews will spurge and Russian knapweed are Vaseux Lake, Inkameep and include tick awareness, cactus avoid- thriving in BC Parks in the South Mahoney Lake parks. The second ance and rattlesnake safety. Okanagan-Similkameen. Invasive crew, based in Osoyoos, will work in and tenacious, they’ve been success- Boundary, Johnstone Creek, Kettle ful enough to earn a spot on a list of River, Haynes Lease, Haynes Point 18 plant species Environment Youth and Fields Lease parks. Teams have targeted for removal and The crews will identify areas control. where weed control is a high priority, Two Legacy E-Team crews orga- map areas to monitor, and remove nized by Katim Enterprises Ltd. dense weed clusters using natural began identifying, mapping and methods. They will also collect seeds removing weeds May 22, and will from native grasses and help educate continue until the end of July. “Weed local ranchers and the public about invasion can significantly degrade weed control. our wild habitat,” says Lisa Scott, the The effort is part of a new empha- environmental consultant contracted sis on conservation for Legacy to train the crews. E-Teams, the branch of the program The invading plants – which also that employs 16-24 year olds on include purple loosestrife, thistles, projects in BC Parks. One-third of the toadflaxes, sulphur cinquefoil and 53 Legacy crews this year will work hound’s tongue – often out compete on conservation projects. native plants, says Scott. Plant biodi- As with all E-Teams, at least 20 per An E-Team crew member receiving versity, wildlife habitat and forage cent of crew time will be spent in “noxious weed identification” training availability can all be reduced. training. Along with plant identifica- from a MELP representative, in the A crew based in Summerland will tion, the training schedule for the South Okanagan.

June 2000 VISIONS 3 Wildlife Viewing by Andy Smith, Strathcona District

I cannot think of too many outdoor pursuits that do not have the potential to bring us in contact with wildlife. In fact some, like kayaking, is appealing to many because of the opportunities to view wildlife, such as sea otters, marine birds and whales. Other sports, such as climbing, caving, mountain biking and nordic skiing, just to name a few, while not done for viewing benefits, can still bring you in close proximity to wildlife. As a result, we should consider how our activities affect or impact the wildlife around us. Most animals see, hear and smell us long before we actually see them. We are sized up and depending on what we are doing and how far away we are, they decide to either defend themselves, monitor you, or high-tail it out of the area. How close is too close? Generally, if you cause wildlife to stop what they are doing, then you have ventured too close. An animal that stops feeding because of a “threat” is wasting valuable time and energy. It is much better to use binoculars, but even still, keep in mind that animals use eye size as one indicator to judge a threat. The bigger the eye, the more perceived threat there is. Therefore, let the binoculars do the work and do not be tempted to sneak increasingly closer. While bright clothes may be great for safety, more subtle colours are favored for wildlife viewing. Your clothes should be unscented and if possible, “rustle free”. Do not try to lure animals with food. Although you may think you are helping them while getting a good close-up view, your food may harm their digestive system, make them dependant on handouts and even lead them into dangerous situations once their fear of humans has been eliminated. The result could be eventual death. BC Parks Headquarters has just produced a new brochure Wildlife Viewing: Respecting and Protecting Wildlife. The following Wildlife Viewing Code of Ethics raising young, because parents and are taken from this brochure. If you would like to receive a copy of this young are especially vulnerable at brochure, call (250) 387-4550. these times. We will learn the places and times to avoid these situations. We will not approach young or Wildlife Viewing baby animals. Code of Ethics To keep pets on a leash around any wildlife, and avoid bringing As wildlife viewers, our goal is to pets into sensitive wildlife habitat. watch animals behaving in natural ways in their natural habitats. We To avoid trampling or damaging respect the needs of wild animals vegetation. for space, natural vegetation, and To respect the rules and regulations ecological community. We recognize of protected areas. Trails, roads, our responsibility to know the con- closure areas and other manage- sequences of wildlife viewing. ment features are designed for As guiding principles we agree: safety and welfare of visitors, View or photograph wildlife from a natural vegetation and wildlife. To view or photograph from a dis- distance that respects the needs of wildlife. tance that respects the needs of To be respectful of other wildlife watchers and property owners. wildlife, using proper equipment To avoid noises or actions that might such as binoculars, spotting stress wildlife or cause animals to To give back to nature for the gifts scopes and telephoto lenses. waste energy in unnecessary flight. of wildlife viewing we receive, Before approaching wildlife we through conservation work for will learn the special needs of To be patient, remembering that wildlife, wild land preservation, each species and to recognize their we are guests in wildlife habitat. native vegetation renewal and alarm signals and behaviours. To avoid approaching animals that through helping others learn the are breeding, nesting, brooding or ethics of wildlife viewing.

4 VISIONS June 2000 Dreams Do Come True Special Visitors by Cheryl Noble, Victoria to Manning Park As most of you may have heard, I had by Kathie Eldred, Okanagan District the honour of joining the 2000 Ladies Canadian Championship Norm Snihur, a retired pilot, volun- Team at the World Championships in teers his time and his Robinson R22 Glasgow, Scotland. helicopter at the Orphaned Wildlife This team from British Columbia, Rehabilitation Society (OWL) in of , , Delta. , Diane Nelson This is the second time that Norm and coach Elaine Dagg-Jackson has visited us. He brought two first- called me shortly after they won the time visitors with him: Sherry, an Canadians in March and asked me to employee of OWL, and a Boreal owl. 2000 Ladies Canadian Championship travel with them as their alternate The owl had encountered a concrete Curling Team wins the World player in case someone became sick wall and had spent several months Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. or injured. You can imagine my at the rehabilitation centre. Ready (Left to right: Elaine Dagg-Jackson, shock to be asked to represent and willing to be released, the owl Coach; Cheryl Noble; Diane Nelson; our country at this international sat on the side of his box for a brief Georgina Wheatcroft; Julie Skinner; event. The 2000 Mens Canadian moment before flying off for a quick Kelley Law.) Championship Curling Team also tour of the area and then on to happened to be from the Vancouver explore the park, much like others area. We all left March 27 for a focussed, confident and with all the visitors do. competition that will be etched in support received over the past years, Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation our minds forever. we were both crowned World Society is a non-profit volunteer In order to get over the jetlag and Champions. organization that rehabilitates birds to relax prior to the competition, we We marched up center ice, holding of prey on a donation basis. For stayed for a couple of days at the hands and waving to the crowd – we more information call (604) 946-3171, Letham Grange Castle near the were the World Champions! “Enjoy visit them on the web at eastern border of Scotland. This the moment” were words we keep http://www.realm.ca/owl or look castle was previously a private home saying, even now, as the weeks have for their quarterly newsletter the and was transferred into a small passed, and we have all returned to Hooterville Rag. hotel resort with its own 4-sheet our normal lifestyles. This was a curling rink (which had chandeliers special moment in all of our lives. to light the ice) and two rolling golf None of this happens without the courses. Needless to say, we were in support of family, friends and co- heaven and wanted to move the workers. I can’t say enough about all world competition to the castle. the well-wishes and congratulations So, back to Glasgow – ready for that everyone has given me. But the competition. most of all, I would never have been Our Canadian teams were bag- able to pursue a goal I’ve had for piped into the arena amid a sea of years without the support of my red and white – flags in every size, co-workers here at headquarters. shirts, hats, banners, coats – it was They have always been very under- truly unbelievable. Almost half of the standing while I’ve travelled to spectators were from Canada. various curling competitions The week went by very quickly. throughout the winter season, having Both the Ladies and Mens teams to fill in for me while I’m away and played well and, after round-robin I’m sure always wondering why I play, finished first overall in both was so obsessed with this sport. their divisions. We had now reached Now they know! our first goal – making the playoffs. Of course, none of this would Thanks to volunteers such as Norm Both teams won their semi-final have happened if I hadn’t attended Snihur and the Orphaned Wildlife games and the world trophy was my first BC Parks bonspiel about 20 Rehabilitation Society, this Boreal owl is now within our reach. We were years ago. Dreams do come true. ready to return to the wilderness. June 2000 VISIONS 5 Feed the Tree Program by Dave Forman, Strathcona District

In most places you would consider feeding a tree with water and fertilizer. In MacMillan Provincial Park we are encouraging people to feed the tree with their donations. Last December we worked with an E-team to move a portion of a hollow log to a location near the entrance of the park. The E-team then cemented a self-collection vault, along with metal bars to hold up sections of the log, into the hollow log. A chute was welded to the lid of the vault and extended through a hole cut into the tree. After fitting a faceplate to the Conservation or Recreation? front, our tree was ready to accept by Dave Foreman, Strathcona District donations. To compliment the dona- tion box, a sign was installed asking A significant number of recreational users at MacMillan Provincial Park are park visitors to “Feed the Tree”. trampling the plants in Cathedral Grove. Visitors were advised that dona- With an estimated 750,000 visitors per year viewing this beautiful stand of tions would be used in the park for old growth Douglas-fir trees there is cause for concern. Visitors wanting to get trail work, revegetation projects and closer to these giants often leave the trails and are unaware they are trampling sign improvements. While not the the fragile environment beneath their feet. busy season, approximately $1000 The result has been the formation of small trails distinguished by remnants of was collected between December 20, trampled plants. Over the years we have tried to educate visitors to this problem 1999 and March 17, 2000. This year with signage and brochures. Crushed rock has been placed on main trails to we hope to raise enough funds to direct traffic and lessen impacts, but success has been mediocre until recently. improve the loop trail, which leads Three years ago a plan was developed to improve the trails and control to the tallest tree in the park. visitor traffic. With funding from FRBC additional rock crush was added to trail surfaces and split rail fencing was installed. Work began by anchoring 4 x 4s along the edges of the trail. The trail surface was then covered with 3/4 minus crushed gravel and compacted in place. A modified split-rail fence was installed abutting the 4 x 4s to define the edge of the trail. Once the fence was finished the area behind the fence was re-vegetated. Although the fence is only about four feet high, people are not stepping over it to get closer to the giant trees. The small plants found on the forest floor are making a comeback and even growing through the fence in some places. How does the public perceive the fence in the park? To date we have not had one complaint about the fencing from the public. Was the project a success? Time will tell, but early indications show that people are now staying on the trail where fencing exists, and plants on the forest floor are slowly making a comeback. In other unfenced areas, plants are still being trampled. Plans now exist to continue with additional trail resurfacing and fencing this year utilizing an E-Team crews and funds from our new donation tree (see Feed the Tree Program in this issue). This new project will allow us to protect even more of the forest floor. Is this a conservation project or a recreation project? Although the project is Feed the Tree donation box, with back designed to deal with recreational users and their impacts, the clear benefit and front view (insets). here is to the plant community. 6 VISIONS June 2000 An Ecosystem Creating Its Own Space? by Hans Roemer, Victoria

Ecological Reserve 37 is located on the Dendroctonus pseudotsugae, and ing the oak woodland were also steep, southwest-facing slopes of usually die. Most Garry oak trees dead. Mortality among the oaks Mount Maxwell on Saltspring Island. survive one or two defoliations, themselves was relatively minor, The main objective of creating this although dead branches are a although dead branches were ecological reserve in 1972 was to common sight. Oak looper defolia- common. Dead Douglas-firs included protect a representative sample of the tion followed by Douglas-fir beetle average-size and large specimens. Garry oak woodlands that occur on attack was documented in both This was after the decline of the most this part of Saltspring Island. The cases by Canadian Forest Service recent infestation and seemed to quadrangular piece of crown land entomologists. Defoliation of both show clearly that Douglas-firs were that now forms the 65 ha reserve oaks and firs by the looper was also more severely affected by this inter- contains two major rocky Garry oak documented for another Garry oak action of native insects than the openings, surrounded by Douglas-fir area, Christmas Hill near Victoria, Garry oaks. At Mt. Tzuhalem forest. An equal area of Garry oak around 1960. Ecological Reserve large, dead firs woodlands occurs in the adjacent part After becoming aware of the had been in evidence for a long time. of Mount Maxwell Provincial Park symptoms on Mt. Maxwell I realized It can only be surmised that these and a still greater amount of this rare in the mid-1980’s that dead Douglas- were killed by earlier cycles of oak ecosystem borders these protected firs and dead branches on Garry oaks looper/Douglas-fir beetle attacks. areas on private land. Added together, in the Mount Tzuhalem Ecological What is the significance of this this is the largest undeveloped area of Reserve near Duncan may also be course of events? Ecologists have the Garry oak ecosystem that remains due to the same dynamics. This generally assumed that Garry oak in the province. reserve is only 10 kilometres away communities on these steep, south- In 1980, and then again in 1994/95, across the water as the crow flies. facing sites in the region are created alarming reports were received about Was this a chance coincidence? and maintained by periodic forest infestations of the western oak looper, Recently, I had the opportunity to fires, although evidence of frequent Lambdina fiscellaria somniaria, in this wander through the Mount Maxwell fires such as fire scars on trees are reserve. At high population levels the Ecological Reserve and through uncommon in some oak areas. As larvae of this medium-sized moth can several other Garry oak openings on Douglas-firs are nearly as drought- completely defoliate Garry oak trees. the same mountain slope, outside of hardy as Garry oaks, they are The stands in the ecological reserve the two protected areas. In each of capable of invading many oak sites, indeed presented a sad picture at the these stands a similar, consistent overtopping and eventually shading height of the infestations when trees picture presented itself: All Douglas- out the oak trees, barring another were stripped of between 60 and 100% firs that had been growing scattered forest fire. There are examples, both of their leaves. However, in keeping among the oak trees were dead. on Saltspring Island and on southern with the “natural benchmark” Many firs that had been growing in Vancouver Island, where dead philosophy for ecological reserves, and close vicinity to oak trees surround- oak trees under taller conifer considering that these loopers are a canopies testify to the validity of native component of the ecosystem, this successional scenario. But is it suggestions for intervention were the only scenario? Apparently not; repeatedly turned down. the consistent elimination of Records at the Pacific Forestry Douglas-firs in the oak looper areas Centre indicate that in both infestations indicates that fire is not the only the severe phase lasted two to three mechanism to maintain the open years, with low or non-detectable conditions that will allow Garry oak population levels between them. patches to thrive. A curious occurrence is that the On Mount Maxwell the deciduous western oak looper does not stop woodland community obviously with the oak trees. It seems that, creates its own space! after finishing off the oaks, it proceeds to defoliate the adjacent Garry oak woodland The author thanks Bob Duncan, Douglas-firs. The stressed Douglas- on the slope of Mt. Maxwell Canadian Forestry Service, and Don fir trees are subject to secondary looking at Sansum Narrows Heppner, BC Forest Service, for informa- attacks by Douglas-fir bark beetles, with Mt. Tzuhalem in the distance. tion and review of this article.

June 2000 VISIONS 7 Scoutrees for Canada Tenth Annual by Dave Richmond, Okanagan District MELP Squash Scouts Canada members from and Neil Lipniski to the forefront. throughout the North Okanagan Glen coordinated the people and Tournament descended on Kekuli Bay Provincial Neil organized the vegetation. Mike There was a great turnout for the tenth Park with picks and shovels in hand Carlson from the Ministry of Forests annual MELP Squash Tournament as part of the National Scoutrees for Kalamalka Research Center stepped held last month in Victoria, not only in Canada Program. Their mission was forward with the donation of over terms of players, but also in terms of to re-vegetate the newly constructed 1600 shrubs and 120 large deciduous supporters! Many BC Parks staff were 70-unit campground with approxi- trees, and the Vernon Ministry of on hand to “coach” and cheer on their mately 2000 trees and shrubs. This Forests seedling department offered fellow parkies who were playing in project was the result of nearly two over 400 pine trees. Several site visits the tournament. years of planning with BC Parks, were held to determine the most This annual tournament is open to Scouts Canada, and the Ministry of suitable native tree and shrub species all MELP staff, spouses, significant Forests. for the various locations. Neil’s others, MELP contractors plus any When the Kekuli Bay campground background as a Forest Technician participants from previous years’ construction project was announced with Riverside Forest Products tournaments. Your level of skill on to the public in 1998, Bruce Bourne of Limited was of great benefit in the court doesn’t matter as there is a Scouts Canada approached BC Parks drawing up the final planting plan. category for everyone, from Novice with the idea of incorporating the Saturday April 8 was a very to “A”. It’s a great tournament that Scoutrees for Canada Program into impressive display of Scouts Canada’s includes a fun round-robin Squash the campground construction. The organizational abilities: 445 Beavers, Social and free squash lessons, plus decision was made to hold off the Cubs, Scouts, and Venturers from 17 lots of great prizes. planting until the campground different groups participated in the construction was completed. planting project. The campground The fall of 1999 brought Scouts was divided into 23 separate sections, Canada representatives Glen Dick each with its own planting map, and supply of trees and shrubs. Riverside Forest Products not only donated Neil’s time and expertise, but also provided trucks, planting equipment, and 14 supervisors (who chose to volunteer their time). At 8:00 am several volunteers sorted trees and shrubs for the planting crews who BC Parks Squash Team started arriving at 9:00 am. Each hour Back row, left to right: Nancy Chave, a new crew of volunteers arrived with Don Macaulay, Paul Bailey, Ken up to 100 beavers, cubs, scouts, and Morrison, Jerry the Moose. Front row, venturers on site at any one time. left to right: Derek Thompson, Cheryl Scouts Canada volunteers certainly Noble, Debby Funk, Colin Campbell. came prepared, even providing lunch for the nearly 500 volunteers. This years’ winners were: Towards the end of the day a small A - Aaron Bremner ceremony unveiled the cast bronze B - John Roche plaque to be installed on site recogniz- C - Brian Kenworthy ing the efforts of Scouts Canada and D - Wendy Chutter its volunteers, and BC Parks staff were Novice - Judy Gibson presented with framed certificates of appreciation from Scouts Canada. Many thanks to organizers, volun- The event was such a success that teers and sponsors, especially Centre planning is already underway to Court Racquets, YW/YMCA, Cedar Hill Recreation Centre and Saanich ensure a second planting day, same time, same place, next year. Squash Association.

8 VISIONS June 2000