| North Pender Island is part of the Gulf Island complex of southwestern British Columbia and is located within close proximity to the populated centres of Seattle, Vancouver and Victoria. Its close proximity to major cities, ease of access, moderate rainfall and a warm mediterranean-type climate, make it a popular destination for retirees, tourists and those seeking a rural life. However, in the past fifteen years, North Pender Island has seen a decline in the integrity of the woodland and older second growth forested ecosystems as pieces of these forests are converted to other land use, resulting in a broken or fragmented landscape. This fragmentation not only diminishes the rural character on this island but also disrupts the process that are critical to many rare and endangered species such as peregrine falcons, sharp-tailed snakes, and graceful arrow grass. If this fragmentation continues, there will be loss to the biodiversity of this area and a decline in the health of these forested ecosystems. Loss of these ecosystems will translate into a poorer quality of life for the residents of North Pender Island as microclimates change, freshwater becomes less available, soils are depleted and the basic rural character of this island is lost.; To stop or slow fragmentation, the local governing body of the Islands Trust and the private landowners of North Pender Island need to be committed to a course of action that includes effectively using and adding to the regulatory, incentive and voluntary tools that are available. It is only through this commitment that fragmentation of the woodland and older second growth forest ecosystems on North Pender can be slowed or halted. |
