Anthony Island ER

FALL 1988

Khutzeymateen Research

Khutzeymateen research proceeded well this Spring with grateful thanks to World Wildlife Fund, Martin R. Haase, McLean Foundation and an anonymous BC sponsor. Herb Hammond, registered professional forester helped by a forest technician with Wayne McCrory and Erica Mallam, wildlife biologists, did extensive timber cruises in the valley and examined the ecological sustainability of logging. We’re in the process of adding this data to our earlier data on the economics and the ecological sensitivity of timber extraction on the entire valley. There is some further work required to examine the ecological sensitivity of proposed timber extraction. Upon completion of this work, a final report on our findings will be issued. We have felt for a long time that this forestry information is critical to our efforts to protect this valley.

In May, Wayne McCrory and Erica Mallam guided a BCTV cameraman and a reporter in the Khutzeymateen and they gathered remarkable footage of the valley and the grizzlies, which was subsequently shown on the news. In early August Wayne guided Minister of Environment, Bruce Strachan, in his first visit to the valley. Dan Culver of Bluewater Adventures is to be thanked for helping to organize that trip. In late summer Monte Hummel, president of World Wildlife Fund, our major research sponsor, visited the valley and was again guided by Wayne and Erica as were other visitors including Dr. John Schoen of Alaska, foremost authority on the impact of logging and humans on grizzly mortality. So, many thanks to both Wayne and Erica for the wonderful job they have done this past summer.

It is thought that because of the Friends’ extensive research and data gathering program that the BC government has finally been encouraged to act on this issue. Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Forests have initiated a three-year grizzly bear and forestry study in the Khutzeymateen to start in the spring of 1989 and finish in the fall of 1991. They will identify the key grizzly habitat areas of the valley and try to predict the potential impacts of logging as well as forestry and fishery studies that are yet to be determined.

The Friends are still very concerned about the terms of reference of the government studies and their possible recommendations. Dave Parker, Minister of Forests states that “Cabinet has accepted the recommendations of the Wilderness Advisory Committee for Integrated Resource Use (logging) within the valley rather than preserving the entire area as an Ecological Reserve”. However, “If the options indicate that the impact on grizzly bear habitat is unacceptable then logging will be reconsidered.”

Obviously, the Khutzeymateen is still under considerable threat and continued Friends’ and public involvement is still vitally necessary.

Vicky Husband

SPRING 1988

Anthony Island ER

Look at a map of BC and fly like an eagle to the extreme northwest coastal portion and out 60 miles across wicked Hecate Strait to the Queen Charlotte Islands which we call the Haida Gwai (Islands of the People). Then fly south along the islands’ backbone to the very southern tip and turn north on the west coast for 12 miles to reach Skung-gwai (Red Cod Island also called Anthony Island) about 3 miles off the coast of Kunghit Gwai (Island to the South).

The main island of Skung-gwai is about one mile long and very narrow (15 minutes’ walk if you know the trail and over four hours if you wander) with its main rock features running north and south. Anthony Island Ecological Reserve #95 includes 20 small islets with nine species of nesting seabirds and rich marine life in a very picturesque setting. On your left as you face north is Japan and on your right is Haida Gwai.

Throughout the nesting season from May through August many worried birds lose ounces performing their hectic parental duties. The nesting birds are preyed upon by bald eagles and falcons. Often a bald eagle casually flies over the nesting areas or perches nearby with other prey in mind, but soon he has to fly away. The Gull People rise like a huge white crying cloud with multitudes of flashing wings. They compete with each other to be the first to dive bomb the screaming eagle who crouches low under the weight of the combined attack or escapes in a rolling, twisting turn with impossibly fast wingbeats.

The islands have steep slopes that plunge into the icy cold depths. Between the many islands are shallow places filled to the brim for a seafood-loving Haida. There are also lovely areas for casual scuba diving but watch out for the huge bull Killer whales that sometimes cruise these shallow waters in search of plump seals that love these parts.

Should you attempt to land to wander around on shore watch the play of the surge of the Pacific that stretches unbroken right from Japan and pick your landing area with care. Wherever you walk look before you step. Throughout the coastal fringe vegetation of salal, tall grass, and wind-sculptured low trees are thousands of burrows of seabirds such as Puffins, Cassin Auklets, Ancient Murrelets, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pidgeon Guillemots, Seagulls, Cormorants, and Oyster Catchers. Never walk upon these sites!! Many small migratory birds drop by for a chat and fluff to set and brood before the next leg of their journey.

Whenever visitors from off island approach me about how to best experience any of Haida Gwai, especially ecological reserves, I tell them, “First you have to slow down. No more of that competitive nine to five feeling. Out here the times are anytime in the day between pre-dawn light and sunset. And you have the quiet evenings to allow your over-taxed vision to relax and allow your hearing to feast on the many evening calls of homeward bound birds that gradually fade into the crackling campfire.”

And of course ecological reserves filled with worried parents caring for a new brood do not need people walking across their homes and possibly crushing their young. These are the Winged People who deserve consideration and admiration. Their lot in life is so staggering to the imagination that we always turn off our minds and act without sense. This causes tremendous suffering through the stress of our presence or pain through a careless step.

And when in the realm of the Ocean People drink in their beauty and do not overreact with thoughtless acts for you could suffer. You are out of your element and in a harsh world that is unforgiving and many times takes the supreme toll.

I thank Nature’s abundances for the many pleasure-filled hours amongst so many considered good People. Many are the stories in my heart that have created a feeling of love as they dissolved in my memories. Howa!!

Wanagun (Richard S. Wilson)