Our response to the draft National Park Vision and Concepts document

In November 2010 the Conservancy Board sent the following letter to the Bowen Island Municipality. Copies have been sent to Mayor and Council, as well as Parks Canada.

“The Bowen Island Conservancy organization has a stewardship role with the objectives of conserving, protecting, sustaining and enhancing the quality of the natural environment and heritage of Bowen Island and seeks to participate in and contribute to the management of Bowen Island’s natural resources. Consequently it is appropriate that we formally declare our position regarding the National Park concept.

It should be borne in mind that this position is entirely in the context of conservation, enhancement and protection of Bowen Island lands and does not nor should address the many social, economic and political issues that are raised by the National Park concept.

The Board has concluded that the draft Vision Statement presented by Parks Canada is closely aligned with the Mission Statement and Purposes of the Conservancy. We believe that the experience, expertise and financial strength of Parks Canada will provide strong support for our conservation objectives on Bowen. In addition, our local nature organizations and residents of Bowen have extensive local knowledge and skills which can complement the management and operation of the areas that might eventually become a National Park or Reserve.

Bowen Island Conservancy therefore supports the concept of a National Park on Bowen and encourages the continued analysis and investigation of how the concept can be further developed and refined to the benefit of our natural lands/creatures, residents and visitors alike.

However, we have concerns about the details of the final agreement on the composition of the Park and how it should be managed. Consequently, Bowen Island Conservancy is keen to be part of the on-going discussions to ensure that the Agreement reflects the local circumstances and unique character of the lands on Bowen and the long term objectives of conservation, stewardship and effective protection of our natural heritage.

Board of Directors
Bowen Island Conservancy”