ThINC has received a few questions from islanders about the relationship of the trails on Burchell Hill to the proposed nature reserve so we thought we'd take the opportunity to clarify this for the community. The following is an excerpt from a Frequently Asked Questions about the proposed nature reserve that has been on our website since 2013 and which we have updated this month to be more specific. To see the entire FAQ please click here or go to Current Projects/Fairyslipper Forest in the menu on our website (www.thetisislandnatureconserancy.org). If you have any questions or comments about the proposed nature reserve or about this post, please don't hesitate to contact us at ThINC@thetisisland.net or phone Ann Eriksson at 250-246-8176.
Thank you from the ThINC board
FAQ 3. Are the trails on Burchell Hill located on the proposed nature reserve?
For practical purposes, no. There are a number of old logging roads on Burchell Hill, some which cross into Lot 1, but the main trail that runs from North Cove Rd up Burchell Hill, which people walk with landowner permission, is on adjacent private land. A side trail that runs from about half way up the main trail north to the property line is partially on the proposed nature reserve. Click here or go to the Current Projects/Fairyslipper Forest page on our website (www.thetisislandnatureconservancy.org) to see a map that shows the approximate relationship of Lot 1 to these trails based on 2 GPS assays we had done. Once the land is transferred, a professional survey will be conducted to confirm the exact boundaries of the nature reserve. Please note that Lot 1 does not extend all the way to the summit, which is on private property. At this time, there is no access allowed to the summit. When out walking in the area, please respect all private property signage.
Even without a trail on the property itself, Lot 1 is worthy of protection for the reasons mentioned in FAQ 1 (ecosystem and species at risk, watershed value). However, we recognize that islanders value wild places to walk, and that access to natural areas is an important way to foster appreciation of nature. Trails are impermanent and can be built in another location. When we are successful in purchasing the property, a management planning process for the nature reserve will be undertaken in consultation with the community and the possibility of building a trail on the nature reserve will be explored during this process.
