Denman Island Protected Area

Denman Island Protected Area, located on Denman Island off the east coast of Vancouver Island, was established as the result of private land acquisition and Crown land transfers.

This park is found within the relatively rare Coastal Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone. It also includes the Chicadee watershed and areas important for a number of species at risk including the Taylor’s Checkerspot butterfly.

Denman Island Park Butterfly Reserve Receives Wetland Makeover

BC Parks plays an important role in providing habitat for many species, including species at risk. Wetlands and wet meadows are one of those key ecosystems that support rare butterflies like the Taylor’s Checkerspot butterfly. BC Parks has been working with partners to restore wetlands in Denman Island Park and Protected Area that have been impacted by past logging, changes in hydrology and invasive plants. Planting native species, removing invasives and rebuilding wetlands are just some of the activities that are restoring this area. This project has been a great opportunity to engage a range of partners. Local residents provided their site knowledge, the K’ómoks First Nation participated as a cultural monitor during construction, and the BC Wildlife Federation held a Wetlands Institute providing an educational opportunity for participants. This project is made possible with the collaborative effort of the Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly Recovery Project Team. BC Parks supported this project through the Licence Plate Program and funding was also provided by Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. Thank you for your contributions! Read more »