Squamish Nation and B.C. Parks officials on Thursday (Feb. 16) signed two park management plans marking their first collaborative achievement under the 2007 agreement for the management of protected areas in the Squamish Nation traditional territory.
The signing recognized the completion of the Esté-tiwilh/Sigurd Creek Conservancy Management Plan and the Brackendale Eagles Park, Baynes Island Ecological Reserve and Tantalus Park Management Plan, officials said in a statement
"This is an important day for our people, and we are proud to have worked with the Province of B.C. to protect these important and sacred sites," said Squamish Nation Chief Gibby Jacob from the Squamish Nation. "This work builds on the vision of the Squamish People to develop the Xay Temíxw - Sacred Lands land use plan that protects our territories and Wild Spirit Places."
The plans provide direction for the protection and management of almost 13,000 hectares of land from the Squamish River Valley to the peaks of the Tantalus Range, an area that provides important habitat for wildlife including bald eagles and grizzly bears.
The Esté-tiwilh/Sigurd Creek Conservancy Management Plan aims to guide the management of the conservancy, established as an outcome of the Sea to Sky Land and Resource Management Plan. The conservancy protects a portion of the Esté-tiwilh Wild Spirit Place on the west side of the Squamish River between the Ashlu and Elaho watersheds.
Plans for the Brackendale Eagles Park, Baynes Island reserve and Tantalus Park developed from 2000 to 2003 with input from an advisory group that included local stakeholders. In 2009, Squamish Nation provided input into the plan so that the management of the protected areas reflects the knowledge and interests of the Squamish people, officials said.
