Sensitive Ecosystem Guide for Trust Area Property Owners

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 for Islands Trust Area Property Owners
A Sensitive                  
 Ecosystem Guide

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T
he islands in the Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound (the Islands Trust Area) 
hold a diversity of plants and animals—many of them rare. This diversity 
once created a rich mosaic of ecosystems, but is now threatened by human 
activities. Today, the remaining ecosystem fragments, acting as strongholds 
for rare species, are called sensitive ecosystems.
As a property owner, you play an important role in the stewardship of these unique 
areas. The Islands Trust Fund developed this brochure to introduce you to where 
sensitive ecosystems exist, how you can recognize them, and what simple steps you 
can take to ensure these fragile areas survive and even thrive in the future.

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Islands Trust  
Sensitive Ecosystem 
Mapping 
What are Sensitive Ecosystem 
Maps?
• Maps that identify the location and range of 
sensitive ecosystems
• The maps are available at www.islandstrust.bc.ca
How were the Sensitive Ecosystem 
Maps created?
• Mappers reviewed aerial photographs to interpret 
and categorize different types of natural landscapes 
at a scale of 1 : 16,000 
• Ecologists visited the mapped areas to verify aerial 
photograph interpretations and collect ecological 
information
• Staff consulted experts and island residents to get 
feedback on the mapping
Why were the Sensitive Ecosystem 
Maps created?
• To provide information for decision-makers to 
improve land-use planning in and around sensitive 
areas
• To create a coordinated plan for conservation 
organizations to protect those ecosystems under 
greatest threat 
 

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Woodland Ecosystems
SUPPORTING DIVERSITY ON DRY SOILS
What are Woodland Ecosystems? 
Woodland ecosystems are dry and open forests dominated by a mix 
of deciduous and coniferous tree species. Arbutus, Douglas-fir and 
Garry oak dominated woodlands are among the most sensitive and 
biologically diverse woodland ecosystems in the islands Trust Area.
Where are Woodland Ecosystems located? 
Woodland ecosystems are generally restricted to south-facing slopes 
and ridges with shallow soils and bedrock outcroppings. Woodland 
ecosystems exist in areas with dry conditions that prevent the 
development of dense forests.
Why are Woodland Ecosystems important? 
Woodland ecosystems provide habitat for a wide variety of plants, 
insects, reptiles and birds. Garry oak woodlands, for example, support 
the highest plant species diversity of any terrestrial ecosystem in 
British Columbia. Woodland ecosystems commonly occur with 
herbaceous and cliff ecosystems, thus enriching the diversity of an 
entire area and increasing connectivity between these other sensitive 
ecosystems. Ecologists hypothesize that woodland ecosystems are 
likely to survive as our climate changes, due to this ecosystem’s ability 
to exist in dry conditions. Retaining woodlands is important for the 
survival of many species during this climatic transition period.

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