Clayoquot Connections
Fun, Affordable, Family Oriented Marine Tours
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Preventing Wolf Habituation; from BC Parks
Posted on August 21, 2021 at 12:55 AM |
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Good day,
You are receiving this notice as a Park Use Permit holder authorized to conduct commercial recreation activities within Vargas Island Park.
As you may already know, there have been some concerning interactions between park guests and the wolves as of late. One or more wolves have been showing behaviour that would indicate that they are food conditioned and habituated. This is very serious and BC Parks staff are asking that all Permittees provide wildlife information to the guests that they are transporting to the island so that we can try and avoid future conflict. If the wolves continue to exhibit concerning behaviour it will only be a matter of time before someone is hurt and the animals destroyed. I remind you to please share the following information with your guests.
With the recent increase in wildlife activity in and around Vargas Island Provincial Park, BC Parks is advising park users to:
Be extremely mindful about how food and attractants are stored, always use food caches where possible, and have equipment to hang food if food caches are full. Kayak hatches and dry bags are NOT a suitable place to store food as wolves have learned how to get into them. Unlawfully storing food and/or garbage may result in an eviction or violation ticket under section 33.1 of the Wildlife Act.
Due to high frequency of wildlife coming into campsites during the night, do not sleep outside your tent.
Do not bring pets to Vargas Island Park. Dogs are a high level attractant to wolves and other large carnivores. Protect your pet – keep them at home.
Do not attempt to get in close proximity to wildlife, specifically large carnivores. Do your part to help keep wildlife wild.
If a wolf approaches, scare it off immediately. Do not wait. Make noise, wave your arms and scare it away. If attacked, fight back.
Do not camp near natural food sources such as marine wildlife carcasses.
If you encounter an aggressive wild animal, report it to the Conservation Officer Service 24-hour hotline toll free at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) or #7277 on the Telus Mobility Network.
Lastly, there is a fire ban in effect and campfires are not permitted in Vargas Island Park. Please ensure that your guests are aware of this. We have had several reports of campers having fires in the park so we will be increasing our patrols to ensure compliance to the current Order. Anyone having a campfire can be subject to an $1150 fine and will be evicted from the park.
Kind regards,
Michael Grandbois
Clayoquot Area Supervisor
BC Parks
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
West Coast Region
(250) 736-6816
Safety Orientation & Safety Info
Posted on June 6, 2017 at 4:50 PM |
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Safety is our #1 regard; Before departure all guests receive a Safety Orientation and are informed as to the location of Safety Equipment. 1 You will be shown the Red DSC button on the boat radio. When required, if you push the button for 5 seconds it will send the digital ID and location of the boat on a Mayday protocol which will be received by all commercial boats including the Coast Guard. 2 All guests will be supplied with life-jackets that must be properly worn (clipped in) at all times. 3 All guests will be informed as to the location of Safety Equipment, this includes: Air horn & whistle. Dry Bag with spare horn, water proof flash light & radio, flare gun & flares. Throwing ball & throwing Life-Ring both with heaving lines. Anchors (2). First Aid Kit with thermal blankets. Fire extinguishers (2). Paddle. 4 Our boats are maintained to meet and exceed Transport Canada requirements. All are equipped with VHF marine radio, GPS plotter, depth sounder, automatic bilge pump, & running lights. 5 All skippers are extensively trained and have a min of 1 full season of professional marine experience in Clayoquot Sound. All have passed the required courses set by Transport Canada including Marine First Aid. All boats carry a tool kit. |
Whales at Ahous Bay
Posted on August 9, 2016 at 12:57 PM |
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Recently, while entering Ahous Bay for remote island surfing and camping drop-off on the West Side on Vargas Island, we encountered 4 Gray Whales feeding. On the return cruise back to Tofino there were 8 whales in Ahous Bay, it is always great to see larger numbers of whales and wildlife in Clayoquot Sound. The Remote Surfing and Camping drop-off is at a very protected smaller cove just West of Ahous Bay, with a 5 minute hike through the forest to a beautiful prestine beach with a great surfing break on Vargas Island. That beach with some sand dunes is known locally as Little BaJa; it is a great place to Camp, Surf, and Beachcomb. I should mention there is a food cache and a toilet at the drop-off cove. Few people go there and with plenty of beach you should be able to find your solitude if that's what you're looking for. |