Find us on Facebook:

Mt. Tuam Special Management Area Resource Team

Mt. Tuam is an ecologically significant and unique site in southwest Salt Spring Island containing fragile meadows, Garry oak ecosystems, maturing Douglas Firs forests and Western Red Cedar bottomlands. In BC, less than 5% of Garry Oak ecosystems remain in near natural condition. Since 2004, funding from the Government of Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program has allowed SSIC biologists and species at risk experts to identify 15 new species at risk on the mountain (bringing the total number of species at risk on Mt. Tuam to 19).

The area is also under stress from threats including grazing of sheep, invasive species, and inappropriate recreational uses. To maintain the ecological integrity of the area, SSIC spearheaded a collaborative approach with the landowners in the Mt. Tuam area. The total size of the SMA is 305.6 hectares. The map in Figure 1. outlines the boundaries of the SMA and some of the Species At Risk occurrences with the SMA.

The working group aims to protect the unique ecological values of the site through appropriate restoration and management. It aims to address threats to species at risk and sensitive ecosystems and to work with landowners of Mt. Tuam to limit unauthorized access and vandalism.

A management and restoration plan is in progress for the SMA to outline what we will be doing on the ground over the coming years and as a collaborative working group. The Mt. Tuam Special Management Area Resource Team is a fantastic example of how multiple parties can work together on conservation actions that they otherwise could not accomplish on their own.