4.7 Bc Parks Operations

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. INTRODUCTION...... 3

1.1 PURPOSE OF BACKGROUND DOCUMENT ...... 3 1.2 LOCATION AND REGIONAL SETTING ...... 3 1.3 THE PROTECTED AREAS STRATEGY AND PARK HIGHLIGHTS...... 3 1.4 PARK ESTABLISHMENT AND LEGISLATION...... 5 1.5 PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT HISTORY...... 5 2. NATURAL VALUES...... 7

2.1 CLIMATE ...... 7 2.2 GEOLOGY AND PHYSIOGRAPHY ...... 7 2.3 SOILS ...... 8 2.4 HYDROLOGY ...... 9 2.5 VEGETATION...... 9 2.5.1 Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory ...... 12 2.5.2 Fire Management Plans ...... 13 2.6 WILDLIFE...... 13 2.6.1 Birds ...... 13 2.6.2 Mammals ...... 13 2.6.3 Marine Mammals...... 13 2.6.4 Fish Species and Invertebrates...... 14 2.7 RARE PLANTS, ANIMALS AND PLANT COMMUNITIES...... 14 2.8 ECOLOGICAL RESERVES...... 15 3. CULTURAL VALUES ...... 16

3.1 FIRST NATIONS TRADITIONAL USE ...... 16 3.2 FIRST NATIONS ARTEFACTS...... 16 3.3 NON-ABORIGINAL HISTORY ...... 17 4. OUTDOOR RECREATION & TOURISM...... 19

4.1 ACCESS ...... 19 4.1.1 Access by Boat...... 19 4.1.2 Access by Kayak, Canoe or Small Craft ...... 19 4.1.3 Access by Road on De Courcy Island...... 19 4.2 OUTDOOR RECREATION FEATURES...... 20 4.2.1 Marine Shoreline and Natural Coastal Features ...... 20 4.2.2 Water Temperature...... 20 4.2.3 Vegetation...... 20 4.2.4 Wildlife ...... 20 4.2.5 Harvestable Marine Life...... 20 4.2.6 Cultural Features ...... 20 4.2.7 Visual Features...... 21 4.2.8 Good Anchorages ...... 21 4.3 RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES ...... 21 4.3.1 Coastal Cruising...... 21 4.3.2 Sea Kayaking/Canoeing...... 22 4.3.3 Sport Fishing ...... 22 4.3.4 Camping ...... 23 4.3.5 Wildlife Viewing ...... 23 4.3.6 Shore-Based Marine Dependent Recreation ...... 23 4.3.7 Mountain Biking ...... 24 4.3.8 Equestrian Use ...... 24 4.4 EXISTING FACILITIES AND SERVICES ...... 24 4.4.1 Boat access/ floats:...... 24 4.4.2 Campground...... 24 4.4.3 Day Use ...... 24 4.4.4 Trails...... 24 4.5 VISITOR USE TRENDS: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE ...... 25 4.6 REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE...... 26 4.7 BC PARKS OPERATIONS...... 26 5. LAND TENURES, JURISDICTIONS & INTERESTS ...... 27

5.1 TENURES, LEASES AND PERMITS...... 27 5.2 JURISDICTION...... 27 5.3 MUNICIPAL INTEREST ...... 28 5.3.1 De Courcy Island Official Community Plan...... 28 5.3.2 Provincial and Federal Agencies ...... 28 5.4 FIRST NATIONS INTERESTS ...... 28 5.5 COMMUNITY INTEREST ...... 28 6. KEY MANAGEMENT ISSUES ...... 29

6.1 PARK BOUNDARY ...... 29 6.2 CONSERVATION ...... 29 6.2.1 Vegetation Management ...... 29 6.2.2 Fire Management ...... 30 6.2.3 Wildlife Management...... 30 6.2.4 Geologic Management...... 30 6.3 MARINE SYSTEM MANAGEMENT ...... 30 6.4 CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT...... 30 6.5 VISITOR SERVICES ...... 30 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 31

APPENDIX 1: BC PARKS’ PIRATES COVE MARINE PARK MAP ...... 33

APPENDIX 2: BC CONSERVATION DATA CENTRE – SEI POLYGONS...... 34

APPENDIX 3: BC CONSERVATION DATA CENTRE TRAKKING LISTS...... 35

APPENDIX 4: ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT PIRATES COVE...... 36

APPENDIX 5: PROPOSED FORESHORE ...... 37

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 2 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of Background Document This report is intended for use as a background information source for producing a general park management plan or an updated management direction statement for Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. Its purpose is to provide background information on the natural and cultural values; land tenure, jurisdictions and interests; outdoor recreation opportunities and facilities; visitor use and trends. It provides sufficient information for understanding the management issues that will need to be considered in the park management planning process. 1.2 Location and Regional Setting Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park is located at the south-east tip of De Courcy Island, a small Gulf Island approximately 18 km south-east of Nanaimo. The island is part of a chain of islands in the Strait of Georgia known as the De Courcy Group which lies between Stuart Channel and Pylades Channel, south of Gabriola Island, south-west of Valdes Island and north-east of the mainland of Vancouver Island at about 49º 06’ N latitude and 123º 44’ W longitude. De Courcy Island falls within Electoral Area “B” of the Regional District of Nanaimo and within the area of the Gabriola Island Trust Committee of the Islands Trust. The island is approximately 185 ha in size and is subdivided into 144 recreational lots averaging 0.49 ha in size. Private dwellings lie adjacent to the eastern and northern boundaries of the park. No commercial facilities exist on the island. A narrow gravel road runs the full length of the island with the primary purpose of giving the private lots access to a private boat basin. There exists no ferry service to De Courcy Island, however, nearby Gabriola Island, which has a permanent population base, commercial businesses and tourist facilities, is accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo. Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park is approximately 31 hectares in size (24 hectares of upland and 7 hectares of foreshore) with approximately 2750 m of shoreline. The park’s sheltered anchorage, with dinghy docks adjacent to the Pylades Channel, is accessible from Nanaimo Harbour by a 20 - 40 minute motor boat ride. Many Victoria and Vancouver Yacht Clubs also lie within a one or two day cruising range. Roughly plotted courses from Vancouver and Victoria traverse 35 and 80 km respectively (Podmore, 1957). 1.3 The Protected Areas Strategy and Park Highlights In 1993, the Government of British Columbia released the document A Protected Areas Strategy for British Columbia, which describes the policies and process to protect 12% of the province. The two goals of the strategy are: Goal 1: Representativeness To protect viable, representative examples of the natural diversity of the province, representative of the major terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems, the characteristic habitats, hydrology and landforms, and the characteristic backcountry recreational and cultural heritage values of each ecosection.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 3 Goal 2: Special Features To protect the special natural, cultural heritage and recreational features of the province, including rare and endangered species and cultural habitats, outstanding or unique botanical, zoological, geological, and palaeontological features, outstanding or fragile cultural heritage features, and outstanding outdoor recreational features such as trails. Three protected area designations are currently accepted as protected areas. These include provincial parks, national parks and ecological reserves.

1.2.1 Goal 1: Representativeness The identification of representative areas within the Protected Areas Strategy (PAS) is based on British Columbia's established ecoregion and biogeoclimatic classification systems. Protected areas are selected on the basis of being representative examples of a full range of natural, cultural heritage and recreational values present across and within the ecosections of the province. Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park protects natural, biological and recreation values, and is located in an area that has experienced a minimal degree of development and disturbance. Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park represents the following: • Within the ecoregion classification system (based on landform and climate), Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park represents the Nanaimo Lowland Ecosection within the Eastern Vancouver Island Ecoregion within the Georgia Depression Ecoprovince which lies between the Vancouver Island Mountains and the southern Coast Mountains. • Within the biogeoclimatic classification system (based primarily on climate, soils and vegetation), Pirates Cove Provincial Park lies within and is an example of the Moist Maritime Coastal Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic Zone. Although primarily second-growth forest, Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park displays habitat, animals, plants, hydrology, and landforms representative of the Moist Maritime Coastal Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic Zone. Vegetation in the park varies from grassy clearings and low lying fens to rocky outcrops and a mature forest.

1.2.2 Goal 2: Special Features Within the PAS, special features are defined as “elements or groups of elements made special by their rarity, scarcity and uniqueness or significance in intrinsic or perceived worth.” Special natural and cultural features within Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park include: • Rare elements: Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park, like many of the provincial parks on the Gulf Islands, contains an interesting mixture of native plants. The Rocky Mountain juniper and satin-flower are much more widely-spread in interior British Columbia than they are on the west coast. The poison oak is a blue-listed species on the BC Conservation Data Centre’s Rare Vascular Plant Tracking List. Garry oaks are restricted primarily to the south- east coast of Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands, in Canada. In the Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory, nearly the whole park is identified as a sensitive ecosystem. • Physically exceptional sites (e.g., unique landforms, and physical features): Pirates Cove displays many interesting eroded sandstone formations along its shoreline. • Cultural landscapes (e.g., a historic site): De Courcy Island was the home of the Aquarian Foundation, a religious cult headed by the infamous Brother XII in the early 1930s. Garry oak ecosystems are also an important part of the cultural heritage of British Columbia; and

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 4 • Traditional use sites and archaeological sites (e.g., shell middens): The Gulf Islands have a rich First Nations history and many archaeological sites exist around the shorelines. Additional special features, which provide opportunities for outdoor recreation activities include: • Provincially or regionally rare, scarce or unique recreation features: Pirates Cove offers one of the few safe, sheltered anchorages in the region. • A variety or concentration of recreation features: Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park offers cruising, swimming, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking and wildlife viewing opportunities. • Natural environment recreation opportunities: Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park offers hiking trails, two beautiful coves and a sandy beach, and is a popular boating destination. • Enhancement of travel corridors: Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park is adjacent to Pylades Channel, a popular travel route 16 km south-east of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. • Ability to serve as an outdoor recreation destination and proximity to population centres: The park is easily accessible by boat through Dodd Narrows from Nanaimo, up through the Gulf Islands from Victoria and through the Gabriola Passage from Vancouver. 1.4 Park Establishment and Legislation Pirates Cove has long been one of the most popular anchorages for boats and yachts in southern British Columbia. Even in the late 1950s it was not rare to see 50 - 60 boats tied up within the cove on good weather weekends. Back then it numbered among the top six out of 243 sites compiled through a “Yachting Survey” conducted by the BC Provincial Parks Branch. The survey results indicated that a total of 243 sites held potential “to make them attractive and useful to yachtsmen and boating enthusiasts” (Podmore, 1957). British Columbia's first marine parks were established at Montague Harbour and Rebecca Spit in 1957. Lot 1, Section 23, Nanaimo District Plan 18562 on De Courcy Island, was purchased from De Courcy Estates Ltd. for $75,000 and, together with 6.7 hectares of foreshore, established as a Class ‘A’ provincial marine park on March 8, 1968. As a Category 5 park, the main purpose of establishing Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park was to provide marine-oriented recreational opportunities for boaters. Today, Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park is one of 14 provincial marine parks located in the BC Parks South Vancouver Island District. 1.5 Planning and Management History British Columbia’s marine parks are intended to provide essential facilities for the enjoyment of the boating public while maintaining the natural surroundings of the area. Management direction for Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park comes primarily from the BC Parks South Vancouver Island District. Annual Management Plans have been prepared since 1997 but no current Management Direction Statement or long-term Management Plan exists for this provincial park. Priorities identified in recent Annual Management Plans have included: • increasing the foreshore adjacent to the marine portion of the park boundary; • developing a fire management plan; • developing a marine garbage management strategy;

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 5 • relocating the pit toilets to: (1) halt contamination due to leaching, and (2) minimize destruction of midden; • evaluating the significance of the middens; and • relocating the campsites to less sensitive sites and upgrading them to respond to changing needs.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 6

2. NATURAL VALUES

2.1 Climate Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park fall within the Moist Maritime Coastal Douglas-fir (CDFmm) biogeoclimatic zone and is characterized by a cool Mediterranean-type climate of wet mild winters and warm dry summers. The mean annual precipitation rarely exceeds 800 mm, and summers are relatively dry with less than 25% of the annual precipitation falling between April and October (Snowden, 1997). December is the wettest month and August the driest (Oswald, 1977). The frequent summer drought conditions result in dangerous fire hazards for the islands. The mean annual temperatures on the water are over 10º C with temperatures in July and August averaging between 15º and 17º C. Maximum temperatures on the water seldom exceed 23º C, however, since the air temperature is usually moderated by a cool sea breeze (Snowden, 1997). Gabriola Island and Valdes Island both act as buffers, protecting the inner Gulf Islands from weather in the open Strait of Georgia. Around the inner islands the strongest winds in the summer blow mainly from the north-west and in the autumn mainly from the east and south-east (Wolferstan, 1987). Over the winter, strong winds, colder temperatures and rain can be inhibiting factors, but quite frequently, stable periods and clear skies appear. Due to the limited fetch the height of waves generated by strong winds seldom exceeds 1.2 m (Wolferstan, 1987). 2.2 Geology and Physiography The southern Gulf Islands lie within the Nanaimo Lowlands ecosection. The sedimentary rocks forming the islands were formed approximately 80 million years ago (Oswald, 1977). During the Pleistocene glaciation (10,000 to 15,000 years ago) massive glaciers advanced from the north and covered Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. These severely planed and scoured the relief of the surfaces to form the present landscape (Ministry of Lands, Parks and Housing, 1986). Most of the Gulf Islands near Nanaimo are predominantly sandstone and generally aligned in a north-west – south-east direction, parallel to the Vancouver Island coastline. The steep sides of the ridges typically face south-west and are usually sparsely vegetated, with gentle slopes facing north-east (Wolferstan, 1987). This is all typical of De Courcy Island. The majority of Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park consists of an elongated rocky peninsula joined to the main part of De Courcy Island by a lowland fen. Two coves pinch the island to form the peninsula. The large cove, Pirates Cove, is a natural bottleneck harbour with a sand gravel bottom; most of the water frontage and immediate uplands around the cove consist of eroded sandstone.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 7 The wind and tide have eroded pockets in the sandstone to create lacy formations. The eastern side of the cove consists of steep broken sandstone cliffs. A small beach exists in the right of the cove, of fine sand to mud formation. The western shoreline is of smooth sandstone with no appreciable beach and the immediate uplands slope down at 11 – 13 % (Podmore, 1957).

The frontage around the east side and south end of the rocky peninsula consists of smooth, sloping sandstone banks, typically leading down to small beaches. A sand stone reef forms the north end of the peninsula. The south-east-facing cove - Brother XII Cove – holds a beach made up of small stones, fine white shells and driftwood, and exposes a strip of fine sand at low tide. Between Pirates Cove and Brother XII Cove, a lowland fen fronts on Pirates Cove but is separated from Brother XII Cove by a tombola covered by a midden. The maximum elevation within the park is 28 m and the park’s topography is approximately 20% flat, 40% rolling, 10% broken, 10% steep and 20% shoreline (Lawson et al, 1977). The topography varies from approximately 0 – 20% in slope (Yadao, 2000). 2.3 Soils The Soil Survey of Southeast Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands, British Columbia (Day et al, 1959) classifies De Courcy Island as “Rough Mountainous Land” which typically consists of bedrock with thin soil or soil material, much bare rock and variable drainage. The soil development on the islands in this area (Gabriola Island, Mudge Island and De Courcy Island) is typically not pronounced because of the generally dry conditions during the summertime. The soils are derived from the underlying bedrock and are identified as Dystric Brunisols (Oswald, 1977; Canada Soils Survey, 1974). The soils are shallow over most of the islands, coarse-textured and well-drained. During the site surveys for the Ecosystem Mapping Vegetation Inventory Pilot Project (Yadao, 2000), the soil throughout Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park was noted to be generally shallow, coarse-textured, sandy loam, well-drained and the humus development included Moder to Mor.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 8 2.4 Hydrology No streams or lakes exist in Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. Freshwater supply is from a drilled well. The park contains approximately 2750 m of tidal frontage.

2.5 Vegetation Pirates Cove Provincial Park lies within the Moist Maritime Coastal Douglas-fir (CDFmm) Biogeoclimatic Zone, which is limited to south-eastern Vancouver Island, the southern Gulf Islands and a small section of the Sunshine Coast. The CDFmm zone is generally restricted to elevations of 150 m or less. Common species found on average or ‘zonal’ sites within the CDFmm Biogeoclimatic Zone include: Douglas-fir, grand fir and western red cedar, with salal, dull Oregon grape, ocean spray and Oregon beaked moss as the understorey. Less common understorey species include western trumpet honeysuckle, baldhip rose, snowberry, vanilla leaf and electrified cats tail moss (Halladay, 2000). Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park is drier than zonal, meaning that most of the site series falls within 02-03 in the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification system. The majority of the park falls within site series 02, where Douglas fir and arbutus compose the majority of the overstorey, and honeysuckle and/or oceanspray compose the majority of the understorey. Richer sites (03 sites) within the park may support some Garry oak (Halladay, 2000). It is believed that some trees were selectively logged (with adequate cover left as a seed source) within the current park boundary back in the early 1930s, and that it was relogged in 1945 (Podmore, 1957). The vegetation in Pirates Cove Provincial Park is diverse and varies from mature forest and shoreline grasses to low-lying fens and rocky outcrops. In 2000, Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park was one of 17 protected areas in the South Vancouver Island District inventoried as part of the Ecosystem Mapping Vegetation Inventory Pilot Project conducted by BC Parks, South Vancouver Island District. Following is a summary of the different vegetation zones within Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park, based on data from the Ecosystem Mapping Vegetation Inventory Pilot Project (Yadao, 2000), Fire Management Plan For Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park (Halladay, 2000), Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park (Arenaria Research and Interpretation,1993), Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Fire Control Survey For Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park (MacLoud et al, 1977) and on-site observations in December 2000 and March 2001. (1) Mature forest cover is present over the majority of the peninsula and in the south-westerly portion of the park, in the location of the campsites. It consists primarily of Douglas fir with some arbutus, Garry oak, western red cedar and western yew, and grand fir in moister situations. The understorey is dominated by salal but also consists of Oregon grape, sword fern, hairy honeysuckle, and mosses. Vegetation is discontinuous due to frequent rock outcroppings.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 9 Table 1: Mature Forest Cover Common Name Latin Name

Trees: arbutus Arbutus menziesii Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii Garry oak Quercus garryana grand fir Abies grandis western red cedar Thuja plicata western yew Taxus brevifolia Shrubs: hairy honeysuckle Lonicera hispidula Oregon grape Mahonia nervosa salal Gaultheria shallon sword fern Polystichum munitum Herbs: barren fescue Vulpia bromoides bedstraw Galium ssp. Columbia brome Bromus vulgaris colonial bentgrass Agrostis capillaris common foxglove Digitalis purpurea hairy cat’s-ear Hypochaeris radicata large-leaved avens Geum macrophyllum meadow barley Hordeum brachyantherum rattlesnake plantain Goodyera oblongifolia small-flowered lotus Lotus micranthus spotted coralroot Corallorhiza striata sword fern Polystichum munitum tarweed Madia ssp. twinflower Linnaea borealis wall lettuce Lactuca muralis Mosses & Lichens: kindbergia ssp. Kindbergia ssp. step moss Hylocomium splendens

(2) Shoreline transition vegetation covers a 20 - 30 m strip located along most of the seashore/park perimeter and is the transition zone between the shoreline grasses and secondary growth forest. Rock outcroppings are common and the soils tend to be shallow and rocky. The overstorey is composed mainly of arbutus and Douglas-fir, along with some Garry oak, grand fir and Rocky Mountain juniper. The understorey consists of grasses and mosses, with some salal, Oregon grape, hairy honeysuckle, western trumpet honeysuckle, poison oak and pipsissewa. Poison oak is a rare plant species. Rocky Mountain juniper, poison oak and pipsissewa are all much more common in the dry interior than on the west coast of BC (Arenaria Research and Interpretation, 1993).

Table 2: Shoreline Transition Vegetation Common Name Latin Name

Trees: arbutus Arbutus menziesii Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 10 Garry oak Quercus garryana grand fir Abies grandis Rocky Mountain juniper Juniperus scopulorum Shrubs: hairy honeysuckle Lonicera hispidula Oregon grape Mahonia nervosa red elderberry Sambucus racemosa red huckleberry Vaccinium parvifolium salal Gaultheria shallon satin-flower Sisyrinchium douglasii western trumpet honeysuckle Lonicera ciliosa Herbs: Alaska rein-orchid Plantathera unalascensis bedstraw Galium ssp. colonial bentgrass Agrostis capillaris common dandelion Taraxacum officinale large-leaved avens Geum macrophyllum mountain sweet-cicely Osmorhiza chilensis pathfinder Adenocaulon bicolor pipsissewa Chimaphila umbellata poison oak Toxicodendron diversilobum rattlesnake plantain Goodyera oblongifolia sheep sorrel Rumex acetosella small-flowered fiddleneck Amsinckia menziesii small-flowered nemophilia Nemophila perviflora spike bentgrass Agrostis exarata starflower Trientalis ssp. tarweed Madia ssp. western fescue Festuca occidentalis Mosses & Lichens: big red stem moss Peurozium schreberi coastal reindeer lichen Cladina portentosa Oregon beaked moss Kindbergia oregana yellow moss Homalothecium fulgescens

(3) The fen between the main island and the peninsula consists of soils that are moist year round and the primary vegetation types are grasses. Salal, red huckleberry and Oregon grape are also common and silverweed has been identified on the site. This area acts as a natural firebreak.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 11 Table 3: Fen Common Name Latin Name

Shrubs: Oregon grape Mahonia nervosa red huckleberry Vaccinium parviflorum salal Gaultheria shallon

Herbs: common velvet-grass Holcus lanatus meadow barley Hordeum brachyantherum silverweed Potentilla anserina ssp. pacifica

(4) Shoreline grasses exist at the north-east tip of the peninsula. This vegetation consists of a few cedars, shoreline grasses and some mosses. The soil depth tends to be shallow since bedrock is frequently near the surface. The area is highly exposed to the winds.

Table 4: Shoreline Grasses Common Name Latin Name

Trees: western red cedar Thuja plicata

Herbs, Mosses & Lichens: n/a

2.5.1 Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory The Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory of East Vancouver Island and the Adjacent Gulf Islands was initiated in 1993 to identify and map the ecologically significant and unmodified sensitive terrestrial ecosystems in the area. The inventory results showed that less than 8% of the entire study area, comprising approximately 4100 square kilometres, could be considered to be relatively unmodified. Just over ten percent of the study area was occupied by large stands of second growth forests over 60 years old. Nearly the entire Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park was mapped as an ecosystem considered fragile and/or rare in the Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory (SEI) (Appendix 2). In the SEI the north-east tip of the peninsula was mapped as Coastal Bluff, a sensitive ecosystem type based on its rarity, potential to support rare species, value as wildlife habitat and biodiversity value. Coastal Bluff ecosystems are noted for their lack of soils and are considered sensitive since they are rare, the thin soils can be easily disturbed and plants easily dislodged, and seabirds often choose to nest on the coastal bluffs. The remainder of the peninsula was mapped as Older Second Growth Forest. This ecosystem is not categorized as “sensitive” but is valuable for bio-diversity and important to wildlife. Such

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 12 older second growth forests have been logged or influenced by other human disturbance since settlement of the Gulf Islands began in the mid-1800s. Within 20 years, many of these second growth forests will become Older Forest, one of the sensitive ecosystem types in the SEI. 2.5.2 Fire Management Plans In 1977 a Fire Control Survey (Lawson et al, 1977) was completed for Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park in conjunction with the Pacific Forest Research Centre, and in 1991 BC parks implemented a “no fire” policy for the park. According to local knowledge, there have not been any major wildfires since at least 1947 on De Courcy Island (Lawson et al, 1977). Within the park there have been many illegal campfires, however, despite the “No Fire” signs. In 2000 a Fire Management Plan (Halladay, 2000) for Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park was completed. Both the naturally-occurring fen in Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park and gravel road that runs the full length of the island provide some value as a firebreak for the residents of De Courcy Island. 2.6 Wildlife A detailed wildlife inventory has not been undertaken for Pirates Cove Provincial Park however a variety of coastal wildlife is known to inhabit the park. There also exists a “wildlife corridor” on the main part of the island, as outlined in the 1982 De Courcy Island Official Community Plan. Hunting is not permitted in the park. 2.6.1 Birds Douglas-fir forests generally support woodpeckers, owls, chickadees, two species of swallows and bald eagles (Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, 1999). Wilson’s warblers (Wilsonia pusilla), Pacific-slope flycatchers (Empidonax difficilis), black oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani), white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) and bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are some of the species known to breed in Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park (Arenaria Research and Interpretation, 1993). The park is also considered to be a highly important area for gulls (Larus ssp.) and a moderately important area for loons (Gavia ssp.), cormorants (Phalacrocorax ssp.) (a species on the BC Conservation Data Centre (CDC) Rare Vertebrate Animal Tracking List), grebes, diving ducks and alcids (Dunham, 2001). The great blue heron (Ardea herodias fannini) (a blue-listed species on the CDC Rare Vertebrate Animal Tracking List), bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and many other coastal and marine birds are known to use the park for foraging and resting (Arenaria Research and Interpretation, 1993). 2.6.2 Mammals The fauna of the Gulf Islands is limited in diversity compared to mainland British Columbia, however there is still a range of native animals inhabiting De Courcy Island. The only large mammal known to inhabit the island is the black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Mid-sized mammals are better represented and river otters (Lontra canadensis), mink (Mustela vison) and raccoon (Procyon lotor) are all very common ((Arenaria Research and Interpretation, 1993). These three species are usually associated with sites immediately adjacent to the coast. 2.6.3 Marine Mammals Although not yet included within the park’s boundaries, marine life off the park’s shoreline is bountiful. Common pinnipeds off De Courcy Island include: harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) (seen year-round), Steller’s sea lions and California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) (most frequently seen between late August and the mid-May). Seals can often be seen on the drying reefs between Ruxton and De Courcy Islands (Snowden, 1997). The nearshore area on the north-east side of De

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 13 Courcy Island in Pylades Channel is known to be a rafting area for 44 sea lions (Dunham, 2001). Cetaceans occasionally seen off De Courcy Island include: harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) - high incidence in Pylades Channel; Dall’s porpoises - low incidence in Pylades Channel; and killer whales (Orcinus orca) (a blue-listed species on the CDC Rare Vertebrate Animal Tracking List) – low incidence in Pylades Channel (Dunham, 2001). Gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) may also occasionally be observed from Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park (Dunham, 2001). 2.6.4 Fish Species and Invertebrates Herring spawn along one kilometre of the Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park shoreline, in Pylades Channel (Dunham, 2001). Herring spawn locations are known to attract large numbers of predators such as bald eagles and pinnipeds (seals, sea lions). Other fish species found in the region, around Gabriola Island, include Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus ssp.) and numerous species of rockfish, cod, halibut, dogfish and greenling (I.R. Wilson Consultants Ltd, 2001). Invertebrates found in Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park include crabs and shrimp which are present just offshore from the park, in Pylades Channel (Dunham, 2001). The shallow waters along the mid-eastern shore of De Courcy Island are also abundant with clams, oysters and sand dollars (Snowden, 1997). 2.7 Rare Plants, Animals and Plant Communities The BC Conservation Data Centre (CDC) maintains a computerized data bank with information on rare, threatened, endangered and vulnerable plants, animals and plant communities in British Columbia. A detailed survey of rare plants on De Courcy Island has not been undertaken and to date, the CDC is unaware of any known occurrences of rare species or plant communities (red or blue-listed species) on De Courcy Island (CDC, 2001). However, one rare plant known to exist on De Courcy Island, recorded in BC Parks’ Annual Management Plans for Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park, is the poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) which is a blue-listed species on the BC Conservation Data Centre’s Rare Vascular Plant Tracking List. It has a provincial ranking of S2/S3 (Imperilled/Vulnerable). Garry oaks, which exist within Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park, are restricted primarily to the south-east coast of Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands, in Canada. Some Garry oak plant communities have been ranked as S2 and S1 (imperilled and critically imperilled) within British Columbia, however, the Garry oak itself is not red or blue-listed. The Garry oak ecosystem is not officially recognized as a nationally endangered ecosystem, however, today, less than 5% of the original habitat remains in its near-natural condition (Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, 2001). The CDC Rare Vertebrate Animal Tracking List includes: cormorants (Phalacrocorax ssp.) (yellow-, red- and blue-listed), the great blue heron (Ardea herodias fannini) (blue-listed) and the killer whale (Orcinus orca) (blue-listed), which are all known to be seen in or close to Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. Due to the lack of a highly detailed survey of plants or animals at Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park, additional species of rare plants, plant associations or vertebrate animals on the BC Conservation Data Centre’s Rare Vascular Plant and Rare Vertebrate Animal Tracking Lists (see Appendix 3) could exist within the park boundaries.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 14 2.8 Ecological Reserves Eight ecological reserves exist in the southern Gulf Islands and protect native vegetation, wildlife habitat and feeding grounds. The closest ones to De Courcy Island are Canoe Islets (located off the south end of Valdes Island) and Rose Islets (immediately north of Reid Island), both established in 1971. The Rose Islets Ecological Reserve supports nesting double-crested cormorants and Canoe Islets Ecological Reserve supports glaucous-winged gulls.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 15

3. CULTURAL VALUES

The Gulf Islands have a rich First Nations history. Archaeological sites on De Courcy Island indicate human habitation dating back for many centuries and old farm buildings on the island are evidence of early European settlement. De Courcy Island was named after Captain Michael de Courcy, captain of the H.M.S. Pylades, a vessel that charted these waters from 1859 – 1861. It was named by Captain Richards of the H.M.S. Plumper, around 1860 (Walbran, 1971). 3.1 First Nations Traditional Use De Courcy Island lies within the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw (or Nanaimo) First Nation, speakers of the Nanaimo dialect of the Island Halkomelem language division of the Coast Salish linguistic family (I.R. Wilson Consultants Ltd, 2001; Duff, 1964). The Island Halkomelem include the Nanaimo, the Nanoose, the Chemainus, the Cowichan and the Malahat First Nations and their territory in the early 1800s extended from Northwest Bay south to Saanich Inlet, and inland to the eastern tip of Cowichan Lake. It included the northern extent of the southern Gulf Islands (I.R. Wilson Consultants Ltd, 2001). De Courcy Island lies near the southern boundary of Nanaimo territory. Valdes Island, to the north-east, is within Chemainus territory (I.R. Wilson Consultants Ltd, 2001; Kennedy et al, 1994) and is the location of three former village sites of the Chemainus First Nation. De Courcy Island may have been used by both the Nanaimo and the Chemainus First Nations in the past (I.R. Wilson Consultants Ltd, 2001). The Nanaimo First Nation stayed in permanent houses at the mouth of the Nanaimo River from around August/September until the end of December. Many of the First Nation, however, would have actually left back in August to fish for salmon on the Fraser River. Between December and March, the Nanaimo First Nation moved to semi-permanent winter villages at Nanaimo Harbour and Departure Bay; from March/April until August, the Nanaimo First Nation moved back to the Lower Nanaimo River and lived temporarily at False Narrows on Gabriola Island. Summer activities typically included: fishing, gathering clams and other invertebrates, hunting seals and seal lions, and gathering camas bulbs and other native plants for winter storage (I.R. Wilson Consultants Ltd, 2001). Population figures, based on the best available estimates for 1780 and 1835, and official census figures for 1915 and 1958, indicate that the Nanaimo First Nation population was 1100 in 1790; 800 in 1835; 162 in 1915; and 476 in 1958 (Freeman et al, 1969). 3.2 First Nations Artefacts Numerous archaeological sites, middens, and burial sites are found in the Gulf Islands today. Many archaeological survey projects have been undertaken near De Courcy Island. Both Gabriola Island to the north and Valdes Island to the north-east of De Courcy Island have been relatively intensively studied archaeologically and deposits relating to the past 1000 years have recently been documented on Valdes Island (I.R. Wilson Consultants Ltd, 2001). Three archaeological survey projects have been undertaken within Pirates Cove Provincial Park. In the 1960s three archaeological sites (shell middens) (DgRw 6, 10 and 11) were recorded within

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 16 the park. In 1975 the three previously recorded sites were revisited and two additional shell middens (DgRw 116 and 117) were recorded. In 2001 an archaeological inventory for Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park was completed by I.R. Wilson Consultants Ltd. to determine the condition of the five archaeological sites within the park and to inspect three proposed composting toilet locations. Information on the recorded sites from the Archaeological Inventory (I.R. Wilson Consultants Ltd, 2001) is summarized in the following table. For site locations, see Appendix 4.

Table 5: Archaeological Sites in Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park

Site: Description: Size: Deposits: Notes: DgRw 6 Large, deep 160 m x 20 m; Whole & broken Disturbed by placement of 2 shell midden. 1.0 – 1.5 m littleneck, butter clam, outhouses, tent pads & day deep. horseclam, cockle, picnic areas on site. edible mussel, barnacle & fire-broken rock. DgRw 10 Small midden. ~ 35 m x 5 m; Crushed butterclam & Good condition; little, if ~ 100 mm deep. littleneck clam. any, disturbance has occurred. DgRw 11 40 m x 10 m; Crushed butterclam, Site appears to be up to 500 mm littleneck & cockles. undisturbed. deep. DgRw 116 Small site; 10 m x 5 m; Whole & crushed May have been landscaped possibly may be up to butterclam, littleneck & & cleared by park personnel. discontinuous. 500 mm deep. mussel, & fire-broken Tidal action appears to have rock. created some erosion. DgRw 117 Small & 20 x 10 m; Whole & crushed Site appears to be discontinuous. 100 mm deep. littleneck, butterclam, undisturbed. horse clam & cockle.

According to the Archaeological Inventory, based purely on size and depth, DgRw 6 has high archaeological significance, DgRw 10, 116 and 117 have low archaeological significance and DgRw 11 has low-moderate archaeological significance (I.R. Wilson Consultants Ltd, 2001). 3.3 Non-aboriginal History De Courcy Island has a rather colourful recent history. In the early 1930s, it was the location of the Aquarian Foundation, a quasi-religious cult headed by a man called Brother XII. Pirates Cove was actually known as “The Haven” or “Gospel Cove” by the Aquarians. Following is a summary from BC Parks’ Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park brochure: In the late 20s and early 30s, De Courcy was the home of the Aquarian Foundation founded by the infamous Brother XII, a man described as "downright evil", "The Great Beast" and the "blackest man to have ever lived". Brother XII (also known as Edward A. Wilson among other names) was able to convince up to 8000 followers that he was the Twelfth Master of Wisdom - part of a line of divine perfect masters from another world who would teach his faithful the mysteries of ancient Egypt and usher in a new age. The amount of money donated to the foundation is legendary, people would give their entire life savings in support. The land purchased included De

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 17 Courcy Island. A settlement was built on the north end of the island, with stories of having gun fortifications and rock shelters. Any excess money was said to have been converted to gold coins and sealed into glass jars and placed into cedar chests – no one knows what happened to this fortune, perhaps visitors to Pirate’s Cove (which was called Gospel Cove or The Haven in Bro. XII’s time) sail over it every time they arrive! Brother XII had a cohort for several years, dubbed Madame “Zee”, a cruel woman who helped rule the island with an iron fist and bullwhip. In 1933 the pair were to be brought to trial in Nanaimo on charges of misuse of funds, adultery and attempted murder through witchcraft. Before the judgement was brought down they disappeared on the colony’s boat, never to be seen again in these parts. The property now known as Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park was first purchased from the Province of British Columbia in 1929 and changed hands twice before Edward A. Wilson (Brother XII) acquired the property in 1930. Following Brother XII, five different people owned the property until Minard G. Hill, a principal shareholder in Yellow Point Lodge who often brought guests from the lodge via boat to this area for picnics, purchased it in 1956. He planned to build cabins on the upland property and develop a future marina. Around 1957, Mr. Hill submitted an oyster lease application for Pirates Cove foreshore, when acquiring Pirates Cove for a provincial marine park was under consideration (Podmore, 1957). In 1966, a portion of the island and the popular anchorage of Pirates Cove were purchased for a Provincial Marine Park with the assistance of the Council of British Columbia Yacht Clubs.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 18

4. OUTDOOR RECREATION & TOURISM

4.1 Access Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park is accessible to the public from the water only. No regular ferry service to De Courcy Island exists therefore access to the park is primarily by private boat. Water taxis, private charters, helicopters and float planes can also provide access to the island. Access to the larger and more developed Gulf Islands is typically by ferry. BC Ferries operates a vehicle and passenger ferry between Gabriola Island and Nanaimo 16 times each day, with a sailing time of 20 minutes. Improved access to De Courcy Island is likely undesirable, as it would negatively affect the nature and quality of the recreational experience. 4.1.1 Access by Boat Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park is accessible by boat through Dodd Narrows or False Narrows from Nanaimo, up through the Gabriola Passage from Vancouver or through the southern Gulf Islands from Victoria. The trip is a distance of 18 km from Nanaimo Harbour, and in good weather takes only 15 - 25 minutes by motor boat. From Ladysmith Harbour, the trip takes approximately 35 - 45 minutes by motor boat. Many local yacht clubs and marinas also lie within a one day cruising range of Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. Roughly plotted courses from Vancouver and Victoria traverse 35 and 80 km respectively (Podmore, 1957). For large boats, the tidal currents through Dodd Narrows and Gabriola Passage and the high and low tide dictate arrival and departure in Pirates Cove. Many boats cannot get into Pirates Cove in the midday low tides typical during the summer. There exist two reefs, which are both submerged at high tide. 4.1.2 Access by Kayak, Canoe or Small Craft There are a number of beaches, boat launches and government wharves, which are recommended as launching-points for 2 – 4 day kayaking trips around the De Courcy Group. The closest ones to Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park are: 1) the beach at Blue Heron Park at Yellow Point on Vancouver Island; 2) the public boat ramp at Cedar-by-the-Sea (a seaside community that was once the headquarters for the Aquarian Foundation (1927) before Brother XII moved the colony to De Courcy Island) on Vancouver Island; and 3) the government wharf or an adjacent beach at Gabriola Island’s Degnen Bay. 4.1.3 Access by Road on De Courcy Island A narrow gravel road exists from the north-west corner of De Courcy Island to the south of the island. The road’s primary purpose is to give the private lots access to a private boat basin. The road also provides direct access to Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park, however, due to the sparse settlement of the island, it is doubtful that many local people access the park via the gravel road.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 19 4.2 Outdoor Recreation Features 4.2.1 Marine Shoreline and Natural Coastal Features Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park has a diverse shoreline configuration, lies adjacent to a narrow channel and many small islets, and includes two small bays. Most of the water frontage and immediate uplands around Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park consist of eroded sandstone. Lacy sandstone formations, steep broken sandstone cliffs and sandy beaches, provide interesting geological features around the shoreline. The sand beaches at Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park provide suitable landing sites for sea kayaks as well as ideal environments for beach day use activities and beachcombing. 4.2.2 Water Temperature Swimming in the Gulf Islands is usually a chilling experience with water temperatures in the summer averaging 7 to 10º C (Wolferstan, 1987). However, on wide sandy beaches such as the one at Brother XII Cove, which transfer their heat to the rising tide, or in small bays such as Pirates Cove, which receive very little tidal exchange, the water can reach temperatures of 18 to 21º C (Wolferstan, 1987). Since there are relatively few locations, which have such temperatures, Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park has special appeal for water-based recreation. 4.2.3 Vegetation The vegetation in Pirates Cove Provincial Park is diverse and varies from mature forest and shoreline grasses to low-lying fens and rocky outcrops. The majority of the second growth forest in the park is composed of mixed stands of Douglas fir and arbutus and/or Garry oak with Oregon grape, salal, bracken fern and hairy honeysuckle composing the majority of the understorey. 4.2.4 Wildlife Resident and migratory species of birds and mammals offer many wildlife viewing opportunities within Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. Mammals include: black-tailed deer, river otter, mink and racoon. Marine mammals seen off De Courcy Island include: cetaceans (harbour porpoises, Dall’s porpoises, killer whales, Gray whales, minke whales and humpback whales) and pinnipeds (harbour seals, Steller’s sea lions and California sea lions). Birds seen at Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park include: Wilson’s warblers, Pacific-slope flycatchers, black oystercatchers, white-crowned sparrows, great blue herons, bald eagles, gulls, loons, cormorants, grebes, diving ducks and alcids. 4.2.5 Harvestable Marine Life Recreational oyster harvesting exists within Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park and crabs are commercially and recreationally harvested with traps. Herring roe and shrimp are also commercially harvested, just offshore from the park, in Pylades Channel (Dunham, 2001). 4.2.6 Cultural Features Five archaeological sites (shell middens) exist at Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park, as visible physical remnants of native culture. Since the southern Gulf Islands were a place of significance in the First Nations’ harvesting of marine foods (e.g., fishing sites, clam and mussel beds), there may be opportunities to interpret the native heritage through oral histories, culturally-important stories and/or myths. De Courcy Island also has Eurasio-Canadian cultural heritage features, having been the home of the Aquarian Foundation, headed by Brother XII in the early 1930s.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 20 4.2.7 Visual Features The visual features and scenic views from Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park are an important part of the attraction for visitors. Visual features include the interesting shoreline of eroded lace- patterned sandstone, mature forest with an absence of conspicuous logging and the many small bays and beaches along the natural-appearing and unaltered coastline. Dramatic views from the park include: • sea vistas to the south towards Ruxton Island and Valdes Island from Brother XII Cove; • views over to Valdes Island, Gabriola Island and the Coast Mountains on the mainland from the north-east side of the peninsula; and • views over to Vancouver Island from the south-east tip of the peninsula. 4.2.8 Good Anchorages Pirates Cove provides a good, safe place to moor or anchor recreational vessels. It provides protection from prevailing and storm waves and winds, adequate depth and a suitable substrate for anchoring. Brother XII Cove also provides a good anchorage. The BC Council of Yacht Clubs has recently undertaken an initiative along with the provincial government to identify safe anchorages along the coast, within 40 km of usual launching harbours. Approximately 125 safe anchorages have been listed so far . 4.3 Recreation Opportunities Historic use of Pirates Cove as a popular anchorage preceded the creation of the provincial marine park by many decades. Today, Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park supports a wide range of recreational activities. Besides boating (i.e., power boating, sailing, canoeing and ocean kayaking) there exist opportunities for fishing, camping, hiking, swimming, picnicking, nature interpretation, photography, beachcombing, historic interpretation and scuba diving around the park. The park includes 4 km of hiking trails, picnic and day-use areas, a south-eastern exposed beach and walk-in campsites. 4.3.1 Coastal Cruising Coastal cruising (power boating, sailing and yachting) is a recreational activity in itself but also serves as a transportation mode for a diverse range of other activities. Pirates Cove has all of the following features, which are considered important to coastal cruising in the report Key Conservation, Recreation and Cultural Heritage Values in British Columbia’s Marine Environment (LUCO, 1999): 1) natural scenery; 2) wildlife viewing (e.g., marine mammals, seabirds); 3) native heritage areas; 4) shoreline configuration (e.g., islet clusters, bays); 5) coastal features (e.g., beaches, readily accessible coastal trails); 6) adjacent mature forest; and 7) excellent anchorage. Pirates Cove is used by many for overnight anchorage purposes and it is not rare to see 45 – 50 boats a night, anchored within Pirates Cove on good weather weekends. There is easy access ashore via the docks.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 21 When Pirates Cove is too crowded alternative anchorage is possible in Brother XII Cove, at the south end of De Courcy Island. However, this cove is not protected from the strong autumn winds which tend to come from the south-east. Many other provincial marine parks around the southern Gulf Islands and many marine developments such as Silva Bay Marina and Degnen Bay Public Wharf on Gabriola Island also complement the park. 4.3.2 Sea Kayaking/Canoeing Sea kayaking has grown to be one of the most popular recreational activities in British Columbia over the last twenty years (LUCO, 1999; ARA Consulting Group Inc., 1991). The Gulf Islands are very popular destinations for one day or short multi-day kayaking trips, being close to British Columbia’s major cities. British Columbia’s coast is also one of the prime destinations for kayakers in the whole of North America because of the diversity of the shoreline, the late summer/early fall periods of calm, stable weather and the year-round ice-free conditions. Commercial kayakers have been known to come on day trips to the island with as many as 50 people. Many of the shallow bays and coves, tidal pools, lagoons, rivers, creeks and streams in the Gulf Islands which are inaccessible to deeper draught craft, are open to kayaks and canoes. Kayaking along the east or west side of the De Courcy Group is extremely popular since it does not require paddling through any of the major passes and the currents and winds are usually minimal. Due to the favourable paddling conditions found in this area, it is highly recommended for the less experienced (Snowden, 1997). Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park and Blackberry Point (on Valdes Island) are the two popular places for an overnight stay in this area. One major distinction between multi-day coastal cruising and canoeing/kayaking is that the latter requires suitable places to bring the vessel safely ashore and to camp. There is no official boat launch at Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park but it has all of the following features which are considered important to kayaking in Key Conservation, Recreation and Cultural Heritage Values in British Columbia’s Marine Environment (LUCO, 1999): 1) variable and distinct shoreline configuration and type; 2) variable sea conditions, ranging from challenging to calm; 3) sites for landing/camping, with fresh water at hand; 4) diverse and changing flora and fauna; 5) natural shoreline features (trailheads, superior beaches); 6) presence of archaeological or historical resources; 7) natural-appearing and unaltered scenery; and 8) mature forest (absence of conspicuous logging). 4.3.3 Sport Fishing There exist some fishing opportunities in close proximity to Pirates Cove Provincial Park. The park has coastline scenery and other marine attractions that can be observed while fishing (e.g., marine mammals), which are considered to be important features for sports fishing in Key Conservation, Recreation and Cultural Heritage Values in British Columbia’s Marine Environment (LUCO, 1999). Herring are commercially harvested for food and bait, just offshore from Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park in Pylades Channel; the intensity is moderate. Shrimp are also commercially harvested, with trawling gear, just offshore from Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park in Pylades Channel and the season is open year-round. Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park is also an area where crabs are commercially and recreationally harvested with traps. The intensity of

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 22 commercial use is rated as low and recreational use as moderate. The season is also open year- round (Dunham, 2001). Recreational oyster harvesting also exists at Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. 4.3.4 Camping Walk-in campsites exist at the south-west side of the park, however, most of the official campsites are located beneath Douglas-fir trees and receive little direct sunlight. Informal camping takes place up on a small plateau, up above the first staircase, above the Brother XII beach area. Camping is primarily a summer activity although the campground remains open year round. It receives its highest use between May and August. With no firewood available and summers being very dry, there exist extreme fire hazards in the summertime and campfires are not permitted. Kayakers and occupants from some self-contained boats are the most typical users of the campsites. 4.3.5 Wildlife Viewing Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park offers a variety of opportunities for viewing wildlife (flora and fauna). All of the other recreational categories used in this report attach some degree of importance to the opportunity to see wildlife. There are several rare plant species in the park and many opportunities to observe seabirds, mammals, marine mammals (cetaceans and pinnipeds), mixed shore life and non-biological natural features and unique geologic formations. 4.3.6 Shore-Based Marine Dependent Recreation Examples of activities within this category include: beach day use for sunbathing, swimming, sandcastle building, snorkelling, recreational clam digging; beach combing, hiking coastal trails and nature observation.

Hiking Trails: Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park has 4 km of hiking trails, which lead around the peninsula, over the crest of the peninsula and around the shoreline perimeter of the island.

Beach Activities and Swimming: There are swimming opportunities at Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park but no lifeguards on duty. Marine pollution from boaters discharging their sewage into the bay seriously affects the water quality in Pirates Cove and swimming is not recommended in the cove for this reason. Brother XII beach is a south-eastern-exposed sandy beach and the water is warm in the summer months. There also exist recreational clam digging opportunities (currently closed) and the sandstone and other rock formations along the beaches create an interesting shoreline. Shallow caves and hollows in some of the beach cliffs offer fun exploring opportunities.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 23 4.3.7 Mountain Biking Mountain biking is not permitted at this park. 4.3.8 Equestrian Use Horseback riding is not permitted at this park. 4.4 Existing Facilities and Services In the early 1970s, at the height of the boating boom, the BC Parks branch developed two pit toilets, one dinghy float, 10 mooring rings set in rock, six directional signs and a dedication plaque at Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. The development of walk-in campsites was proposed in 1974 since people were camping ashore at Pirates Cove on the grassy area above the dinghy dock. Today, the park facilities consist of all-weather anchorage, mooring rings, a dingy float, walk-in campsites, toilet facilities, a picnic/day use area with tables, hiking trails and a 31 m deep hand pump for water. There are no garbage facilities. 4.4.1 Boat access/ floats: Pirates Cove provides excellent boat anchorages with adequate shelter from all winds and has room for 40 - 60 vessels. There are bright yellow ring bolts in the rocks for securing the stern lines, on the north-west and east shores of the main cove. There exist two “Fairhurst” dodecagonal public floats for dinghies, one on each side of Pirates Cove. These are designed for dinghies only and not large yachts and provide access to the park facilities. Members of the Maple Bay Yacht Club maintain a voluntary marine park host program and a small float at the centre of the cove is reserved for the park host’s vessel during the summer months. Brother XII Cove provides excellent protection from prevailing north-westerly winds of summer months. This cove is unprotected from the south, however, but with its gradually-tapered beach, it tends to attract more kayakers than boaters. 4.4.2 Campground There exist 9 official wilderness/walk-in campsites at the south-west side of the park, five adjacent to the fen and shoreline of Pirates Cove, and four immediately north of the Brother XII beach area. No group campsites exist at this park. Six conventional pit toilets currently exist: two near the innermost dinghy dock in Pirates Cove; two between the Brother XII and Darkwoods Trails; and two near the Brother XII Cove. The two conventional pit toilets near Brother XII Cove are situated up-slope from archaeological site DgRw 6 but within midden deposits. These are due to be replaced in 2001 with new composting toilets, away from the midden deposits. 4.4.3 Day Use A water pump exists near the campsites above Brother XII Cove, and a total of three picnic tables and an information shelter are situated on the grass bank above the beach. Another picnic table exists up on a small plateau, up the first staircase, above the Brother XII beach area. 4.4.4 Trails Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park has 4 km of hiking trails: The Cove Trail begins at the innermost dinghy dock in Pirates Cove and leads to the Brother XII Cove on the opposite side of

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 24 the peninsula. Three other trails head onto the peninsula from this cove. The Brother XII and Darkwoods Trails follow the crest of the peninsula along its long axis. The Pylades Trail follows the sandstone shoreline around the perimeter of the island. There exist no wheelchair facilities at the park. 4.5 Visitor Use Trends: Past, Present & Future Pirates Cove has been one of the most popular marine anchorages in British Columbia for many decades. Due to the popularity of the marine anchorage, use in the summer months is very high. The majority of park use occurs in July and August, with the remainder occurring in June and September and high numbers on the Victoria Day long weekend in May. Most boaters use the protected cove (Pirates Cove) for overnight anchorage. A few anchor in Brother XII Cove. Although not officially recorded, day use is reported to be increasing (District Manager, 2001). The following tables illustrate use figures derived from BC Parks South Vancouver Island District’s 1994 – 2000 Miscellaneous Attendance Collection Sheets for Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park.

Table 6: Boats (not including kayaks/canoes) - Estimated Attendance at Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park

YEAR April May June July August Sept. October TOTAL 1994 n/a 386 n/a 622 826 609 112 - 1995 345 771 610 751 885 583 269 4214 1996 n/a n/a 357 465 344 352 97 - 1997 77 396 289 592 444 229 50 2077 1998 125 199 283 415 610 465 87 2184 1999 n/a 257 280 521 744 310 n/a - 2000 77 196 260 543 676 462 279 2493

Table 7: Kayaks/Canoes – Estimated Attendance at Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park

YEAR April May June July August Sept. October TOTAL 1994 n/a 65 n/a 47 31 47 31 - 1995 30 115 55 47 72 35 88 442 1996 n/a n/a 98 62 72 96 27 - 1997 10 48 56 72 114 94 12 406 1998 10 44 30 93 124 68 6 375 1999 n/a 195 100 152 171 0 n/a - 2000 0 21 60 63 62 180 0 386

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 25 Table 8: Tent Parties - Estimated Attendance at Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park

YEAR April May June July August Sept. October TOTAL 1994 n/a 41 n/a 95 86 47 43 - 1995 0 155 30 75 93 40 47 440 1996 0 124 101 102 83 76 4 490 1997 0 76 41 48 76 38 19 298 1998 20 53 34 124 207 53 25 516 1999 n/a 116 73 97 132 90 n/a - 2000 138 158 206 128 176 158 52 1016

According to the Miscellaneous Attendance Collection Sheets for the months of April to October, 1994 – 2000, there was: • a maximum of between 27 and 55 boats on any recorded day; • a maximum of between 10 and 15 camping parties on any recorded day; and • a maximum of between 10 and 15 kayaks on any recorded day. 4.6 Regional Significance Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park complements many other parks in the southern Gulf Islands. Nearby provincial marine parks, within a 35 km radius, include: Newcastle Island, Whaleboat Island, Dionisio Point, Wallace Island, and Montague Harbour Provincial Parks. Most of these also offer walk-in campsites, beaches, hiking opportunities and are recommended for kayaking. Newcastle Island, Wallace Island, and Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Parks offer all- weather anchorage. Other close provincial parks include Sandwell, Drumbeg and Gabriola Sands Provincial Parks. 4.7 BC Parks Operations The park is open year-round and park user fees are collected from approximately May to September. The park is regularly serviced by a contractor; this service is supplemented by a park ranger from the Nanaimo Area BC Parks office visits the park once every two weeks throughout the summer and once every month through the winter. Members of the Maple Bay Yacht Club maintain a voluntary marine park host program. Plans for future BC Parks Operations include: closure of conventional pit toilets and provision of new composting toilets, campsite closures, development of new campsites and trail relocation.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 26 5. LAND TENURES, JURISDICTIONS & INTERESTS

5.1 Tenures, Leases and Permits Tenures and occupancy rights within Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park are summarized below.

Table 9: Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Tenures, Leases and Permits Mineral Claims: » None Water Rights: » None Permits/Leases: » None Foreshore Leases: » None Air Navigation Orders: » None Forest Act Tenures: » None Trapping: » None Guiding/Outfitting: » None Rights-of-Way: » None Inholdings: » None Informal Tenures: » None Archaeological Sites: » DqRw6/10/11/116/117 Agricultural Land Reserve: » None Park Use Permits: » #1772 Bastion City Charters – Commercial Tours

5.2 Jurisdiction Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park is designated as a Class ‘A’, Category 5 Park under the Park Act of British Columbia. It is managed by BC Parks, South Vancouver Island District (Victoria) and includes: (1) Lot 1, Section 23, Plan 18562; and containing 24 hectares, more or less; (2) All that foreshore and land covered by water more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the most southerly corner of Lot 364, being a point on the natural boundary of Pirates Cove; thence northeasterly along the southeasterly boundary of said Lot 364 to the most easterly corner thereof; thence northeasterly in a straight line to the most northerly point of Lot 1, Section 23, Plan 18562, being a point on the aforesaid natural boundary of Pirates Cove; thence southerly, southearsterly and northwesterly along the said boundary of Pirates Cove to the point of commencement; and containing 7 hectares, more or less. The whole containing 31 hectares, more or less.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 27 5.3 Municipal Interest Local and regional government agencies include the Gabriola Island Local Trust, the Regional District of Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley Regional District, and various municipalities. 5.3.1 De Courcy Island Official Community Plan One of the goals set out in the De Courcy Island Official Community Plan is to support the actions of the appropriate authorities in their efforts to supervise and control the quiet recreational use of Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. Suggested actions include: 1) The park area should be well patrolled during the summer months. 2) Park activity should be maintained on the peninsula side of the firebreak. 3) The public dock should be moved to the peninsula side of the park. 4) Neighbourhood park areas should be acquired. 5.3.2 Provincial and Federal Agencies Provincial government agency interests include the BC Environment (Wildlife Branch), the Land Use Coordination Office, the Ministry of Tourism, BC Heritage Conservation Branch and the Islands Trust. Federal government interests include Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada who is in the process of establishing a new national park in the southern Gulf Islands. 5.4 First Nations Interests De Courcy Island lies within the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw (or Nanaimo) First Nation and near the border of the Chemainus First Nation. 5.5 Community Interest In addition to the government agencies listed above, community interest groups should be contacted during the preparation of a park management plan. Following is a list of some groups identified to date: • Yacht Clubs (e.g., Maple Bay Yacht Club (Marine Park Host for Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park), Council of BC Yacht Clubs, Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Cruising Club/Capital City Yacht Club, Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, Sidney and North Saanich Yacht Club, Nanaimo Yacht Club, Ladysmith Yacht Club) • Key outdoor recreation groups (e.g., Victoria Sea Kayakers Association) • Local interest groups, advisory groups and associations • Local Ratepayers Association (on Gabriola Island) • Historical Museum Society (on Gabriola Island)

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 28 6. KEY MANAGEMENT ISSUES

Below are management issues that have been identified for Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. 6.1 Park Boundary The management plan needs to identify areas where park boundary changes should be considered to meet future recreation use requirements. An extension of the boundary of the park to include the foreshore waters is currently being proposed by BC Parks. See Appendix 5. 6.2 Conservation The management plan needs to identify objectives and actions needed for long-term protection of the ecosystem. 6.2.1 Vegetation Management Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park should be managed to maintain representative native vegetation types. Issues such as insect and disease management, vegetation restoration and vandalism or removal of trees need to be considered. Management priority should be given to special or unique vegetation communities, and rare, threatened, and endangered species such as the poison oak. In the Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory (SEI) the north-east tip of the peninsula was mapped as Coastal Bluff, an ecosystem that provides specialised wildlife habitats and supports distinct plant communities. Because of their general rarity, all coastal bluffs identified in the SEI are of conservation concern. Even minor damage to coastal bluff ecosystems can disturb plant communities. The Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory Conservation Manual provides management recommendations to aid in the management of the coastal bluff ecosystem. The following recommendations could help protect the coastal bluff ecosystem in Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park: 1. Discourage further development (e.g., future campsites) within or adjacent to the coastal bluff ecosystem. 2. Restrict recreational access to the bluff. Closing of the last segment of the trail and fencing may be appropriate to restrict foot traffic. 3. Prevent disturbance of nesting or breeding areas, especially from March through August. Great blue herons have been observed in Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park and they are known to use such ecosystems and adjacent upland areas for nesting and breeding. 4. Control the introduction or spread of invasive plant species such as Scotch broom, spurge-laurel, English ivy, Himalayan blackberry and English holly. 5. Allow successional functions and processes to occur naturally. Docks and jetties interrupt natural processes (i.e., waves, currents, tides) and can adversely affect these ecosystems. 6. Maintain water quality. Pollution sources such as docks constructed out of creosote- treated lumber or marine dumping of boat sewage can have serious long-term impacts on wildlife.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 29 6.2.2 Fire Management Certain areas of the park have been identified as having a high fire hazard rating. Measures for fire reduction and abatement should be taken in light of increased use. 6.2.3 Wildlife Management The management plan needs to identify objectives and actions needed for long-term protection of wildlife. The management and protection of wildlife should extend to all vertebrates and invertebrates, terrestrial, aquatic, and marine. 6.2.4 Geologic Management The management plan needs to identify objectives and actions needed to protect sensitive and/or special geologic features. Fragile or dynamic erosion features, such as sensitive beach areas or eroding sandstone, need to be protected from disturbances that may impair the feature's integrity or natural geological process. 6.3 Marine System Management The management plan needs to identify objectives and actions needed to maintain the marine ecosystem components and processes in as natural a state as possible. Park regulations to prohibit the discharge of sewage or grey water while at anchor ideally need to be enforced to avoid marine pollution potential as there is little tidal exchange in the cove. Pirates Cove was proposed, by the Government of British Columbia, to be designated under the federal Pleasure Craft Sewage Pollution Prevention Regulations as a “no dump zone.” The regulations prohibit the discharge of sewage from pleasure craft in designated waters. However, as of May 26, 1999, Fisheries and Oceans Canada does not intend to designate Pirates Cove under these regulations (Dunham, 2001). Vessel access within Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park may need to be restricted in order to avoid disturbance or pollution of threatened, endangered or vulnerable species and/or their habitats. 6.4 Cultural Heritage Management The management plan needs to identify objectives and actions needed to maintain representative cultural heritage features. Management actions need to be directed towards preservation of the five archaeological sites located within Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. 6.5 Visitor Services Current visitor use issues include: removing the pit toilets to halt contamination due to leaching and to minimize destruction of the midden; replacing the conventional pit toilets with composting toilets; relocating the campsites to less sensitive sites and upgrading them to respond to changing needs; and relocating a section of the Cove Trail off the midden. Any site improvements must be sensitive to the archaeological sites and environmentally sensitive areas. The management plan needs to identify objectives and actions for additional facilities that may be needed to accommodate visitors’ needs and appropriate recreational activities, and to minimize human impacts on the environment. The management plan should also consider the opportunity to provide additional educational/interpretive signage with information on the native heritage, non-native history, wildlife, and reasons for fire control and marine pollution potential.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 30

BIBLIOGRAPHY Arenaria Research and Interpretation. 1993. Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. BC Conservation Data Centre. 2001. Rare element occurrences for Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park.

BC Parks, South Vancouver Island District. 1994 – 2000 Miscellaneous Attendance Collection Sheets for Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. District Manager. 1997. Annual Management Plan: Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. BC Parks, South Vancouver Island District, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks: Victoria, BC.

District Manager. 1999. Annual Management Plan: Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. BC Parks, South Vancouver Island District, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks: Victoria, BC.

District Manager. 2000. Annual Management Plan: Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. BC Parks, South Vancouver Island District, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks: Victoria, BC.

District Manager. 2001. Annual Management Plan: Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park. BC Parks, South Vancouver Island District, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks: Victoria, BC.

Bergman, M. 1957? Initial Report on Recreational Areas: Pirates Cove Marine Park.

Day, J. H, L. Farstad and D. G. Laird. 1959. Soil Survey of Southeast Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands, British Columbia: Report No. 6 of the British Columbia Soil Survey. Research Branch, Canada Department of Agriculture.

Dunham, J. S. 2001. DRAFT Provincial Marine Protected Areas in British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks: Victoria, BC.

Freeman, Beatrice, and J. Spalding, comp. 1969. A Gulf Islands Patchwork: Some Early Events On The Islands Of Galiano, Mayne, Saturna, North And South Pender. Gulf Islands Branch BC Historical Association, Gulf Islands Branch. Peninsula Printing Co., Ltd.: Sidney, BC.

Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team. 2001. Recovery Strategy for Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems and their Associated Species at Risk in Canada, 2001–2006. Draft for Public Review. Victoria, BC.

Halladay, Teresa. February 2000. Fire Management Plan for Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park.

I.R. Wilson Consultants Ltd. 2001. Archaeological Inventory: Pirates Cove Marine Park, De Courcy Island, British Columbia. BC Parks, South Vancouver Island District: Victoria, BC.

Islands Trust. 1982. De Courcy Island Official Community Plan Bylaw. 1981. As adopted by the Gabriola Island Trust Committee.

Land Use Coordination Office. 1999. An Overview of Key Conservation, Recreation and Cultural Heritage Values in British Columbia’s Marine Environment.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 31 MacLoud, W. A., M. B. Roberts, D. W. Ross and B.D. Lawson. 1977. Fire Control Survey for Pirates Cove Marine Park. Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division, Ministry of Lands, Parks and Housing, and Pacific Forest Research Centre, Canadian Forestry Service: Victoria.

McPhee, M. P. Ward, J. Kirkby, L. Wolfe, N. Page, K. Dunster, N.K. Dawe and I. Nykwist. 2000. Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory: East Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands, 1993 – 1997. Volume 2: Conservation Manual. Technical Report Series No. 345, Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific and Yukon Region: British Columbia.

Ministry of Environment and Parks. August 1987. Drumbeg Provincial Park and Gabriola Sands Provincial Park and Recreation Area Master Plan. Parks & Outdoor Recreation Division, South Coast Region: North Vancouver, BC.

Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. March 1999. Coastal Douglas-fir Ecosystems. Forest Renewal British Columbia brochure.

Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. November 1993. Ecological Reserves System Plan Coastal Douglas-Fir Biogeoclimatic Zone: Preliminary Analysis. BC Parks South Coast Region.

Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. September 1997. BC Parks Conservation Management: Part One. Conservation Program Policies.

Ministry of Lands, Parks and Housing. June 1986. Gulf Islands Sub-Regional Plan. Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division, South Coast Region: North Vancouver, BC.

Mueller, Marge & Ted Mueller. 2000. British Columbia’s Gulf Islands: Afoot and Afloat. The Mountaineers: Seattle, WA, USA.

Oswald, E. T. 1977. Gabriola Island and Neighbouring Islands…A Landscape Analysis. Pacific Forest Research Centre, Forestry Service, Environment Canada.

Podmore, D. G. 1957. An Assessment of the De Courcy Island Marine Park Proposal. Reconnaissance and Inventory Section, Department of Recreation and Conservation, Provincial Parks Branch.

Snowden, Mary A. 1997. Island Paddling: A Paddler’s Guide to the Gulf Islands and Barkley Sound. Orca Book Publishers: Victoria, BC.

Walbran, John T. 1971. British Columbia Coast Names, 1592 - 1906. Douglas & McIntyre Ltd.: BC, Canada.

Ward, P., G. Radcliffe, J. Kirkby, J. Illingworth and C. Cadrin. 1998. Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory: East Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands, 1993 – 1997. Volume 1: Methodology, Ecological Descriptions and Results. Technical Report Series No. 320, Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific and Yukon Region: British Columbia.

Wolferstan, Bill. 1987. Cruising Guide to British Columbia Vol. 1.: Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island from Sooke to Courtenay. Whitecap Books: Vancouver.

Yadao, Tanya. August 2000. Ecosystem Mapping Vegetation Inventory Pilot Project. BC Parks South Vancouver Island District, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks: Victoria, BC.

Pirates Cove Provincial Marine Park Background Report 32 APPENDIX 1: BC PARKS’ PIRATES COVE MARINE PARK MAP