Conservancy overview
Burdwood Group Conservancy is a cluster of islands, including Denham Island, Walker Islet and several other unnamed islands and islets, situated between Gilford and Broughton islands at the entrance to Tribune Channel in the southern Central Coast of British Columbia. The Conservancy is 48 km northeast of Port McNeill on Vancouver Island and 290 km northwest of Vancouver. The Conservancy is within the traditional territory of the Mamalilikulla-Qwe’Qwa’Sot’Em and other First Nations of the area. The Burdwood Group Conservancy islands and islets comprise a total land area of 121 ha.
Burdwood Group Conservancy was established on March 13, 2009 pursuant to the Protected Areas of British Columbia (Conservancies and Parks) Amendment Act , 2008. The Conservancy is included in Schedule E of the Protected Areas of British Columbia Act and is administered under the Park Act .
Burdwood Group Conservancy protects a unique cluster of forested islands and islets in the protected waters at the entrance to Tribune Channel between Gilford Island and the mainland. The Burdwood Group of islands protects largely undisturbed forested upland habitats within a rich and diverse marine environment.
Please note: Shell beaches and shell middens are protected Archeological sites and therefore disturbance is prohibited. No shells or other materials can be removed from the beach areas. Ground disturbance; digging, is not permitted on the upland portion of the Conservancy.
Advisories
Safety info
Special Notes
- Bring your own drinking water; potable water is not available in the park.
- There are no toilets in this conservancy.
- Kayak or boat-accessed camping, only. There are currently no facilities provided.
Camping
Wilderness camping is allowed; no facilities are provided. Kayak or boat accessed camping, only.
Facilities
This park has a day-use/picnic area.
Campfires are permitted.
Activities
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Trail Information: There are no developed trails at this park.
There are kayaking and/or canoeing opportunities in the park.
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Maps and location
Access is by boat or kayak, only. The Conservancy is located 48 km northeast of Port McNeill on the northern edge of the Broughton Archipelago. The closest communities, towns or cities are Port McNeill, Telegraph Cove and Alder Bay.
Learn more about this conservancy
Conservancy details
- Date established: March 12, 2009
- Size: 121 hectares
Nature and culture
- Culture: The Conservancy protects culturally significant sites and traditional use areas of the Mamalilikulla-Qwe’Qwa’Sot’Em and other First Nations in the area. In particular, the Conservancy foreshore protects culturally significant shell middens and intertidal clam gardens, or loxwiwe.
- Conservation: The Conservancy protects a moderately sized kelp bed, as well as habitat for coastal bird species, marine mammals, salmon, and intertidal species, including productive butter clam and littleneck clam populations.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.