K'distsausk/Turtle Point Conservancy

Conservancy overview

K’distsausk/Turtle Point Conservancy is located at the north tip of Gil Island and protects an area of high cultural and historical value to the Gitga’at First Nation. The conservancy also contains an old growth forest of red cedar and hemlock. Recreational boaters and anglers use Fisherman Cove for anchorage or visits to the sandy beach for picnics.

Advisories

Safety info

There are no roads or trails in this wilderness area.
There are no facilities in the conservancy.

Camping

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Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. All sites are on a first come, first served basis.

Winter camping

There are winter camping opportunities in this conservancy, as it can be accessed year-round.

Facilities

Campfires

Firewood is not provided. If you must have a fire, please burn only dead and down wood, and be sure to fully extinguish the fire when done. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil so please use it conservatively, if at all. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of campfires and using camp stoves instead. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented during extremely hot weather conditions.

Activities

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Swimming

Swimming is possible in the ocean, but the water is cold all year-round. There are no lifeguards on duty in the conservancy.

Kayaking

Adventurous and experienced kayakers may enjoy exploring the shoreline and sheltered cove of this conservancy.

Wildlife viewing

Wolves and deer can be seen at Turtle Point. Humpback whales, killer whales, Dall’s porpoises, pacific white-sided dolphins and harbour seals can also be seen in the adjacent marine waters.

Scuba diving

It is possible and permissible to scuba dive or snorkel in the conservancy.

Hunting

This Conservancy is open to hunting during lawful hunting seasons. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.

K’distsausk/Turtle Point Conservancy is only accessible by boat and is located at the north tip of Gil Island, about 10 km south of Hartley Bay and 85 km south of Kitimat.

Reference: Marine Chart #3742 (Otter Passage to McKay Reach).
Reference: 1:50,000 scale Topographic Map #103 H/6 (Hartley Bay).

Conservancy and activity maps

Learn more about this conservancy

Conservancy details

Date established: May 22, 2007
Size: 142 hectares (106 ha upland and 36 ha foreshore)

Nature and culture

History:
K’distsausk/Turtle Point Conservancy was designated as a conservancy on May 31, 2007 following recommendations from the North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan.

Cultural Heritage
The conservancy is in the asserted traditional territories of the Gitga’at and Gitxaala First Nations. The conservancy contains two known archaeological sites (pre-contact shell midden and fish trap) and continues to be used by local First Nations for trapping, fishing and clam digging. The Indian Reserve (IR #12; “Turtle Point”) in front of Fisherman Cove is excluded from the Conservancy. Use the below link for more information or to contact these First Nations.

Conservation
The conservancy protects an area of high cultural and historical value to the Gitga’at First Nation. The conservancy also protects an old growth forest of red cedar and hemlock, portions of two small streams and coastal wildlife habitat that includes the marine foreshore and intertidal areas.

Wildlife
Wolves and deer can be seen at Turtle Point. Humpback whales, killer whales, Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins and harbour seals can also be seen in the adjacent marine waters.

General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

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.