DPA 3 Galiano Island Fact Sheet

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Galiano Island Local Trust Committee, 2014 
 
FACT SHEET 
TREE CUTTING & REMOVAL DEVELOPMENT 
PERMIT AREA 3 
 
What is the Tree Cutting and Removal Development Permit Area (DPA 3)? 
British Columbia’s Local Government Act enables communities to designate parts of their planning area as Development 
Permit Areas (DPAs) so they can set objectives and guidelines for development within those areas. The Galiano Island 
Official Community Plan (OCP) designates seven DPAs generally designed to protect sensitive ecosystems or to guide 
development in areas with special circumstances.    
The Tree Cutting and Removal DPA was adopted by the Galiano Island Local Trust Committee (LTC) in order to protect 
the natural environment, ecosystems and biodiversity of the island. The purpose of the DPA is to ensure that tree 
removal on the island is limited, sustainable, and strictly necessary for the intended use of the land.  
Why are forests and other treed areas important? 
Forests are an important aspect of the rural character of Galiano Island, and provide a key aesthetic and recreational 
resource for residents and tourists alike. In areas of the island that have been settled, remaining forests and groves are 
important features of the landscape that provide habitat for wildlife and local access to green space. In addition, the 
forests’ role in capturing and storing carbon is important in supporting the Local Trust Committee’s greenhouse gas 
emission reduction goals. 
The forests of Galiano Island are part of the Coastal Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone, a biotic community unique in the 
world. Most such forests in southwestern British Columbia have been heavily modified by logging and land clearing, with 
the result that the remaining forests on Galiano are important for conserving biodiversity. In particular, species such as 
Garry Oak thrive on the island but are increasingly rare elsewhere. 
Finally, maintaining forest cover is closely 
related to the continued productivity of 
groundwater recharge areas. In addition to 
providing potable water for Island residents 
and a water supply for local farms and 
businesses, groundwater plays an 
important role in maintaining base flows in 
rivers and streams, which are critical in 
providing wildlife habitat and maintaining 
fish spawning areas and wetlands. The 
indiscriminate removal of trees impairs 
groundwater supplies by reducing the 
groundwater retention capabilities of the 
land, and increasing the velocity of runoff. 

Galiano Island Local Trust Committee, 2014 
 
How do I know whether my land is affected by the DPA? 
The DPA applies to the entire Galiano Island local trust area, but many tree removal activities are exempt from the 
development permit requirement.  
When do I need a development permit?  
Unlike most of the other DPAs on Galiano Island, a development permit is not required for the subdivision of land, for 
the construction or alteration of a building or structure, or for the alteratio

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