Category Archives: BC Parks

Research and Education Park Use Permit for Tidal Energy Project

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The permit for the Tidal Current energy Project at Race Rocks for the time period 2004-2006  is included here:

Research and educational activities may only be undertaken in an ecological reserve, protected area or provincial park (referred to in this application as a “protected area”) when authorized by a valid permit issued by the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection (referred to here as “BC Parks”) under the Ecological Reserve Act, Environment and Land Use Act or Park Act.. Research and education activities must contribute to the scientific knowledge of the protected area(s). Only applications that are considered by BC Parks to be compatible with the conservation and recreation objectives identified for the protected area(s) involved in the proposal will be evaluated.

Please complete this application form and submit it with the detailed proposal description, for evaluation, to the Park Use Permits address on page 2 of this application. Supplying insufficient information will delay evaluation. No fee is required.

NOTE: 1. Allow 60 business days for evaluation of this proposal.

2. More information may be requested from the applicant during review of this application.

3. Submission of this application does not entitle the applicant to any rights or permission to proceed with any activity in any protected area.

4. This application is subject to review under the BC Parks Impact Assessment Process.

5. The final report of the research project must be submitted to BC Parks.

6. Any specimens whether biological, fossils, geological or other artifacts, are the property of the provincial government and their disposition will be specified by BC Parks.

7. BC Parks reserves the right to refuse any or all applications.

APPLICANT INFORMATION

COMPANY/SOCIETY/INDIVIDUAL NAME:

Pearson College and

Clean Current Power Systems Incorporated

INCORPORATION NUMBER, if applicable:

BC #630110

MAILING ADDRESS

650 Pearson College Drive

336 – 1275 West 6th Avenue

CITY / TOWN

Victoria

Vancouver

PROV / STATE:

B.C.

POSTAL / ZIP CODE:

V9C 4H7

V6H 1A6

BUS. PHONE NO. (Area Code):

(604) 739-xxxx

 

FAX NO. (Area Code):

(250) 391-xxxx

(604) 738-xxxx

NAME OF CONTACT:

name

Glen Darou

DATE OF BIRTH: (dd/mm/yy)

27/04/42

E-MAIL:

cleancurrent@telus.net

BUS. PHONE NO. (Area Code)

(250) 391-xxxx

(604) 739-xxxx

FAX NO. (Area Code):

(250) 391-xxxx

(604) 738-xxxx

CELLULAR PHONE NO. (Area Code):

(250) xxx-xxxx

(604) 916-xxxx

NAME OF PROTECTED AREA(S):

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

PERIOD OF USE (inclusive):

FROM: July 1, 2004 TO: July 1, 2016

List all activities to be undertaken:

Collection of Specimens Survey/Inventory ◙ Research
Monitoring Educational
Other(s) (specify):________________________________________________________

Please attach a detailed proposal that addresses the following (A-C):

A. Please describe the project and provide the following information:

1. purpose of research or educational activity;

2. geographic location(s) of the activity (provide maps to an appropriate scale);

3. scope and objectives of the research or educational activity;

4. proposed methodology;

5. detailed schedule for the project from start to completion with major benchmarks. Indicate how sensitive this schedule is to change (delays in approval, weather, etc.);

6. resources required to undertake and manage the project, including all costs, proposed funding sources and other resources (equipment, supplies etc.);

7. relevance of the proposal to the conservation and education mandate and objectives of the provincial protected area system and how BC Parks will benefit;

8. the reason for, type, number and intended use for each specimen collected;

9. effects on vegetation, wildlife, species and ecosystems at risk and other protected area values;

10. what actions will be undertaken to mitigate impacts on protected area values resulting from the proposed research or educational activity; and

11. what report type(s) (thesis, publication, etc.) are anticipated and when will they be produced.

B. Names of each researcher or educator involved with the project and their

1. academic qualifications;

2. duties with respect to the project; and

3. previous relevant projects and a list of published papers based on activities within protected areas.

C. From the following list, use a “v “ to select all potential adverse impacts of the proposed activity. Provide additional detail for all impacts selected, including proposed mitigation.

Adverse and permanent effects to:

conservation, recreation and/or cultural values

 

 

character and aesthetics of the protected area

 

Adverse effects to:

red/blue-listed species or ecosystems, species at risk, biogeoclimatic representation, etc

 

 

critical or geographically unique characteristics

 

 

public health and safety

 

 

traditional use of the area by First Nations

 

 

local communities

 

 

recreational use or enjoyment of the protected area (regardless of the intended benefits of the proposed action)

Fees: Fees are not charged for research and education activities.

As required under Section 21 of the Park Act, the applicant agrees to pay the Province the costs incurred by the Province in surveying, cruising, examining and inspecting the area affected by the application; and

THE APPLICANT HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT ALL THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS APPLICATION IS TRUE AND CORRECT. Date:___________________

Signature of Applicant or Authorized Signatory of Applicants:___________________________

___________________________

Send completed application and proposal description to:

Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection Park Use Permits PO Box 9371 Stn Prov Govt Victoria BC V8W 9M3

For more information please call:

Enquiry BC 387.6121 (Victoria), 604.660.2421 (Metro Vancouver) or 1.800.663.7867

Detailed Proposal

Tidal Turbine Generator Replacing Diesel Generators at Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

A.

Purpose of the project

To develop, install and test tidal turbine generator technology used in conjunction with an electricity storage system to replace existing twin 15 kW diesel generators

The turbine generator will be place in 12 metres of water between the main island of Great Race Rock and Middle Island. The location is called “Middle Passage”. The storage system will be located in the existing generator building on the main island of Great Race Rock.

Scope and objectives of research

Overall

•Produce sufficient energy to displace the existing diesel generation

•Create a 3+ metre design directly scalable to 1.0 MW commercial unit.

•Validate the design prior to the 1.0 MW program.

•Demonstrate the operability and reliability of the unit

Generator

•Demonstrate generator performance

•Develop a control system to maximize power output at a given flow condition

•Perform power conditioning based on site requirements

Turbine

•Validate blade and overall hydraulic performance

•Quantify starting performance and cut-in speed

•

Deployment

•Determine deployment configuration

•Demonstrate method of deployment

•Develop periodic maintenance techniques and schedule

•

Material

•Perform material testing in areas of biofouling and corrosion resistance

•Assess materials resistance to impact and erosion

Proposed methodology

See 5

Detailed Schedule

This schedule can be completed if permit approvals are obtained by September 1, 2004. Installation will be scheduled in September and October to avoid weather delays. Work will be done in advance whenever possible to avoid nesting seasons and other ecologically sensitive periods.

Clean Current Power Systems will provide funding for the project. Clean Current will obtain its funding from Sale of Common Shares. Costs excluding administrative overhead are as follows:

Cost Items

Cost (CDN$)

 

 

Turbine

Development

Design Engineer (1)

$345,000

Hydraulics/CFD Engineer (1)

$345,000

Computer (2)

$5,520

Software (CFD, Design, Analysis, Optimization)

$110,400

Prototype Testing (Diffuser, Bearings)

$41,400

Fabrication

$220,800

 

 

Generator

Development

Generator/Power Engineer (1)

$345,000

Electrical/Mechanical Technician (1)

$172,500

Computer (1)

$2,760

Software (FE, Misc.)

$13,800

Bench Testing

$16,560

Life Testing

$2,760

Fabrication

$100,740

Turbine/Generator Assembly

$13,800

 

 

Deployment Structure

Development (Consultant)

$207,000

Site selection and analysis

Tidal resource assessment

Installation

Fabrication

System Design

Development

Power Engineer or Consultant

$69,000

Electrical & mechanical brake, starter motor, power control system, power conditioning, data acquisition system)

$44,160

Assy and Installation

$20,700

Power Storage (Battery)

$483,000

 

 

Material Selection

Development (Consultant)

$41,400

Component Testing

Environmental Studies/Approvals

$20,700

 

 

Regulatory Approval

$20,700

 

 

Testing Program

Pontoon Boat

$48,300

Inspections/ Maintenance Plan

$20,700

Equipment Spares

$34,500

 

 

Transportation

$34,500

 

 

Sub Total

$2,780,700

Rough Order of Magnitude Factor (20%)

$556,140

 

 

Total Cost

$3,336,840

This proposal creates renewable energy to displace fossil fuels. The proposal conforms to Page 16 of the Race Rocks management plan for Facility Management

“Objectives:

•To showcase alternative, low impact technologies”

No specimens will be collected.

Existing buildings and conduits will be used wherever possible. One large hole will be drilled through bedrock to create a conduit for electrical cables (and system monitoring instrumentation) under water to about 3 feet above the high water mark. The purpose is to avoid shoreline turbulence and associated cable damage. Drilling one hole to place a post upon which the turbine generator will be mounted will disturb the bedrock in the middle of the passage.

Scheduling will be used to avoid disturbing birds during nesting season. Consultations with marine biologists will be used to assess impact before deployment of the unit. Underwater cameras will be used to monitor the impact of the turbine generator on fish and ocean mammals.

This will be the first free stream tidal turbine generator installed offshore in Canada and it will attract attention from commercial media. It is expected that Pearson College will publish studies of the ecological impact of this form of renewable energy.

Pearson College Input:

In keeping with our long term commitment to B.C. Parks the Marine Protected Area Initiative of DFO and the First nations to provide a level of stewardship for Xwayen, we would like to highly recommend this project.

The bottom line in our stewardship commitment is to keep the area ecologically sustainable and to ensure long term ecological integrity.

This proposal fills a serious need, the provision of low or no- impact technology for the generation of electricity to ensure our ability to operate in the reserve. We presently power the station and heat the residences with diesel fuel. The potential negative impact of this need on the ecology of the area could be enumerated as follows:

The fuel is supplied to the island on a bi-monthly basis by staff of the college using the boat “ Second Nature” Although we operate under the strictest standards for this transfer, the possibility always exists that a technical problem with the boat, failure

of transfer pumps and hoses, or human error could lead to a serious ecological impact if fuel oil escaped the transfer system.

The loud noise caused by the diesel generators is an irritant and has possibly discouraged some marine mammals from hauling out in the area. Harbour seals haul out for birthing in higher numbers a distance away from this otherwise ideal location.

The aesthetics on the otherwise pristine environment of the island of the generator noise is a legitimate concern.

Five species of Marine birds nest on the island. The constant noise from the generators could be impacting negatively on behaviour: predator response capability, foraging and mating/nesting behaviour.

Fuel storage on the island is by double-hulled 1000-gallon tanks which currently meet the required environmental standards but which do have a life span and therefore will eventually need replacement. Also since there are probably no other parallel examples of such diesel oil storage in ecologically sensitive areas, it is doubtful whether existing standards are adequate.

The fuel storage tanks on the island are vulnerable in the event of earthquakes.

The severe weather that the area experiences on many days of the year and the high tidal currents ( up to 7 Knots) mean that containment of spilled oil by booms would probably be impossible, resulting in severe species loss in the intertidal zones of the islands.

 

The marine reserve at Race Rocks, power the research and education facility at Race Rocks with a technology that allows for minimum disruption to the ecological integrity and the long term sustainability we see this proposal as a welcome innovation .

Admin Report spring 2002

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The New Landlord
Responsibility for Great Race Island has recently reverted back to the Province of British Columbia represented by BC Parks. The Coast Guard has officially turned all surplus buildings and facilities at Race Rocks over to BC Parks for use in support of education, research and the protection of the Marine Protected Area. Before transferring the assets, the Coast Guard completed extensive upgrades of the fuel systems, generators, buildings and other equipment including the large equipment hoist. The Coast Guard retains a small area of land around the historic light tower and responsibility for maintenance of the tower, operation of the light, fog signal and automated weather reporting system.

BC Parks has in turn entered into a 30 year agreement with Pearson College to designate responsibility to the College for the operation of the facilities, delivering education programs, supporting research and providing supervision for the Ecological Reserve and Marine Protected Area. We look forward to working closely with BC Parks to serve as custodians of this precious ecosystem on behalf of the people of British Columbia and Canada.

Community Support
We are fortunate to have strong support and co-operation from the many visitors to the MPA. We continue to work with the eco-tourism and scuba diving operators to ensure their operating guidelines are carefully followed while their many appreciative visitors have the opportunity to experience the remarkable diversity of Race Rocks. This kind of public education is an essential element of promoting public awareness of the value of the MPA initiative. We hope to work with the eco-tourism operators this year to encourage their customers to voluntarily contribute financial support for Race Rocks. We continue to have an excellent working relationship with the operators.

Sports fishers continue to honour their commitment to avoid fishing within the MPA boundary and we have had great cooperation from Sean and the staff at Pedder Bay Marina. DFO staff members have recently strengthened relationships with the local kayaking community as well.

We are also engaged in an effort with the Department of National Defence and DFO in an attempt to mitigate the impacts on the MPA as a consequence of DND activities at the nearby Rocky Point Base.

The Financial Picture
We continue to rely on our many supporters to sustain the operation of Race Rocks MPA and the racerocks.com website. We greatly appreciate the support of many of you who have made donations both large and small. Every donation helps and through the web we have made new donor friends all over the world. We particularly welcome as new supporters, the Ivey Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, Georgia Strait Alliance and a new technology sponsor, Channel Storm from Israel. Apple Canada, Apple Learning Interchange and Akamai continue to be generous and helpful supporters and advisors

Regrettably we are likely to end our fiscal year on June 30, 2002 with an operating shortfall of $27,000 on our budget. Pearson College has undertaken this debt on an interim basis. We are working closely with government agencies to stabilise the financial plan for long term sustainability of the MPA.

racerocks.com
Garry and our students continue to develop extraordinary features for the MPA’s award winning website. The use of the site by students, teachers, science centres and cyber visitors from around the world has expanded considerably. Technology has proven to be an effective way to widely share Race Rocks and Canada’s Marine Protected Area strategy without negative impacts. Three of the most popular new resources on the website are the Archives, Daily Log and Race Rocks Taxonomy file features.

Video Archives
A great supplement to our live cameras (because you can be sure to find what you are looking for) is an extensive menu of special topic video clips that are being developed for the site. These are great classroom resources for teachers and on-line learning. Check them out

Daily Log
Our resident eco-guardians, Mike and Carol Slater have done a great job of telling the Race Rocks story on the web in the logs. Everything from an elephant seal invasion, to the surprise hatching of our first Canada Geese chicks a few weeks ago have been faithfully recorded. Information in the Daily Log is also backed up by a data base that will allow us to recover data on various marine mammal and bird sightings as well as visitor and vessel traffic. Over the years this data is bound to be useful to researchers and resource managers.

Race Rocks Taxonomy File
This will be a long term project. Garry is determined that we create a truly innovative and accessible taxonomy file featuring all the species at Race Rocks and utilizing the very best of what the web has to offer; video clips, photos, text and Internet links. With the guidance of Garry and our other Biology/Environmental Systems faculty members Catrin Brown and Laura Verhegge, the project is launched with 70 species files established this year. This work in progress is available on this website:

and Next…..….
We look forward to an interesting summer season. Throughout June we will have a team of students as guests at Race Rocks providing regular webcasts. Check the calendar for the schedule. We hope to raise the funds required to deal with our debt and a few important upgrades on the project. we urgently need to upgrade the sewage facilities on the island by installing composting toilets to eliminate discharge into the MPA there is a remarkable enhanced remote control camera with 360 degree rotation and a much more powerful zoom capability which we hope to acquire we hope to get data from the underwater sensors (which have run well for over a year) available to you on the website

Most of all, we look forward to your continued involvement and support for Race Rocks Marine Protected Area. Thank you for your support.

Angus Matthews
Director of Administration
and Special Projects
Pearson College/Race Rocks

A Biography of Tom Sampson

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We were fortunate to have Tom Sampson on the Race Rocks Marine Protected Area Advisory Board in 2000-2002. Tom brought to the board a welcome First Nations perspective . His concept of the three-legged milk-stool model of governance for the MPA was whole-heartedly accepted by the advisory group  and formed our basis for recommedation to DFO for MPA status.

tom_ministers

Tom Sampson on the left conversing with Federal Fisheries Minister, Herb Dahliwal and Provincial Environment Minister Joan Sawiki at Lester Pearson College on the occasion of the formal announcement of the creation of the Race Rocks MPA .

In his model, where the Provincial,Federal and First Nations governments formed the legs of the stool which supported the seat which was composed of the stake-holders and the marine ecosystems of the area . Unfortunately when the proposal went to Ottawa this model was not accepted, leading to a breakdown of the MPA process.

The article below appeared in a Georgia Strait Alliance newsletter:
Outgoing GSA  (Georgia Strait Alliance) director Tom Sampson has lived all his life on the shores of Saanich Inlet. His family’s tradition is that the first born always goes to the grandparents—a way of ensuring that the new generation gets a solid grounding in traditional knowledge. As the eldest of 12 children, Tom was raised by his great grandmother, a remarkable Halalt woman who had raised his father before him.

 

He describes her as “the lady who taught me everything”. In her 80’s when two-year-old Tom came to live with her, she taught him history, his place in the world, spiritual beliefs and all about the natural world, in both languages of the Coast Salish, her own Halkomelem (Cowichan) and her husband’s Sencoten (Saanich). No one knew her exact age, but baptismal records showed she was over 120 when she died about 30 years ago.

Tom became immersed in the English language when he started school. Fortunately his great grandmother refused to let the church take him away to residential school, though five of his siblings weren’t so lucky. Tom did well at Indian Day School, and qualified for an academic program at St. Louis College in Victoria, where he attended grades 10 and 11. He enjoyed school and excelled in math and languages, learning to speak French and Latin on top of his other three languages. But it was a hard time for his family economically, so he quit and went to work in the woods as a whistle-punk.

It was a time of rapid change and development of resource industries. Yet already the problems were starting to show, if one paid attention: the trees being cut were significantly smaller than those Tom’s father had cut during his time as a logger.

Tom describes the devastation of resources that he has seen over his 64 years and how this has led to “a crisis all across North America”. He remembers, as a young man, regularly building fires on the beach to steam clams and mussels. Today, he says, that’s not possible, “because our beaches have been destroyed”.

“We seem to have the attitude,” he says, “that we need to destroy what doesn’t pay off monetary value of some kind—that it has no value and should be terminated. Scientists, managers and technicians seem to believe they know more about the environment than our people.”

He describes predictions that his people have made for decades about salmon, herring and other resources —that unless these were managed in a different way they would disappear. He quotes Chief Seattle and other tribal leaders over the past 50 years, but says they were always ignored by government officials. “We don’t have the degrees and diplomas, so our information isn’t considered important,” he says. “Yet our total survival has been based on understanding nature.”

“Our concept of harvesting of the land and ocean are based on the 13 moons of the year—the absolute time clock of nature, ” he explains. “We managed our resources by understanding this clock, which meant there was a right time for everything, and a time we weren’t allowed to harvest.” Tom has organized sessions on the 13-moon concept as part of his work on the Race Rocks marine protected area, where he has worked to improve cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for the traditional knowledge his people bring to the table. “It’s important that people understand that when we talk about the land we’re talking about a relationship that goes back thousands of years,” he says. “We know this land better than anybody else.”

This focus on cross-cultural awareness has been evident in other environmental work that Tom has tackled. A few years ago he played a key role in getting the BC Environmental Assessment Office to undertake a ground-breaking Aboriginal Land Uses Study within the Bamberton Environmental Assessment, which documented traditional knowledge from elders and others from the Saanich tribes; it was done in the traditional language and then translated into English.

Tom believes that listening is the key to understanding the environment. He remembers his great grandmother telling him to go down to the beach and listen to the ocean, because “if you don’t listen to it and hear the stories, you won’t learn”. Listening to each other is just as important to Tom, and he believes this skill is not being taught to most young people today.

Tom has taken a leadership role for most of his adult life. He’s been involved in tribal politics right to the national level, serving as Chief of Tsartlip for 24 years, chairman of the South Island Tribal Council for 22 years, vice-chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations, chairman of the Assembly’s Constitutional Working Group for Status Indians and chair of the Douglas Treaty Council.

Although “retired” from tribal politics, Tom has certainly not slowed down. The schedule of long days that he keeps as a volunteer would exhaust most people half his age. He works tirelessly, helping people that the system has failed.

One of his key concerns is how the justice system has been unfair to aboriginal people and ignored their beliefs about individual and community healing. “The system works if you can afford it,” he says, pointing out that from 60 to 90% of his people live in poverty. It is this poverty that has motivated Tom to work for his people.

Another area of his volunteer work is community health. He’s working more with older people these days, since the average age of his people has risen (though it’s still only 55). But he says his tribe has to struggle against the legacy of the 40-year-long residential school experience, which destroyed the social fabric of many families, removing positive family models and leading to many of the social problems experienced by native communities today.

But there’s been no shortage of strong models in Tom’s family. He remembers his mother, a Nez Perce from Idaho, serving on the Tsartlip council at “a strange time” when the band elected an all-woman council (one of the first in his territory) with a man as chief.

Tom’s wife of 43 years, Audrey—as active as Tom in community work and a vocal advocate of aboriginal rights—also comes from a family of strong models. Her father was a Cowichan chief and tribal spokesman for many years, and like Tom, her mother served on the band council. Audrey has served on the Tsartlip council, and now works as coordinator for adult health care for all the Saanich First Nations. Tom is visibly proud of Audrey and impressed with her ability to juggle her roles as mother, grandmother, great grandmother, housewife and full-time health administrator.

But he’s no slacker himself! On top of his community-based work, these days he’s very busy building the new Coast Salish Sea Council, an initiative he launched to bring together the close to 90 Coast Salish tribes on both sides of the Canada-US border, to develop agreements and move forward on social and environmental issues. Later this month the Lummi tribe will host the first major meeting of the Council, and Tom is busy organizing this.

He’s also doing a lot of traveling—recently to Seattle, Ottawa, and Texas, speaking out on environmental issues and urging that action accompany agreements.

When he gets time at home he loves to garden, a skill he learned from his father who taught him that, “when you run out of money at least you’ll have food”. This year he has planted a full acre with flowers and vegetables. He also spends as much time as possible with his five children, 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild, who all live close by. He thanks his great grandmother for teaching him the importance of “never losing” his family.

Tom says he has learned a lot from his first year with GSA and he plans to stay involved even though he will no longer be on the Board. One thing that’s made a big difference is learning to use a computer (something he had to do over the past year as a Director). Being “wired” has provided him with daily information from all over the world, which Tom says has “helped me understand issues, linkages and the reasons behind things.” He sees modern communication skills as vital for young people.

But spiritual beliefs form the heart of his environmental philosophy. “Conservation and management of resources are inseparable from these,” he says. “If you don’t see the spiritual need for the land and water, then people will continue to dump raw sewage, log mountains, and devastate the streams beyond repair. We have to look at ourselves. We can’t be holistic without a spiritual connection to the land.”

SOURCE: Georgia Strait Alliance Newsletter

Race Rocks Marine Protected Area Update May 6 2001

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Racerocks.com continues to reach to the far corners of the world as more and more people become aware of this extraordinary ecosystem and the opportunity to discover it electronically.(over 100,000 visitors in the past year) Garry Fletcher, our Educational Director, has attended conferences in New York, California (twice) and in the near future plans to go to Halifax. In each case we have featured live webcasts from Race Rocks with video from both above and below the surface to the conference site. On March 17, 2001 we completed the first underwater webcast in which in addition to video one of our student divers spoke directly to the conference participants from underwater at Race Rocks. This was possible thanks to a fabulous, locally developed, wireless underwater communications system created by Divelink.

A wireless internet feed from Race Rocks is now possible for eco-tourism vessels in the MPA. Visitors to the MPA can now establish wireless internet access aboard their vessel from most locations within the MPA. This allows guides to download real time video streams showing activity in the MPA including underwater video from the display tanks on the island. In addition, visitors can have access to archived video of marine life, First Nation’s activities and more recent history stored on the Race Rocks server. If you are interested in more information about the equipment required and how you could subscribe to this service please contact Angus Matthews.

Eco-guardians Mike and Carol Slater continue to do an outstanding job for us all as our resident caretakers of the island and equipment. We are grateful to Mike and Carol for their dedication and commitment to Race Rocks and it’s many residents. It is also reassuring to know that their watchful eyes are always looking out for us.
Should you need to contact them they are usually monitoring VHF 16 or 68.

Site restoration has continued on the island over the winter. In late April the Coast Guard finished flying out the last of the concrete from the dykes that surrounded the old tank farm. This has returned another large portion of the island to a natural state. We are working with BC Parks to establish a plant life inventory of Great Race Island. We have modified the Coast Guard’s old lawn mowing compulsion to allow more of the natural grasses and vegetation to take over the island. A small perimeter is maintained around the buildings for fire safety and Mike and Carol of course maintain their traditional kitchen garden.

BC Parks has assumed ownership of the area of Great Race Island that was previously leased to the Coast Guard. A small area around the light tower and solar panels has been retained by the Coast Guard as they are still responsible for the automated navigational aids. All the remaining infrastructure on the island has been given over to BC Parks. Pearson College has entered into a 30 year park use permit agreement with BC Parks to continue to operate the facility as we have for the past four years.

Serious financial challenges lie ahead. Now that the federal Millennium Partnership funding that established racerocks.com has been exhausted we are receiving no financial support for the operation of the Race Rocks MPA from any government. We are hopeful that BC Parks and DFO which established the MPA will respond positively to our application for them to provide a contribution of $50,000 each towards operating costs. Pearson College has undertaken to raise the balance required to cover the $150,000 annual budget. We hope that the eco-tourism industry will consider assisting us in the future as a demonstration of the commitment you have to environmental protection and Canada’s first Marine Protected Area. See $ave Race Rock$

Please excuse our questionable flag etiquette! One of the pitfalls of joint federal/provincial jurisdiction is they both want their label on the product. At the request of our current MLA we are now flying both the BC and Canadian flag on the same mast on the island. Until the funding arrangements are worked out it is simply prudent to do so!

The special operational guidelines for Race Rocks established by the eco-tourism operators have been largely respected and we greatly appreciate the individual commitment vessel operators have made to following them. We are now working on better cooperation from other organisations such as the Navy and education of the general public. Our proceedure is to log all infractions and contact the operator or their owner directly to advise them of a difficulty. The level of cooperation and voluntary compliance from the eco-tourim sector has been outstanding and we appreciate it a great deal.

Operator training for the 2001 season is now occurring in many eco-tourism organisations. Many of your operators have received special training about the MPA in the past. If the number of new operators warrants it, we have offered to host a training session ashore at Race Rocks in the near future. Please contact Dan Kukat if you think this is necessary.

Marine life at the Race features several elephant seals again this year and the sea lion/ harbour seal population looks fairly strong for the time of year. Already a number of harbour seal pups have been born, and this emphasizes the need for cautious navigation through the area as they are very vulnerable. Serious bird nesting activity is starting so our activity on the island and access is now being limited. Chick survival on the island was very poor last year largely due to what appeared to be starvation. Hopefully more of the usual food sources will return this year.

We look forward to another successful season of protection and education at the Race. Thank you for all you do to share this experience with an appreciative public.

Angus Matthews

Director of Administration and Special Projects, Lester Pearson College

Provincial Proposal for Race Rocks MPA Funding

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Ecological Reserve and Marine Protected Area
OPERATIONAL PROPOSAL 2001/2002

Presented to: Province of British Columbia
BC Parks
Attention:Denis O’Gorman
Assistant Deputy Minister
January 31, 2001

Background

BC Parks was among the first to recognize the extraordinary value of this treasured eco-system. In 1980 the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve was established to protect marine life on the rocky outcrops and the ocean floor extending to a depth of 20 fathoms. Great Race Island, home to the Race Rocks light station was leased to the Federal Government since BC joined confederation. As a result the Island was excluded from the Ecological Reserve.

As a consequence of a Federal decision to de-staff the light station in 1997, the keepers were to be removed and they would no longer provide the essential supervision required for full protection of the Reserve. In excess of $25 million worth of commercially exploitable species are known to exist within the Reserve area. The presence of the keepers was determined to be essential for continued protection. Coast Guard agreed to a special short-term agreement whereby Pearson College would retain the former light keepers as eco-guardians and operate the surplus facilities as a new Marine Education Centre until such time as a permanent solution for the operation of Race Rocks could be found.

BC Parks and the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans began community consultations in 1998 to assess the possibility of Race Rocks being recognized as Canada’s first Marine Protected Area. For the first time, Race Rocks, with the cooperation of both levels of government would be truly protected with a management plan that included both the Provincially managed Ecological Reserve and the Federally controlled water column.

On January 24, 2001 Great Race Island (except for a small piece of land which accommodates the navigational aids) reverted back to the Province of British Columbia under the control of BC Parks.

A New Beginning

A long-term Parks permit is currently being prepared by BC Parks to allow Pearson College to operate the facilities at Race Rocks as a Marine Science and Education Centre in accordance with the new management plan and the original rationale from 1980 when the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve was established.

For the first time, the Race Rocks eco-system enjoys full protection under a unified management plan with the authority of both the Provincial and Federal governments. An important new provision has also been made for the full involvement of First Nations in on-going management of the Race Rocks area. The priorities of protecting ecological values, education and research are the primary focus of the recently developed management plan.

Scope of the Race Rocks Project

  • The key activities that Pearson College will manage on behalf of BC Parks include:
  • Protection
    • Continuous supervision of the island and Reserve by resident eco-guardian.
    • Security for buildings, equipment and infrastructure (24 hrs/day all year).
    • Vigilant observation of activities within the Reserve and if needed, reporting of infractions to appropriate agencies.
    • Electronic video monitoring of the Ecological Reserve by enforcement agencies.
    • Restrict access to specific areas as necessary.
  • Safety
    • Observe and report any situations which may represent a safety hazard.
    • Assist individuals in distress when required and liaise with rescue agencies.
    • Assist in emergency communications.
    • Be vigilant for fire hazards.
    • Monitor for the occurrence of hazardous material spills.

    Science

    Continue monitoring program for weather conditions.

    • Continue monitoring program for seawater temperature and salinity.
    • Ongoing protection of unique Northern Abalone populations and monitoring of population and growth rates.
    • Annual intertidal and subtidal transect site monitoring.
    • Installation of environmental scan sensor arrays for air, soil and seawater with full accessibility on the Internet.
    • Observation and recording of marine mammal and bird populations.
    • Daily ecological events log.
    • Support for visiting scientists.
    • Development of alternative energy solutions.

    The Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans began community

    Education

    • Development of curriculum materials for K-12 use.
    • Cooperative development of information about First Nations focusing on the history of traditional uses and creating a supporting curriculum.
    • Operation and continuous upgrading of the racerocks.com education site with a major commitment for the production of online archived video for classroom and public use.
    • Interactive web cast production and delivery for use by schools, science centres, museums and conferences.
    • Public education programs for visitors to the Race Rocks area.
    • Education programs in cooperation with eco-tourism industry and dive community.

     Operations

      • Supervision and monitoring of operating systems including generators, water systems, heating systems and data network.
      • Routine preventative maintenance for all buildings, equipment and infrastructure.
      • Maintenance of station vessel.
      • Assistance to government agencies with equipment installed at Race Rocks.

    Eco-guardian / Project Management

     Pearson College is uniquely qualified and suited to operate and manage Race Rocks on behalf of BC Parks and the public.
    Located 3.7 nautical miles from Pearson Collegeâs docks at Pedder Bay, Race Rocks is within easy reach in moderate weather conditions. In addition to the Race Rocks station boat, Pearson College operates two purpose built aluminum workboats suitable for transporting fuel, personnel, equipment and supplies to Race Rocks.

    Pearson College staff provides all logistical support required for the efficient operation of Race Rocks. Qualified staffing for maintenance, accounting, purchasing and deliveries are all coordinated by existing College systems. Mike and Carol Slater, the former light-house keepers, are now employed by Pearson College and they live at Race Rocks. They are particularly well qualified to supervise and operate the facility after 30 years of experience with the Coast Guard and extensive experience observing marine life. Over the past 14 years they have been responsible for dealing with the public in the Reserve area and, when necessary, reporting infractions to the appropriate agency. Many of the College’s suppliers such as Nixon Electrical Services, Day’s Welding, Aramark Services, Henning’s Plumbing and others offer their services to Race Rocks at reduced rates or by donation.

  • It is an extraordinary legacy of the Millennium Partnership Fund and our partners that Race Rocks is now the most technologically advanced Marine Protected Area in the world. The state of the art information technology system includes a full island network, wireless technology, remote controlled live video streams from above and below water and an environmental data array all streamed live on the Internet for public use. Major sponsorships from Apple, Apple Learning, LGS Group, Sorenson, Sony, Telus, Yamaha, Seapoint Sensors, the Vancouver Aquarium and others support the Race Rocks project.As an educational institution Pearson College applies significant educational resources to the Race Rocks project. Environmental Systems/Biology faculty member Garry Fletcher serves as Educational Director of the Race Rocks program. Supported by students involved in web design, scuba diving, vessel operation, photography, video production, research and school program delivery, Garry has established an award winning education program at Race Rocks. This program is widely used by provincial agencies such as the Open Learning Agency, Ministry of Education, University of Victoria and the Royal British Columbia Museum. In the past year alone there have been over 65,000 users of the racerocks.com site.
  • This project has proved conclusively that there can be mass electronic public access to a protected area without the negative impact of large numbers of visitors to the islands. Race Rocks provides a viable alternative to the potentially high impact personal site visit. Rather than a BC Parks Ecological Reserve being a secret resource this approach encourages public education and appreciation of the area while maintaining a high level of protection.Pearson College has a proven record of successful fundraising for the Race Rocks project. Since 1997 over $280,000 has been raised from private donors to operate Race Rocks. This was an emergency initiative to save the site from demolition while a long-term solution could be found. Pearson College will continue this commitment to fundraising for the project by raising one third of the annual operating costs for the ongoing operation of Race Rocks.

 

Community Commitment

BC Environment Minister The Hon. Joan Sawicki and Federal Fisheries Minister The Hon. Herb Dhaliwal committed their respective governments to the establishment of a Marine Protected Area at Race Rocks on September 14, 2000. Their action was based on the unanimous recommendations of the Race Rocks Advisory Board. The Advisory Board includes senior staff from BC Parks, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and south island First Nations leadership. In addition there is broad public representation from groups such as sports fishers, the dive community, ecotourism companies, marina operators, scientists, Friends of Ecological Reserves, Georgia Strait Alliance, and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. A key feature of the Race Rocks Advisory Board conclusions is a recommendation that both the Federal and Provincial governments provide financial support for the Race Rocks Marine Protected Area.

So many Parks so little money

British Columbia leads Canada in the establishment of parks and protected areas. The fact BC is the first jurisdiction in Canada to attain the 12% of total landmass under protection goal is an extraordinary accomplishment that places British Columbia as a world leader. In only the past nine years the NDP government has doubled total park space to 11.7 million hectares to meet itâs declared objective. One might think the Ministry budget would also have been increased to provide financial support for this initiative. The Ministry budget has in fact decreased.

 

The financial reality of the Ministry of the Environment, Lands and Parks budget situation makes it extremely difficult for BC Parks managers to fulfill the operational challenges of administering this burgeoning parks system. One solution to the budget crisis as identified by the BC Parks Legacy Panel in their 2000 report is partnership funding arrangements with the private charitable giving sector. This is exactly what we propose for Race Rocks. Under the formula presented here BC Parks will contribute only one third of the annual operating cost of Race Rocks. For every dollar expended by BC Parks two additional dollars will be contributed to operate this BC Parks facility.

Why is Race Rocks funding special?

Race Rocks is a unique Provincial asset with specific circumstances that qualify it to be deserving of a special funding allocation designated at the Ministerial level.

 

So many Parks so little money

British Columbia leads Canada in the establishment of parks and protected areas. The fact BC is the first jurisdiction in Canada to attain the 12% of total landmass under protection goal is an extraordinary accomplishment that places British Columbia as a world leader. In only the past nine years the NDP government has doubled total park space to 11.7 million hectares to meet itâs declared objective. One might think the Ministry budget would also have been increased to provide financial support for this initiative. The Ministry budget has in fact decreased.

 

The financial reality of the Ministry of the Environment, Lands and Parks budget situation makes it extremely difficult for BC Parks managers to fulfill the operational challenges of administering this burgeoning parks system. One solution to the budget crisis as identified by the BC Parks Legacy Panel in their 2000 report is partnership funding arrangements with the private charitable giving sector. This is exactly what we propose for Race Rocks. Under the formula presented here BC Parks will contribute only one third of the annual operating cost of Race Rocks. For every dollar expended by BC Parks two additional dollars will be contributed to operate this BC Parks facility.

Why is Race Rocks funding special?

Race Rocks is a unique Provincial asset with specific circumstances that qualify it to be deserving of a special funding allocation designated at the Ministerial level.

Race Rocks is:

  • an internationally recognized Marine Protected Area established jointly by the Province and the Federal government.
  • Canadaâs first and only Marine Protected Area and therefore success is essential if others are to follow.
  • the only Ecological Reserve in BC with over $650,000 in physical building and equipment assets owned by the Province which clearly require security and routine maintenance.
  • over $25 million worth of extremely marketable sea-life that has prospered under 20 years of protection would be subject to immediate poaching without the presence of the resident eco-guardians.
  • Race Rocks has the most comprehensive accumulation of scientific data of any marine Ecological Reserve. The continuous data chain some of which dates back to 1926 must be sustained.
  • Race Rocks, through award winning web based education programming, is recognized as a word leader in environmental monitoring and education delivery.
  • partnerships with Provincial agencies such as the Open Learning Agency, Royal BC Museum, and Ministry of Education provide direct benefit to the BC Government and British Columbians.
  • the funding formula proposed is in accordance with recommendations of both the Race Rocks Advisory Board and the BC Parks Legacy Panel.
  • BC Parks investment in Race Rocks will be directly matched at a two to one ratio by other independent funding sources.
  • when gift in kind contributions from our other sponsors are considered the ratio of private contribution is over ten times the BC Parks contribution level.
  • the involvement of BC Parks assures the project of stable funding. The lack of involvement by BC Parks will lead to immediate financial collapse.

Financial Proposal

The following operational budget provides details of projected minimum operational expenses at Race Rocks for the period April 1, 2001 to March 31, 2002. The budget is based on our four years of experience in funding the Race Rocks project and the highly efficient operational format we have established. Pearson College guarantees to cover any cost over runs if they should occur.

It is proposed that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, BC Parks, and Pearson College each contribute $50,000 to cover the 2001-2002 operating budget.

Race Rocks MPA/ER
Operating Budget April 1, 2001 to March 31, 2002
Salaries
Eco-guardian(s)
42,000
Educator (1/2 time)
30,000
Shoreside support (1/3 time)
14,000
Benefits
9,460
95,460
Fuel
Generator
11,000
Heating
1,400
Boat
1,750
Lube/oils
2,000
16,150
Maintenance
Buildings
6,000
Generators
4,300
Water pumps
2,100
Desalinator
2,200
Winches
800
Boat and motor
4,700
Jetty
400
Fuel system
450
Radios
200
Diving equipment
2,500
23,650
Administration Costs
Phone
600
Insurance
1,800
Stationery/printing
1,150
3,550
Education Program
Classroom materials
4,500
Communication/outreach programs
2,500
First Nations’ program
5,000
Internet access
2,000
14,000
 
Total expenditures
$152,810

 

 Pearson College is a registered charity and as such is subject to an annual audit. Our auditors KPMG will provide fully audited accounting details of all Race Rocks expenditures to the partner agencies. In addition the College will file an annual operating report with BC Parks.

Conclusion

 We had not expected to operate the facility on an interim basis without any financial support from any government for the past four years. Our donors are experiencing fatigue and our largest private financial supporter has indicated their continued support is conditional upon governments entering into this cost sharing formula.  A similar proposal has been well received by the Federal Government. Race Rocks is an essential investment by BC Parks, a cost effective arrangement, a unique innovation in the field of environmental protection and education and a proud accomplishment for all British Columbians. We ask that you agree to support Race Rocks Ecological Reserve as it begins a new life.

Respectfully submitted,

Angus Matthews
Director of Special Projects
Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific
650 Pearson College Drive
Victoria, BC

 

Great Race Rock Added to Ecological Reserve

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The Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Moe Sihota went out to the Ecological Reserve with Garry  and Angus to declare the island part of Great Race Rock an addition to the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve.  This 1.5 ha land had been excluded from the ER in 1980, and is now part of the Reserve. A small parcel of land around the tower, foghorn and solar panels  is still leased by the Coastguard.

ertransfer1

Race Rocks: Officially Designated as an MPA Sept 14, 2000

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Canada’s Ocean’s Minister Herb Dhaliwal and British Columbia’s Environment Minister Joan Sawicki join students and faculty of Lester Pearson College in a tour of Canada’s first Marine Protected Area on the morning of September 14th, 2000.

 
Guests approaching Race Rocks in the Second Nature
Group Photo
 Pearson College faculty member,
Garry Fletcher explains the technology involved in the racerocks.com project while Pearson College student Karl Braun takes the video for the live webcast from Race Rocks .
Canada’s Ocean’s Minister Herb Dhaliwal and British Columbia’s Environment Minister Joan Sawicki join students and faculty of Lester Pearson College in a tour of Canada’s first Marine Protected Area on the morning of September 14th, 2000
In the tank room. Ryan Murphy
(PC year 26) shows the ministers some of the marine invertebrates that live in the area. 		Minister Joan Sawicki and Minister Herb Dhaliwal at Race Rocks Federal Fisheries Minister Herb Dhaliwal Damien and Karl setting up camera 4 for the live webcast
Speakers, invited guests and members of the press assemble for the opening of the Marine Protected Area which was live webcast on racerocks.com. Minister Dhaliwal and Minister Sawicki put the seal of approval of their respective governments on the management of the area by one body with representatives of the First Nations, Provincial and Federal Governments. opening prayer and speaking about the importance of the new MPA to the First Nations people.They emphasized the cooperative role they would all play in the tripartied stewardship of the area. Provincial Environment Minister Joan Sawicki speaks in the lecture theatre. Text of the Joint Federal Provincial Press Release.
During her speech, the sea lions looked on live on the screen from Race Rocks! The Ministers meet with the members of the Race Rocks Advisory Board who worked over the past year to achieve a consensus on the MPA Proposal. Archived Video of Race Rocks officially being declared a Marine Protected Area by Canada’s Ocean’s Minister Herb Dhaliwal and British Columbia’s Environment Minister Joan Sawicki.
Our thanks to Photographers Jean-Olivier Dalphond (PC year 26) and Barbara Pedrick


Text of the speech given by the Honourable Herb Dahliwell Minister of Fisheries and Oceans-

Community Involvement: The Success Story..DFO 

See text of MPA Conclusions 

Joint Federal and Provincial Government News Release of Dhaliwal and Sawicki Endorse Race Rocks as Canada’s First Marine Protected Area.

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Fisheries and Oceans Canada - News Release

NR-PR-00-120E

September 14, 2000

DHALIWAL AND SAWICKI ENDORSE RACE ROCKS AS
CANADA’S FIRST MARINE PROTECTED AREA
VICTORIA, BC – Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for Vancouver-South Burnaby and Joan Sawicki, Minister of Environment, Lands and Parks announced today their endorsement of the Race Rocks Advisory Board’s recommendation that Race Rocks become Canada’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA) under the Ocean’s Act.

Race Rocks was declared a candidate Marine Protected Area in September, 1998. An MPA is an area of the ocean that is designated for special protection under the Oceans Act. The goals of an MPA are to protect and conserve the natural beauty and richness of Canada’s marine areas, retain ecological diversity, provide scientific research and educational opportunities and preserve the many recreational and cultural features of the oceans.

“I am very pleased and proud that Race Rocks has been put forward for designation as an MPA under the authority of the Oceans Act,” said Mr. Dhaliwal. “Today represents the culmination of an outstanding community-driven process which saw First Nations, BC Parks and Fisheries and Oceans Canada working collaboratively with the local community to achieve a common vision for this special place called XwaYeN.”

“Race Rocks is an international treasure,” said Minister Sawicki. “Today’s announcement will further promote and strengthen the stewardship of this extraordinary place. Together, the federal and provincial marine protected areas designations will help to protect the marine life that makes Race Rocks so unique.”

In 1980, the Province of British Columbia recognized the natural values of the Race Rocks area by designating it as an ecological reserve under their Ecological Reserves Act. This authority provides for protection and conservation over the terrestrial (nine islets) and the ocean bottom (to a depth of 20 fathoms). Designation of Race Rocks or XwaYeN (pronounced shwai’yen) as an MPA will further protect marine species and their habitat found within the boundaries of the existing ecological reserve. The marine ecosystem within this area is known for its exceptional diversity which is of importance to commercial and recreational fisheries in adjacent areas. It also protects critical habitat for threatened Northern abalone.

The MPA designation will also serve to protect the natural beauty of the area and provide scientific and educational opportunities for researchers and students. Lester B. Pearson College, the primary advocate for originally securing Race Rocks as an Ecological Reserve, operates the lightstation facility as a research and education centre in cooperation with BC Parks and Fisheries and Oceans/Canadian Coast Guard.

“The First Nations people have long recognized the importance of the ocean and particular significance of XwaYeN,” said Tom Sampson of the Coast Salish Sea Council. “The creation of this first Marine Protected Area under the Oceans Act is a positive step toward creating mutual understanding of our cultural values. It will have an impact on not only the living marine resources and their environment but on Canadians and, most importantly, their children.”

“Protection of the rich marine waters at XwaYeN (Race Rocks) is an important step towards establishing a system of marine protected areas in Canada,” said Sabine Jessen, Conservation Director for the BC Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. “The community and government collaboration at XwaYeN is a model for future MPAs. The conservation community is committed to continuing our efforts to protect other ecologically important marine habitats on all of Canada’s coasts.”

“The whale watching and eco-tourism industry is proud to be an integral participant in the MPA process and is extremely pleased that this ecological marine environment will now receive additional protection,” said Dan Kukat, Vice President of the Whale Watch Operators Association (North West) and Sport Fish Advisory Board Member (Victoria Chapter). “The recreational and sport fishing community is pleased to provide continued support in the conservation of marine species.”

“The development of this comprehensive package for Race Rocks has been achieved through the complementary use of the powers of the Oceans Act and of the provincial Ecological Reserves Act, as well as the key role played by the community,” stated Ministers Dhaliwal and Sawicki. “This is an excellent demonstration of Canada’s new management approach towards oceans and their resources.”

Named for its strong tidal currents and rocky reefs, Race Rocks is a showcase for Pacific marine life, featuring whales, sea lions, seals, birds and a wide array of underwater plants and animals. Race Rocks is located 17 kilometres southwest of Victoria at the eastern end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and is the most southerly part of Canada’s Pacific coast. One of its nine islets is the site of Race Rocks Lightstation, the second oldest lighthouse in Western Canada.

For a virtual tour of Race Rocks anytime, visit http://ww.racerocks.ca

-30-
 

Backgrounders:

RACE ROCKS – A SUCCESS STORY FOR COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT

(originally at: http://www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/english/release/bckgrnd/2000/bg0032e.htm)

HERB DHALIWAL  ANNOUNCES THE DESIGNATION OF RACE ROCKS AS CANADA’S FIRST MARINE PROTECTED AREA–VICTORIA, BC

(originally at http://www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/english/release/Statement/2000/st0002e.htm)

September 14, 2000

 

For information:

Kelly Francis
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(250) 616-9143		 Alex Dubrowski
Environment, Lands and Parks
(250) 387-9423		 Tom Sampson
Coast Salish First Nations
(250) 652-3889
Sabine Jessen, Conservation Director
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society-BC
(604) 685-7445 office
(604) 657-2813 cell		 Dan Kukat, Vice President
Whale Watch Operators
Sport Fish Advisory Board
(250) 386-6016		 Angus Mathews, Director
Administration & Operations
Lester B. Pearson College
(250) 391-2406

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