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Kiss Squirrel Cove Goodbye?

5K views 22 replies 12 participants last post by  cupper3 
#1 ·
I have just received a copy of a proposal that will eliminate any possibility of anchoring in Squirrel Cove.

Responses to the proposal are being accepted until June 30.

If you want a copy PM me.
 
#2 ·
I'll send you a PM Jack. This has come up at our club meetings.. sounds like a near-complete takeover.

Hard to imagine that Squirrel Cove isn't protected with park status, but it's actually not. I believe a small part of the foreshore may be (part of Von Donop?)

From what I've heard it's not a proposal for the grass roots boaters... sounds more like Catalina Island density.
 
#4 ·
As we've heard it, it's a large marina/buoyage proposal that would tie up 80% or more of the cove, leaving just the area inside the entrance for anchoring.
When we get the copy from JackD we'll know more.....
 
#6 · (Edited)
Well, Ray as it turns out you can still throw your grandkids into the lagoon but they may return as well since the mouth of the lagoon is one of the few anchorage areas retained.... (thanks, Jack, for the email)

Unfortunately the pdf files in the link below are dead but the link to a comment page is there and works. It does say there that they will be accepting comments through til August.

Applications and Reasons for Decision

Here's a look at the proposal.... it includes single and double point mooring fields and docks throughout the cove as you can see below, with '4' designated anchorage areas along shore here and there. Slips/space for up to 388 boats....

 
#9 ·
My thoughts

In the past few days I have become aware of a plan by the Klahoose First Nation to "develop" Squirrel Cove. The plan is to turn what amounts to the entire cove into a marina and mooring field. This is both environmentally and economically unsustainable.

Only part of Squirrel Cove, northwest of Protection Island, is a no-discharge zone. That means the entire marina complex and 107 single mooring balls are not subject to discharge controls of any sort. The remaining single and double mooring points are not subject to grey water controls with the ability to dump a large quantity of detergent into the cove. As is pointed out in the proposal, Squirrel Cove is an enclosed space and likely subject to limited flushing during tidal shifts. With a capacity of close to 400 vessels, the cove will be quickly rendered inhospitable.

In my experience of over 20 years of visiting Desolation Sound and the surrounding area, the reason that it is attractive is its isolation. Those who visit are not interested in the amenities that can be found in the Gulf and San Juan Islands; they enjoy the solitude. The area is already well served by the facilities that these cruisers require. Both Lund and Refuge Cove can provide fuel. These two locales and the existing store at Squirrel Cove can provide the necessary provisions. As a result, I expect that this proposal will drive away, rather than attract, clients.

This is a classic example of "paving paradise…."
Jack
 
#11 ·
I kind of figured that the development wouldn't be a destination, but a place for folks to keep their boats so they're already in Desolation Sound after catching the ferry from Campbell River? Yes/no?

We don't travel four days to stay in a marina up there. We travel four days to anchor in places where you whisper to each other in the evenings so as not to disturb the peace.
 
#12 ·
I kind of figured that the development wouldn't be a destination, but a place for folks to keep their boats so they're already in Desolation Sound after catching the ferry from Campbell River? Yes/no?

We don't travel four days to stay in a marina up there. We travel four days to anchor in places where you whisper to each other in the evenings so as not to disturb the peace.
Actually 2 ferries; one from Campbell River to Quadra, then Heriot Bay to Cortes - you will need a car. The airport is at Comox. Or take a float plane.

I just do not see it as viable.
 
#13 · (Edited)
I agree with Jack, it's just too difficult to get to, we see lot's of southern people leaving their boats in Campbell River but as usual we also have plenty of un-utilized moorage at all the marinas here over the winter months and even this summer so I just don't buy it as being a better alternative. From what I understand most of the marinas/resorts on the outlying islands up here are not making it and the ones that are, are just squeaking by as it is.

I did notice that Jacks Boat Yard in Lund has completed it's expansion which is quite substantial. I took a walk through there a few months ago and there must have been 6o or more boats on the hard. I suspect most of them are southern boats being stored there for the winter.

As a side note, the Powell River Marina expansion with all new docks is complete and boats are moving in there now. They are still working on the waterfront revitalization (very nice improvement) and they should be starting on the transient/commercial rafting floats soon.
[edit] be aware that your charts will likely not reflect the substantially longer breakwater extending from the ferry dock past the fuel dock and beyond the small container wharf to the south.
 
#14 ·
Yikes, that's just bad. Here's what I submitted to them and I encourage everybody else to write at least something to put your vote in:

******
I would like to put my vote in to strongly encourage a proper study into the severe effects this will have on the local environment. With a capacity of upwards of 388 boats, there is no way the cove can handle that kind of discharge of gray or even black water, there will be all kinds of "accidents" and the whole area will just become completely inhospitable to any marine life. This is not the way to "develop" such a pristine area, you might as well just pave over the whole area and invite every car around to idle there for the summer.

People don't go to this area to congregate in large groups and watch the environment be destroyed for the mighty dollar. This area should be heavily protected and nurtured for future generations, not developed for 1/10th of a generation to create irreparable repercussions for future generations.
*******
 
#15 ·
I hear the store there has closed, one less reason to go there. I hear it has not been approved yet, so keep complaining. I don't think it has any hope of being viable. And an aquaculture operation among hundreds of boats, with no sewage pump out. Recycling at it's best!
 
#16 ·
I was on the website (Applications and Reasons for Decision) about a week ago and it indicated that the application is under review. The store closing is bad news. The web site is still up.
 
#18 ·
Jack, et al...
I notice on the original website that the application has been denied and replaced with a new application under the same number. Looks like the site map now covers only about 30%-40% of the inner coves with mooring/docks. Do you have any insight into the new application?
 
#19 ·
No - no new information. Maybe the guys who live and work close by might know something.
 
#21 ·
"Paving Paradise" was right. My family would no more use that place than hang out in Seattle all summer. Buddha forbid it doesn't happen. One of our favorite and most magical cruising memories was finding a whole mass of sea cucumbers in the lagoon!

It's right that Refuge Cove and Lund provide all of anything you need in that area, and that doesn't count Campbell River or Madeira Park. The last thing the area needs is more amenities!
 
#22 ·
Ask for a lot, settle for a bit less than half of what you were asking. Not a new tactic around here for development.

Good thing there isn't a sacred site there, or anything that needs protecting. Otherwise there'd need to be First Nations protesters and media all over the place to avoid the damage.
:rolleyes:

Just found the first place to cross of the list of places I ever want to visit.
 
#23 ·
Ask for a lot, settle for a bit less than half of what you were asking. Not a new tactic around here for development.

Good thing there isn't a sacred site there, or anything that needs protecting. Otherwise there'd need to be First Nations protesters and media all over the place to avoid the damage.
:rolleyes:

Just found the first place to cross of the list of places I ever want to visit.
Who knows, maybe a new species would be found like the great "spirit bear".

For those not in the know, that is what enviros pounced on in the west coast of BC which is not a species at all, just a white color phase of the common black bear. There is nothing genetically different about it.
 
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