North Pender DPA 7 Fact Sheet - Raptor

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RAPTOR  NESTS
NORTH PENDER ISLAND DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA
Why They Are Important
Eagles, raptors and herons are extremely 
susceptible to human disturbance during the 
breeding and nesting season. In addition, 
these species have lost a signifi cant number 
of nest sites due to logging and land 
development. In order to maintain healthy 
local populations of these signifi cant and, 
in some cases, threatened species, it is 
necessary to protect their habitat, and 
breeding and nesting sites.
Their Purpose
The purpose of the Raptor Nests 
Development Permit Area (DPA) is to offer 
protection to a number of identifi ed raptor 
and heron nests on North Pender Island by 
guiding any new development that might 
occur adjacent them. The areas covered by 
this DPA are indicated in Schedule O of the 
North Pender Island Offi cial Community Plan 
(OCP).
What Are They?
North Pender Island contains important trees 
used by bald eagles, other raptors and great 
blue herons for nesting and breeding. 
Bald Eagles are a regionally signifi cant 
species.  North Pender Island supports a 
population of resident and wintering birds. 
Resident eagles establish a territory around 
a nest site with most pairs using the same 
site for their entire breeding life. Nests are 
semi-permanent structures that represent 
a signifi cant investment of energy. Eagle 
nest trees requirements are specialized and 
typically involve large, 150+ year old Douglas-
fi r trees located within one kilometre of the 
shoreline water. 
Other Raptors include falcons, hawks, 
ospreys, vultures, owls and golden eagles. 
Great Blue Herons are a listed as a 
threatened species in British Columbia. 
Breeding is concentrated in the Strait of 
Georgia, with large colonies nesting in forest 
areas or on solitary tress near estuarine 
mudfl ats and eelgrass beds. There are no large 
breeding colonies of herons on North Pender.
Raptor and heron nest areas make 
up only 0.6% of North Pender 
Island
Hans Tammemagi
What Does This Mean?
If you have a property that is partially 
located within a Raptor Nests DPA you will 
need to obtain a development permit from 
the Islands Trust before undertaking certain 
new land-altering activities identifi ed in the 
North Pender Island OCP. 
The regular maintenance 
of existing buildings and 
landscaping, as well as 
any development that 
takes place outside of 
the DPA does not require 
a Development Permit.
Derek Holzapfel

How to Protect this Ecosystem
Retain Exiting Raptor and Heron Habitats 
Protect existing or potential nest trees, perches, roost trees, snags and 
trees with potential nesting cavities. Where possible, retain groups of 
trees rather than isolated single trees.
Establish a Surrounding Buffer 
A protective vegetated buffer around a nest area will help protect it 
from potentially harmful outside disturbance. 
Avoid Disturbance 
Limit human activity in these areas while occupied - particularly 
during the breeding and nesting season. Human activiti

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