Elder Cedar Management Plan

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Management Plan for 
Elder Cedar (S’ul-hween X’pey) 
Nature Reserve  
Gabriola Island, British Columbia 
 
 
Photo by Ryan Durand, Taara Environmental 
 
Prepared for: Islands Trust Fund 
 
Prepared by: Meeri Durand & Ryan Durand, R.P.Bio. 
 
Revised: May 2008 by Trust Fund Board 
 
Approved by the Trust Fund Board 
(Resolution  # TFB  07/921)
 
 
Revision approved by Trust Fund Board Resolution No. TFB 08/1001, May 14, 2008

 
  
I 
 Executive Summary 
 
In 2006, the Islands Trust Fund acquired the 65.36 hectare (approximately 161.51 acres) 
property  now  known  as  the  Elder  Cedar  (S’ul-hween  X’pey)  Nature  Reserve  under  the  
Province of British Columbia’s Free Crown Grant program. 
 
Islands Trust Fund policy requires that a management plan be developed for all properties 
that it owns or manages. In October 2006, Taara Environmental was retained to develop a 
management plan and to solicit ideas for naming the Nature Reserve.  
 
The  Islands  Trust  Fund  objectives  for  the  management  of  the  Elder  Cedar  (S’ul-hween  
X’pey) Nature Reserve are as follows: 
 
• To preserve the natural features and functioning of the site; 
• To allow for continued low impact recreational use and enjoyment of the site; 
• To ensure that permitted uses do not harm the ecological attributes of the site; 
• To protect, and enhance where necessary, the natural succession of the plant and 
animal communities at the site; and  
• To provide for educational and research opportunities where deemed appropriate. 
 
The nature reserve is characterized by maturing Douglas-fir forest and contains some of 
the last remaining old growth forest on Gabriola Island. Rocky outcrops, several streams 
and  additional  smaller  wetland  complexes  are  scattered  throughout  the  reserve,  offering  
high  biodiversity  values.  Two  blue-listed  species  and  four  rare  plant  communities  were  
identified  within  the  reserve.  Additional  rare  species  may  be  identified  as  the  forest  
ecosystem matures. 
 
The  property  contains  several  trails  that  the  local  people  use  for  walking  and  nature  
appreciation.  Several  of  these  trails  connect  to  trail  systems  on  adjacent  federal  land  
holdings to the west and north of the reserve. Recreational use of the reserve by mountain 
bikes,  all-terrain  vehicles,  horses  and  increased  foot  traffic  has  caused  damage  to  the  
sensitive root structure and thin soils along trails and sensitive rocky outcrop areas in the 
north of the reserve. Signage, and in some instances, the use of barriers to prohibit these 
activities in parts or all of the reserve will be installed. 
 
Uses of the nature reserve permitted in this management plan include: 
• Walking,  as  well  as  access  by  wheelchairs  or  other  devices  used  by  those  with  
motor impairments; 
• Dog-walking, provided dogs remain leashed and feces are removed; 
• Wildlife Viewing and Photography; and 
• Traditional Gatheri

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