Tag Archives: Marbled Murrelet

Animals

Ministry biologist talks about five threatened bird species on Cortes Island

When Cortes Currents asked the Friends of Cortes Island (FOCI) who to interview for more in depth coverage of ‘species at risk,’ they responded ‘Jenna Cragg’ from BC’s Ministry of Environment. That was last January, which shows how busy she is. Sabina Leader Mense described Cragg as one of FOCI’s key ‘go to’ species at risk biologists, who provides the facts that FOCI brings into the community. 

In the emails we exchanged prior to this interview, Cragg specifically mentioned five species: the Marbled Murrelet, Great Blue Heron, Double Crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant and Western Screech Owl.

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Animals

The 2021 Christmas Bird Count on Cortes Island

The final numbers for Cortes Island’s Christmas Bird Count, which took place on January 5th, 2022, are in.  

One of the key organizers, George Sirk, described his personal high point as watching the birds at Christian Gronau and Aileen Douglas’ bird feeder. 

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Forests

Interview with Bruce Ellingsen p1: What is a sustainable rate of consumption for forestry?

In respect to British Columbia’s old growth trees, “Most of what is left is in the difficult-to-access areas and the not so productive sites. Most of the best and easy to get is gone” – Bruce Ellingsen, one of the founders of the Cortes Community Forest Co-operative. 

In the first of two articles about current forestry practices, Ellingsen looks to dynamics in nature for indicators toward a more sustainable harvesting rate.

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Animals, Forests

Several endangered bird species spotted at Fairy Creek

CKTZ News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A number of species at risk were seen near a part of Fairy Creek where the logging company Teal Jones is about to commence operations.

A spokesperson for the BC Ministry of Forests confirmed there have been sightings and they have hired a species expert to conduct surveys and provide guidance for management approaches.

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Environment, Indigenous Nations

Coastal First Nations take steps to protect wild waters of Great Bear Rainforest

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A coalition of coastal First Nations has achieved a significant step towards protecting the wild shores and waters of the Great Bear Rainforest on B.C’s central coast. 

The Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai’xais, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv nations signed an agreement with Ottawa and the province of B.C. to do a feasibility study for a national marine conservation area reserve encompassing a significant section of the coast and offshore marine waters alongside the Great Bear Rainforest (GBR). 

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