LÁU,WELNEW Provincial Park (John Dean)

Traditional Name Addition

The official name change will be from John Dean to ȽÁU,WELNEW/John Dean.

ȽÁU,WELNEW (Place of Refuge/Escape) is best pronounced as: Tlay will nook

In 2019, John Dean Provincial Park will receive an additional name and/or an amendment to its name, the options are:

  1. ȽÁU,WELNEW/John Dean Park (Jarrett’s wish);
  2. ȽÁU,WELNEW – John Dean Park;
  3. ȽÁU,WELNEW (John Dean) Park;
  4. ȽÁU,WELNEW Park (John Dean); or
  5. ȽÁU,WELNEW Park (the recommendation was just the traditional name)

The indigenous word ȽÁU,WELNEW (pronounced Tlay will nook) translates to ‘Place of Refuge/Escape’. Please listen to this link to learn the proper pronunciation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APQJnL74e5o (minute 1:19+). A formal naming ceremony is being planned for the summer of 2019. This name addition links perfectly into the 2018-2021 Centennial Years’ Experience.

I believe – the Minister of Parks is thrilled to respond to a petition received from grade three students at ȽÁU,WELNEW School (Jun 18). I also believe staffs are pleased to work with newly elected MLA Adam Olsen (BC Green), a member of Tsartlip/W̱JOȽEȽP. This is a great opportunity to attach the Indigenous name of the mountain to the provincial park. Mount Newton is ȽÁU,WELNEW (Place of Refuge/Escape). Adding this name will correctly reflect the traditional W̱SÁNEĆ place name for the area which has been passed down for thousands of years through W̱SÁNEĆ oral tradition of stories and teachings. I believe this dual name will honour First Nations’ history and culture, and will organically provide the connection between place and experience. For regulars and visitors alike, I feel ‘Place of Refuge/Escape’ truly encapsulates the spirit of this amazing park.

MEDIA (you need to fact check; stop saying the name has been ignored) – The name has not been ignored. In Apr-May, 1990 (age 15), I collaborated with W’S’ANEC elder Gabriol Bartlemen and BC Parks to name three trails and a stream within John Dean Park. This occurred within 10 months of the naming of the ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ School. Since then (28 years), John Dean Park has proudly displayed:

  1. ȽÁU,WELNEW TRAIL (4 sign boards)
  2. SLEKTAIN TRAIL (3 sign boards)
  3. THUNDERBIRD TRAIL (2 sign boards) ; and
  4. RAVEN CREEK (1 sign board).

As of 2 Jan 19, the overwhelming favor from 50+ park regulars, all visitors I’ve encountered, descendants of John Dean’s family, descendants of Freeman King, and myself is for the name: ȽÁU,WELNEW/John Dean Provincial Park. Not one person was against the addition of the name ȽÁU,WELNEW.

LEGISLATION – Spring 2019, I anticipate that the Environment Minister George Heyman will introduce Bill 16 – 2019: Protected Areas of British Columbia Amendment Act, 2019. Whereby HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia will likely enact the following: “by repealing the name of John Dean Park and substituting the following: ȽÁU,WELNEW (John Dean) Park.”

In addition to consulting John Dean’s extended family, and myself, what will likely keep John Dean’s name on legal title is that on November 11, 1921, the province accepted John Dean’s conditions of trust. The 2nd condition stated: “Upon trust, to so maintain the said lands under the title and designation of Dean Park.”

JOHN DEAN PARK – The W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples of the Saanich Peninsula view and cherish the mountain as a sacred place. Through their language SENĆOŦEN (1984), they believe that it is very important to pass down the traditional disciplines, teachings, history, and the way of the W̱SÁNEĆ people. I believe as-long-as the traditional names are known, this sacred mountain will be respected.

In addition to preserving an intact ecosystem, this park, this mountain means so much to us on a spiritual level. As early as April 23, 1934, at the inaugural meeting of the Dean Park Board it was suggested that the name of the park be the John Dean Mount Newton Park. Today, I more fully connect with the instinctive name: ȽÁU,WELNEW/John Dean Provincial Park.

BACKGROUND – John Dean Provincial Park encompasses the summit of Mount Newton, traditionally known by the W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples in their language of SENĆOŦEN as ȽÁU,WELNEW (place of refuge/escape), best pronounced as Slay will nook.

ȽÁU,WELNEW is the sacred mountain of the W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples. It’s a Thunderbird (ZINC̸O) Mountain, a sacred place of harmony, healing, and balance between body, mind, and spirit.  Legends of the Great Flood, the Thunderbird, and winter ceremonies figure prominently in the culture, which is now a principal part of our collective peninsula history. Those who truly know this place have a deep connection with the mountain as a spiritual centre. To cherish and share the sacred mountain atmosphere is a great personal experience.

There are several great symbols within the legend of the Great Flood: the ocean, the mountain, the cedar rope, the arbutus tree, Raven, and the chosen name W̱SÁNEĆ. As long as the traditional W̱SÁNEĆ place names are cherished, the people will be honoured. Within John Dean Provincial Park, these SENĆOŦEN names are proudly displayed

MOUNT NEWTON | ȽÁU,WELNEW (Place of Refuge/Escape) | installed 1990

ȽÁU,WELNEW TRAIL | ȽÁU,WELNEW ŚKEM¸SET | installed 1990

THUNDERBIRD TRAIL | ZINCO SOL | installed 1990

SLEKTAIN TRAIL | SLEKTAIN ŚKEM¸SET | installed 1990

RAVEN CREEK | SQTO¸; SPOOL | installed 1990

ARBUTUS TRAIL | ḰEḰEYIȽĆ ŚKEM¸SET | 2002

PICKLES’ BLUFF | ĆELE¸WIȽTW̱ (incomparable, unsurpassable) | 2015

 

PRONUNCIATION

ȽÁU,WELNEW (Place of Refuge/Escape) is best pronounced as:

  • Clay well nook (1987-1988)
  • Tlay well newH (1989)
  • Tlay well enewth (1990-2005)
  • Tlay will nooth (2006-2017)
  • Slay will nook (2018)
  • Tlay will nook (2019 current)

 

From the book CAMP 20 (2018): “The best way to start this John Dean Park story is to honour the First Nation peoples and to appreciate the sacredness of the mountain, on which this park is centered. When I was a youth, through Scouting, school, and Camp Thunderbird, aboriginal cultural and legends became a part of my life. This early exposure to the supernatural atmosphere helped fashion my ethics, values, and respect for sacred places. In the spirit of reconciliation and as someone who holds reverence for the W̱SÁNEĆ people, I am pleased to share the existing cross-cultural significance surrounding our shared mountain.”

NAME TIMELINE

1852:  the name Mount Newton first appears on Joseph Pemberton’s peninsula map;

1978:  Tsartlip elder Dave Elliott created the SENĆOŦEN Alphabet;

1984:  the Saanich Indian School Board adopted the Dave Elliott Alphabet to help preserve the SENĆOŦEN language, culture and history;

1987: January 14 and March 11, the name was spelt as Lthaewelngexw (pronounced as Clay wel nook);

1988: The spelling for the mountain was chosen: ȽÁU,WELNEW. The name of the sacred mountain was brought down for and given to the new tribal school.

1989, July 13: was the first time the name ȽÁU,WELNEW appeared publically in the newspaper. The ȽÁU,WELNEW school opened July 15-16th. Today, it’s a place that offers respite and wisdom. The school is a haven, a place for Saanich children to know their history and find a clear vision of their future;

1990: Jarrett Teague (spring 1990, grade 10, age 15) collaborated with Tsartlip Elder Gabriel Bartlemen and BC Parks to name three trails and a stream within John Dean Park; today John Dean Park features the ȽÁU,WELNEW TRAIL, SLEKTAIN TRAIL, THUNDERBIRD TRAIL and RAVEN CREEK;

1995 onwards: Jarrett Teague has consistently acknowledged and used the name LÁU,WELNEW is all of his writings, especially within his seven books which cover the parks history;

1911: Jarrett Teague added the SENĆOŦEN spelling to the: THUNDERBIRD TRAIL signs,  ZINCO SOL, and also added a sign in the parking lot, “To ȽÁU,WELNEW Summit.”

2013: After the march to reclaim Mount Douglas as POLKS, the renaming of Mount Newton has had the support of a vast majority of regular park visitors (Jarrett’s belief);

2014: Tsawout Hereditary Chief Eric Pelkey used the 1yr anniversary of reclaiming PKOLS, and announced, “On Sept. 21, Mount Newton will be reclaimed ȽÁU,WELNEW. The area is sacred to the Saanich people and has been linked to its stories and history for tens of thousands of years. We`re acting on a long-held wish to reclaim the name ȽÁU,WELNEW.” This did not occur. Anticipating this event, Jarrett worked with BC Parks; a permanent sign location was pre-approved at the summit. I believe the intent was to create a similar PKOLS sign, carved by artist Charles Elliott; this hasn’t materialised. BC Parks also encouraged an interruptive sign for the parking lot, which could tell the Legend of the Great Flood; this hasn’t materialised;

2018: In June, grade 3’s at the ȽÁU,WELNEW tribal school created a petition to add the mountains traditional name to the park, to read as: ȽÁU,WELNEW/John Dean Provincial Park.

RENAMED PARKS: To reflect ancestral connection and to support reconciliation efforts, in 2018, five BC parks were renamed with Indigenous titles:

1)       Brooks Peninsula Park on Vancouver Island was renamed as Mquqᵂin / Brooks Peninsula Park, which was originally intended when the park name was changed in 2009 (First Nations name appearing before the original park name). The word Mquqwin means “The Queen” in the Nuu-Chah-Nulth language;

2)       Boya Lake Park near the northwestern BC border was renamed as Tā Ch’ilā Park (Boya Lake), meaning “holes in a blanket,” at the request of the Kaska Dena First Nation;

3)       Roderick Haig-Brown Park in the Shuswap was renamed to the traditional Secwepemc name Tsútswecw Park (Roderick Haig-Brown), which translates to “many rivers,” at the request of the Little Shuswap Indian Band;

4)       Haynes Point Park was renamed as sẁiẁs Park (Haynes Point). sw̓iw̓s (swee-yous) means place where it is shallow or narrow in the middle of the lake. The place name explains how the Okanagan ancestors of the Osoyoos Band used the area as a very important crossing point of Osoyoos Lake;

5)       Okanagan Falls Park was renamed as sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park (Okanagan Falls), means little falls and signifies a connection to Kettle Falls, which is known as big falls in the nsyilxcen language. These two falls were the most important fishing sites in the Okanagan Nation’s territory; and

2019:

6)       John Dean Park is next. In 2019, our first donated provincial park will receive an extension to its name. I believe as-long-as the traditional names are known, this sacred mountain will be respected.

 

CBC RADIO ONE, On the Island, June 15, 2018 | Host Gregor Craigie interviews MLA Adam Olsen

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/ƚáu-welṉew-tribal-school-john-dean-park-mount-newton-adam-olsen-saanich-1.4706327

QUESTION: CBC’s Gregor Craigie (6:50) – Alright, so you could call it both LÁU,WELNEW and John Dean Park, because, I was going to ask you about this. The importance of perhaps continuing to honor somehow the legacy of John Dean, who as I understand it donated this land, rather than selling it or profiting from timber harvest. So, how important is it in your view, you know, to do both rather than one or the other?

ANWSER: MLA Adam Olsen (7:12) – Well look, I think that once you start to say that – just the controversy goes from the First Nations perspective in removing a name or not acknowledging a name, I don’t think that we want to repeat that history. I think that it is important to acknowledge the history of how that park was established. I don’t think the Saanich people have ever seen Mount Newton or John Dean Provincial Park as a park, they’ve seen it as a sacred place. I wouldn’t suggest the need to remove that name, I think we just need to reattach and to start to tell the story of that place. In fact it makes it more of an interesting place to go and visit – frankly. That it carries these traditional stories, and even the story of John Dean has now become a traditional story here on the Saanich Peninsula. And so, to me I think we can do, what needs to be done, as the kids are requesting – to reattach that name LÁU,WELNEW to that place, and tell that story when people go a visit that very beautiful park at the top of Mount Newton (8:23).

 

CHECK SIX NEWS | June 19, 2018

https://www.cheknews.ca/grade-3-petition-north-saanich-park-renamed-462367/

THE LEGEND OF ȽÁUWELṈEW (1:48, courtesy YouTube, W’S’ANEC School Board) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APQJnL74e5o

SENCOTEN Language Survival

https://prezi.com/dicubxjjmaf3/sencoten-language-survival/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

 

Mount Newton, known as ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ to First Nations, next on name-change list

By Judith Lavoie | Times Colonist, June 15, 2014

Mount Newton is next on the list of Greater Victoria landmarks that First Nations want to see restored to their traditional names.

The Saanich, or Wsanec, tribes know the mountain as ȽÁU,WELNEW, which means place of refuge in the Sencoten language.

“There’s big support for that one in the Saanich Nation because we have always held that mountain sacred,” said Tsawout hereditary chief Eric Pelkey, who spearheaded last week’s march up Mount Douglas to erect a sign bearing the traditional name Pkols.

The Mount Newton campaign is likely to start this fall, Pelkey said. Saanich elders have passed down the story of a great flood, believed to have taken place about 10,000 years ago, he said.

“The people that emerged from it did it by tying themselves to an arbutus tree on the top [of Mount Newton] with cedar ropes and their canoes and that’s how they survived the flood,” Pelkey said.

“When they came down they were called the emerging people and that’s where the name Wsanec came from.”

Grant Keddie, Royal B.C. Museum curator of archeology, said ȽÁU,WELNEW is well-documented as referring to Mount Newton and refers to the place of escape from the flood.

“There is some geological evidence that about 10,000 years ago there was a massive flood, which came down the Fraser River, probably as a result of an ice blockage, and that went across the Strait [of Georgia] and into Saanich Inlet,” Keddie said.

Legends also talk about Mount Newton as home of the thunderbird.

“So it is really quite a significant place,” he said.

 

 RESTORING THE TRADITIONAL NAME – ȽÁU,WELNEW | posted by Jarrett | July 13, 2014

RESTORING THE TRADITIONAL NAME – ȽÁUWELṈEW

 

On Sunday, September 21, 2014, members of the Saanich First Nation will host a march to restore Mount Newton`s traditional name, ȽÁU,WELNEW.

The march will likely commence at the parking lot, and follow the summit access road to the airport radar facility.

Tsawout hereditary chief Eric Pelkey said: “The area is sacred to the Saanich people and has been linked to its stories and history for tens of thousands of years. We`re acting on a long-held wish to reclaim the name ȽÁU,WELNEW.”

–          1852:  the name Mount Newton first appears on Joseph Pemberton’s peninsula map

–          1978:  Tsartlip elder Dave Elliott created the SENĆOŦEN Alphabet

–          1984:  the Saanich Indian School Board adopted the Dave Elliott Alphabet to help preserve the SENĆOŦEN language, culture and history

–          1990:  this author collaborated with W’S’ANEC elder Gabriol Bartlemen and BC Parks to name three trails within John Dean Park: THUNDERBIRD (ZINCO), LÁU,WELNEW and  SLEKTAIN   

–          2013:  the renaming action has the support of a wide variety of groups and community leaders

–          2014:  BC Parks has approved a permanent sign location at the summit, similar to the 2013 PKOLS sign carved by Artist Charles Elliott. An interruptive sign telling Legend of the Great Flood is planned for the Thunderbird Trailhead

 

 

HÍ SW̱ KE (thank you)

Jarrett,

250-642-3031

 

Merrill Harrop Trail 2018 Improvements

Sustainable trail improvements have been accomplished. For a particular project at John Dean Park (17-21 Dec 18, full days), I’ve never received so many compliments. Thank-you so much for your support and appreciation for this high-level trail stewardship.

Anyone familiar with the Merrill Harrop Trailhead at Alec Road, knows the long exposed polished Douglas fir root that people were slipping on. Recently, an 18”stonewall was built over the root, and the trail was shifted over one foot, and the trail surface was graded. Although a minor improvement, the West Entrance is now safe, sustainable, and looks cared for versus neglected. Fresh clear crush was also spread over the surface.

Regulars will also be familiar with the upper rocky reroute (2002) stretch. Recently, the two narrow spots that were held up by spongy failing logs were renovated. Wait until you see these two spots now! Thanks to the guidance received from Andrew Mitchell, this project was done correctly and will last for decades. The rotten supporting logs and a rotten stump were removed, and large stones were properly placed. Next, a knee high stonewall was built and correctly back filled with small binding rocks. These two stretches are now safe and sustainable. Also, the steepest sloping stretch received six new stone steps. This steep spot consistently has water draining from the meadow above, had eroded, was root exposed, and because it was on slopping rock it was difficult to walk on, especially on colder days.

 

MERRILL HARROP TRAIL BACKGROUND

Throughout the summer and autumn of 1987, Edo Nyland and Ted Greenwood surveyed, planned, and flagged the west-side Alec Road Trail.

On January 22, 1988, Edo Nyland (Friends President) wrote the BC Parks Zone Supervisor, to report the east-side trail had been completed: “Sometime last year I drew on a contour map the continuation of our trail in a westerly direction, which we sent to you. I would appreciate it if you could inspect this flagged trail on the ground and pass on your opinion about this proposed location. If continuation is acceptable, I would like to have your approval in writing so that we can continue our work. We have a group of about 14 people working on Saturdays; some of them steady workers while others show up only occasionally. The momentum is here and I hate to have to stop the construction process.” By telephone, on January 26, Edo received permission to continue the east side trail westward to Alec Road.

Volunteer moral was high, and steady progress was happening weekly. The new “Alec Road Crew” was led by Ted Greenwood. Ted guided 11 regular volunteers who worked from Alec Road upwards. To build the Woodward Trail, the 20 available regulars split into two crews. The “Central Saanich Crew” consisted of six regulars and was led by Conroy Schultz. They started the Woodward Trail working from the West Viewpoint Trail eastward. The “East Side Crew” consisted of 14 regulars and was led by Edo Nyland. They started the Woodward Trail as a continuation of the Barret Montfort Trail and worked westward. By mid-April the two crews met just west of today’s Illahie Trailhead, and the Woodward Trail was opened for public use. Next, they all started on the Alec Road Trail. They worked from the West Viewpoint Trail down/westward, and built the upper quarter of the trail. On the weekend of 14-15 May, 1988, the “Alec Road Crew” and the “Upper Crew” met at the point where a series of drainage channel is now maintained, just above where the winter stream runs under the trail.

Merrill Harrop was a long-time resident, respected member of the equestrian community and was a regular partaker of the “Alec Road Crew”. Although he was older, his personality and experience motivated the crew. Between February and May 1988, on Saturday and Sunday mornings, Merrill road his horse from his West Saanich Road farm, cross-country to Alec Road and up the new trail. Merrill left his horse just below that days working section. Almost immediately, the trail crew came across the remains of a dead horse. Soon after, that skeleton was removed by students from UVIC for further study. I’ve heard working with Merrill was positive and was also “attention-grabbing times”. During this period, Merrill gathered the second largest number of signatures for the west-side land addition petition. If there was a weekly theme, it was horses. If originally intended or not, the trail was built to bridal width. Jo Doman, a co-founder of the Friends, suggested the name Merrill Harrop Trail. Suddenly that name became the expected and hoped for name by everyone involved.

STEWARDSHIP – My hands-on stewardship at John Dean Park began Easter weekend 1989. Though I was aware of the Merrill Harrop Trail, my proactive and consistent maintenance of this trail didn’t begin until the 1992-93 winter (age 18). Since my start on this trail, I’ve created and maintain the drainage channels, groom vegetation, remove fallen trees and debris, maintain the signage, have rerouted and/or upgraded nearly every stretch of trail, and continually search for and remove baby ivy throughout the West Block. After 26 years of working this provincial park trail, it’s now considered safe, enjoyable, and sustainable.

IVY CONCERN – In October of 1993, Edo Nyland and I followed the parks south line from Alec Road up to the West Viewpoint. Near the bottom we found a huge patch of ivy covering the ground and up every tree. We returned a week later to cut the major vines, and to at least force a delay in its spreading. However we knew the ivy removal priority was Illahie. In 2010, it was my great honour to return with a few nearby residents and whip-out that ivy patch. Because Ivy seeds are being deposited by birds, future volunteers will need to conduct cross country ivy monitoring, take initial action, and long-term follow up will be needed to ensure the park remains ivy-free.

 

MAJOR TRAIL CONTRIBUTORS (Alec Road Trail)

TED & GWEN GREENWOOD – Were the first residents to suggest the land addition idea. They surveyed the west-side proposed route (1987), and coordinated the trails construction (1988).

EDO NYLAND – Founder and president of the Friends of John Dean Park (1984-1990) & (1996-2000); Nyland coordinated the land addition campaign, the west-side trail construction, and acquired the most land addition petition signatures (1987-88).

JO DOMAN – Founder and director of the Friends of John Dean Park (1984-1999); Jo planned and facilitated the land addition petition. Active within the equestrian community, Jo encouraged a west-side bridle route, and proposed the name Merrill Harrop Trail.

MERRILL HARROP – On May 21, 1988, the Alec Road Trail was named in honour of Merrill, a long-time resident. For years Merrill had taught the skills of horse-riding to youth at his ranch along West Saanich Road, and in 1978 he published a book: Schooling the Young Horse. He easily gathered hundreds of land-addition petition signatures from the farming community.

Dr. TERRY HUBERTS, Minister of State for Vancouver Island/Coast and North Coast, Responsible for Parks (1988-89), MLA for Saanich and the Islands. – Dr. Huberts was instrumental in bringing to fruition this west-side land addition to John Dean Provincial Park.

ANDREW MITCHELL – A long-time resident and retired Forester, Andrew has been a regular on the trail since 2003. In 2009, Andrew removed many tripping hazards from the trail and placed clay based soils over roots. From his university time and throughout his carrier with the BC Forest Service, Andrew has used his teachings and experience to bring together all aspects of study for land use decisions. In Forestry, he effected many adjustments in operating practices and policy. Though our dozens of conversations, he has bestowed upon me the bearings of trail gradient, sustainably, safety, and the necessity of building correctly versus a quick fix.

2018-2021 Centennial Years

JOHN DEAN PARK 100 – We’re now experiencing the 100th anniversary of John Dean Provincial Park. The scope of this anniversary ranges between 2018 and 2021.

1918 was the year John Dean spent the most time at his cabin retreat, Illahie. It was the year he promised the Sidney Board of Trade a portion of his property for a reservoir.

100 years ago, on August 17-18, 1918, John Dean placed a map of the Saanich Peninsula at the summit of Mount Newton. It was housed within a glass cabinet, attached to a post that had a tripod sitting on bedrock and it was anchored by piled rocks. Here’s the excerpts from John Dean’s Cabin Diary:

August 17, 1918: Returned at 10:50, fine day, though sprinkled rain. Finished fence around north gate + got out tripod for map to set up on summit; carrying up at 9pm. Finishing first volume of Don Quixote, to bed at 10:30pm. (10:50am 58, 1:30pm 64, 10pm 58)

August 18, 1918: Rain – Fairly fine, rain heavy shower at 8pm. George, Mrs. + Norma Porter arrived at 4:00, set up triangle in morning for map, cleaned up trail to big granite bolder from map, cut down oaks to give better view of Victoria. Afternoon fixed map frame + finally set up at 9pm. (8am 56, 3:30pm 60, 10pm 59)

Two years later, on August 25, 1920, John Dean wrote: Quite cool – Made signboard, lettered + painted letters, Mt. Rainier >>> 150 miles away, 14,408 Ft. High; finished paint 8:45, retired at 9pm tired. (6:45am 55, 12pm 54, 9pm 58)

Similar to how the 1st 1995 purchase centennial shifted to the 2nd 2009-2017 cabin builds centennial, the 3rd centennial has now commenced. The 2018-2021 establishment of Dean Park centennial notes the inspiration John Dean received, and acknowledges the time spent to create Dean Park.

Through 1919 and 1921, John Dean conversed and worked with the provincial government to eventually preserve and protect 80% of his Mount Newton property:

–          1921, November 11 – Conditions of Trust signed

–          1921, December 9 – BC Legislature established Dean Park

The John Dean Park Centennial Era will likely be celebrated on Saturday, July 17, 2021. This is Canada’s Parks Day which takes place on the 3rd Saturday of July each year. Afterwards, the actual Centennial will climax on December 9, 2021.

  • 100th SOUVENIR BADGE

John Dean Park Souvenir Centennial Badge
The first Centennial Era souvenir is now available. Between 1981 and 1985, this entrance portal sign was positioned at the NW corner of East Saanich Road and Dean Park Road. After a truck dislodged the sign, BC Parks stowed the sign at Goldstream, and in 1988 reinstalled it within the provincial park, halfway up the road on the right where the middle fire hydrant is. In 1990, someone chain sawed the letter J off. Soon after, BC Parks removed this sign and replaced it with the current entrance sign.

$4 – meet in the park

$5 – send by mail

jarrettteague@yahoo.ca

QUARRY PARK REVIVAL

Stewardship Fervour | 5yr Strategy – summer 2019 update

By Jarrett Teague

 

The long-time anticipated Quarry Park revival is well underway (3rd year). You are invited to participate! We started spring 2017, so far over 100 induvial people have volunteered 485hrs.

Part 1:  QUARRY PARK

Quarry Park is the most southern park in North Saanich, and when driving along East Saanich Road one can’t help but notice that stretch of unusually tall forest which is park. The park has a great forest floor which can host the full variety of natural forest plants. There are several 250 year-old Douglas firs situated near the special cliff area. These big-old trees have watched over this area since the mid-1700s. Underneath the high southern cliff are two natural dens which can be used by mammals. The manmade 1930s granite quarry has metamorphosed into a natural environment, and has become an interesting place for kids to play, realise reclamation, and experience a local forest that is protected from development. To maintain a natural (as-possible) forest, it is important to set the stewardship example and inspire the next generations to maintain and/or improve what they have.

 

Part 2:  MY HISTORY WITH QUARRY PARK

Autumn 1982, while in grade three at Sansbury Elementary, I first regularly biked to and hiked in Quarry Park. The park felt revitalized and welcoming. New cedar signs had been placed at both of the Horseshoe Trailheads, a round cedar picnic table with two chairs were placed in the middle of the quarry, and a bench was perfectly positioned above the southern cliff. My first impression was that Quarry Park was cared for. However, it didn’t take long for me to realise the park was becoming neglected.

In January 1991 (age 16), inspired by the Friends of John Dean Park, I attempted to start a Friends of Quarry Park. I created a basic pamphlet and delivered it to my entire paper route plus the nearby homes. Looking back, it was not surprising that I did not receive a single response. I also wrote North Saanich Council and later walked Quarry Park with the Parks Commission. The upshot was I learnt the commissioners wanted to inspire volunteers, and had plans to create a new Park Warden program. A few months later, I was invited to attend the municipal hall after school, and was one of the first people to be presented the new North Saanich Volunteer Green Ball Cap. This gift motivated my role at Quarry Park, and it continued until 1999 when I moved to East Sooke, and joined the Regular Armed Forces.

During the 1990s I was so heavily involved in removing broom and ivy from the flagship John Dean Provincial Park, I simply didn’t see Quarry as a priority. Also, because I was young, I didn’t have the necessary awareness I now possess, to take the essential preventive action. A major conflict of my time and true interest occurred with John Dean Park, so Quarry fell aside and only remained in my heart. By the mid-2000s, the ivy was spreading into Quarry Park, and Daphne, laurel, holly, and blackberry followed and established.

 

Part 3:  FRIENDS OF NORTH SAANICH PARKS

Contacts: http:   fnsp.ca

–          Ashlee: ashleeanna4180@gmail.com  (Founder, Organizer & North Saanich Liaison)

–          Sharon: sharonhope@shaw.ca  (Founder , Promotion, and Technical Advisor)

 

 

Thank goodness by 2017, Sharon and Ashlee created Friends of North Saanich Parks. R.O. Bull, Denham Till, Lillian Hoffar, Nymph Point and Quarry Park, were the first parks to receive their attention, chiefly on the invasive species front. Some of their mission and vision statements are:

 

MISSION & VISION STATEMENTS

–          “Our mission is to create stewardships for each park in North Saanich. There are 24 parks in North Saanich in need of restoring. We are removing invasive plant species out of these parks while building relationships with the community.”

–          “The invasive plant species in North Saanich Parks are decreasing the biodiversity, suffocating native species and negatively impacting the ecosystem and its soils. Let’s work together to remove invasive plants out of our North Saanich parks and help the forests return to their natures state.”

–          “We hope to remove all the invasive plant species out of a series of parks per year as well as support the development of stewardships for these parks.”

–          “Let’s help restore the ecosystem and protect the animals and native plants.”

 

Such vision and leadership quickly got my attention, and I attended their work parties at Quarry Park. We have now hosted or organized eight ivy pulls. We started from inside the quarry, worked around the quarry, and along the entrance road, and each time produced a large pile of debris. After each event, North Saanich Parks has removed the piled invasive plants. Here are the “work party” events:

TOTAL WORK PARTIES HOURS: 482.75

  • 29 Apr 17 | Friends & 10th Tsartlip Scouts | 12 volunteers, 3.75hrs | 45hrs
  • 28 Oct 17 | Friends & 10th Tsartlip Scouts | 17 volunteers, 3.75hrs | 63.75hrs
  • 25 Nov 17 | Friends | 8 volunteers, 4hrs | 32hrs
  • 12 May 18 | Friends & Men’s Newcomers | 7 volunteers, 3.75hrs | 26.25hrs
  • 16 Jun 18 | Friends & Green Team | 23 volunteers, 3.25hrs | 74.75hrs
  • 20 Oct 18 | Friends & Green Team | 17 volunteers, 3.25hrs | 55.25hrs
  • 5 Apr 19 | Friends | 7 volunteers, 3.25hrs | 22.75hrs
  • 11 May 19 | Friends & Green Team | 18 volunteers, 3.25hrs | 58.5hrs
  • 15 Jun 19 | Friends | 8 volunteers, 4hrs | 32hrs
  • 10 Aug 19 | Friends | 12 volunteers, 4hrs | 45hrs
  •  25 Aug 19 | Friends | 11 volunteers, 2.5hrs | 27.5hrs
  • 2 Nov19 | Green Team | volunteers, hrs | hrs

 

On November 25, 2017, Sharon Hope wrote: “Let me congratulate you on being the first true Steward of a park under the North Saanich municipality through the Friends of North Saanich Parks.” And on June 30, 2018, Sharon wrote: “Jarrett you are truly one of the most persistent people I know, congratulations on being a stellar example to others in terms of ecological volunteering. Good luck as you continue.”

 

Please help the Friends of North Saanich Parks to restore this park by giving a couple hours of your time. If you’re interested, contact Ashlee, Sharon or Jarrett at their email address.

           

Part 4:  MY QUARRY PARK WORKFLOW (as a Quarry Park Steward)

–          Removed major garbage (two trucks were filled);

–          Boundary awareness achieved;

–          Ivy was severed from tree bases;

–          North Saanich staff removed blackberry from inside the quarry, wheel ruts were leveled and the quarry became an attractive parklike setting;

–          Participated in four of five Friends work parties;

–          Daphne, laurel, holly, and blackberry are removed as discovered. Ivy is removed in priority, and stages. The parks ivy was mapped, and a five-year removal plan has been plotted;

–          The high south area was cleaned of garbage;

–          Old kids forts and bike jumps were dismantled and sites restored;

–          Major holly and blackberry were removed south of the quarry; and

–          To achieve full ivy removal, the strategy is to properly remove ivy working from the outside inwards and/or as inspired to work. The oldest and deepest two patches are in the SE corner, and they’ll be done lastly.

 

Part 5:  QUARRY PARK IVY ZONES (updated for summer 2019)

 

Zone Area Status & History
1 – Inside Quarry, and up to the Horseshoe Trail a)      Quarry bottom

b)      North slope to loop trail

c)      East cliff

d)      South slope to loop trail

 Stage 4 achieved

One 10m circle has been purposely left untouched (between quarry and south trail). This’ll likely be done last, it’s a great example to show what the entire area was like in 2016
2 – Roadside a)      1st power pole

b)      2nd power pole

c)      SW corner

 a) Stage 3 achieved

b) stage 3 achieved

c) will be done last
3 – South of Quarry, outside of Horseshoe Trail a)      Trail to fallen log

b)      Fallen log to cliff base

c)      SW of cliff base

d)      South line

e)      SW corner

 This is the largest zone. Ivy has been severed from all trees. Daphne, laurel, holly, and blackberry have been removed. The zone is more than half done (it’s my favorite). A and B are at stage 3; I’m working on C summer 19
4 – North of Quarry, outside of Horseshoe Trail a)      North trailhead

b)      Trail to north boundary

 Area prepped: ivy has been severed from all trees. Daphne, laurel, holly, and blackberry have been removed.

a) stage 3

b) stage 1 in progress
5  – Outside of park, private property a)      SW corner

b)      SE corner

c)      North line

 Property owners may be contacted; volunteers will not be doing this work. The ivy on private properties will enviably re-enter the park. Long-time park stewardship is paramount to sustain the achievement within the park

 

IVY REMOVAL STAGES

–          Stage 1, major pull, vines and roots

–          Stage 2, surgical removal of roots completed

–          Stage 3, confirmed surgical removal, area root secure

–          Stage 4, extensive examination, declared ivy free

–          Stage 5, exhaustive inspection & action, confirmed ivy free

–          Stage 6, declared 100% ivy free

–          Stage 7, commitment to long-term monitoring & action

 

Part 6:  THE VALUE OF TIME EXPENDED

English ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen vine that is renowned as a serious, smothering invasive plant. Once planted by mankind, or when eventually birds deposit seeds, it quickly grows and forms a dense monoculture groundcover that suppresses the natural vegetation, and the forest floor becomes unsuitable for native creatures. Also, the vines climb the trees, and during heavy winds or when snow and ice intensify, trees with ivy can be forced down.

 

In summary, there are several major benefits to removing invasive plants:

1)      Returns the forest to a natural state which can be enjoyed by all people;

2)      Allows native flora and fauna to flourish;

3)      Conserves trees of all sizes;

4)      Children experience an unmodified forest environment; and

5)      Enables an atmosphere which increases the wellness of park visitors.

 

Part 7:  AUTUMN 2023 GOAL

Quarry Park is a major undertaking. As a Steward of Quarry Park, I plan on achieving stage 4 (extensive examination, declared ivy free) by autumn 2023. The amount of ivy at Quarry is much larger than the Illahie patch was at John Dean Park. The only difference is the Illahie ivy was 80 years old, 8” deep and well established.

 

Much of the ivy at Quarry was planted outside of the park during the early-1980s, and has spread mostly from the SW corner. In only 35 years, it has made its way up to the high southern cliff, and beyond the parks north boundary line. Luckily for Quarry, the ivy isn’t deep, and it can be conquered. The only reality I foresee is that ivy surrounds the park on many private properties, and will surely re-enter the park. I’ll do Stage 7 (commitment to long-term monitoring & action). However to sustain the achievement after my time, a caring and engaged level of stewardship will be required. Either the municipality of North Saanich or a future Friends of Quarry Park will be required to be on scene and take necessary long-time removal actions. I’ll approach this in the same way as was done at Illahie in John Dean Park (1995-2009, onwards). Illahie took 15 years to arrive at Stage 6; I plan to achieve park-wide Stage 4 by autumn 2023.

 

Please help us restore this park by giving a couple hours of your time. If you’re interested, contact Ashley, Sharon, or Jarrett. See you at Quarry . . .

 

FURTHER READING

Here’s the Ivy story that occurred at John Dean Provincial Park

https://www.johndeanpark.com/removing-the-parks-ivy/

 

Best, Jarrett

jarrettteague@yahoo.ca

 

SLEKTAIN ŚKEM¸SET (TRAIL)

Surveyed summer 1988 – 30th Anniversary

Spring and summer 1988 was the period where the Barret Montfort, Woodward, and Merrill Harrop Trails were considered built and open for the public. In March 1989, BC Parks installed new cedar air blasted signs for Barret Montfort (4), Woodward (2), and Merrill Harrop (1). Shortly afterwards, Edo Nyland (who founded the Friends of John Dean Park), Dieter Weichert, and Neil Michaluk plotted a fourth new trail through the parks North Block. Their vision was to continue and complete the outer loop trail experience. The new trail was to start at the north trailhead of Barret Montfort West (Dunsmuir Lodge lower parking lot), and wander southward through the North Block to the upper entrance road. After many evenings of walking cross-country and learning the terrain and areas of interest, considering gradient, sensitive areas, genius loci, and continuous backtracking, an ideal route was selected and flagged.

On September 9, 1988, Edo wrote BC Parks: “The North Block of the park is very rough in places and a great deal of searching and back tracking had to be done to find a suitable location. Please come and inspect the work done so far. You are advised to wear old clothes in the logged-over part of the park. If the location of the proposed trail is satisfactory, we could start construction by the end of October.”

On February 2, 1989, the BC Parks Zone Supervisor inspected the proposed North Block route, and on March 10 wrote: “This letter will confirm approval for the Friends of John Dean to construct the section of trail from the Dunsmuir Lodge back to Dean Park Road that we walked on February 2, 1989. Please ensure that the trail is constructed entirely within the park boundary. If there is any doubt please inform me before construction.”

Initial trail blazing commenced in March 1989. Six volunteers started by working from the upper entrance road down northward to Dunsmuir Lodge. The first two months were spent making final choices as to where each stretch of trail would run, and conducting the initial blaze through the thick vegetation. The first time I walked this new route was in June 1989 (age 14), and it was an extremely hot day. The trail was obviously newly cut, dusty, loaded with tripping hazards, and ended where todays Cougar Hollow West turnoff commences.

A week later, I visited Edo Nyland at his home on Forest Park Drive, and I asked about this new trail. He explained that it was a continuation of the outer loop trail through the North Block, and to my surprise he offered, “the route is flagged, and we need your help.” That afternoon I followed the entire flagged route cross-country down and up, and I remember thinking this was a major undertaking. The next Saturday at 9am I joined the “trail crew”, and each week we pushed the trail northward about 10%. We arrived at Dunsmuir Lodge by mid-August.

My summer of 1989 was all about building this North Block trail. Aside from 10 days at Camp Thunderbird mid-July, and two weeks late-August commercial fishing with my father, I was there every day. One trail crew worked several mornings each week, another crew worked evenings, and we all came together on Saturday mornings 9-11:30am. As thirst and hunger settled in, we sat together and enjoyed picnic lunches. Ivy Anderson brought coffee, juice, fresh muffins and mini sandwiches; those trailside picnics are very special memories. Other great motivators for me were to encounter a section of trail recently worked on, and similarly to leave another new section or improvement for others to discover and continue with. This spirited level if teamwork was highly motivational and most surely enthused my future stewardship roles. One Trail Captain and mentor was Charlie Goldie. He assembled three traditional bridges cut from nearby cedar logs for this trail. The first two bridges were at the Cougar Hollow inflow crossings #2 and #3, and the third was across the parks northern most pond.

In June 1989, Edo submitted an application through BC Parks for the Environmental Youth Corps of British Columbia (EYC) E-Team program to complete the Slektain Trail. By mid-July the project proposal was before their steering committee, and by August 14, Edo had a supervisor and a crew of five youth between ages 16 and 24 finishing the North Block Trail for a six week period. They were managed by Jack Thom, whom Edo knew from his time in the Yukon, which created a great working relationship.

The six crew members were onsite working approximately five hours each day, four days per week. The fifth day was dedicated to training and developing skills for future employment. The training included project planning, safety, evaluation, personal finance, self-discipline, work habits, environmental awareness, risk assessment, and basic tool operation and maintenance.

Jack, who had three decades of work and trail building experience also possessed those skills needed to successfully guide and inspire the regional youth who were not in school. Edo was considered the “Project Sponsor”, and was present every single day. Each morning Edo met the E-Team van at the Dunsmuir Lodge staff parking lot at 9am. Most days the tools were already on-site hidden in the forest, so they only carried their lunch, water and changes of clothes. They walked up the trail past the work they’d previously done to the next stretch of trail and planned the day’s work. Typically they split into three sub-teams, and worked on different spots. They transformed the recently blazed 24” path to a 30” well graded trail. Tripping hazards were removed, and the rocks were used to support and brace the lower trail edges. Stone steps were installed on steeper grades and especially in front of the larger roots, to create a steady assent soils were moved to fill in dips, and the surface was levelled.

Each week, an E-Team produced 120 hours of trail improvements. In total, a combined 1,200 hours were vested into completing the Slektain Trail.

 

Crew Project Trail Dates Weeks Hours
Crew # 1 Slektain 1989, Aug-Sep 6 720
Crew # 2-B Slektain 1990, Sep-Oct 4 480

 

A year later, John Dean Park received further assistance from the EYC. A second team started August 30, 1990, and worked for six weeks. Their first project was finishing along the Barret Montfort Trail East mostly below Pickles’ Bluff. They moved large rocks, installed stone steps, graded and finished where the volunteers had left off. Next, they spent four weeks working along the Slektain Trail. Similar to the first crew, they started at Dunsmuir Lodge and worked southward. The second crew installed stone steps, further graded the trail surface, and generally fashioned the trail one experiences today. This is the crew I met several times and clearly remember them on scene. Every day after school I walked the Slektain to check what they produced. From their results, I learned the necessary trail philosophy needed to properly maintain and improve trails. I credit Edo Nyland, and the works of both E-Teams for establishing a wide, supported, and graded Slektain trail surface – thank-you!

Surprisingly, the new North Block trail remained nameless. The first name to appear within the North Block was Cougar Hollow. It was my grandfather Norman Arnold, who suggested the name in jest. At his home in Victoria I created the sign, and installed it at the northern stream entering the large swamp, which has become known as Cougar Hollow.

On September 11, 1990, as the Friends Secretary, I motioned the executive to ask the Pauquachin Band for a suitable name. Soon after I met Gabe Bartlemen of Tsartlip/W̱JOȽEȽP, who offered the name SLEKTAIN, a Hereditary Chief name of Pauquachin/BOḰEĆEN, and this was instantly accepted. Also at this time, we attached the names ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ and THUNDERBIRD to the trails that lead to the ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ summit. In 1992, BC Parks installed carved trail signs for the Slektain (2), and Thunderbird (2) trails.

In February of 1992, the Pauquachin Band wrote BC Parks expressing their concern that the Friends of John Dean Park had built trails which entered their lands. In response, BC Parks contracted a surveyor to blaze and flag the boundary lines shared by the Pauquachin Reserve and John Dean Park. Three minor incursions were found: 1) Valley Mist/West Viewpoint switchback, 1937, 50’; 2) Merrill Harrop Trail, 1988, 30’ over a 100’ length; and 3) Slektain Trail, 1989, 75’ over a 50’ length. Shortly afterwards, the minor Harrop and Slektain incursions were closed and those portions of trail were relocated into the park. At the Duck Pond, a large staircase was installed in line with the dam, which negated the switchback. Although BC Parks took corrective actions, they didn’t monitor the situations, especially at the Slektain reroute.

Just north of the Cougar Hollow swamp, the Slektain Trail had entered the Reserve by 75’. The trail had switch backed around a stump and then headed back into the park. To move the trail into the park, a subcontractor installed landscaping steps up a steep slope and closed the former switchback, plus installed a railing at the top of the former route. However, by this time, many regulars were using a deer trail that connected the Slektain and an old logging road located 150m away within the Reserve. This Reserve connector provided a natural directional route along the west side of Cougar Hollow to the old-growth valley. The regulars simply walked around the 8’ barrier, stomped over a rotten log and thought nothing of the importance of having a proper provincial park trail plan. After several years of attempted closers, so many had learned of and started to use this instinctual south/northward route, that the only possible resolve was to name this route as Cougar Hollow West Side. To make sense of this route, in 2005, I installed a new sign “Park <->” at the key turn on the reserve logging road. This solution has worked well, however, should people open and venture northward into the Reserve down the old logging road, I foresee the entire west-side route will be closed and signed as closed.

Mid-September 1990 was truly when the Slektain Trail was considered completed, signed, and when park regulars started to use the trail. At this point I was in grade 10 (age 16), and this was the way I entered John Dean Park during my high school years. A year later, summer 1991, the entire upper portion of today’s Dean Park Estates was completely clear-cut, and from the different roads, the park boundary looked like a flat wall of trees. From inside the park, the tree clearing was most apparent from the portion of the Barret Montfort Trail nearest to Dunsmuir Lodge; the trail literally ran behind the newly subdivided properties. Our solution was to close the northern portion of the Barret Montfort Trail, which included dismantling Charlie’s best footbridge that crossed the northeastern stream. The Montfort Trail was directed westward up a former logging track to the current lower Slektain Trailhead. To empathise the importance of Barret Montfort’s 1960 donation, and to have the trail which bears him name run the entire length of the east line, I made the decision to rename the northern portion of Slektain as Montfort, and I moved the northern trailhead sign from the North Entrance up to its current lower/north trailhead.

After the autumn of 1990, Edo and I were the only volunteers who continued working on the trail. Edo regularly did minor improvements for many years and otherwise regularly walked the Slektain until 2003. When interviewed, Edo said: “The Slektain Trail was the hardest work of all, on which some 30 people laboured, including two youth crews.” His time on the Slektain was 1988-2003 (15 years).

The only other person to volunteer on the Slektain Trail was a retired Forester Andrew Michell. Throughout the autumn of 2009 to February 2010 he worked two or three sessions per week on the Slektain removing tripping hazards, raised several portions of the trail which eliminated the need for a few stone steps, and chiefly improved the overall safety of the trail. Andrew’s work corrected the signs of 20-years of wear and tear, and improved its overall safety. His work created a trail surface whereby future long-term degradation was vastly reduced. Over five months, Andrew worked 150 hours on the trail – thanks Andrew!

Since 1989, I’ve taken care of every aspect of the Slektain. This includes maintaining trail signs and trailheads, removing fallen trees and debris, releasing pinned branches, grooming overgrowth, maintaining bridges, culverts and drainage channels, resetting stonework, and raising stretches of trail which showed the onset of erosion and compaction. Literally every trail building technique has gone into creating and maintaining a sustainable and safe route that explores an amazing area of ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ / John Dean Provincial Park.

UNVEILING THREE NEW TRAILS – 30 years ago

Friends Picnic, May 21, 1988

By year four, the Friends of John Dean Park had many endeavours underway:

–          Old garbage: removals from road, summit, and viewpoints;

–          Fire pit in the picnic site: request for removal;

–          Night Gate: request for installation;

–          Parking lot kiosk and park map: request for installation;

–          Radar towers: request for removal of construction debris;

–          Coast Guard Radar Tower: request for reduction of noise emitted;

–          Water Reservoir threat: prevent construction in park;

–          Park transfer threat: prevent proposed transfer to CRD;

–          West side land addition: add 66.9 acres, from Alec Road eastward;

–          Broom and ivy removal were on the horizon;

–          Old trails: signs of neglect were repaired/replaced; and

–          New trails, initial builds were underway:

1)      East side, Barret Montfort Trail, Sep 87 to Jan 88

2)      South side, Woodward Trail, Feb to May 88

3)      West side, Merrill Harrop Trail, Feb to May 88

 

Publicity and momentum enabled the Friends membership to soar to over 340 members, and amazingly a pamphlet hadn’t yet been created. In March 1988, Sally and Neil Stewart produced an all-encompassing letter-size handout, which included a map showing the three new trails, park time-line, ways to help, and contact info; 2000 copies were printed.

Next, to inspire the use of the new trails, and to welcome everyone to a now managed John Dean Park, a Friends Picnic was planned for May 21st. A legal size brochure with a park map was produced; 300 copies were printed. Additionally two dozen 11×17” maps were printed for the picnic.

Thirty years ago, on Sunday, May 21, 1988, at 11am, over 50 persons of all ages gathered in the old-growth valley picnic site. It was a lovely sunny day, +24, and everyone relished the valley atmosphere. Edo Nyland, who co-founded the Friends, welcomed and introduced everyone. Adelaide Pickles and her son Norman were present when the Pickles’ Bluff sign was unveiled. MLA, Terry Huberts unveiled the Woodward Trail sign; and Daryl Drew and Merrill Harrop unveiled the Merrill Harrop Trail sign. Then Edo presented MLA, Dr. Terry Huberts the west-side land addition petition. Edo said: “It gives us great pleasure to hand to you our petition containing 4,351 names.” After unveiling the signs and speeches, a classic wiener roast and lunch commenced.

Afterwards, families packed up and further visited in the parking lot. Everyone headed home with many copies of the new brochure and map. Almost certainly, they returned and experienced the new trails. It was a great day at John Dean Park!

I joined the Friends at the end of August of 1988. In March 1989, the building of trail #4, the north side Slektain Trail was approved. The initial blazing occurred that spring, and by June I became a primary trail builder. Next year is the 30th anniversary of the Slektain Trail, but that’s another story…

 

more trail building history:

ESTABLISHING A SUITABLE TRAIL SYSTEM, 1987-90

https://www.johndeanpark.com/establishing-a-suitable-trail-system-1987-90/

TRAIL BUILDERS, 1987-90

https://www.johndeanpark.com/trail-builders-1987-90/

BROOM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SUCCESSION 2017-18

John Dean Provincial Park

–          9 of 11 broom zones are mint;

–          2 of 11 broom zones are controlled and require further attention;

–          All meadows are maintained at less than 1.5yrs growth; and

–          30min per zone is required to maintain the achievement.

 

Since 1991, Jarrett has been taking action: firstly removing the old-growth broom, and now their babies. Today the hard work is done! For future volunteers, the below tables describe the time and commitment required to maintain the achievement (approx. 36hrs each year).

 

THE 11 BROOM ZONES AT JOHN DEAN PARK

 

ZONE MEADOWS CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY
1 Airport Radar Tower Flagship Presentation Priority 1, Internal
2 Upper Thomson Cabin Trail Special Place Priority 1, Internal
3 Coast Guard Radar Tower Flagship Presentation Priority 1, Internal
4 Pickles’ Bluff Flagship Presentation Priority 1, Internal
5 ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Trail Flagship Presentation Priority 1, Internal
6 Woodward Trail Flagship Presentation Priority 1, Internal
7 Surveyors’ Trail Trail-side Viewpoint Priority 2, Boundary
8 West Viewpoint Trail-side Viewpoint Priority 2, Boundary
9 West Block Special Place Priority 1, Internal
10 Entrance Road Special Place Priority 1, Internal
11 Upper Gail Wickens’ Trail Special Place Priority 2, Boundary

 

The seedbank at John Dean Park is now largely exhausted. Noteworthy, few parks within the region have received such a long-time commitment towards the complete removal of broom.

A monthly commitment of 30min per zone is required to sustain the achievements. It’s now my great hope that a person or family adopt each zone. If you have a favorite spot you’d like to care for, contact Jarrett @ jarrettteague@yahoo.ca // 250-642-3031 // firstly a BC Parks “Volunteer Agreement” form needs to be completed and then we can start…

 

–          Broom Sponsor (encouragement / financial)

–          Broom Companion (2nd year & 1-2 zones)

–          Broom Supervisor (3rd year & 3+ zones)

–          Broom Principal (4th year & all zones)

 

ZONE LOCATION BACKGROUND SITUATION
1

 

2017

mint

 Airport Radar Tower:

a)      West side of road, main

b)      East side of road

 Flagship Presentation

 

1995, initial removal

 

Major removals occurred

 

2011, Jarrett adopted the meadow; seed bank not exhausted, requires monthly attention

 

2012-current, maintained at -11”

 99% done

 

Maintained quarterly

 

Adjacent broom within MOT compound; unreliably cut

 

Removal actions required, 30min per month / 12hrs annually

 
2

 

2017

mint

 Upper Thomson Cabin Trail:

a)      Center east side

b)      Base of slope

c)       Lower shelf

 Flagship Presentation

 

1996, initial removal, Jarrett adopted the meadow

 

Seedbank not exhausted

 99% done

 

Maintained quarterly

 

Removal actions required, 30min per month / 12hrs annually
3

 

2017

mint

 Coast Guard Radar Tower:

a)      East of entrance road

b)      South metal fence line

c)       Lower-middle treeline

d)      North at wood fence

 Flagship Presentation

 

1991, initial major removals occurred

 

1997, Jarrett adopted

 

1998-cruuent, maintained at -11”

 99% done

 

Maintained quarterly

 

Seed bank exhausted

 

Requires 30min per month / 6hrs annually

 
4

 

2017

mint

 Pickles’ Bluff:

a)      Bluff, center area

b)      Bluff, lower south end

c)       Bluff, lower north end

d)      Meadow, below and north

e)      Meadow south of steps

f)       Meadow far south of steps

g)      Meadow north of steps

 

 Flagship Presentation

 

1991, initial removal

 

1992-98, Major removals occurred

 

1999, seed bank exhausted

 

2000-current, maintained at -11”

 99% done

 

Maintained quarterly

 

Requires 30min per month / 6hrs annually

 
5

 

2017

mint

 ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Trail:

a)      Fern Dell Trailhead

b)      East of trail, long ridge

c)       Lower eastern meadow

d)      Surrounding Forest

 

 Flagship Presentation

 

1993, initial removal

 

Dr. Bryce Kendrick adopted; Many thanks Bryce who pulled in this location: 1995-2013

 

2008, seed bank exhausted

 

2009-current, maintained at -11”

 99% done

 

Maintained quarterly

 

Requires 30min per month / 6hrs annually
6

 

2017

mint

 Woodward Trail:

a)      Triangle Junction meadow

b)      Triangle Junction, area below and SW

c)       Ridge below Woodward

d)      Lower SE Gary oak Meadow

e)      Ridge above Woodward

 Flagship Presentation

 

1993, initial removal

 

1999, Seed bank exhausted

 

Major adjacent seed bank on private property; ongoing action required forever

 

2000-current, maintained at -11”

 99% done

 

Maintained quarterly

 

Requires 30min per month / 3hrs annually

 
7

 

2017

clear

 Surveyors’ Trail:

a)      Viewpoint

b)      Viewpoint tree line

c)       Below viewpoint in forest

d)      Behind house

e)      Eastern meadow

f)       Eastern meadow in forest

g)      Above Surveyors’ Trail

h)      Above Surveyors’ Trail, north meadows

 

 Trail-side Viewpoint

 

1992, initial removals

 

Ongoing removals by a few Friends occurred; many thanks to Dr. Bryce Kendrick who pulled in this location: 1995-2013

 

2015, Jarrett conducted a 26hr 100% removal throughout the entire area; committed to long-term monthly removals

 

Major adjacent seed bank on private property; ongoing action required forever

 

2015-current, maintained at -11”

 2015, 99% removed

 

Maintained monthly

 

Requires 30min per month / 6hrs annually
8

 

2017

clear

 West Viewpoint:

a)      Lower shelf

b)      Lower shelf, outer perimeter

 Trail-side Viewpoint

 

1991, Initial pull; inconsistent removals occurred

 

2015, Jarrett conducted a 100% removal throughout the entire area; committed to long-term monthly removals

 

2015-current, maintained at -11”

 2015, 99% removed

 

Forest broom within sight has been removed

 

Maintained bi-annually

 

Requires 15min per month / 3hrs annually

 

 
9

 

2017

mint

 West Block:

a)      Upper, above relocation

b)      Lower, above the multiple drainage channels

c)       Central meadow

 Special Place

 

1996, initial removal

 

Inconstant removals occurred

 

2011, seed bank exhausted

 

2011-current, maintain at –11”

 99% done

 

Checked quarterly

 

Requires 2hrs annually
10

 

2017

mint

 Entrance Road:

a)      Upper Slektain Meadow

b)      Meadow below road corner

c)       Meadow above fire hydrant

d)      High ridge above road

e)      Overhang cliffs at road

f)       Meadow above Montfort West staircase

 

 Special Place

 

1993, initial removal

 

maintained at -11”

 99% done

 

Maintained bi-annually

 

Requires 15min per month / 3hrs annually
11

 

2017

clear

 Upper Gail Wickens’ Trail:

a)      South trailhead of Barret Montfort East

b)      Former viewpoint

c)       Haldon Park, center meadow

 Special Place

 

2002, initial removal, inconsistent removals occurred

 

2006, last seeded; Jarrett adopted the zone

 

 

 99% done

 

Maintained bi-annually

 

Adjacent broom on private properties

 

Removal actions required, 30min per month / 12hrs annually

 

 

1)      Since 1991, Jarrett has removed broom and committed to all broom zones;

2)      Despite the parks exceptional situation; baby broom produces seeds during its third year. Therefore it’s essential that all broom be removed immediately to hedge against the 35mth deadline. For example, if a meadow is cleared of 12mth broom, the 36mth regrowth countdown is reset;

3)      Jarrett is networking towards a multi-volunteer Broom Succession Plan. Thus far neither the Friends of John Dean Park or an induvial has emerged;

4)      For autumn 2017, the broom at John Dean Park is under a 11mth level. Today, a new volunteer inherits a zero debt & zero deficit workload; and

5)      Interested in a favorite spot?    Contact Jarrett @ jarrettteague@yahoo.ca // 250-642-3031

 

 

 

EASY ASSESMENT | DEBT, DEFICIT, OWN

Jarrett’s 2015 thinking

 

STAGE EFFORT AGE/HEIGHT THREAT CONTROL
7 no concern 49mth / +31” seed generating abandonment
6 failure 48mth / +30” seed generating rejection of duty
5 setback 36-47mth / 24-29” seed producing negligence of duty
4 debt 24-35mth / 18-23” growth attention
3 deficit 12-23mth / 12-17” growth care
2 routine 3-11mth / 6-11” babies love
1 mastered 1-5” babies minimal own

 

 

THE WAY TO SUSTAIN BROOM FREE IS:

 

1)      Set mission statement: “ensure John Dean Park remains broom-free (under 11mths growth)”;

2)      Assign each meadow to a person or family who commits;

3)      Leadership monitors and updates the parks “Broom Register” quarterly (11 zones);

4)      The best time to surge on broom is October to December; conduct double checks January to February; avoid flower areas March to June; the monthly 30min per zone is crucial;

5)      As of 2017, each of the 11 zones requires 6hrs per year. For a committed 2nd year volunteer, recommend $1 per hour (approx. $6 per zone) which enables a thank-you, accountability and assures the zone is maintained as broom free. For an annual $54, a Friends organization can compensate, thank and ensure broom removal continues (especially if executives don’t work/tour within the park). Note: without a plan, broom grows!

6)      The remuneration allowance can be for:

  • reimburse clothing;
  • reimburse expenses;
  • acknowledge and thank volunteers; and

7)      I’m concerned if my recommendations aren’t followed, and broom regrows to +3yrs, seeds will be deposited thereby creating a setback of 15+yrs, meaning more and more work for future volunteers;

8)      Since 2003 the Friends haven’t participated and from my perspective appear as uninterested. Broom leadership is true stewardship, which I believe belongs within the Friends (where I started); and

9)      Jarrett believes the duty of a volunteer is to operate whereby less work is required from future volunteers.

 

 

QUALITIES OF VOLUNTEER BROOM SUPERVISORS:

Awareness – Interest – Time – Vigour – Ownership

 

1)      recognizes action is required;

2)      believes broom free must be sustained;

3)      identifies with the object of the exercise;

4)      commits exceptional worth to the park;

5)      performs well;

6)      achieves results;

7)      regards the role as a talent; and

8)      orchestrates succession plan.

TIMELINE OF JOHN DEAN PARK

Mary Winspear Centre | 43 attended  | 25 Sep 17

Talk-1

Image 1 of 3

Presented by Jarrett Teague

PART OF: UVIC’s Peninsula Pursuits

 

Course description:

John Dean Provincial Park has many fascinating aspects. In this session your speaker will share the secrets of: the Mount Newton/LAUWELNEW legends; the first peninsula survey of 1852; the 33 years John Dean spent at his cabin and the 1921 park donation; the 1936-39 park development era; the emergence of today’s BC Parks; and how young people today connect with and cherish this amazing place.

 

Minute Topic Flow
2 Intro

–         1843, Fort Victoria (174yrs ago), pristine

–         1943, John Dean dies, WWII

–         Forested peninsula, mountain in center

–         1849-66, Crown Colony

–         1852, Douglas Treaty

–         1852, Pemberton named Mount Newton

 

–         Context of past, present and future

–         17 decades

–         What happens outside the park

–         Youth, experiences and self-identity develops

–         Whereby they’ll cherish the place
3 I’m Jarrett, age 43

–         We’re on the ancestral lands of the WSANEC People, and here to understand their/our sacred mountain

–         A huge thanks to Edo Nyland who (29yrs)

–         25yrs military, Afghanistan x 2, naval circumnavigation

–         Married w/3 kids

–         Show of hands:

a)    Who hasn’t visited the park?

b)    Who is a regular?

 

–         Ok, questions throughout

–         36yr memory (1981)

–         28yr volunteer (1989)

–         Research, collecting since 1994 (age 23)

a)    12 cabinet drawers worth

b)    700 pre 1980 images

c)     All maps and land titles

d)    Interviewed those who knew John Dean and future key park players

 

–         Gift of book II

–         Quietness of mountain

–         Our shared cultural history

a)    Aboriginal

b)    European

c)     Peninsula born, 1982-83 Cub Camp experiences

d)    One shared history
10 First Nations

–         Saltwater People

–         Villages

–         Canoes, Food

–         Looking at the mountain from the ocean !!

–         Legend, Grate Flood

a)    The mountain will be called LAUWELNEW, the place of refuge

b)    We will be known as the WSANEC (emerging) People

 

–         Legend, Thunderbird

–         Bathing and Sweat Lodges

–         Initiations

–         Vision quests

–         Quiet time, prayer, beach stones

–         Wolf House, Spirit Caves, Sacred sights

–         Spirituality

–         Names and Symbols:

a)    LAUWELNEW

b)    Arbutus tree

c)     Cedar rope

d)    Raven (bearer of good news)

e)    Thunderbird Trail

f)      Slektain Trail (heredity chief)

g)    Pickles’ Bluff (incomparable, unsurpassable)

 

–         Questions?
5 First Survey

–         1852, Mount Newton named

–         1858, Joseph Trutch, survey Post #1

–         Lines, 24 N, 13 S and Reserves

–         1866, two colonies united

–         1871, joined confederation

–         1883, Gazette 40

–         1884, Samuel Kelly, grant (owned 8yrs)

–         1887, Reserve confirmed by Joint Reserve Commission

–         1895, John Dean purchased, $375 (age 44)

–         Post #1 plaque, pivot point

–         Settlement, families

–         Early logging, south-side Thomson

 

–         Rossland, 1896-1905

–         Victoria real-estate, 1906-12 (retired age 62)

–         Questions?
4 Mountain Accesses

–         Existing trails

–         1909, cabin site location

–         (map #1)

–         1910, Thomson Cabin

–         Valley bottom, wells, sun movement

–         1915, cabin (age 64)

–         Peak years, 1914-25 era

–         Gardens

–         Fence

–         Visitors:

a)    Food

b)    Conversations

c)     Gallery photographs

d)    Music

e)    Hikes

f)      Cozy fires w/cabin diary

 

–         Travels

–         A century ago

–         Questions?
3 1921 Donation

–         1918, reservoir for Sidney (idea of park donation)

–         11 Nov, Deed

a)    Premier Oliver

b)    MLA Jackson

–         9 Dec, Transfer (crown)

–         His Majesty, King Edward VII

–         Parks List, the order of parks (government reserves)

a)    1888, Military Reserve, Stanley Park

b)    1888, Government Reserve, Mount Doug

c)     1908, Park Act

 

1)    1911, Strathcona

2)    1913, Mount Robson

3)    1918, Swan Lake

4)    1920, Mount Garibaldi

5)    1921, Dean Park

 

–         5th BC Park, 1st donated

–         1921-39, Illahie & Dean Park

–         No change, routine

–         Questions?
12 Dean Park Board

–         1926-31, visited less, overgrowth

–         1932, Freeman King (age 40-46) and Sidney Scouts

–         Managing provincial parks, growing interest

–         1934, April, Park Board created

a)    MLA, Alexander MacDonald

b)    Chairman Frederick Baker (5yrs)

 

–         1935, opening of park

–         YFTP, background, US and Canada

–         Camps suck as:

a)    Elk Falls, 1st

b)    Thetis Lake

c)     Mount Doug

d)    Glen Lake

e)    Campbell River

f)     Cowichan Lake

g)    Mount Seymour

 

–         FDP, 1936-39

a)    1st camp, trails

b)    2nd camp, road

c)     3rd camp, finishing

 

–         Trails w/stone edging or walls

–         Springs

–         Tables, picnic & campsites

–         Signs

–         Stone Pillars

–         Wishing Well

–         1938, May, public gathering

–         1938, September, John Dean’s nephew visit

–         Dam, Duck Pond

–         Stone Walls (road & pond)

–         1939, January, FDP closed

–         1939, April, Dean & Collins summit right-of-way

–         Parks Board dissolved, remained as volunteers

–         Responsibility for parks given to the FS

–         1939, June, Collins donated summit campground

–         (map #2)

–         1939, July, Illahie sold to Dean Park Syndicate:

a)    layer friends

b)    5 members of the board

 

–         End of John Dean era, cliff hanger…

–         Shall we have a coffee?
15 Coffee Break

–         Starts minute 45

–         Ends minute 60
12 Park Attendant Era

–         Dean Park Syndicate owned Illahie

–         1939, Forest Service, responsibility for parks

–         Park experience, main trails & facilities

–         1939 summit campground, Mt. Rainier sign

–         Collins, big idea (refer to 2nd map)

–         1940, Class A, B, C

–         1940, James John

–         1940, Registration Booth:

a)    Chess Lyons

b)    Joe St. Pierre

 

–         Davey Davidson:

a)    1938, FDP

b)    1939-42, hired as roving VI Attendant

c)     1942, Chief Forester, E.C. Manning visited and asked why are you tolerating this?

d)    1943-45, 1st fulltime John Dean Attendant

 

–         1943, August, park & property reunified

 

The Mountain Summit

–         WWII, Pat Bay Airbase:

a)    international training base

b)    western air command

 

–         1942, red light

–         1943, expropriations (map #2)

–         1944, summit road survey done, built that summer

–         Eastern, Transmitter (true use was radio relay)

–         Western, Receiver w/generators

–         44yrs later:

a)    1986, MOT required airport radar

b)    39 new radars (all the same)

c)     summit road was realigned

d)    tower built

e)    2yrs of trials

 

–         1991, tree topping

–         1994, reservoir

–         Garbage, industrial

–         Today’s fire hazard, 4 installations

 

–         George King (age 70-82)

a)    1946 attendant

b)    1947-58, volunteer

 

–         1947, new Parks Division

–         1947, road paved, power line up to eastern site

–         1957, May, cabin removal:

a)    48yrs old

b)    no electricity

c)     no running water

d)    break-ins

e)    general deterioration

 

–         1958, April, camping banned

–         1958, June, heavy vandalism, stone pillars

–         Questions?
12 BC Parks

–         Context, growth of agency

–         1939, Parks Section, responsibility for parks

–         Early Staff:

a)    Donald Macmurchie (former time keeper)

b)    Cy Oldham (Chief of Parks)

c)     Chess Lyons (engineer)

 

–         1947, BC Forest Service

–         Parks Section became a Parks Division

 

Robert Ahrens

–         1947, UBC, need for recreational officers

a)    Brooks

b)    Broadland

c)     Ahrens

 

–         FS saw parks as a nuisance

–         FS campgrounds vs parks campgrounds

–         What is our role, what is a park?

a) intact

b) in-place

c) unmodified

d) place of spiritual connection

 

–         1957, Parks Branch:

a)    resonance for new parks

b)    standards

c)     engineering

d)    library

e)    branding

f)      pride

 

–         1958-62, added 4 properties:

a)    Woodward

b)    Pickles

c)     Montfort

d)    West-side map reserve

 

–         1960s, roving crews

–         Square Tea House & benches, removed

–         1965, Park Act enhanced & Regional Park Act

–         Last visit with Ahrens, Ideal employee:

a)    studies

b)    believes

c)     identifies with object of exercise

d)    considers the job as a vocation rather than an occupation

 

–         The best parks era, 1947-1981

a)    growth of system

b)    facility standards

c)     strengthened environmental protections

d)    interpretive program

e)    pride in product delivered

f)     self-identified as honoured

 

–         Langford Workshop:

a)    Location

b)    signature furniture

c)     signature signs

 

–         1982, 30% cuts

–         Langford Workshop was closed

–         1983, February blowdown & June party (age 8):

a)    jeep was towed out

b)    burnt tables

c)     glass everywhere

 

–         1986, Ministry of Environment

a)    Expo 86

b)    The phrase BC Parks was first used

 

–         1991, Service contracts

–         1994, Protected land base doubled, nil budget increase

–         Questions?
4 Abuse & Neglect

–         1939, mid-70s, well maintained

–         late-70s, road-side garbage

–         Viewpoint garbage (30yrs worth)

–         Summit facility garbage

–         Rotting facilities, Gazebo

–         Erosion, main trails

–         Vandalism, staff removed signs

–         Every 5yrs, newspaper articles

–         Questions?
2 The Resolve, The Early Friends w/Edo Nyland

–         1984, initial cleanup

–         1987, first invasive removal, replaced footbridge

–         1988-89, perimeter trails

–         1989, west-side addition
3 Jarrett’s Stewardship

–         1989 built the Slektain Trail (age 14-15)

–         1990, October, night gate (age 16)

–         1991, Stone Steps, named trails (age 16)

–         Monitoring (ineffective)

–         Purposely seek & respond

–         Old stonework, classic look (Gazebo example)

–         Garbage

–         Trail maintenance & erosion controls

–         Signage (1991-current)

a)    66 signs

b)    Maintenance cycle

 

–         1992, invasive undertakings (25yrs):

a)    Broom (9)

b)    Ivy (5)

c)     Blackberry (6)

d)    Daphne (2)

e)    Holly (4)

 

–         Trail clearing:

a)    release vegetation

b)    dispersal, placement

c)     locate log or material

d)    restore site as pre-event

 

–         Cross-country patrols

–         Blocking shortcuts

–         General presentation of park

–         Essentialness
3 The Parks Future

–         Important First Nations connection

–         Youth visiting today

–         You can have the best legislation, but without public support the line can’t be held

–         Memories & experiences

–         Cherish and love the place
0 –         Questions

–         Thank-you
90

 

For questions, a private conversation or onsite tour of a particular subject site: contact Jarrett @ jarrettteague@yahoo.ca

250-642-3031

www.johndeanpark.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE GREATEST FRIEND

EDO NYLAND | 1927-2017

Our greatest Friend Edo, passed away on August 13, 2017, age 89½.

 

Edo and residents founded the Friends of John Dean Park on May 10, 1984. Between 1984 and 2001, Edo steered the Friends Society and physically volunteered throughout the park.

Edo’s involvement at John Dean Park spanned 33 years:

1984-2001 era | Friends leadership & major trail volunteer (18 years)

2002-2017 era | Friends advisor & executive member (16 years)

 

Edo was born in Amsterdam, Holland on December 22, 1927. At age 13 he became a member of the Netherlands Youth Group for Nature Studies, where he established his own Garden of Edo, which held more than 300 types of wildflowers. His high school years occurred during the German occupation, and during this time he followed the war effort and learned. In 1947, while studying botany at the University of Amsterdam, he was required to complete two years of military service (1947-49). Much of that period was spent with the Medical Corps at an Army Hospital in Djakarta, Indonesia, where he assisted ophthalmologists with eye operations. In 1949, Edo was decorated for action under fire in West Java. “I helped with the evacuation of wounded and gave medical aid under fire; and experienced first-hand the degrading fanaticism, brutality and decadence of atrocities committed on both sides of this tragic conflict.”

After his military experience he returned to Amsterdam, where the military paid veterans to attend specialised training. Edo took a cabinetmakers course, and upon completion headed for Canada, arriving April 1952, age 24.

Edo attended the University of Alberta for his first year of Arts. Then he studied Forestry at the University of British Columbia, where in 1957 he was awarded a B.S.F. degree in Forestry. Between 1957 and 1968 he was a District Forester for the Whitecourt Forest in Alberta. In 1968 he was promoted to land use specialist at the Alberta Forest Service head office in Edmonton. In 1971 he was appointed Regional Manager of the Federal Yukon Lands and Forest Service, based at Whitehorse, Yukon. His main tasks were modernizing and building of the Yukon Forest Service, which included staff training, fire prevention and aerial fire suppression, supervision of road, bridge, airstrip and seismic line construction activities of many oil and mining companies, environmental protection, inspection of private recreation facilities, timber disposal, and silvicultural etc.

At age 55, Edo and Elizabeth retired and relocated from the Yukon to North Saanich on Vancouver Island. It was the autumn of 1983 when they discovered John Dean Provincial Park and first explored the trails and viewpoints. They adored the impressive stands of old-growth, however Edo observed: A pervading air of neglect in the garbage along the main road and the deterioration of the facilities and trails. Having had worked for years in the area of land-use, Edo clearly understood the importance of preserving natural places. A year later, Edo and residents founded the Friends of John Dean Park.

The overall history of the Friends is essentially the story of Edo’s park protecting endeavor. He has truly safeguarded this provincial park. The great question is: What would John Dean Park be today if Elizabeth & Edo didn’t retire to North Saanich? The answer is: the worst case circumstance of his top 10 accomplishments . . . He truly set an example for our community, and I hope my writing serves to inform the future of what’s needed to properly care for our parks and protected spaces.

 

A PERSONAL MEMORY & FAREWELL – Summer 1988 is when I first met Edo working along the Barret Montfort Trail East (south end), and soon after I joined the Friends. Between 1989 and 2000 we spent hundreds and hundreds of day’s together working in the park. Our first major project together was building the Slektain Trail between spring 1989 and autumn 1990; and summer 1991 we renovated the Thunderbird and Lookout Trails. One of my earliest and proudest memories of us together occurred January 1992 when we responded to a major rainfall and drained water from the West Viewpoint Trail; this adventure inspired my commitment of creating and maintaining the drainage channels throughout the park. In 1993 we repaired the southern stone pillar; in 1995 I spent many afternoons next to his basement woodstove painting trail signs and listening to Vicki Gabereau on CBC; in 1997-2000 we spent countless days together removing the central ivy at Illahie; and on many occasions we left the park and headed to the Nyland’s front patio where we basked in the sun and relished Elizabeth’s delicious European foods and tea and Edo’s own honey.

Edo and I spent every weekend throughout 1997 to spring 2000 together removing the 80 year-old ivy surrounding Illahie. Then suddenly I joined the fulltime military and disappeared for a while (age 24). In hindsight, I very much needed a professional fulltime career, and wasn’t aware that this would be our last project and time together. And when in August and September 2002, I returned home on post-Afghanistan leave, I learnt Edo was no longer physically involved in the park essentials; this meant I was alone on the volunteer front. During this leave period I solely focused on Illahie which I believed canceled out some mission related stresses, and as before I fully prepped the parks drainage channels for the winter.

That Christmas when I visited Edo and Elizabeth, we had a great visit and meal; Edo thanked me and renewed our friendship. Having had spent 11 major years with Edo in the park, I now feel the value of his gradual withdraw from the park, otherwise I’d be totally saddened.

During my high school era and early 20s, Edo appropriately influenced my lifetime objectives and I`ve thanked him for encouraging me to commit to a carrier with the military. I also remember the amused jests of the park regulars of the 1990s, “Jarrett is Edo’s side-kick”. Actually, I also felt he was mine. He had the truck, tools, knowhow and we shared the required initiative . . .

After 29 years as best-friends accomplishing so much together, rivals on the Friends executive and treasuring one-another’s talents, it was a tremendous honour to pay a final visit to Edo’s home in Sidney with my wife Touria and our three kids. At age 89, Edo was proud of me, and I was proud of him! We laid back in his comfy chairs w/tea and recalled our adventures and times together; both of us needed that, and we got it . . . I’ve lost the most empowering elder of my life, an amazing giant of a charter whom I’ve gained much wisdom . . .

The Saanich Peninsula communities have lost their opportunity to access Edo. Fortunately, they’ve gained awareness towards the necessity of taking on projects and caring for our parks.

 

Edo – you are the best!

Jarrett

RESPONSE FEB-MAR 2017

Jarrett 7 Mar 17

Image 1 of 3

Repairs & Removals – 6-8 Feb 2017, the old-growth valley at John Dean Park received 16” of soft snow, which compacted to an 11” hard pack. During the evening of Wednesday, 8 Feb., a freezing rain added a huge weight and literally brought down hundreds of limbs, 65 smaller trees and one old growth Douglas fir. The entire park was affected; every stretch of trail received large and small branches which pinned dozens of tree branches and considerable vegetation.

On 11 Feb 17, Jarrett activated: “Operation JDP Response, Priority 2” w/full commitment. Between 11 Feb and 14 Mar, Jarrett invested 14 full days, whereby the entire park was properly cleared and restored; in all 98.5hrs were invested. The priority of work flow was:

–          Duck Pond restoration;

–          Release of live tree branches;

–          Relocation of large limbs w/release of vegetation;

–          Tree Clearing w/complete site restoration;

–          Trail or facility restoration;

–          Minor branch relocation; and

–          Opening of drainage channels and small debris dispersals.

Below are the lists of critical repairs and trees removed. However, what’s most import is the release of pinned vegetation and quality site restoration/clean-up. The high value standard at John Dean Park is similar to the standard exercised by early BC Parks employees, such as:

 

1 Relocate branches and large debris:

a)      slice braches from base upwards;

b)      relocate major branches 20’ away as appropriate, place in non-vegetated spot, but-end away from view; and

c)      disperse debris, scatter throughout so as not to damage vegetation.

 
2 Release all tree branches and large vegetation from larger pining materials

 
3 Cut tree log 18” from trails edge or as appropriate

 
4 Place tree log off trail in a natural agreeable place

 
5 Rake or clear trail surface

 
6 Assure area is secured as vegetation released and visibly agreeable

 
7 Leave site looking undamaged and presentable

 

 

Critical Repairs Conducted 1st Quarter 2017

1)      Entrance Road: levelled 12 gouges created by the snow plough;

2)      Summit Access Road: levelled 5 gouges created by the snow plough;

3)      Parking lot, primary outflow channel: opened fully buried channel;

4)      Duck Pond: reset footbridge and graded trail;

5)      Duck Pond: repaired west side of outflow channel edging;

6)      Duck Pond: reset Gazebo Site entrance stones, two steps and left corner;

7)      Barret Montfort Trail West, north footbridge: removed broken wood and reset stone; and

8)      Thomson Cabin Trail: filled hole created by fallen fir tree.

 

Resulting from February 8th, the following trees have been cleared. There’re listed in order of removal (location cleared afterwards*); full site restoration was conducted by Jarrett Teague:

1)      Duck Pond: 5” cedar

2)      Duck Pond: 18” alder

3)      Duck Pond: 7” cedar

4)      Duck Pond: 8” top of fir

5)      Skipper’s Path, north-half: 8” fir

6)      Upper Slektain Trailhead: 4” fir top

7)      Valley Mist Trail, glacier rock: old-growth limb w/large pile of debris

8)      Valley Mist Trail Steep: 6” cedar w/PFO*

9)      Valley Mist Trail: 6” alder w/PFO*

10)  Valley Mist Trail: 5” alder w/PFO*

11)  Valley Mist Trail: 6” cedar w/PFO*

12)  Valley Mist Trail: 10” cedar w/PFO*

13)  Valley Mist Trail: 20” fir limb w/PFO*

14)  Valley Mist Trail: 30” fir (old, trimmed back) w/PFO*

15)  West Viewpoint Trail: 9” cedar w/PFO*

16)  West Viewpoint Trail: 3” yew w/PFO*

17)  Merrill Harrop Trail: 300yr fir w/limbs and debris w/PFO*

18)  Merrill Harrop Trail: 30” hemlock w/PFO*

19)  Merrill Harrop Trail: 8” fir (hung-up) w/PFO*

20)  West Viewpoint Trail: 7” fir (old, trimmed back) w/PFO*

21)  West Viewpoint Trail: 8” fir w/PFO*

22)  Surveyors’ Trail: 12” maple w/PFO*

23)  Surveyors’ Trail: 6” fir w/PFO*

24)  Surveyors’ Trail: 6” arbutus w/PFO*

25)  Surveyors’ Trail: 8” arbutus w/PFO*

26)  Woodward Trail: 6” fir w/PFO*

27)  Woodward Trail: 2” fir w/PFO*

28)  Woodward Trail, Emerald Pool: 6” cedar w/PFO*

29)  Woodward Trail: 6” cedar w/PFO*

30)  Woodward Trail: 6” cedar w/PFO*

31)  Woodward Trail: 6” cedar w/PFO*

32)  Illahie Trail: 5” cedar w/PFO*

33)  Illahie Trail: 2” fir w/PFO*

34)  Valley Mist Trail Easy: 7” alder w/branches w/PFO*

35)  Valley Mist Trail Easy: 6” fir w/PFO*

36)  Valley Mist Trail Easy: 4” cedar w/PFO*

37)  Barret Montfort Trail West: 1st Bridge, 10” maple and branches w/PFO*

38)  Illahie Loop, upper end: 20” dead hemlock debris;

39)  Valley Mist Trail Easy: 6” alder;

40)  Valley Mist Trail Steep: 6” cedar;

41)  Skipper’s Path, south-end: 4” cedar;

42)  Skipper’s Path, south-end: 4” cedar;

43)  Woodward Trail: 6” cedar;

44)  Merrill Harrop Trail: 4” alder;

45)  Merrill Harrop Trail: 6” cedar;

46)  Slektain Trail: 2” hemlock;

47)  Slektain Trail: 6” cedar;

48)  Slektain Trail: 6” cedar;

49)  Skipper’s Path, south-end: 7” cedar;

50)  Cougar Hollow West Side: 4” arbutus;

51)  Old Picnic Site: 2” fir top;

52)  Woodward Trail: 8” cedar;

53)  Woodward Trail: 6” fir;

54)  Woodward Trail: 6” cedar;

55)  Slektain Trail, Cougar Hollow East Side: 2” fir;

56)  Slektain Trail, Cougar Hollow East Side: 8” cedar;

57)  Slektain Trail, Cougar Hollow East Side: shifted a 6” cedar;

58)  Thunderbird Trail: 7” cedar;

59)  Thunderbird Trail: 10” cedar;

60)  Thomson Cabin Trail: 4” oak;

61)  Thomson Cabin Trail: 7” fir;

62)  Barret Montfort Trail East: 15” cedar;

63)  Lookout Trail: 8” bosom;

64)  Lookout & ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Junction: 5” maple limbs;

65)  ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Trail: 3” bosom; and

66)  ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Trail: 11” fir hung-up on oak tree.

 

On 14 Mar 17, Operation JDP Response, Priority 2, was declared completed // 98.5hrs.

Operation JDP Response is activated when immediate corrective action is required. Normally responses are priority 1 (same day, 1-3hrs), used to clean up after a parties, camping or vandalism. However the winter event of 6-8 Feb 17 created so damage, the clean-up couldn’t be considered routine maintenance; therefore a rarely used priority 2 Response was initiated.

At home, administration was also a priority:

–          axe sharpening

–          boot cleaning and drying

–          special laundries

–          snacks purchased

–          volunteer log accuracy

–          communication

  

Jarrett’s usual priority of work is:

1)      Response

2)      Maintain

3)      Monitor & Action

4)      Improve

5)      Legacy Presentation

 

This was a great honour!

 

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