By Mark Lester

Page 3

7. Flora and Fauna

Many islands, due to their steepness and rugged nature, tend to have sparse forest cover and almost no ground cover due to the lack of topsoil. Some islands have a great variety of plant life from thick forests to fern clad cool glades, open grassy meadows, swampy areas and even ravines where the forest floor is almost devoid of any growth because of tall evergreens that filter out the sunlight. Islands tend to be uniquely individual eco systems that host varieties of flora; from wild flowers blooming in spring; to native Fir, Cedar, Arbutus (Madrona) and Garry Oak trees; to fruit trees that provide a spectacular announcement of the coming summer season and annual harvests in the summer and fall; to the salal undercover that characterizes so many of the Gulf Islands.

All areas have shoreline animals such as mink, sea and river otters. The ocean is home to a myriad variety of fishes, sea lions, seals and pods of killer whales. The air belongs to the soaring eagles, hawks, great blue heron, woodpeckers, owls, kingfishers, gulls, ducks and geese and many other sea birds and song birds. Deer are common and a nuisance to the serious gardener but high fences around the growing area can thwart these animals. Many islands have their own herds of wild sheep that can be seen on occasion, when they are not hiding in the forests. Bears and wolves are rarely seen on any of the small islands, as they tend to live around salmon spawning river mouths, usually at the head of mainland inlets to the north.

8. Water

Smaller islands tend to have more difficulty in producing drinking water from wells. As in many parts of the world, water can be scarce on some islands. We often do not think about a lack of water here as a result of the amount of rain we typically get; however drinking water is another matter. Larger islands tend to have no difficulty providing water. Some smaller islands rely on rainwater collection (and boiling for drinking water), or on state-of-the-art desalination plants. Desalination is actually relatively inexpensive compared to drilling 300 feet, or more, into solid rock in the hope of finding water. In addition, a desalination plant will produce excellent quality (and great tasting) drinking water. Water storage is another key consideration. During the dry summer months when wells tend to be less productive, water storage capacity is valuable from the perspective of both having a sufficient supply as well as having fire-fighting capacity. Remember, when you are on a private island, help can sometimes be far away!

9. Power, Telephone and On-Site Services

Depending on the individual, the availability of on-site services can have a big impact on one’s enjoyment of an island. A small percentage of private islands enjoy the luxury of electricity. Most island owners get by with using solar inverter systems and propane for cooking, refrigeration, hot water, heating and back-up power generation and lighting. In effect, on site power generation can provide all of the conveniences of the city. Many islands have shore cable power and land telephone lines. Shore cable power offers tremendous convenience for those used to such luxuries. In some cases, however, the cost of running undersea power cables long distances and through great depths is prohibitive. Regardless, electricity, in my estimation, is a tremendously valuable asset on an island if for no other reason than to keep the ice cubes flowing. Telephone service may not be a necessity because of excellent cell phone and satellite coverage up and down many parts of the coast.

10. Caretakers

A good caretaker can be worth his or her weight in gold. Since islands are very private places, it is always worthwhile to consider the security of the investment. Vacant properties can be inviting to casual explorers, campers, kayakers or other members of the public. In addition, there are unfortunately vandals and thieves out there on our beautiful coast and any waterfront property not in eyesight of a neighbour should have a caretaker or someone keeping an eye on the premises for the owner. A caretaker should also be there to ensure that the island continues to operate properly throughout the year. Winter storms can cause trees to fall, shingles to become detached from roofs and other damage to occur. An onsite caretaker should have the ability to act as a security guard as well as a handy man and ambassador to visitors.

Filed under: Island Industry, Regional