Vancouver Island/Coast/Gulf Islands

THE ISSUE
There has been inadequate community consultation regarding the management of trails and the use of motorized vehicles on Crown Lands.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Bowen Island is treasured by community members, and by many visitors from throughout the Lower Mainland, as a “green oasis” where one finds peace and tranquility in the forests of Mt. Gardner.
New and proposed trails for motorized vehicles on the upper slopes and summit of Mount Gardner, and stated intentions to advertise these trails to off-island users, represent a fundamental change for Mount Gardner. To date, the mountain has been the primary domain of hikers and, to a lesser extent, mountain bikers. It is a quiet place and important habitat for birds and wildlife. Motorized vehicles, while not prohibited, have been minor users. However, significant expansion of motorized vehicles could transform the mountain into a very different environment and experience, bringing engine noise, the potential for conflict and safety issues between motorized and non-motorized users, and impacts on birds and wildlife.