Ecological reserves are areas selected to preserve representative and special natural ecosystems, plant and animal species, features, and phenomena. The key goal of ecological reserves is to contribute to the maintenance of biological diversity and the protection of genetic materials. All consumptive resource uses and the use of motorized vehicles are prohibited. Research and educational activities may be carried out but only under permit.

See the complete PDF: mtmax_er_ps

Primary Role

The primary role of the Mount Maxwell Ecological Reserve is to protect outstanding Garry oak

stands and associated vegetation. Stunning slopes of Garry oak dropping from 600 metres down to the sea distinguish this 345-hectare ecological reserve. Established in 1972, the ecological reserve lies adjacent to the provincial park of the same name and includes 280 hectares of The Nature Trust of British Columbia lands acquired in 2001. Together with the newly acquired property at Burgoyne Bay, these lands will form one of the largest contiguous blocks of protected areas in the Gulf Islands.

The ecological reserve protects Canada’s largest stand of endangered Garry oaks and associated rare and endangered plant and animal species. Three major habitat types are most common,Garryoakstands,Douglas-firforest,androckyoutcrops. Manyspeciesofshowy spring wildflowers occur on seasonally moist sites among the oak woods and rocky outcrops. There are over 140 species of vascular plants and over 30 species of bryophytes identified in the ecological reserve, including some that are rare in the province. Several endangered plant associations are represented in the ecological reserve, including the Douglas -fir/arbutus , Garry oak/oceanspray and Garry oak/California brome associations. Unusually large populations of northern alligator lizard are found across this site. Other vertebrates include the Pacific tree frog, northwestern garter snake, red-sided garter snake, Townsend’s vole, deer mouse, red squirrel, mink, raccoon, and black-tailed deer. A wide variety of bird life nests within the larger protected area and include bald eagle, great blue heron, turkey vulture, peregrine falcon, ruffed grouse, and various species of swallow. At least 172 species of insects have been identified, including the vulnerable Propertius dusky winged butterfly and the unusual western oak looper that periodically defoliates oak and Douglas-fir trees in the ecological reserve.

The Garry oak ecosystem is an extremely under-represented and endangered ecosystem in the Coastal Douglas-fir (CDF) biogeoclimatic zone. In Canada, this ecosystem occurs only on the southeastern coast of Vancouver Island south of Comox, on the Gulf Islands, and in two widely separated and isolated stands in the Fraser River valley. Garry oak ecosystems are under intense pressure from urban and agricultural development, and less than 5% of the original habitat remains in a near-natural condition. The preservation and management of the Mount Maxwell site is important for the Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Strategy.

Secondary Role
The secondary role of the Mount Maxwell Ecological Reserve is to protect cultural features. The Mount Maxwell (Hwmat’etsum) camas meadows were harvested by the Cowichan First Nations and were burned annually to encourage better yield. An archaeological site of spiritual significance lies in the ecological reserve.

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Management Issues