S’ul-hween X’pey (Elder Cedar) Management Plan

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S’ul-hween X’pey (Elder Cedar) 
Nature Reserve 
Management Plan 
Gabriola Island, BC 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PREPARED BY 
Madrone Environmental Services Ltd. 
Duncan, BC 
 
APPROVED BY 
Islands Trust Conservancy Board on October 5, 2021 Resolution ITC-2021-040 
 Gabriola Land and Trails Trust on December 14, 2021 
Nanaimo and Area Land Trust on January 26, 2022 
 
 
 

 S’ul-hween X’pey (Elder Cedar) Nature Reserve Management Plan 2021 Page 1 of 96 
Executive Summary  
Islands  Trust  Conservancy  acknowledges  and  respects  that Gabriola Island  is  within  the 
traditional  territory  of  Coast  Salish  Peoples, Cowichan  Tribes,  Halalt  First  Nation,  Lyackson 
First  Nation,  Penelakut  Tribe,  SEMYOME  (Semiahmoo)  First  Nation,  Snuneymuxw  First 
Nation,  Stz'uminus  (Chemainus)  First  Nation  and  Ts'uubaa-asatx  (Lake  Cowichan)  First 
Nation. The historical  relationship  to  the  land,  culture,  and  spirit  of  this  place  continues  to 
this day. Islands Trust Conservancy is committed to honouring the rich history of Indigenous 
stewardship  in  the  lands  and  waters  of  the  Islands  Trust  Area  and  to  building  mutually 
respectful  relationships  between  Indigenous  and non-Indigenous  partners  in  conservation. 
Therefore, this Management Plan for the S’ul-hween X’pey (Elder Cedar) Nature Reserve is a 
living   document   that   will   evolve   as   opportunities   for   knowledge   sharing   arise   and 
understanding grows
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The S’ul-hween X’pey (Elder Cedar) Nature Reserve is a 65.36-hectare, square parcel of land 
of  mixed-age  forest  that  includes  areas  of old  growth  Coastal  Douglas-fir  habitat.  The 
property  possesses  high  biodiversity  values  due  to  a  diverse  range  of  habitats  providing 
potential  breeding  grounds  for  a  multitude  of  species,  including  those  provincially  listed  to 
be of conservation concern. The property also has a rich First Nations history, as it was likely 
used  by  the  Snuneymuxw  First  Nation  (SFN)  for  foraging  and  freshwater  resources. Islands 
Trust  Conservancy  (ITC)  is  the land  holder,  and the  co-covenant  holders are Gabriola Land 
and Trails Trust (GaLTT) and Nanaimo & Area Land Trust (NALT). 
 
Wildlife  species  were  assessed  under  the  lens  of  potential  critical  breeding  habitat.  This 
provides management efforts with a focus toward areas directly related to the reproductive 
success  of  documented  species  of  conservation  concern.  Species  of  conservation  concern 
with  confirmed,  or  future  potential  critical  breeding  habitat  in SXNR include  the  Northern 
Pygmy-owl, swarthi subspecies    (Glaucidium    gnoma    swarthi),    Band-tailed    Pigeon 
(Patagioenas  fasciata),  Evening  Grosbeak  (Coccothraustes  vespertinus), Great  Blue  Heron, 
fannini subspecies (Ardea  herodias  fannini),  Green  Heron  (Butorides  virescens),  Marbled 
Murrelet  (Brachyrampuhus  marmoratus),  Northern  Goshawk,  laingi  subspe

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