RESTORATION

Life on Haida Gwaii has developed for thousands of years in relative isolation
from the mainland, creating a unique and fragile ecosystem. Haida culture has evolved alongside the plants and animals, resulting in an intimate relationship
between people and place. But this relationship is changing. One contributor to
the change is the large number of introduced species that have adapted to the
local environment here. The plants, animals, insects, and birds that have been
both intentionally and unintentionally brought to the islands are altering the
landscape. Many native species are not able to compete with or defend
themselves against these alien invaders. For the the Haida people, this
means that it is becoming harder to find many plants essential to
Haida culture.

Over the past two years, the CHN Forest Guardians have been working
on several projects focused on restoration associated with the impacts
of introduced species. These projects are part of the CHN goal to restore
plants and animals that have been impacted by human activities and
introduced species.

The first project trained a field crew in plant identification as well as the
construction of plant enclosures around culturally valuable plants to protect
them from deer browse. A 30m x 30m enclosure was erected near the mouth
of the Yakoun River.

The aim of the second project was to establish long term goals, objectives and
restoration priorities for culturally valuable plant communities impacted by deer
and to begin restoring high priority areas. The project was guided by Daamaan
Xil, a committee of Haida Elders and knowledgeable people who will continue
to guide future restoration projects. On the ground, restoration included
enclosing an area of 2.5 hectares to prevent deer browse in culturally
rich plant communities near Yakoun Lake.

The purpose of the third project was to identify restoration priorities associated
with all introduced species impacts and provide strategic direction addressing
those priorities. The project included a literature review of introduced species
and their impacts, interviews of Haida and other Islanders and input from
technical experts familiar with introduced species impacts. The resulting report
provided a summary of the issues associated with introduced species impacts,
biological and anecdotal knowledge of the impacts, local perspectives
and priorities, and recommended actions. We held Terrestrial Ecosystem
Restoration Project workshop to discuss the information collected and
brainstorm priorities for restoration and action.