Squamish Nation and BC Parks Sign Management Plans to Protect 13,000 Hectares of Land

SQUAMISH, BC, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - The Squamish Nation and BC Parks signed two park management plans today marking their first collaborative achievement under the 2007 agreement for the management of protected areas in the Squamish Nation traditional territory.

The celebratory signing recognized the completion of the Esté-tiwilh/Sigurd Creek Conservancy Management Plan and the Brackendale Eagles Park, Baynes Island Ecological Reserve and Tantalus Park Management Plan.

"This is an important day for our people, and we are proud to have worked with the Province of BC to protect these important and sacred sites," said Chief Gibby Jacob from the Squamish Nation.  "This work builds on the vision of the Squamish People to develop the Xay Temíxw - Sacred Lands land use plan that protects our territories and Wild Spirit Places," added Chief Jacob.

These management plans provide direction for the protection and management of almost 13,000 hectares of land extending from the Squamish River Valley to the mountainous peaks of the Tantalus Range, which provide important habitat for wildlife including bald eagles and grizzly bears.

"Today, we celebrate the work of a very committed group of people," said Environment Minister Terry Lake, "I wish to offer my sincere thanks to the Squamish Nation and other community members for working with BC Parks to collaboratively develop the park management plans for these valuable protected areas."

The Esté-tiwilh/Sigurd Creek Conservancy Management Plan was developed collaboratively by BC Parks and Squamish Nation to guide the management of this conservancy, which was established as an outcome of the Sea to Sky Land and Resource Management Plan. The conservancy protects a portion of the Esté-tiwilh Wild Spirit Place situated on the west side of the Squamish River between the Ashlu and Elaho watersheds.

The Brackendale Eagles Park, Baynes Island Ecological Reserve and Tantalus Park Management Plan was developed from 2000 to 2003 with input from an advisory group that involved stakeholders from the local community. In 2009, Squamish Nation provided input into the plan so that the management direction for these protected areas reflects the knowledge and interests of the Squamish people.

Media Contact Information

Squamish Nation
Juniper Groves
Squamish Nation Communications
604-315-4225
[email protected]

Province of British Columbia
Suntanu Dalal
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745