North Pender DPA 5 Fact Sheet - Cliff

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What Are They?

Cliff ecosystems are found on the Island’s
steep, vertical or overhanging rock faces
where sparse vegetation is limited to cracks
and crevices.

Cliff ecosystems typically form as a result

of erosion or collapse of rock features. The
plants and animals that can survive there are
influenced by the steepness of the slope, the
amount of sunlight they receive, exposure

to weather, and the presence or absence of
moisture. Soils may form only in the bedrock
crevices and fissures, and on ledges, where
they support stunted trees and shrubs in
addition to grasses, mosses and lichens.

These sparsely vegetated ecosystems offer
a variety of highly specialized habitats,
supporting a unique association of animals,
plants, and plant communities. Overall

biodiversity is low as relatively few plants and Cliff ecosystems make up only

Neil K. Dawe

animals are able to adapt to the harsh and 0.8% of North Pender Island
specialized conditions.

Turkey vultures nest in caves and crevices Their Pu rpose

on cliffs and bluffs, and Peregrine Falcons

nest on the open ledges. The rare Townsend’s __ The purpose of the Cliff Ecosystems
big-eared bat uses cliff crevices for roosting, Development Permit Area (DPA) is to offer
and the deep crevices provide shelter and protection to the remaining cliff ecosystems
hibernation for garter snakes and alligator on North Pender Island by guiding any new
lizards. Bees and other insects travel to sun- development that might occur within them.
warmed rocky outcrops as a meeting place in The areas covered by this DPA are indicated

preparation for reproduction. in Schedule M of the North Pender Island
7% Official Community Plan (OCP).

se Sos Seen

What Does This Mean?

If you have a property that is partially

ee located within a Cliff Ecosystems DPA you

Teer <S 2 =.” will need to obtain a development permit
from the Islands Trust before undertaking

Why They Are Important certain new land-altering activities identified

in the North Pender Island OCP.

Neil K. Dawe

Cliff ecosystems are regionally rare making up
less than 0.1% of the landscape of Southeast The regular maintenance

Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. of existing buildings and
They are considered to be the rarest of the landscaping, as well as
sensitive ecosystem types. Many of them any development that
have been impacted by development, trails, takes place outside of

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and introduced species. Unmodified examples the DPA does not require
of this ecosystem are extremely rare. a Development Permit. Islands Trust

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Extent of Cliff Ecosystems
DPA Areas on North Pender Island

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How to Protect this Ecosyste

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