Coats Millstone Nature Reserve Management Plan Questionnaire

CMNR Questionnaire Open until March 15, 2021

Islands Trust Conservancy acknowledges and respects that Gabriola Island is within the territory of the Coast Salish Peoples including Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, SEMYOME (Semiahmoo) First Nation, Snuneymuxw First Nation, Stz'uminus (Chemainus) First Nation, Ts'uubaa-asatx (Lake Cowichan) First Nation.

The Coats Millstone Nature Reserve (CMNR) is a 0.25 hectare protected area encompassing part of a ridge rising above Descanso Bay. The reserve is an old sandstone quarry. The different tiers of the ridge offer very different habitats for plants on the reserve. The young forest and water-filled millstone holes provide habitat for various birds and animals. The steep cliffs and deep millstone holes make this site very dangerous. The millstones occupy much of the upper ledge on the site and the moss-covered ground is slippery, leaving little space for walking, therefore CMNR has been closed to the public.

The Islands Trust Conservancy’s primary goal is to protect and nurture the sensitive ecosystems and natural values on this land. The information and actions required to achieve this goal and guide the management of the property are set out in a management plan that is updated every 10 years. We welcome community input and ask you to share your thoughts on the protection and long-term management of the Coats Millstone Nature Reserve.

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* 1. Are you a resident of Gabriola Island?

Yes, I live on north Gabriola Island

Yes, I live mid-island

Yes, I live on south Gabriola Island

No, but I own property on Gabriola Island

No, I’m a visitor

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* 2. Have you ever visited the Coats Millstone Nature Reserve? If so, how often?

No, never

Once

A few times

A few times per year

Once a month or more

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* 3. If you have visited Coats Millstone Nature Reserve before, what did you do there?

Hiking/walking

Wildlife viewing

Dog walking

Other (please specify)

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* 4. Please list any wildlife and unique plant species you have seen in or near Coats Millstone Nature Reserve:

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* 5. What do you believe to be the most important values of nature reserves? (choose three)

Protection of habitat for at-risk species

Ecosystem services (e.g. clean water and air, erosion control, groundwater recharge, etc.)

Recreational opportunities

Education and research opportunities

Tourism

Aesthetic appeal

Conservation for the sake of the intrinsic value of nature

Other (please specify)

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* 6. What activities do you believe are incompatible with the protection of natural features, and should not be allowed within Coats Millstone Nature Reserve?

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* 7. What do you feel could be the greatest threat to the health of this nature reserve, and should be the highest management priority for the Islands Trust Conservancy?

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* 8. Due to the steep cliffs and slippery terrain with deep, water filled millstone holes there are no public trails apart from the pre-existing trail to the view point. Do you have any thoughts on public access?

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* 9. Please provide any other relevant information that will help us make the best management decisions for Coats Millstone Nature Reserve.

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* 10. Please share with us any history you know about this property or any knowledge you have about unique cultural or other special features on the property.

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* 11. If you would like to receive periodic updates from the Islands Trust Conservancy on this and other conservation projects on the islands, please provide your name and email address: