Largest Patch of Snow Bramble in B.C. Discovered on Elphinstone Slopes
October 22, 2014
Elphinstone Logging Focus (ELF) is pleased to announce that the largest known patch of the endangered, native plant Snow Bramble (Rubus Nivalis) has been found on the lower Elphinstone slopes. Based on the discovery of this ‘blue-listed’ species, ELF is calling on the Province to protect it as an ‘Ecological Reserve’ (ER). The ER program is designed to protect rare ecosystems and plant communities across the Province, and is managed by the Ministry of Environment along with local stewardship groups.
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Patch #1 discovered is 120 m2 in size, and 2 adjacent patches measure 12.5 m2, and 60 m2. ELF hired a professional forest consulting firm to verify the species and measure the patches as the firm had previously conducted Rubus Nivalis studies. The author stated that site conditions for Patch #1 are ‘excellent’ and ‘could be the largest patch found to date of this rare native plant’.
“Across the Elphinstone slopes there are some smaller patches of Rubus Nivalis, however are found in logged out areas, and/or adjacent to clearcut openings which has resulted in die-back of the plant.” Ross Muirhead of ELF states. “These 3 patches identified are unusually robust, and an indicator of high forest bio-diversity. There’s not one protected site of Rubus Nivalis in the Province. Now that we have recorded the largest and best site of this endangered native plant, let’s apply best management practices and get this area protected forever as an Ecological Reserve.”
“In the absence of detailed information about Rubus Nivalis in British Columbia, we conclude that the 3 patches identified (and now recorded at Conservation Data Centre) are critical to ensure for long-term protection of the species.” says Hans Penner also of ELF.
“Protection should include a wider scope offered in the BCTS’ Harvest plan (A87126). Instead one Wildlife Tree Patch (WTP) afforded to Patch #1, ELF proposes an extensive Ecological Reserve to include all 3 patches and a large protective buffer.” Penner adds.
ELF will propose to BCTS that Ecological Reserve status be supported, and request a cancellation of BCTS’ A87126 that runs through the Snow Bramble growing sites. The report can be found on ELF’s web site: loggingfocus.org
For more information contact:
Elphinstone Logging Focus