Ruby Alton Nature Reserve Management Plan Questionnaire

RANR Questionnaire Open until March 15, 2021

Islands Trust Conservancy acknowledges and respects that Salt Spring Island is within the territory of Coast Salish Peoples, Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat) Nation, BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin) First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, SEMYOME (Semiahmoo) First Nation, Stz'uminus (Chemainus) First Nation, W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) First Nation, SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation, Tsawwassen First Nation, W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum) First Nation, Ts'uubaa-asatx (Lake Cowichan) First Nation.

Ruby Alton Nature Reserve is a 1.6-hectare nature reserve located on Fulford Harbour in south Salt Spring Island. There is a house and garden with a tenant family who act as caretakers. There is a public beach access off Isabella Point Road and a natural forest area with Forsen Brook flowing east towards Fulford Harbour with clam and eelgrass beds.

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 Ruby Alton Nature Reserve.

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* 1. Are you a resident of Salt Spring Island?

Yes, I live on north Salt Spring Island

Yes, I live mid-island

Yes, I live on south Salt Spring Island

No, but I own property on Salt Spring Island

No, I’m a visitor

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* 2. Have you ever visited Ruby Alton 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 Ruby Alton Nature Reserve before, what did you do there?

Hiking/walking

Wildlife viewing

Dog walking

Spending time at the beach

Other (please specify)

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* 4. Please list any wildlife and unique plant species you have seen in or near Ruby Alton 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 Ruby Alton 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. Please provide any other relevant information that will help us make the best management decisions for Ruby Alton Nature Reserve.

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* 9. 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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* 10. 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: