Formation: Mayne Island Conservancy Society (MICS) was founded as the Friends of Mt. Parke (FOMP) in August of 2003. The catalyst for this new conservancy organization was the threat of large-scale commercial logging taking place on the sensitive 52-acre summit ridge of Mount Parke, the highest point on Mayne Island.

Mount Parke's ridge-top - a showpiece of Gulf Island bio-diversity - is partially protected by the Mount Parke Regional Park, a 40-hectare parcel of land that was established in 1994 by Capital Regional District (CRD) Parks.

Mount Parke Regional Park is dominated by mature Arbutus and second-growth Douglas fir and is home to a complex eco-system of flora and fauna. This special place is a favorite destination for island residents and visitors who seek to connect with nature.

F.O.M.P.'s initial goal was to ensure that the summit ridge, encompassing both the regional park and the upland portion of Glen Echo, would remain part of one intact and contiguous eco-system.

Purposes: MICS is more than a one-issue organization. MICS exists to:

• Facilitate, in perpetuity, the preservation of Mount Parke eco-systems;
• Facilitate, in perpetuity, the preservation of other Mayne Island eco-systems;
• Promote awareness and understanding of natural and cultural values of environmentally sensitive areas of Mayne Island;
• Support and assist community efforts and form partnerships with other agencies and individuals for the purposes of negotiating covenants, fundraising, and land acquisition; and
• Do everything incidental and necessary to promote and attain the foregoing purposes.

Ongoing Concerns: MICS is concerned about current and future development that is inconsistent with preserving the natural and cultural values and environmentally sensitive areas of Mayne Island. Specific areas of concern include:

• Commercial and recreational development in eco-sensitive areas;
• High-density residential development;
• Overuse of the island's finite supply of fresh water; and
• Unregulated, environmentally destructive logging.

People who visit and live on Mayne Island know that it is a very special place. MICS will continue to develop best stewardship practices in collaboration with private landowners and other conservation groups associated with Mayne Island. The Society's vision is to ensure that the island's fragile eco-systems will be enhanced and its natural beauty will be protected for future generations.

Opportunities to Get Involved: MICS is seeking interested parties to support the society's purposes by:

• Becoming a member of MICS ($5 annual fee).
• Offering expertise to MICS in the areas of: land conservancy, eco-friendly commercial and residential development, water stewardship education, land acquisition, and fundraising.
• Bringing environmentally sensitive issues on the island to the organization's attention.
• Making contributions of resources such as money and time to MICS

For more information about the Mayne Island Conservancy or to obtain an informational brochure, contact: Helen O'Brian, Board President Phone:  (250) 539-5619

Download Mt. Parke Regional Park brochure