North Pender DPA 2 Fact Sheet - Herbaceous

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NORTH PENDER ISLAND DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA

What Are They?

Herbaceous ecosystems are natural
grasslands, open wildflower meadows and
grassy hilltops.

Vegetation in these areas is generally low-
growing, dominated by grasses and forbs
(low, broad-leaved plants). Open grassy areas
are frequently punctuated by rocky outcrops,
which may seem bare but are actually covered
with mosses and lichens that may have taken
centuries to develop.

Few trees and shrubs can survive on these
sites because the shallow soils dry rapidly in
the summer heat. On deeper soils, herbaceous
ecosystems feature more grass and shrub
species such as Idaho fescue, California oat-
grass, and Nootka rose.

In spring, terrestrial herbaceous ecosystems
may form a rich tapestry of colour, with a
profusion of delicate wildflowers such as blue-
eyed-Mary, satin-flower, and white fawn lily.

Herbaceous ecosystems are often found
associated with woodland and forest
ecosystems. These dry ecosystems also
contain some very specialized and important
wet micro-habitats such as seepage areas, and
vernal or seasonal pools.

Derek Masselink

Why They Are Important

Terrestrial herbaceous ecosystems provide
specialized habitats for several rare or
endangered species in British Columbia.
Regionally they occur in small patches on hilly,
rocky slopes along the east coast of Vancouver
Island and the Gulf Islands.

These ecosystems are rare and getting rarer.
While the bedrock beneath them is generally
robust and stable, their thin soils are very
susceptible to disturbance. As result of
disturbance, soil can be lost or be colonized
by non-native species such as Scotch broom
and hairgrass. In both cases, key native plant
species are displaced from these ecosystems.

Herbaceous ecosystems make up
only 0.9% of North Pender Island

Their Purpose

The purpose of the Herbaceous Ecosystems
Development Permit Area (DPA) is to offer
protection to the remaining herbaceous
ecosystems on North Pender Island by
guiding any new development that might
occur within them. The areas covered by the
this DPA are indicated in Schedule J of the
North Pender Island Official Community Plan
(OCP).

What Does This Mean?

If you have a property that is wholly or
partially located within a Herbaceous
Ecosystems DPA you will need to obtain a
development permit from the Islands Trust
before undertaking certain new land-altering
activities identified 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. ISlaNds Trust

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Extent of Herbaceous Ecosystems
DPA Areas on North Pender Island

How to Protect this Ecosystem

Establish a Surrounding Buffer
A protective vegetated buffer around a herbaceous area will help
protect it from potentially harmful outside influences and

disturbance.

Control Invasive Species

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