News
August-September 2004
This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD
WOODEN BOAT GATHERING
The 4th Annual “Vancouver Meet at the Beach” is scheduled for Sunday, August 22 at the Barnet Marine Park in Burnaby, BC. Dozens of builders will have their wood strip/epoxy, skin on frame and canvas canoes and kayaks on display for public viewing. Meet the builders and learn more about building your own small boat. For more info contact Rod at Orca Boats, 604-312-4784,
SEAWARD KAYAKS IS ON THE MOVE!
Seaward Kayaks Manufacturing is moving 10 km south of its current location in Ladysmith, BC to Chemainus. Seaward Kayaks commenced manufacturing in 1989 in Summerland, moving to Ladysmith in 1998. The steady increase in demand for Seaward’s hand-crafted kayaks and its diversification into 18 different models— thirteen Seaward kayaks, two Discover series kayaks and three Nigel Foster kayaks—means it has outgrown its production facilities in the Expo Legacy Building in Ladysmith. The new location is an 18,000 sq. ft. plant on the Island Highway at 3107 Henry Road in Chemainus.
But please note that the Island Outdoor Company will remain open at the Ladysmith site: 610 Oyster Bay Drive. Phone: 250-245-7887, www.islandoutdoorcentre.com.
For more information, contact John Surtees, Client Services: John@SeawardKayaks.com, 250-245-2242 ext 23 or 800-595- 9755.
GREAT SUMMER RAFFLE
Get your tickets soon for the Georgia Strait Alliance’s great summer raffle for three amazing prizes: a Discover Aurora fiberglass sea kayak from Seaward Kayaks, a three-night Adventure Package at the new Brentwood Bay Inn, and silver jewelry from Dolphin Spirit. Ticket sales will end in early September, so hurry! 250-753-3459,
KAYAKING BOOKS
Readers are reminded that when you order the Heritage Group’s three kayaking books through ww.bcbooks.com, you raise money for the Georgia Strait Alliance and marine conservation.
The books are located at www.bcbooks.com/fishkayaking.html.
PADDLING FUNDRAISER
The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) is set to host the third annual Indian Arm Paddle-a-thon fundraiser for Thwaytes Landing on September 26. All funds raised will go towards completing the purchase of this spectacular recreational landing. There are reduced entrance fees for those with their own boats, and good prizes, including the grand prize of a season pass at Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Centre.
Participants are encouraged to collect pledges to win incentive prizes from Mtn. Equipment Co-op and TLC. TLC members get a 10% discount on the entrance fee. You can sign up to become a member when you register for the event.
TLC is responsible for raising approximately $400,000 to complete the purchase and hopes the paddle-athon event will raise at least $10,000.
“This is an important rest stop for paddlers along the Indian Arm coastline. TLC hopes the paddling community will come out and support the purchase and protection of Thwaytes Landing by taking part in the paddle-a-thon,” says TLC regional manager Tamsin Baker.
TLC invites paddlers to use the landing as a rest stop while they are traveling the waters of Indian Arm, but asks that visitors kindly use the rocky beach as a day use area only, build no fires, respect the caretaker’s privacy, and keep dogs leashed.
Thwaytes Landing is a 130-acre waterfront property located about one-half of the way into Indian Arm on the west side. The site is made up of 19 legal lots, and is considered to be the last, residentially-zoned, large oceanfront property left in Vancouver.
For more information or to receive an event brochure and pledge sheet please call TLC at 604-733-2313,
PADDLE TO A CURE
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is raising funds for research, education, diagnosis and treatment by way of pledges for paddlers taking part in five expeditions across Canada this summer. To pledge, contact the Foundation at 866-373-6313. In BC, pledges can be arranged at Ocean River Sports, Victoria (800-909-4233).
POWER TO BE
The Power To Be Adventure Therapy Society (PTB) is a registered charitable organization helping youth and adults with disabilities improve the quality of their lives. PTB combines environmental initiatives and outdoor activities as the principle tools and metaphors to equip participants with lasting skills and self-confidence.
This summer they are running a variety of trips for youth in recovery from cancer, adults with acquired brain injury, youth at risk, family bereavement, people with disabilities, and others.
They are featuring Adaptive Kayaking Programs in Victoria and in Vancouver, collaborating with Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak and the Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports to help make kayaking accessible to people of all abilities.
For more information: Toll free 800-375 2363, or 250-478-0161, info@powr2b.com, www.powr2b.com.
WHAT’S YOUR PARK VISION?
Parks Canada is now developing Interim Management Guidelines (IMGs) for the new Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (GINPR). The IMGs will set out an interim park vision; goals for ecological integrity, cultural resource management and visitor opportunities; strategic direction to deal with management related issues; and interim park zoning.
What’s your vision for the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve? What should this park be like in 15 years’ time? What do kayakers need in the way of services or facilities? Where do you go, and where do you stay while kayaking the southern Gulf Islands? What direction would you like Parks Canada to take on managing issues that arise in the park? What areas do you have special knowledge of that might be helpful to Parks Canada in designating visitor use areas or areas requiring special conservation attention? These are the types of questions that need to be answered now.
next spring (March/April 2005) so that work can start on a long term Management Plan for GINPR. Please contact the Park and Community Planning Coordinator, Carolyn Stewart (carolyn.stewart@pc.gc.ca), check the GINPR website at www.pc.gc.ca/gulf, or mail in your comments to the GINPR administration office (2220 Harbour Rd., Sidney BC, V8L 2P6). You might care to set up a working session with your kayak club or local area kayak businesses and send in group comments. Now’s the time to help set the future direction for the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
NEW CHART
The Canadian Hydrographic Service has published a new chart for Queens Sound to Seaforth Channel on BC’s isolated Central Coast (chart #3938 replaces chart #3787). It includes large scale insets of St. John Harbour and Bella Bella. This chart incorporates the latest hydrographic survey data and includes updated information on facilities and aids to navigation.
250-363-6358 chartsales@pac.dfompo.gc.ca
HISTORIC CANOE LAUNCH
In June, the Homalco First Nation in BC launched their first new cedar canoe since the 1930s. The canoe was carved from a 33-foot, 9000-pound cedar log donated by the Ministry of Forests. Last summer, the band erected their first totem pole in 120 years, at their grizzly bear viewing site in Orford Bay. See www.bearsofbute.com.
EXTREME INTERFACE EXPANDS
A reorganization of Extreme Interface Kayaks and Watercraft has led to an expanding product line, thermoforming technology and a new location on Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim Highway.
This Summer E.I. introduces its “Lightspeed” touring kayak line, including a new 16’5” tourer and its 19’10” high performance solo kayak, from a new plant in Hilliers Plaza. The new craft join the existing line of a 14’5” day and weekender, the “Photon”; the fleet workhorse “Phoenix, at 17’5” x 25”; and the tandem “Phantom”, 22’10 x 27”. All fleet models will also be available in thermoform for 2005.
The new assembly plant features a retail shop where Broken Island-bound paddlers will find gear including paddles, PFDs and other needs. It’s located in Hilliers Plaza, 4.4 km west of Pacific Rim Highway (exit 60 from the Island Parkway at Qualicum Beach).
Best known for its patented rudder system, Extreme Interface was started as a home operation in the early 90s by designer Barry Bezaire, who heads the restructured company. The expansion brings manufacture of Bezaire’s formerly licensed designs under his direct supervision, and adds new models and a thermoformed series of touring craft and small recreational play boats. The result positions E.I. as a volume producer of quality economy boats, and expands its top end composite line. For info: www.extremeinterface.com, 250-752-8432.
FOLDING FLOTILLA
Check out http://flotilla2004.tripod.com/ to learn about the Rideau Canal Folding Kayak Flotilla during the last week of August. The event will take place a Chaffey’s Lock, located between Smith Falls and Kingston on Lake Ontario. There’s no registration necessary and no entrance fee. “We aim to enjoy leisurely paddles”, says Joanne Gaudet of the little folding kayak company.
For more info you can contact Joanne at info@folbot.ca or 613-679-4932.
CORRECTIONS
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The correct URL for Lightload Towels is http://www.ultralighttowels.com/.
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After reading our Oct/Nov 2003 issue (Florida’s Year Round Paradise), Rebecca Cowart of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sent us an update on the contact info for her area. Phone: 850-488-5520.
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Web: http://myfwc.com/recreation. The website has information about paddling as well as other outdoor recreation opportunities. Maps, brochures, and other publications can be requested here too.(rebecca.cowart@fwc.state.fl.us)
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In an article (Apr/May 03) John Gookin is referred to as the “former” Curriculum Manager at NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School.) In fact he is the current Curriculum Manager at NOLS.
ALASKA RANGERS EDUCATE VISITORS
The Forest Service at the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District has a Wilderness Kayak Ranger Interpretive Program which educates visitors to Southeast Alaska in an uncommon classroom. The wilderness school bell rings for travelers when kayak rangers board smaller cruise ships (see photo right), boats that carry anywhere from 60 to 130 passengers, of whom most are from urban areas and have limited knowledge of the wilderness. The rangers help educate passengers about the issues, threats and values of wilderness. On average, rangers board 90 ships during the summer season, sharing their knowledge with nearly 9,000 people from around the world.
Although educating the public is one of the primary purposes of wilderness kayak rangers, they also use their distinct method of travel to carry out their normal day-to-day duties.
The Misty Fiords National Monument stretches out across more than 2.2 million acres at the southern end of Southeast Alaska. The western border is about 22 air miles from Ketchikan. Misty Fiords has many long, deep fiords with sea cliffs rising for thousands of feet.
Supervisor’s Office, Tongass National Forest: 907-228-6201.
TOURISM STATS
Tourism is an $11 billion industry in Washington state employing 152,000 people. US-wide, coastal tourism and recreation account for 85% of tourism revenues. Washington beaches drew more than 2 million visits in 1999, including 850,000 visits from birdwatchers and 1.2 million by photographers, paddlers, surfers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Tourism is BC’s largest land-based employer (130,000 full time direct jobs), growing by 4-5% annually. In the year 2000, tourism generated revenues of almost $10 Billion.
Wilderness tourism is the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry, in BC, achieving a 9-10% annual growth rate. In 1999, BC’s wilderness tourism sector generated $1 billion in direct revenues and created 15,000 full-time jobs.
END THE HUNT
Bears go way back on Haida Gwaii. Last year a caving expedition unearthed a bear bone that turned out to be 17,000 years old. Since that time, this unique subspecies (Ursus americanus carlotte) has weathered climate change, rising ocean levels, ecosystem change and habitat loss. Now there is a new threat, trophy hunters, who have killed 200 bears since the year 2000.
The two hunting/guiding licensees to kill bears for profit run their business on the Islands from the Tlell River Lodge. Under these licences there is no limit to how many bears they can kill even though no one knows how many bears there are here.
Since 1995, the Council of Haida Nation (CHN), supported by the many Islanders, has called for an end to the recreational hunting of black bears. The CHN recently restated that position, noting that bear hunting, like catch-andrelease sports fisheries, are “unforgivable exercises in disrespect and disregard for the lives and spirits of creatures we hold to be our relations”.
A recent economic study on grizzly bear hunting on the central coast shows that guide/outfitters can make more money viewing bears than they can shooting them. The Friends of the Haida Gwaii Black Bear are asking people to support the end of bear hunting by supporting the practice of viewing bears in their natural habitat.
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Avocets at Placid Lake, Montana |
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Dolphins by John Forde |
SHIPS STRIKE WHALES
Fatal collisions with ships have become a leading threat to whale survival. Ship strikes are on the rise, due to a combination of increasing coastal ship traffic, smaller crew size, bigger vessels and faster speeds. Deafening underwater noise levels also prevent whales from hearing approaching propellers.Between 20 and 35% of all whales found dead show cuts and blunt trauma consistent with a ship strike.
Ship strikes are the largest known cause of death for the endangered North Atlantic right whale, particularly calves who have undeveloped diving capability. The risk of ship collision is now also the biggest threat facing the blue whale, the largest mammal on earth.
The vast majority of ship strikes are not reported. According to an agency database, 42 of 292 incidents were logged only because whale carcasses were pinned to the prow of ships entering harbors.
The single biggest known source of whale strikes is the US Navy. When combined with the Coast Guard, federal vessels account for nearly one-quarter of reported ship strikes of whales on the planet.
“Our government’s posture can be summed up as, ‘Damn the cetaceans, full speed ahead,’” stated Kyla Bennett, a former federal biologist and New England Director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). “We routinely adopt speed limits and other traffic rules to prevent collisions on our roads, but ignore the carnage at sea.”
“As tankers, cruise ships and other vessels get bigger and faster, whales are more likely to get run over,” said Kira Schmidt of Bluewater Network, “Reducing vessel speeds also has the added benefit of decreasing emissions that impair air quality and cause global warming.”
View the National Marine Fisheries Service “Large Whale Ship Strike Database”:
http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/press_release/shipstrike03.pdf
See also http://www.mmc.gov/articles/pdf/shipstrike.pdf
Thanks to Bluewater Network (www.bluewaternetwork.org).
FISH FARMS—BAD PRESS
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The BC magazine, Business in Vancouver, reported in June that BC farm salmon exports dropped by almost 50 per cent in the first quarter of 2004 due to outbreaks of disease and a run of bad press around PCB levels.
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http://www.breastcancer.org/research_farm_raised_salmon.html has an explanation of the concerns about toxins in farm fish and the probable source of those toxins: the feed. • Starting this fall, menus in Alaska restaurants will have to state whether the fish served is farmed or wild. Senator Kim Elton, author of the law, said that consumers need protection because of reports of toxins in farmed fish. The State already asks grocery stores to label fish as wild or farmed.
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In June the Raincoast Conservation Society reported that farmed salmon feed companies use combinations of rendered products including chicken remains and chicken blood meal in their feed. “We are calling for the mandatory labelling and full disclosure of the extra ingredients, including chemical and drug inputs, being used to produce farmed salmon,” says Theresa Rothenbush, salmon aquaculture specialist for the RCS.
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For photos of a tour of the Broughton Archipelago and a list of Vancouver restaurants which have turned from farmed fish back to wild only, visit http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/fishfarms.htm,
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Controversy is brewing over an aquaculture facility at Walker Hook on Saltspring Island. Local residents, First Nations elders and fishery organizations are challenging Sablefin Hatcheries’ plan to operate a sablefish aquaculture hatchery and to inject effluent into the nearby sensitive sand tombolo. The provincial government has already issued a permit and several native ancestral remains have been unearthed. The Penelakut First Nation is seeking to protect their burial site, an area of vital historic and cultural significance. The site has been identified by the BC government’s own Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory as comprising three rare ecosystem types. This area has long been identified as needing protection and is an ideal candidate for the Southern Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area, which will be established in the coming years. For more information: Peter Ronald, Georgia Strait Alliance: 250-381- 8321 or Donna Martin, Saltspring Residents for Responsible Land Use: 250-537-5340.
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East Coast salmon farms should be moved onto land in a bid to control the spread of a contaminant that can cause “dead zones” in the ocean, says the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. The group says the government needs to reduce the flow of nitrogen into the sea, coming from sewage plants, fish farms and fish-processing plants. Once in the ocean, the nitrogen can cause the growth of algae blooms that starve the area of oxygen, creating the so-called dead zones. “Fish that swim into these dead zones just go belly-up, because there’s no oxygen in them,” says Inka Milewski, a marine biologist and science adviser for the Council. She says the contamination has become so severe in some places that it has begun to come off the ocean in the form of gas. A recent study of 10 local estuaries found seven with signs of excessive nitrogen.
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Check out the proceedings of the World Salmon Summit: www.sfu.ca/cstudies/science/salmon.htm.
PROBABILITY WHEEL
To illustrate the dangers of various rising-temperature scenarios due to global warming, the organization Results for America (www.ResultsForAmerica..org) has unveiled the “Global Warming Probability Wheel” which is available on the
Web at http://www.resultsforamerica.org/environment/wheel.php .
The flash-based tool allows visitors to see for themselves the harm that would result to the Earth from relatively slow temperature increases, ranging from less than two degrees to more than 10 degrees.
Also available from Results For America is a companion CD, The Jury Is In, which documents the global warming problem and its likely consequences.
To get a copy of the CD, use the Web-based email form at www. resultsforamerica.org/contact/index.php.
CUTS UNDERMINE ENVIRONMENT
Cuts to British Columbia’s Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection are severely constraining the Province’s ability to monitor and enforce environmental and health protection laws, a new report by West Coast Environmental Law concludes.
Please Hold: Someone Will be With You details the extent of cuts to the Ministry. In the last three years, nearly thirty per cent of full-time equivalent positions in the Ministry have been eliminated. Prior to that, the provincial environment ministry had already seen a decreased ability to monitor industry and enforce environmental laws due to budget cuts.
Read the full article: www.wcel.org/4976/29/04/01.htm from West Coast Environmental Law’s newsletter.
FOREST GIVEAWAY
In June the Western Canada Wilderness Committee held a Petition Ceremony at the BC Legislature against the Liberal government’s Working Forest Proposal.
The petition sheets, with 31,000 signatures on them, were attached to a giant petition board, and presented along with a pair of giant glasses and a giant magnifying glass to help Premier Gordon Campbell notice the concerned BC citizens on the petitions. See the petition online at www.workingforest.org.
The Working Forest Initiative is a move to give “landbase certainty” to timber corporations on public lands by obstructing the main causes of “landbase uncertainty” for logging companies, namely new protected areas and First Nations treaty settlement. It would also streamline the privatization of public lands by removing the Ministry of Forests from the decision making process regarding most Crown land sales. The Forestry Revitalization Act (already passed) reduces requirements for companies logging public lands while allowing them to retain their cutting rights.
WCWC Victoria: 250-514-9910.
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