Sunshine Coast

Last updated on May 11, 2018

Project Description and Location: This Sensitive Ecosystems inventory identifies rare and fragile terrestrial ecosystems along the coastal lowlands from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound (including adjacent islands). The study area is approximately 163,000 ha. (1630 sq. km.) and includes portions of the Sunshine Coast Regional District, Powell River Regional District and Strathcona Regional District.The Georgia Lowlands Ecosection (GEL) and the adjacent islands within the Strait of Georgia (SOG) Ecosection comprise the majority of the study area.

Project partners: Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service) and the B.C. Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management (MSRM) jointly managed this project. Major funding came from Environment Canada (Georgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative), BC Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management (MSRM) and the Sunshine Coast Regional District. A multi agency steering committee included the above agencies as well as B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection (WLAP), Sechelt Indian Band, Sliammon First Nation, Powell River Regional District, Comox-Strathcona Regional District and Terminal Forest Products.

Project objectives: The primary goal of the inventory was to alert land owners and land use planners to the existence and importance of the remaining sensitive ecosystems. The secondary goals were to increase understanding and respect for the ecological values of sensitive ecosystems and to encourage land-use decisions that will conserve those values.

Standards and scale used: The inventory data is derived from aerial photography (1994-1999 photos) and verified using selective field checks. Mapping is presented at 1:20,000 scale. Final maps were completed in October 2005.

Data & Reports

Digital files on EcoCat: Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory - Sunshine Coast

Hardcopy maps: May be purchased from
Coast Spatial Geographic Information Technologies & Mapping Specialists
Suite 207-5500 Wharf Road
Sechelt BC, V0N 3A0
Phone: (604) 740-0977

If you have any questions, please contact the provincial specialist for sensitive ecosystems.

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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Sunshine Coast

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